A preliminary report estimated agricultural damages from Hurricane Helene will cost Georgia’s economy at least $6.46 billion. This figure represents the sum of direct crop losses, losses to businesses that support agriculture and forestry, losses to workers in those related industries, and estimated recovery and restoration costs that agricultural businesses will face.

This estimate is based on projections by UGA commodity analysts, Georgia Forestry Commission foresters and a model of the Georgia State Economy. This estimate should be interpreted as preliminary, as it will take months to

Walmart and Sam’s Club have a strong presence in areas that have been affected by destruction and loss from Hurricanes Helene and Milton over the past two weeks. On the heels of Hurricane Milton, Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Walmart Foundation are extending their commitment to support hurricane relief efforts to $16 million across impacted communities.

This is a $6 million increase to the $10 million previously committed for relief and recovery efforts in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas from Hurricane Helene. As part of that commitment, on Sept. 30 the company launched a

SpartanNash opened its second Family Fare pilot stores. This newly redesigned in Sparta, MI, location centers on fresh products, convenience and value. Building on the success and insights gathered from its first pilot store in Holland, MI, the Sparta remodel further refines key offerings to meet evolving shopper preferences.

“We gained valuable insights from the success of our Holland store concept and have incorporated those into our Sparta location,” said Bennett Morgan, SpartanNash executive vice president and chief merchandising officer. “Our goal with this project long-term is to

People are always looking to feel better, and there are a number of ways to get there: exercise, both physical and mental, and of course eating right. According to Circana’s Complete Food & Beverage research, health-focused consumers spend about $638 billion in total food and beverage purchases to improve their well-being. That is a huge opportunity for the produce industry.

For years now those in the industry have preached — correctly — that fruits and vegetables are the ultimate “good for you” food and have tried to take advantage that fact. The results of the Circana research emphasize

After decades of operating as Tom Lange Family of Cos., which included Tom Lange, Seven Seas and Lange Logistics, the company is entering a new era with a new look and new names.

“I am excited to introduce a transformation in the way we brand and present the Tom Lange Family of Companies for the future," said Greg Reinauer, president and CEO of Lange Cos. "We will now be known as Lange Companies, comprised of Lange Fresh Sales, Lange Farms and Lange Logistics. We have grown over the last 64 years and while the business has evolved, we have remained true to the values that started in 1960. The

As the air cools and harvest season starts to taper down, Mountain View Fruit Sales is ready to distribute its late-season peaches and nectarines. The company is excited to introduce its new late peach brand, Autumnripe, which will be available throughout October as a final celebration of the season.

The volume of stone fruit in California is up this year, and Mountain View Fruit anticipates a longer season compared to last year. The company expanded its acreage during the off-season, enhancing its early supply. Additionally, more favorable growing conditions this year are contributing to the