MONTEREY, CA - Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange). Applicants should be individuals who have an influence over policy issues impacting California agriculture, including California Assembly and Senate members or staff as well as employees of regulatory agencies and nonprofits.

The CA Exchange, organized by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is an experiential learning and leadership development opportunity that brings together participants and those who work in California’s $59 billion agriculture industry. This year's program – to be held Sept. 9-12 – will visit numerous farms, ranches, and agriculture-related operations in select Northern California counties.

During the program, fellows will develop a better understanding of how public policy affects complex and diverse agricultural systems. They will also gain tools for collaboration that may lead to more opportunities for multibenefit policy development and execution. California agriculture producers are provided an equally important opportunity to better understand the perspectives of regulatory agency representatives and the unique constraints, pressures, and concerns influencing their decision-making processes.

“The California Exchange is an invaluable program that cultivates an awareness for the innovation and resilience of California's agricultural industry,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49), in a recent press release. “By participating in this program, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing them with knowledge from the field that will drive positive change and ensure the continued success of California agriculture.” More information and the application are available at https://www.agleaders.org/programs/exchange-programs/. Applications are due July 11, 2025. Virtual interviews will be conducted July 29-30. For additional questions, call the CALF office at 831-585-1030.

DANVILLE, VA - AeroFarms, an indoor vertical farming company and the leading supplier of microgreens to the U.S. retail market, celebrates eight years of partnership with Whole Foods Market (WFM), working closely together to pioneer a new microgreens segment within the leafy greens category. The two companies share a common vision of ensuring access to nutrient-dense food options nationwide by offering AeroFarms microgreens in all Whole Foods stores across the country. AeroFarms currently offers seven microgreen products, celebrated among consumers for their robust taste, versatility of use, and nutritional benefits, with 4-to-40x more vitamins and phytonutrients than that of their mature vegetable counterparts.1

Since 2017, WFM has partnered with AeroFarms to conduct market research and testing in the natural channel. Together, they created a new segment within the leafy greens category, changing the way shoppers buy and use microgreens by positioning the AeroFarms portfolio of microgreen products in the packaged salad set. This merchandising strategy has shifted how shoppers use microgreens, moving them from a garnish to center-of-the-plate salads.

"From the beginning, WFM has been a fantastic partner, prioritizing innovation and recognizing the opportunity for microgreens to make a significant contribution to a healthy consumer diet,” said Dane Almassy, SVP of Sales & Marketing at AeroFarms, in a recent press release. “Whole Foods’ in-store merchandising and execution of AeroFarms in the salad section has transformed the way consumers think about and use microgreens. The wide variety of flavors that AeroFarms offers can elevate a broad array of food occasions as the primary ingredient in salads, power bowls, sandwiches, and more.”

Initially, WFM took a risk in devoting valuable real estate to microgreens in their salad set, realizing the market growth opportunity and the consumer appetite for sustainable foods that don’t sacrifice taste, texture, and nutrition.2,3 With the longest shelf-life on the market and a FlavorSpectrumTM of versatile flavors that pack exceptional nutrition value, AeroFarms microgreens have exceeded expectations and delivered sales velocity that exceed or are on par with that of branded packaged salad sets.

“Partnering with AeroFarms, who is laser-focused on accessibility of nutrient-dense food options, was a no-brainer,” said Whole Foods Market Global Produce Category Manager, Eric Cusimano. “AeroFarms delivers microgreens with the longest shelf life on the market, which enables us to deliver their microgreens to shoppers across the nation. Our ethos is to nourish people and our planet, and AeroFarms shares that – making nutrition-packed microgreens accessible to U.S. shoppers while using less resources, like water and land, to do so.”

Today, AeroFarms is the leading supplier in the U.S. microgreens category, with over 70% share of the U.S. retail market. AeroFarms’ portfolio of seven microgreen products, including the company’s new and first-to-market in the U.S., Micro Bok Choy, are available nationwide in Whole Foods Market stores.

To find AeroFarms microgreens at a Whole Foods Market store near you, visit www.aerofarms.com.

MIDWEST, UNITED STATES - A busy weather pattern is setting up across the Midwest United States this week, bringing daily opportunities for showers and thunderstorms, some of which could turn severe. From the southern Plains to the Northeast, changing conditions are expected to keep things active through the weekend, but also offer much-needed rainfall in some areas.

According to AccuWeather’s Guy Pearson, “We’re tracking a prolonged stretch of severe weather potential, but with good forecasting and awareness, folks will have time to prepare.” He explained that the setup involves warm, moist air from the Gulf meeting cooler air from the west, with an overhead jet stream providing the lift needed to spark storms.

The Weeks Breakdown

• Thursday into Friday: A fresh round of storms will likely pop up across the southern Plains, including parts of West Texas, Oklahoma, and eastern New Mexico. There’s a small chance for tornadoes, but the primary concern will be strong winds and localized flooding in areas that see repeated storms. Meanwhile, the Northeast may see passing downpours and small hail.

• 

• Friday: Storm chances stretch from Texas to the Appalachians, with Oklahoma, northern Texas, and southwestern Arkansas likely to see more concentrated activity. Storms may also develop across Georgia, the Carolinas, and southern Virginia, offering cooler air and brief rain relief during the day.
• Saturday: The storm track lifts north again, targeting parts of the Northeast with more quick-moving storms. These could bring brief gusts and moderate rain, but not everyone will be affected.

