Which way did the USDA come down on this TX-based company for allegedly failing to pay over 161K to produce sellers?
And Now U Know - Fresh Produce Industry News

morning EDITION — 6/4/2025

Mastronardi Produce®

Mastronardi Produce® To meet evolving consumer preferences, the grower expands its U.S. footprint with two greenhouse additions... by ANUK Staff View

Naturipe Farms

Naturipe Farms The provider primes the berry aisle for summer with these standout Southeastern fruit and dual-variety promotions… by ANUK Staff View


Half Fun, Half Serious, and One of a Kind
Cotton Candy Grapes from Divine Flavor

Allen Lund Company A strategic promotion strengthens internal systems as the transportation partner invests in leadership and tech expertise… by ANUK Staff View

Half Fun, Half Serious, and One of a Kind

International Fresh Produce Association Through this survey, the association outlines these hurdles and priorities for building a more resilient organic seed supply chain... by ANUK Staff View

Ippolito International - Brussels Bites

The Difference is GIANT
The Difference is GIANT

Data Acquisition A recent acquisition boosts this data company's advertising game, bringing in audience targeting, clean rooms, and real-time media insights… by ANUK Staff View

The Difference is GIANT

PACA Which way did the USDA come down on this TX-based company for allegedly failing to pay over 161K to produce sellers? by ANUK Staff View

Crystal Valley - Asparagus from Michigan

Del Rey Avocados - Grown with love, year-round

Red Sun Farms - Empress Tomatoes

Top of quote bubble Get social with Dole Food Company | June 4, 2025 5:00 AM Bottom of quote bubble

Ruby Rush Grapes

We make summer sweeter!

Joe's Produce

Sales Associate

Naturalar Fresh is looking for a Sales Associate working in Houston TX, Nogales AZ, Tucson AZ, or remote.

View Job

More jobs from Joe's Produce

Confidential - New York

CFO - #8628S

If you are a highly motivated and experienced leader who embraces both strategic oversight and hands-on involvement, and you're looking for a unique position within a thriving family-owned business, we encourage you to explore this exceptional CFO role.

View Job


Gourmet Trading Company

Grower Accountant

Gourmet Trading Company is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Grower Accountant to join their accounting team at their headquarters in Redondo Beach, CA.

View Job


Pacific Trellis Fruit, LLC.

Operations & Quality Control Supervisor

Pacific Trellis Fruit is seeking an Operations & Quality Control Supervisor in Nogales, AZ.

View Job


Confidential - NJ/Greater Philadelphia

Sales and Business Development Representative #8635S

Seeking a Sales and Business Development Representative who is driven, strategic, and passionate about produce.

View Job



Hood River - World's Sweetest Tree Ripened Cherries

Top of quote bubble Get social with Dulcinea Farms® | June 4, 2025 5:00 AM Bottom of quote bubble


Registration Now Open of Organic Produce Summit 2025

AndNowUKnow

Fresh Produce Industry News

2005 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA
95811
(916) 346 - 4511

Editorial: [email protected]

Advertising: [email protected]

Submit a Press Releases

Contact Us Form: Email

Connect With Us:


bottom footer image

Tozer to Participate in 2025 ASTA Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.; Kraig Kuykendall and Anthony Stevenson Comment



SANTA MARIA, CA - Tozer announced it will participate in the 2025 American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) Leadership Summit, scheduled for June 8–11 in Washington, D.C.

The summit offers attendees the opportunity to engage with congressional leaders and policy experts on issues shaping the future of agriculture
The summit offers attendees the opportunity to engage with congressional leaders and policy experts on issues shaping the future of agriculture

The annual event brings together leaders from across the seed industry for discussions focused on policy, innovation, and leadership development. The summit will include a day of direct advocacy on Capitol Hill, where participants will meet with lawmakers to share key concerns and priorities impacting the seed sector.

Kraig Kuykendall, General Manager, Tozer
Kraig Kuykendall, General Manager, Tozer

“At Tozer, we know innovation isn’t just about what happens on the field, it’s also about showing up where decisions are made,” said Kraig Kuykendall, General Manager of Tozer, in a recent press release. “This summit is an important way we bring our expertise and voice to the national conversation.”

The summit offers attendees the opportunity to engage with congressional leaders and policy experts on issues shaping the future of agriculture. Tozer representatives said the event reinforces the company’s commitment to both seed innovation and policy engagement.

Anthony Stevenson, Area Sales Representative, Tozer
Anthony Stevenson, Area Sales Representative, Tozer

“This summit is a great opportunity to elevate the issues that matter most to our growers,” added Anthony Stevenson, Area Sales Representative. “Meeting directly with policymakers allows us to connect the dots between our work in the field and the legislation that affects it.”

