Local Bounti Corp. will have a new CEO taking over next week. Anna Fabrega, former Freshly CEO and Amazon executive, will become CEO of Local Bounti on June 5. The company's current co-CEOs and co-founders — Craig Hurlbert and Travis Joyner — will shift to new leadership roles as senior vice president of strategy and chief technology officer, respectively, and maintain their seats on the company's board of directors.

Fabrega brings more than two decades of operations, consumer goods, and food production experience — and a track record of leading and scaling businesses — to Local Bounti. At

For their commitment to fresh produce, innovative merchandising, community service and customer satisfaction, 15 produce managers have been recognized by the 2023 Retail Produce Managers Award Program from the International Fresh Produce Association.

“The produce industry’s front line — produce managers — make a difference every day for their companies and their communities. I’m thrilled to name 15 produce managers who stand out from the crowd,” said Joe Watson, IFPA vice president of retail, foodservice and wholesale membership.

“IFPA is committed to advancing member prosperity and a

Delta Fresh Sales, based in Nogales AZ, added Nate Bachelier to its sales department.  

Bachelier started in the produce industry in 2013 at Daily Fresh, working part time while attending high school. He continued to work there seasonally while going to school, gaining first-hand knowledge about the supply chain process within the produce distribution warehouse. After going to college at the University of Arizona, Bachelier returned to Nogales and worked in quality control at Robinson Fresh.

Bachelier took a break from produce and worked as an actor 2018-20. He returned to produce in 2020

Douglas (Doug) Edward Hazelton, founder of Kings River Packing, died surrounded by family May 20. He was 86.

Mr. Hazelton was born April 27, 1937 in Sanger, CA. A fifth-generation citrus farmer, he grew up working on his family's farm while attending Sanger High School.

After completing school, Mr. Hazelton married the love of his life, Norma Cooper. The pair enjoyed 68 years of marriage. While raising a family, he continued to work the family farms while also starting his own citrus spraying business and farming land on the west side of the valley for two years with his lifelong friend Mike

Doug Johnson has joined PennRose Farms as senior vice president of sales. With a successful track record in various aspects of the business, Johnson brings a wealth of experience to the PennRose Farms team. His expertise lies not only in mentoring and developing sales professionals, but in building strong and meaningful customer relationships that extend throughout the entire customer base.

As Johnson stewards sales for the business, he will also spearhead the development of a platform that fosters multi-layered relationships with each customer. “Doug’s experience and skills will enhance the

Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, the chairman of the Panetta Institute of Public Policy, will deliver the keynote address at the Salinas Biological Summit, speaking on the topic of food security and innovation. Registration is now open to attend the event, which will be held June 20-21 at CSU Monterey Bay's Salinas City Center.

Co-presented by Western Growers and New Zealand-based agrifood tech consultancy Wharf42, the 2023 Salinas Biological Summit will provide an opportunity for growers to increase their awareness of available biological solutions to address their soil and plant needs