BENSON, NC - The Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) and the NC Sweetpotato Commission (NCSC) have assembled a five-state, thirty-organization coalition comprised of two national organizations, representing a diverse collection of crops, including eight advocacy groups, with the unified mission of filing a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The purpose of the request is to obtain detailed information about how the USDA calculates the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR), which determines minimum wages under the H-2A agricultural guest-worker program.

Backing this request is forthcoming research by Dr. Blake Brown, Hugh C Kiger Professor Emeritus, NC State University, which indicates that the AEWR calculations have deleterious consequences for farmers, consumers, and American workers. This research will be available in mid-June.

Additionally, data reflects that due to higher prices, American consumers are eating less fruits and vegetables, leading to increased healthcare costs because of a poorly balanced diet. Furthermore, the USDA provided data in 2023 that our nation is now a net importer of food. While this contributes to several problems for our country, most alarmingly leaves the U.S. even more vulnerable and exposed when it comes to our national security.

"The sharp increase in AEWR rates is putting North Carolina sweetpotato farms – and the entire state’s agricultural economy – at risk,” said Michelle Grainger, executive director of NCSC, in a recent press release. “Sweetpotatoes are a labor-intensive crop and due to skin sensitivity, sweetpotatoes must be hand harvested. As labor costs surge beyond inflation, many growers are facing reduced access to essential workers, threatening a substantial reduction in acres produced, timely harvests and ultimately leading to significant revenue losses. If left unaddressed, this wage pressure could push more farms out of business, weaken our rural communities, and undermine the sustainability of North Carolina's vital produce sector while also further distancing consumers from the producers and their healthy crops that aid in an affordable and nutritionally balanced diet."

The coalition warns that the USDA’s current AEWR methodology contributes to a self-compounding wage inflation cycle, undermining the economic viability of U.S. agriculture. This poses growing risks to national food security, increases American dependence on imported food, and threatens the stability of rural communities across the country.

"The current trajectory of AEWR increases is simply unsustainable for specialty crop growers in Georgia and across the Southeast,” said Chris Butts, executive vice president of GFVGA. “Without immediate legislative reform and greater transparency in how these wage rates are set, we risk losing farms, jobs, and our ability to feed the nation. We must act now to ensure a fair, data-driven wage process that protects both our farmworkers and the future of U.S. agriculture."

Each participating organization is engaging its stakeholders, press contacts, and state congressional delegations to advocate for an accountable, fair, and economically sustainable wage-setting process that promotes the sustainability and future of American agriculture.

The coalition is encouraging organizations and stakeholders who are facing similar undue burdens from rapidly rising AEWR rates to consider sharing their experiences and concerns with local and state representatives. A unified understanding of the impact across agricultural sectors will help inform a more balanced and transparent wage-setting process, one that supports both the fair treatment of farmworkers and the continued viability of U.S. farms. Addressing this issue collaboratively is essential to sustaining rural economies, safeguarding national food security, and ensuring the long-term health of American agriculture.

See the full list of organizations in the coalition here.

DENVER, CO - U.S. Potato export volumes increased for frozen (3%), fresh (1%), and seed potatoes (16%), while export volumes fell for dehydrated potatoes (-16%) and potato chips (-17%) from July 2024 through March 2025. Total export volume declined 4% to 2.3 million metric tons (fresh weight equivalent), driven primarily by a decrease in dehydrated potato exports. U.S. potato export value declined 1% to $1.7 billion compared to the same period last year, according to U.S. Department of Commerce data.

U.S. frozen potato exports, the largest export category, increased in Japan (9%), South Korea (11%), Canada (10%), Taiwan (13%), Guatemala (15%), and Saudi Arabia (4%). However, frozen exports decreased in the Philippines (-26%) and Malaysia (-9%), driven by increased exports to those countries from China and India. Frozen potatoes constitute about half of U.S. export volume (49%), followed by dehydrated (24%), fresh (20%), chips (6%), and seed potatoes (1%).

U.S. fresh potato exports, which include both table stock and chip stock potatoes, increased in Japan (76%), Taiwan (23%), the Dominican Republic (71%), and Guatemala (98%). At the same time, fresh potato exports decreased to Canada (-19%), South Korea (-20%), the Philippines (-13%), and Malaysia (-37%). The decreases in Asia were again driven by increased exports to those countries from China and India. Fresh potato exports to Mexico were flat, but Mexico remains the United States’ largest fresh potato export market, accounting for 43% of all U.S. exports.

U.S. exports of dehydrated potatoes were down in eight out of the top 10 export markets (Canada, Mexico, Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, China, and Israel). The other top 10 export markets, Indonesia (127%) and Malaysia (26%), saw notable growth in the last nine months.

Trade Data Monitor compiles the data from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Foreign Trade Division, using the Harmonized Coding System, Schedule B. Potatoes USA accepts no liability for the content of these reports or the consequences of any actions taken based on any information contained herein. Questions on the trade figures, international trade leads, and Potatoes USA international marketing programs should be directed to [email protected].

ALPHARETTA, GA - Aptean is announcing the soft launch of Aptean Fresh Produce ERP: The Next Generation of Produce Pro Software. I sat down with Marc Hatfield, Regional Account Director of Aptean’s Fresh Produce Sector, to discuss the details.

“Today’s produce companies are navigating tighter margins, labor shortages, evolving regulatory requirements like FSMA 204, and rising customer expectations around traceability and transparency. Aptean Fresh Produce ERP is built on the proven legacy of Produce Pro Software, delivering the modern, scalable platform produce companies need to stay competitive,” Marc began telling me.

