Pacific Trellis Fruit announced the appointment of Scott Grossman as corporate controller. A licensed CPA and seasoned accounting professional, Grossman brings over 17 years of expertise in public accounting, with a strong background in family-owned farming operations and manufacturing. Most recently, he served as a key member of the accounting department at Maxco Supply Inc., a corrugated packaging manufacturer for the agricultural industry.

“We are happy to welcome Scott to our accounting department,” said Josh Leichter, CEO of Pacific Trellis Fruit. “His extensive industry experience and

The Senate has confirmed Brooke Rollins as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Glen Rose, TX, native is the 33rd U.S. secretary of agriculture.

“Congratulations to Brooke Rollins on her confirmation as Secretary of Agriculture," said House Committee on Agriculture Chairman Glenn (GT) Thompson. "Brooke is a proven leader who understands the challenges facing farmers, ranchers and rural communities. She is taking the helm of USDA at a critical juncture for our producers, and her experience and commitment to agriculture will be invaluable as we work together to strengthen the

Jon Hardesty, store manager of the Food Lion located in Leonardtown, MD, was named Food Lion’s 2024 Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Award winner. Hardesty was selected from a group of more than 1,100 store managers serving their neighbors across Food Lion’s 10-state operating area.

Named after one of Food Lion’s founders, the Ralph W. Ketner Store Manager Excellence Awards recognize and honor exceptional store managers who enrich the lives of Food Lion’s customers, associates and communities they serve.

In addition to Hardesty’s recognition as Food Lion’s 2024 Ralph W. Ketner Store

Members of the highbush blueberry industry are now seeking nominees to fill U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) state member and alternate positions for the 2026-28 term. The nomination period will begin on March 21, 2025.

Eight USHBC state member and alternate seats need to be filled for the term of office beginning Jan. 1, 2026. Eligible producer nominees are those who produced 2,000 pounds or more of highbush blueberries in the United States during the period of Jan. 1, 2023 to Dec. 31, 2025.  

Nominations for seven state positions representing Oregon, Georgia, New Jersey, Michigan

The Southeast Produce Council announced this year's Vorhees Vision Scholarship recipients: Isabella Lott, Luka Rose and Amelia Lott.

The Vorhees Vision Scholarship was created to reward the achievements of young individuals who demonstrate a true entrepreneurial spirit in their lives as they pursue their educational goals. This scholarship is named in honor of the late Terry L. Vorhees, founder and first executive director of the Southeast Produce Council. Because of his vision and efforts, the Southeast Produce Council became and remains one of the best resources in the produce industry

NatureSweet has hired Tobianne Paul as chief marketing officer. With more than 25 years of proven experience, Paul brings a wealth of expertise in eCommerce, digital strategy and omnichannel marketing.

Paul has played a key role in transforming companies across diverse sectors, from established consumer brands to emerging startups. She spearheaded significant growth for a publicly traded consumer products company, leveraging her deep understanding of consumer needs and digital ecosystems to deliver exceptional results.

“Tobi’s track record of building strong, consumer-centric brands speaks