Tozer’s attendance at the ASTA Leadership Summit underscores its ongoing role as a leader in vegetable seed innovation, not only through breeding excellence but through active participation in shaping the future of agriculture.

For more information about Tozer and our vegetable seed innovations, visit www.tozerseeds.com.


Flavor Fuels Mastronardi Westward Expansion; Paul Mastronardi Comments



KINGSVILLE, ON - Mastronardi Produce, pioneers of commercial greenhouse growing in North America, is pleased to announce the addition of two high-tech greenhouses into its U.S. farm distribution network. The two greenhouses, located in Minnesota and Iowa, add an additional 48 acres to Mastronardi’s expanding U.S. greenhouse network. Mastronardi Produce now has over 600 acres of greenhouses in its U.S. greenhouse network, with distribution centers and greenhouses located in 15 states.

Mastronardi Produce, pioneers of commercial greenhouse growing in North America, is pleased to announce the addition of two high-tech greenhouses into its U.S. farm distribution network

The greenhouses, which currently grow a variety of tomatoes and strawberries, provide a strategic location for the Mastronardi Produce network. Increasing its domestic U.S. production is a key priority for the industry leader. An evolving consumer base has changed how people shop and the products they shop for, with locally grown produce being top of mind for many consumers.

Paul Mastronardi, President and Chief Executive Officer, Mastronardi Produce®/SUNSET®

“Consumer preferences and shopping habits are changing fast and we're re-aligning our portfolio to address these factors," said Paul Mastronardi, President and CEO of Mastronardi Produce, in the recent release. "Having more facilities across the U.S. allows us to deliver the diverse set of products consumers seek out, while shortening trips from our greenhouses to retailers and keeping products at peak flavor and freshness."


IFPA Releases Survey Results on Challenges for Organic Seed Production; Sara L. Neagu-Reed Comments



WASHINGTON, DC - The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the results of its Organic Seed Survey, offering timely insights into the key challenges and priorities facing the organic seed sector.

IFPA’s Organic Committee convened an Organic Seed Working Group to examine the current usage, availability, and market conditions for organic seed used in fresh produce production. Conducted in response to discussions at the 2024 National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) fall meeting, the survey gathered feedback from fresh produce growers from across the nation and organic seed manufacturers.

Sara L. Neagu-Reed, Director of Production and Environmental Policy, IFPA
Sara L. Neagu-Reed, Director of Production and Environmental Policy, International Fresh Produce Association

“The survey’s findings highlight the barriers, research needs, and policy priorities shaping the future of organic seed availability,” said Sara L. Neagu-Reed, IFPA’s director of production and environmental policy, in a recent press release. “We deeply appreciate the input of our members and industry partners. These survey results offer a valuable roadmap for where our collective efforts should focus — ensuring a stable, viable organic seed supply while upholding the trusted standards that consumers expect.”

Key Barriers Identified

Survey participants identified several significant obstacles limiting the growth and accessibility of organic seed:

  • High barriers to entry for new seed manufacturers, including limited land access, pest management challenges, and elevated production costs.
  • Geographic constraints, with few regions offering the land and climate conditions suitable for commercial organic seed production.
  • Extended crop rotation requirements and increased crop-specific disease risks further limit production capacity.
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the results of its Organic Seed Survey, offering timely insights into the key challenges and priorities facing the organic seed sector
The International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) announced the results of its Organic Seed Survey, offering timely insights into the key challenges and priorities facing the organic seed sector

Research and Policy Priorities

Stakeholders also highlighted critical areas of focus for research and policy advancement:

  • A call for expanded research into organic-compliant pest and disease management tools, along with improved risk management practices.
  • Strong support for maintaining current organic seed standards, with caution against abrupt changes that could disrupt market availability or increase consumer costs.
  • A clear need for consistent, direct engagement with producers and manufacturers in policy discussions impacting organic seed supply.
  • Continued attention to emerging genetic technologies and their potential role in organic systems, with an emphasis on inclusive, transparent dialogue.
IFPA urges regulators and policymakers to pursue incentive-based, collaborative approaches that overcome production hurdles while preserving organic market integrity
IFPA urges regulators and policymakers to pursue incentive-based, collaborative approaches that overcome production hurdles while preserving organic market integrity

As the organic industry works to address challenges around seed availability and production, IFPA urges regulators and policymakers to pursue incentive-based, collaborative approaches that overcome production hurdles while preserving organic market integrity.

IFPA will continue working closely with growers, seed manufacturers, and policy leaders to advocate for balanced, practical solutions that strengthen organic seed production and support the broader organic fresh produce industry. Learn more about IFPA’s organic policy.