Looking ahead, parts of the Gulf Coast could also see storm activity by Sunday, keeping conditions dynamic but manageable for those staying weather-aware.

Storms may be frequent, but they’ll also bring important rainfall and opportunities to cool off. For full regional breakdowns and alerts, check ANUK.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc., a global leader in fresh produce and the world’s only grower of the patented Pinkglow® pineapple, is expanding the global footprint of its premium pink-fleshed fruit with an exclusive launch in the United Arab Emirates. Beginning June 4, consumers in the UAE can purchase Pinkglow® pineapples only on Talabat Mart, the quick-commerce arm of Talabat, the leading on-demand delivery platform in the MENA region.

With its vibrant pink interior, delicate sweetness, and striking presentation, Pinkglow® pineapple has captivated global audiences since its debut. The pineapple is the result of over 16 years of research and development and is exclusively grown in Costa Rica and distributed by Fresh Del Monte, whose vertically integrated operations ensure rigorous quality, sustainability, and flavor standards from field to shelf.

Until now, the Pinkglow® pineapple has only been available in select markets across North America and Asia, making its arrival in the UAE a major milestone in its global expansion.

In the UAE, the Pinkglow® pineapple will be:

• Available only on Talabat Mart for six months.
• Sold in limited quantities weekly.
• Priced at AED 125 (approx. USD 34), positioning it as a premium fruit experience.
• Delivered in bespoke packaging, reinforcing its status as a giftable, must-try delicacy.

“This launch is a continuation of our mission to reimagine how the world experiences pineapples,” said Racha El Aawar, Fresh Del Monte’s Director of Regional Marketing in the Middle East, in the recent press release. “We’re not just selling fruit—we’re curating indulgent, memorable moments rooted in decades of agricultural innovation. talabat mart’s reach and cultural resonance in the UAE make them the perfect partner to introduce the Pinkglow® pineapple to consumers in the Middle East.”

Alix Julien de Zelicourt, General Manager, Talabat Mart said, “At Talabat Mart, we take pride in consistently unearthing unique and premium products for our customers; a true reflection of our pioneering spirit. The Pinkglow® pineapple celebrates this: bold, vibrant, and extraordinary. We’re proud to be the only platform bringing this iconic fruit to customers in the UAE.”

Since its debut, Pinkglow® pineapples have become a global phenomenon, embraced by celebrities, tastemakers, influencers, and event planners for their visually stunning pink flesh and vibrant aesthetic. Whether served at luxury brunches, styled on social feeds, or gifted as a statement piece, Pinkglow® pineapple delivers both flavor and flair.

Today, Fresh Del Monte remains the unrivaled leader in the global pineapple category, offering proprietary varieties like Honeyglow® pineapples, Rubyglow® pineapples, Pinkglow® pineapples, and the DM Zero® pineapple—each designed to elevate taste, appearance, and appeal to different consumers. The company’s vertically integrated model enables rapid innovation and quality control across the supply chain, responding to evolving consumer preferences with unmatched agility.

Follow the Pinkglow® pineapple journey around the world on Instagram: @pinkglowpineapple. To get more updates from Del Monte Arabia and Talabat, follow @delmontearabia and @talabatuae.

WOODLAND, CA - Further establishing itself as a premium and stemsational branded vegetable, Bimi® Baby Broccoli is proud to sponsor this year’s James Beard Awards®, taking place June 16 in Chicago. Already beloved by chefs around the world, Bimi® now takes center stage in the U.S., where some of the country’s most discerning culinary professionals will experience its unmatched quality and flavor.

Widely regarded as the highest honor in the food industry, the James Beard Awards are an Academy Awards–style event featuring red carpet arrivals and a ceremony recognizing excellence in the restaurant and chef community. This year marks the 35th anniversary of the event, drawing over 2,000 of America’s top chefs, restaurateurs, food media, and culinary enthusiasts—with millions more tuning in online.

Following the ceremony, Bimi® will host a Tasting Station featuring a signature dish created by James Beard Award–nominated Chicago chef and new Bimi® brand ambassador Thai Dang, known for his critically acclaimed restaurant HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen and daytime cafe.

The celebration doesn’t stop there—on Thursday, June 12, Bimi® will also appear at a special pre-Awards event at the Paul Stuart store on Chicago Avenue, where HaiSous will host a culinary takeover, spotlighting the versatility and flavor of Bimi® Baby Broccoli in elevated Vietnamese cuisine.

“We’re excited to share Bimi® with the most influential tastemakers in the industry,” said Michelle Glover, Brand Development Lead for Bimi® Baby Broccoli, in a recent press release. “This sponsorship is an opportunity to reinforce what chefs around the world already know—Bimi® isn’t just baby broccoli. It’s Broccoli, but Better.”

Bimi® Baby Broccoli is now available to consumers in Chicago at Fresh Thyme Market, a regional retailer known for its focus on emerging food trends and premium produce offerings.

For more information or to inquire about retail and foodservice opportunities with Bimi®, contact Julie McElhaney by sending an email to [email protected].