The product combines decades of industry expertise with the power of a Microsoft, cloud-based, next-generation ERP to help growers, packers, and shippers increase visibility, streamline operations, and adapt quickly to change. Marc explained that this purpose-built solution offers integrated tools for everything from inventory management and grower accounting to quality control and compliance, helping fresh produce companies work smarter, not harder.

“The full-scale launch this July will officially introduce Aptean Fresh Produce ERP to the broader fresh produce market, along with enhanced functionality and expanded cloud capabilities designed specifically for all business types within the produce industry. We're building momentum, and the launch will spotlight how this modern ERP software empowers produce businesses to embrace digital transformation while retaining the trusted processes they’ve relied on for years,” Marc added. “Expect new resources, deeper product demos, and opportunities to connect directly with our experts during the rollout.”

This solution is more than just a software upgrade. It’s a strategic investment in the future of fresh produce operations.

“Aptean Fresh Produce ERP is designed to grow with your business and meet the increasing demands of a fast-paced, perishable market,” Marc said on a final note. “It brings together the best of both worlds: decades of produce-specific functionality from Produce Pro Software, now optimized for scalability, accessibility, and ongoing innovation in the cloud. Backed by Aptean’s deep software expertise and a robust suite of complementary, integrated technologies—like TMS, EDI, Ecommerce, BI and more—we’re excited to help the industry evolve and thrive with solutions made specifically for them.”

For more insights on this exciting new solution, check out a blog post from Produce Pro Software here. As we await the official launch next month, keep clicking back to ANUK.

SCHENECTADY, NY - At Market 32 and Price Chopper, the summer shopping experience is getting a splash of sunshine. Running through Labor Day, Summer Shines Here is a new initiative from Market 32 and Price Chopper to transform the customer experience with a light, uplifting look and feel across all stores and an expanded lineup of seasonal offerings that highlight the best of the season. From fresh local produce to grilling favorites and sweet treats, customers can make the most of summer while stretching their budget with added savings thanks to the new Summer Doubler program.

“Summer is about more than warmer weather—it’s about connection,” said Blaine Bringhurst, president of Market 32 and Price Chopper. “Whether it’s finding the finest cut of meat, picking out the perfect produce, or being greeted with a bright smile at checkout, we want to be the start of where summer memories are made. From family cookouts to big celebrations, we’ll be a part of the moments that bring us together to share a meal when the weather is at its most beautiful in our communities.”

To turn up the heat on value, Market 32 and Price Chopper are also launching the Summer Doubler, a limited-time AdvantEdge Rewards program that gives members double points on nearly every purchase through September 1. It will double the savings that customers can earn all summer long. Members can activate the promotion online or through the Market 32 and Price Chopper app and enjoy even more value by spinning a virtual prize wheel for up to 500 bonus points—a feature created in partnership with Konekt.io, a global retail technology leader.

“The Summer Doubler takes everything customers already love about AdvantEdge Rewards and turns it up a notch,” said Bringhurst. “It’s a fresh, digital-first way to say thank you to our most loyal customers while inviting new ones to discover how rewarding it can be to shop with us. We’re pairing value with fun to make every trip a little brighter – and lighter – all summer long.”

Customers can explore more deals in a special weekly in-store Summer Shines Here flyer, which features over 30 low prices on backyard entertaining essentials. Whether planning a picnic, firing up the grill, or stocking up for a beach day, guests will find everything they need to make their summer shine brighter than ever.

For more details and to activate the Summer Doubler, visit pricechopper.com.

GOODLETTSVILLE, TN - Dollar General is pleased to announce the promotion of six leaders across finance, store operations, legal, strategy, and information technology departments.

Lee Carlisle has been promoted to senior vice president, controller. According to a press release, Carlisle will oversee operational accounting for the Company, providing direction, technical guidance, and leadership in support of the DG’s financial statements and reporting efforts. Carlisle joined DG in 2002 as assistant controller before being promoted to vice president, assistant controller in 2012.

Nick Snow was promoted to senior vice president, decision science and analytics. Snow will continue to oversee reporting and analytics across store operations, merchandising and marketing, as well as data science for Dollar General’s Media Network and digital initiatives. Snow joined Dollar General in 2012 as director, store operations reporting and analytics, and has since held roles of increasing responsibility in merchandise operations and pricing analytics, and decision science.

Barbara Springer has been promoted to senior vice president, treasurer. In addition to continuing to lead the Company’s treasury function, Springer’s responsibilities have expanded to include leadership of DG’s procurement team. Springer has been Serving Others for more than 25 years, originally joining the Company as assistant treasurer and most recently serving as vice president, treasurer. She is a Dollar General Literacy Foundation board member.

Jeff Caples was promoted to division vice president, store operations and will lead more than 2,000 stores in the southeast. Caples has more than 27 years of operational retail expertise, driving excellent store standards and developing top talent. Caples joined Dollar General in 2023 as regional director and recently served as senior director of field operations to oversee operations and train new field leaders.

Angie Negron-Nieves has joined DG as vice president, internal audit. Nieves is responsible for the oversight and maintenance of the Company's objective assurance to enhance its business practices including measuring, evaluating and recommending changes to effectively mitigate risks and maintain strong governance. Nieves brings more than 21 years of audit and compliance experience, holding roles of increasing responsibility for retail, cosmetic and financial consulting companies.

Christy O’Neal was promoted to vice president, portfolio, planning and strategy. In this leadership role, O’Neal will drive strategic innovation, continuity and transformation for DG’s information technology (IT) team. Serving Others since 2003, O’Neal joined the Company as a senior program analyst and has since been a transformational leader in leveraging technology to deliver excellent service to DG’s customers which included her most recent role as senior director, portfolio, planning and strategy.