The U.S. Department of Agriculture filed an administrative complaint against Vantaggio Farming Corp. for alleged violations of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to two produce sellers in the amount of $1.16 million from March 2020 through November 2020.

The Creel family celebrated a wonderful New Year's gift when Mary Elizabeth Creel was born Dec. 30, 2022. She weighed seven pounds, two ounces, and was 19.5 inches long.

She is the second child for Stephanie Nicole Creel, known as Nikki, and Bobby S. Creel III, known as Tripp, who live in Crozier, VA. The new baby joins big brother Parker, who is three-and-a-half years old.

Carbon Robotics, a leader in AI-powered robotics, introduced its LaserThinning technology, continuing the rapid innovation of its state-of-the-art LaserWeeder. LaserThinning targets areas where vegetable crops are purposefully overseeded and then thinned for optimal crop spacing, growth and yield. This is particularly valuable for farmers growing any direct seeded leafy green and cole crops — such as lettuces and broccoli.

February is American Heart Month, or Heart Health Month, a time when consumers of fresh fruit and vegetables can prioritize their cardiovascular health.

An increase in supply has led to a decrease in strawberries prices. After weeks of record-high prices, strawberry markets are down 18 percent.

“Prices are down due to improved supply and waning holiday demand. Supply out of California and Mexico has improved significantly, but production in Florida still needs to catch up,” said Mark Campbell, founder and CEO of ProduceIQ. Currently strawberry prices are at about $18.25.

Oppy is being honored three times over for its commitment to its people and community.

The company has been selected as one of British Columbia’s top employers for 2023 for the seventh consecutive year. Honored in the province Oppy first called home, this annual program evaluates industry-leading organizations across a range of criteria, including workplace, benefits, training and community involvement, and those that offer progressive and forward-thinking cultures and programs.