Sarah Frey, founder and CEO of Frey Farms, and a bestselling author, has been appointed a member of U.S. Representative, and House Committee on Agriculture Chair, Glenn Thompson’s National Agriculture Campaign Advisory Council.

Organically Grown Co., a leading wholesaler, marketer and distributor of fresh organic produce and the first purpose-trust owned company in the United States, released its 2022 Benefit Report to provide a bold and comprehensive overview of its sustainability journey, focusing on the pillars of purpose, people and planet.

Bushel Boy Farms, best known for its flavorful greenhouse tomatoes, is now also growing and selling strawberries and cucumbers. By using hydroponic growing technology, the company can produce fresh, local vegetables and fruits all year long, despite the extreme range of Midwest temperatures. The new products are part of a big expansion at the company, which was purchased in 2018 by Minnesota-based Rahr Corp.

What if there was an application that could instantly inform you — with actionable data — about the entire operation of each produce department in real time? What if the program gave you alert signs of a possible crisis before it occurs? What if it could help lower your shrink rate up to 2 percent and place that savings onto your gross profit?

Would you want that application? I would.

As a fifth-generation, family-owned grower and distributor, Matthews Ridgeview Farms is known for its rich history of delivering top-quality sweet potatoes with 4,000 acres of farmland dedicated to sweet potatoes.

The company continues to grow and look for opportunities to increase business and partnerships, knowing it’s those connections that are the heartbeat of the produce industry.

We all know in our industry the challenges that we have met these past several years due to the ravages of COVID-19. I think we should all frankly give the farmers, distributors and retailers (you) a pat on the back and a big ‘Job well done.’”

Not every industry performed as consistently and effectively in getting goods to market as the folks in food. You provided for the needs of the public throughout the phases of the crisis, COVID-19 is officially over as a pandemic, and now the traditional ways of past years in the produce business revert to more “normal times.” Right?