The Southeast Produce Council unveiled a powerful lineup of speakers for upcoming Southern Innovations, Sept. 22-24. Held at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, TN, this year’s conference will continue to build upon SEPC’s “What’s New?” platform, which debuted during last year’s conference.

With warmer weather fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to start planning your next outdoor party. Take all the stress out of it with some key party planning tips! The best part of this guide is that you can stay on track with your health goals while still having fun with family and friends this season. Backyard party food can have a stigma of being heavy or unhealthy, but it doesn’t have to be. Keep it light and wholesome by incorporating plenty of greenhouse grown veggies on the menu at your next soiree.

Wakefern Food Corp. announced the retirement of Senior Vice President Brett Wing, along with several key executive promotions, including Kevin McDonnell as president of Price Rite Marketplace.

“It is with mixed emotions that I share the news of a valued leader who is retiring, while also announcing the exciting advancement of five Wakefern executives committed to the continued growth and excellence of our cooperative,” said Joseph Sheridan, president and chief operating officer of Wakefern.

Last year, Smith’s Farm saw an idyllic spring that set the stage for an outstanding season for its signature Maine broccoli, which started more than a week early and brought record yields.

Divine Flavor has been offering organic fruits and vegetables almost since its beginning more than 30 years ago. In fact, Quality Assurance and Public Relations Coordinator Michael DuPuis is fond of saying “organics are part of our DNA.” Grupo Alta, Divine Flavor’s parent company and its Mexico farming entity, began growing table grapes in Sonora in 1991. It was only a few years later that the partners started growing organic grapes.