The International Fresh Produce Association’s government relations team has welcomed Mica Hider as the director of political affairs and action. Hider fills a critical role for the association by leading political advocacy and action among elected officials, IFPA and its members.   

“We hear from our members that one of the most important things we can do as an association is to build our influence to advocate and act on behalf of the industry in a way where individuals and companies cannot,” said IFPA Vice President of U.S. Government Relations Rebeckah Adcock.  “Mica will bring immediate

The Mushroom Council has named produce marketing strategist Amy Wood its new president and CEO.

Wood assumed the role this month after the Mushroom Council conducted an exhaustive national search following the planned transition of its prior president, Bart Minor, who led the council for 26 years.

Wood will be responsible for developing and overseeing strategic marketing, communication, research and promotion programs designed to bring profitable returns to U.S. mushroom farms and importers by increasing awareness and consumption of fresh mushrooms.

Wood brings more than two decades of food

Ten Acre Marketing announced the promotion of Sara Hewitt to director of public relations, a strategic move that leverages her diverse agriculture experience, deep understanding of clients’ stories and strong relationships within the agriculture industry. 

Hewitt’s extensive background in agriculture checkoff and association marketing and public relations along with her client experience, made her transition to the director of public relations an easy choice for Ten Acre.

“We are excited to announce Sara’s promotion to director of public relations. Her dedication, strategic thinking and

Bengard Ranch has hired Ken Silveira as president, effective July 22. He brings 35 years of fresh produce experience to the team.

Prior to joining Bengard Ranch, Silveira was the CEO of Inn Foods, served as president of Mastronardi Produce-West for 14 years and spent 20 years with Tanimura & Antle, ending his tenure there with five years as president/chief operating officer. Silveira also served on the board of directors at the Fresh Produce & Floral Council, Stemilt Growers, Earthbound Farms and as chair of the International Fresh-cut Produce Association.

“Ken is an ideal leader to help

ADS Management, the Westhampton, NY-based parent company of produce companies Hapco Farms and Freshouse, has promoted Eric Scannelli to chief operating officer.

In his new role, Scannelli will oversee sales and marketing, grower operations, procurement and operations/transportation across both companies, and he will be instrumental in expanding grower deals and infrastrucre to further establish ADS Management and its produce companies as leaders in the industry.

Previously, Scannelli was senior vice president of sales and marketing for Hapco Farms, where his extensive produce and industry

L. G. Herndon Jr. Farms has named Madison Herndon as its new sales manager. Madison, who grew up on the family farm, has a passion to grow and become versed in the complexities of the family business. She majored in business and advertising at the University of Georgia and gained valuable business insights during her tenure in the healthcare sector.

Madison's return to Herndon Farms marks a new chapter in her professional journey, as she is eager to apply her skills to advance the family business. Her time in healthcare equipped her with a unique perspective on customer relations and