WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint against Texas Produce Company Inc. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company, operating from Texas, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 12 produce sellers in the amount of $1,022,730 from Dec. 2022 through Aug. 2023.

Texas Produce Company Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

For more information, contact the Investigative Enforcement Branch, at (202) 720-6873 or [email protected].

NEW YORK, NY - FreshDirect, the leading online grocer, is proud to announce the opening of its first physical retail location, FreshDirect on Main, in Southampton, New York. Set to debut Memorial Day Weekend, the store will welcome customers through the end of December, offering a selection of seasonal favorites, local products, and FreshDirect's signature fresh groceries, now in person. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the company as it expands beyond its digital roots for the first time in nearly 25 years.

The new FreshDirect on Main is located on bustling Main Street in Southampton, right in the heart of the East End village. Designed to evoke the charm of a classic farmers market, the space features wooden pallets, crates, and natural textures that set the stage for an abundant selection of local produce, prepared foods, wine, and beer.

Guests can shop a curated selection of local favorites, including farm-fresh produce, small-batch cheeses, olive oils, and seasonal items from regional farms like Wells Homestead Acres and Deer Run Farms. A dedicated Jack's Stir Brew Coffee counter offers its signature drinks alongside FreshDirect's buttery croissants and specialty prepared foods. Shoppers will also receive a limited-edition Hamptons-inspired FreshDirect tote, perfect for a market-style visit.

FreshDirect on Main will offer in-store experiences, including ice cream socials and wine and cheese tastings. In June, FreshDirect is also taking over a house in East Hampton to host a series of larger events, such as pizza-making classes, and a "Tiny Tastemakers" event series for kids that will bring FreshDirect's exclusive relationships to life, giving families the chance to meet the local farmers and artisans who grow and make the food they love.

In addition to the Southampton store, FreshDirect will continue to deliver to all areas of the Hamptons, Montauk, North Fork, Shelter Island, and tri-state area with as soon as next-day delivery. The company is exploring opportunities for same-day delivery for the Hamptons region directly from FreshDirect on Main, and details will be finalized in the coming weeks.

To celebrate the grand opening, guests will receive a complimentary mini loaf of banana bread, and the first 100 customers will each receive a $100 gift card to use toward their next online purchase.

FreshDirect on Main is located at 70 Main Street, Southampton, and will be open seven days a week from 6:30AM to 9:00PM. For more information, visit FreshDirect.com and @freshdirect.

IMMOKALEE, FL - As peak summer season approaches, Lipman Family Farms is spotlighting its locally grown summer produce across the East Coast. Following a challenging start to the season, marked by back-to-back hurricanes in the southeast, Lipman’s farms in Tennessee and North Carolina are now back on track with a new season ahead.

With farms in Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia ramping up production, retailers can expect an abundance of fresh Crimson tomatoes, peppers, and squash, all cultivated to meet growing consumer demand for seasonal, regionally sourced vegetables.

“The fact that our Tennessee farm is back in full swing just months after severe weather adversity is a remarkable testament to our teams on the ground,” said Lacy Church, Tennessee Farm Manager, in a recent press release. “This is more than a rebound; it is a reflection of our people and our dedication to our land and our customers.”

Over the last year, Lipman has made significant investments to expand and reinforce its national footprint. Following the acquisition of Jones & Church Farms and recently Shelton & Sons—two long-time tomato partners in Tennessee—and the strategic addition of Northeast Produce, a tomato repacker in Connecticut, Lipman has solidified its geographic diversity to distribute to key markets. These acquisitions are part of Lipman’s long-term vision to build a resilient, contingency-proof supply network to offer a consistent flow of
fresh supply.

“Our dedication to local farming isn’t just about geography—it’s about building a dependable network of farmers and people that you can rely on for fresh produce,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO. “By focusing on strategic regional expansion, we’re ensuring that seasonal favorites like tomatoes, peppers, and squash remain readily available, even as broader supply chain pressures mount.”

Lipman’s Tennessee farms have now rebounded from last year’s hurricane season and are positioned for one of their strongest summer harvests to date. This milestone reflects Lipman’s ongoing investment in local agriculture and its unwavering support of family-run farms.