Healthy Family Project will close out 2022 with more than $238,000 raised through retail and digital cause marketing programs pushing the total raised since 2002 to more than $7.5 million for charities that support families. The organization leveraged social media,video content and digital shopper marketing to reach nearly 30 million families this year.

We have been getting field information over the past several weeks reporting lighter to below normal product supplies. For the most part limited supplies are still being buffeted by inclement weather conditions. The desert crops have been delayed because of colder temperatures that are slowing down growth.

As one of the largest cherry importers, Pacific Trellis Fruit is eager for the upcoming import cherry season. “With increased volumes of cherries arriving in the U.S. from Chile and Argentina, we are looking forward to increased opportunities to work with our customers in promoting cherries well into March," said Marcial Hernandez, director of imported fruit.

Nickey Gregory Co., operating in the Atlanta State Farmer’s Market, continues to invest in its own fresh-cut and processing division, Family Fresh Foods, knowing its customers are looking for more safe, ready-to-eat produce.

Opal Apples has opened submissions to its Youth Make a Difference initiative. Amplifying philanthropy through agriculture, The Opal Apple Youth Make a Difference initiative awards grants to youth-led nonprofit organizations excelling nationally.

The biggest news coming out of the Organic Growers Summit, held in Monterey, CA earlier this month, is that the U.S. Department of Agriculture is on the cusp of releasing the “Strengthening Organic Enforcement Final Rule” to the National Organic Program.