Hy-Vee, Inc. deployed its disaster relief fleet to locations in Florida impacted by Hurricane Ian. Hy-Vee employees departed from the Hy-Vee Fresh Commissary in Ankeny, IA, in several of the company’s response vehicles with supplies and food to assist with providing up to 1 million meals.

In 2022 the U.S. fresh produce and floral industries are adding $339.4 billion to the national output. A study conducted on behalf of the International Fresh Produce Association illustrates the substantial role the industries play in all 50 states. Compiled by Kleinhenz & Associates, the report also details employment levels in the sector and how that impacts the industry’s contributions to the overall economy.

Dutch Gerber grower Nell Gerbera Cultures B.V. declared bankruptcy on September 13. Deputy trustee Jeroen Sprangers told the local broadcaster RTV Drenthe the rising gas prices are to blame.

The company, which cultivated mini Gerberas, was founded in 1980 and grew to 5.4 hectares in 2105. Its website shows that the grower invested in solar energy, among other things, and modern fall and winter cultivation technology.

Ball Horticultural Company’s founder, George J. Ball’s motto was “All the Best and Nothing Else,” and it was evident that Ball puts these values to practice during our recent tour of Ball Horticultural Co. in West Chicago, which was seamlessly coordinated by Ball’s Director of Research Operations and AFE Board of Trustees member, Dr. Megan Bowman. Even though Ball is an international company that advances the industry on a global scale, it was apparent that they still keep the individual grower in mind in everything they do.

For the eighth time already, foreign Royal Brinkman employees visited its headquarters in 's-Gravenzande this week to participate in the Horti Experience. This year, the international knowledge event took place from Monday 26 to Friday 30 Sept. 2022.

During a 5-day training course, the focus was on knowledge sharing and the implementation of Royal Brinkman's 2023-2025 strategy. Besides the export department in the Netherlands, the international Royal Brinkman team consists of more than 160 employees.

Bruce Wright, who had one of the floral industry’s most recognized bylines, died of cancer September 16. He was 67.