Philip Sheridan Beese IV, former owner of Southeast Farms Inc., died Nov. 27 following an illness. He was surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Mr. Beese’s story is one of hard work, determination and vision. He began his career at age 14 as a bag boy at Winn-Dixie and, through dedication and leadership, became the company’s youngest store manager at just 24. At 32, Mr. Beese made the bold decision to leave Winn-Dixie and establish Southeast Farms Inc.

Through steady growth and unwavering commitment, Mr. Beese expanded the company’s market presence and ultimately built a business

At its annual association meeting in Anaheim, CA, PAIA membership announced their co-chairmen for 2026-27 term. Carlos Solf of Southern Specialties serves as the East Coast chair, while Craig Rolandelli of Jacobs Malcolm & Burtt (JMB) serves as the West Coast chair. 

“PAIA co-chairmen provide strategic guidance to advance the asparagus trade industry and foster growth within the entire asparagus category,” said Priscilla Lleras, executive director of the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association. 

The PAIA co-chairmen are elected by their peers for a two-year term. Having now been appointed for

Andrew M. Pollak, CEO and owner of ADS Management, the parent company of Hapco Farms, Freshouse, Barnwood Valley Farms, MR Farms and Northwest Wine Services, died Dec. 7 at age 65 after a short illness.

A third-generation grower and trailblazer in the agricultural industry, Mr. Pollak carried forward a family legacy that began in 1945 when his grandfather, Henry Pollak, founded the business selling fertilizer to Long Island potato growers. Henry’s son, Harvey, later expanded operations into Maine and Canada, ultimately building a network across all major U.S. potato-growing regions.

Under Andy

The Organic Grower Summit named Arnott Duncan, founder of Duncan Family Farms, as the 2025 Grower of the Year. The John Deere-sponsored award recognizes Duncan's three-decade transformation from small-scale agritourism operator to organic farming innovator managing 3,850 acres across three states.

Duncan's path to organic leadership began with an accidental discovery in the 1990s. While operating a farm stand and petting zoo that attracted 30,000 children annually to his Goodyear, AZ, property, Duncan and his wife, Kathleen, composted daily waste from the animals and farm operations.

"I didn't

Sunny Valley International, a leading supplier of domestic and imported fruit on the East Coast, welcomed Kevin Lyons and Paul Pascal to its sales team on Dec. 1.

Lyons brings more than 30 years of produce industry experience. Most recently, he was a produce sales manager with UNFI, leading a sales team and managing everything from sales and store merchandising to transportation and procurement. Prior to joining UNFI, he was at Baldor Specialty Foods, where he helped guide the expansion of their retail and fresh-cut business segments. He also brings extensive organic produce sales experience

Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc. has appointed Robert (Bob) Reiter to its board of directors. Reiter, former head of research and development for Bayer Crop Science, brings more than three decades of global experience in plant breeding, biotechnology and large-scale agricultural innovation.

“It’s a privilege to welcome Bob to our board,” said Kevin Murphy, executive chair of Fall Creek’s board of directors. “As Fall Creek continues to expand its global footprint, the depth of Bob’s scientific leadership and his record of delivering innovation to growers worldwide will help guide our long-term