Sal Giumarra, who for 50 years led the Giumarra family grape-growing operation, died at age 95 in Bakersfield, CA, on March 25. He began a life of farming at age 13, working in the fields beside his father after school hours and every summer. During his tenure as president of Giumarra Vineyards, Mr. Giumarra oversaw the company's expansion to become known as a premier grower of table grapes and established the "GrapeKing" label as an industry-standard of quality throughout the world. Mr. Giumarra did this not from behind a desk but in the fields alongside his employees, and many of his farming

RipeLocker, a leader in extending the post-harvest life of perishables, has raised $5 million in series B capital from angel investors. The investment round is all from previous investors in the company, many of whom are renowned in the agriculture industry, including academics, agriculture executives and growers/packers/shippers. The new funds will be used to continue to enhance the company’s RipeLocker containers, utilize the precise operating data the company has accumulated after years of trials, and manufacture the containers for commercial availability for select clients this summer.

With California’s continued limitation on conventions and expos of its size, United Fresh is launching Reimagine Connections, a new program bringing members together in-person at smaller regional events, and online for education, networking and innovation events.  Reimagine Connections will deliver:

• A series of smaller in-person regional events where members can gather and build those relationships we all so value;
• An online education and networking portfolio that truly serves the business needs of our industry; and,
• A new opportunity for companies to host their own Innovation Spotlight

U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations at the Pharr International Bridge cargo facility intercepted a load of alleged methamphetamine worth $4.3 million being smuggled in a commercial shipment of fresh produce.

“This substantial quantity of hard narcotics will not make its final destination in the United States,” said Port Director Carlos Rodriguez, port of Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas. “This interdiction reinforces our officers’ role in advancing CBP’s border security mission by preventing dangerous drugs from entering and negatively impacting our communities.”

On April 17

Lamb Weston/Meijer is one of the most recognized companies in the global potato industry, with a rich and starched history. The company's mission and its customer-focused modus operandi has earned it stripes serving Quick Service Restaurants, large food chains, and retailers.

Fueled by its dedication to innovation and improving efficiency, Lamb Weston/Meijer is a leader in producing high-quality products. Incorporating state-of-the-art technology, investing in research and development, and embracing forward-thinking initiatives are a few ways they evolve to best serve customers.

Lamb Weston

Western Growers is spearheading a Global Harvest Automation Initiative to accelerate harvest automation across the fresh produce industry, with a goal of automating 50 percent of harvest within 10 years.

“For well over a decade, our members have struggled with a dwindling number of available workers. If we don’t come together as an industry to quickly and efficiently deliver automation solutions for farmers in this country, it is likely that the shift of fresh produce operations to other countries will dramatically increase,” said Western Growers President and CEO Dave Puglia. “The Global