The International Fresh Produce Association announced the appointment of two of its members, Russell Hamlin, president of farming operations for Grimmway Farms/Cal-Organic and chair of IFPA’s Organics Committee, and Maria Fernanda Abilgaard, global advocacy manager at AgroFresh, to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Federal Advisory Committee.

The FRRCC advises the EPA administrator on a range of critical environmental topics impacting agriculture and rural communities, such as climate change, water and air quality, pesticide management and

Sue Carol Heger-Hanna of Heger Organic Farms died July 21. She was 84.

In her professional life, Ms. Heger-Hanna was a pioneer, one of the few women who solely sold organic produce, initially under the Heger Organic Farms label and later, after the death of her first spouse, Lloyd, under Joe Heger Farms. For 30 years, Ms. Heger-Hanna devoted herself to the agriculture industry, demonstrating the same dedication in her work as she did in every aspect of her life.

Ms. Heger-Hanna was born on March 6, 1940, in Brawley, CA. She was a beacon of compassion, love and support to all who had the

Beachside Produce has strengthened its team with two recent additions, bringing more experience, depth, and strong product knowledge to the company.

Derrick Stinnett joined the team in August as the manager of business development. With over 20 years of experience in agricultural sales and marketing, Stinnett also holds a master’s degree from Thunderbird School of Global Business Management. In his new role, he is committed to empowering both current and future clients with a modern approach to growth and strategy, while also nurturing and maintaining vital relationships. Stinnett views

The National Watermelon Association announced that it proudly supports the consideration of Sarah Frey for the position of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in the upcoming administration.

Frey, a longtime member of the NWA and a respected figure in U.S. agriculture, has an exceptional background that embodies the spirit and resilience of U.S. farmers.

"Sarah is a true farmer, with decades of hands-on experience across multiple segments of agriculture and food production,” said George Szczepanski, executive director of the NWA. "Her grit and tenacity are unparalleled, making her an outstanding

Dollar Tree Inc. made several changes to its executive leadership team: Jocelyn (Jocy) Konrad was named chief of Dollar Tree Stores and Enterprise Store operations; Jason Nordin was named president of Family Dollar Stores; and Steve Schumacher was promoted to executive vice president and chief people officer.

Konrad will have oversight of all Dollar Tree stores and enterprise store operations services. Nordin will play a key leadership role in the banner’s formal review of strategic alternatives. Both Konrad and Nordin joined the organization in September of 2023.

“We are incredibly

David Politz has been named Associated Grocers Inc.'s interim president and CEO. Politz succeeds Manard Lagasse Jr., who will be departing the company at the end of the year for another opportunity.

Politz has a long-tenured history with Associated Grocers, as he began his career nearly 40 years ago in 1985 as a part-time employee while attending college.