The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on 12 produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the businesses’ principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

WP Produce is seeing strong alignment between supply and demand this spring, particularly within the growing tropical fruit category.

Gennaro (Jerry) George Bifulco, 64, died at home on April 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family following a courageous two-year battle with Glioblastoma.

Mr. Bifulco was born in Staten Island, NY, where he developed a love of farming at an early age. His passion moved with him to Pittsgrove, NJ, in 1970, where he continued the family tradition as a proud third-generation farmer. Hardworking and patient, Mr. Bifulco took great pride in his work and in preserving the legacy passed down through generations.

Zespri said it is excited to launch RubyRed kiwifruit this season in the U.S. and Canada. It complements the Zespri portfolio of SunGold and green kiwi reaching nutrient-focused shoppers looking for something fresh and exciting. Shoppers can have a new eating experience with RubyRed kiwi’s vibrant red interior and delicious, berry-sweet taste. The innovative fruit is high in antioxidant Vitamin C. It also includes anthocyanins, naturally occurring pigments that give it its vibrant red color. 

A.V. Thomas Produce's operations have achieved certification through the Equitable Food Initiative, a groundbreaking program that brings together growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups to transform agriculture through higher standards. 

EFI certification is awarded to operations that meet more than 300 rigorous standards focused on food safety, environmental stewardship and improved working conditions. A.V. Thomas Produce successfully earned this certification following an independent, third-party assessment conducted by SCS Global Services. 

Flowers remain the No. 1 Mother’s Day gift, with 75 percent of consumers planning to purchase blooms for the holiday, according to new insights from the NRF.