The International Fresh Produce Association has opened registration for The Mexico Conference 2026, taking place May 13-14 in Guadalajara, bringing together Mexico’s produce leaders and the global partners who do business with them for two days of strategic insight, deal-making and decision-ready intelligence.

Designed specifically for Mexican growers, exporters and produce business leaders — along with importers, distributors and retailers deeply engaged in the Mexico trade — The Mexico Conference is a working forum where critical conversations move from uncertainty to action and where leaders

The Vidalia Onion Committee recognized two leading farming operations during its Annual Celebration & Awards Ceremony on Saturday, Feb. 7, honoring excellence in production and long-term investment in the Vidalia onion industry.

Bland Farms was named the 2025 Vidalia Onion Grower of the Year, an award sponsored by R.W. Griffin Warehouse. The Grower of the Year Award recognizes a Vidalia onion farm that exemplifies excellence in production, innovation, stewardship and leadership within the industry.

This award honors farms that consistently demonstrate a commitment to quality, innovation and

I Love Produce acquired Garlic King and Canada Garlic, marking another important milestone in the company’s “Growing Together” journey. These acquisitions represent the successful outcome of a thoughtful and strategic process focused on long-term stability, operational strength, human capital and sustainable growth.

With this expansion, Garlic King and Canada Garlic will operate under the I Love Produce Growing Together philosophy, creating new opportunities for collaboration and a more integrated approach to serving wholesale, retail, foodservice, ingredients and industrial customers. This

Wyrick Family Farms, a fifth-generation California farming operation with hydroponic growing operations in Watsonville, has announced the launch of its Food Art Specialty Produce brand. The new line expands the company’s long-standing commitment to dependable, high-quality specialty items for the trade.

With growing operations based in Watsonville, CA, the region’s coastal climate plays a central role in supporting steady, year-round production. Mild temperatures, consistent marine influence and balanced light exposure allow for reliable output throughout the seasons — a natural advantage that

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at the Laredo Port of Entry found cocaine that totaled $6.9million in street value in a shipment of roses.

“This substantial cocaine seizure at the World Trade Bridge highlights the steadfast dedication of our officers in safeguarding our borders and communities from the threat of illicit drug trafficking,” said Port Director Alberto Flores, Laredo Port of Entry. “The discovery within a shipment of roses demonstrates the vigilance and expertise of our officers. Their commitment to the mission reflects the high standards of service CBP upholds, and

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on two produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and for failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

• Parimar Inc., doing business as D DeFranco &