It was a packed exhibit floor at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, CA, from open to close on Friday, Oct. 20. By all accounts, the second “Big Show” put on by IFPA was a rousing success. Day two enjoyed strong traffic throughout the morning, staying busy until the end of the day.

The booths have been broken down, the produce and floral has been gleaned for donation and the International Fresh Produce Association’s Global Produce & Floral Show has come to an end. From the packed general sessions to the buzzing show floor, IFPA said this was the best show ever.

In November 2022, U.S. Food & Drug Administration released the 597-page “FSMA Final Rule on Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods.” These regulations will be enforced starting on Jan. 20, 2026.

An educational session on the ever-changing landscape of ag technology for organic growers and a panel discussion on the challenges of organic seed production complete the extensive educational program of the upcoming Organic Grower Summit 2023 presented by Western Growers and OPN, slated for Nov. 29-30 in Monterey, CA.

It’s harvest season and the 2023 California walnut crop indicates volume growth with exceptional product quality, offering retailers more sales opportunities leading into the peak holiday season. With a 1 percent increase in production from 2022 and excellent quality expected due to favorable growing conditions, the 2023 crop is forecast at 1.52 billion pounds of walnuts (inshell).

With the holidays around the corner, the Shuman Farms team is focusing on its giving back initiatives planned for November and December, while looking back at the work it has done throughout the year.

According to Feeding America, 34 million people in the United States are food insecure — including 9 million children — while 49 million people turn to food banks and community programs for help putting food on their tables.