New Jersey is home to a thriving farming community, producing more than 100 different types of crops and feeding consumers not only in the Northeast but around the country.

It is the job of the state’s Department of Agriculture to serve those interests and do all it can to not only help farmers in the state succeed but get the word out to the rest of the country about New Jersey produce, its broad variety and its excellent quality.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture imposed sanctions on four 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 principal operators of the businesses from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without approval from USDA.

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

The National Watermelon Promotion Board announced the launch of its new Do-It-Yourself Watermelon Day Activity guide designed to inspire creativity while encouraging healthy eating habits among children. The guide provides a wide range of hands-on educational crafts, décor ideas, coloring pages and activities that features our favorite fruit – watermelon.

Floral designers worldwide are invited to share their best work using garden roses in the Alexandra Farms Garden Rose Design Contest!

Full and fragrant, with ruffled petals and delicate to vibrant hues, fresh-cut garden roses are a favorite with designers everywhere. In the sixth annual competition, Alexandra Farms invite entries featuring garden roses in the categories of Wedding Work and Everyday Design.

The latest survey of grocery shoppers by FMI – The Food Industry Association for its U.S. Grocery Shopping Trends 2023 series, reveals that the meaning of “good value” is becoming more complex as consumers navigate grocery aisles.

The Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers Inc. announces its selections for the 2023 Cut Flowers of the Year. These varieties are chosen by the ASCFG’s members on their ease of culture, productivity andmarketability.

 Fresh Cut Flower of the Year: Lisianthus ‘Voyage 2 Champagne’