A trio of operators participating in the controlled environment agriculture space reported a bright future with potential for significant growth, especially in the organic category, at a seminar held during the recent Organic Growers Summit.

Florida produce is so good that it isn’t just popular in the Sunshine State, it’s renowned the world over. One key organization that is committed to supporting Florida’s growers is the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, which is the state’s leading full-service specialty crop organization.

Since 1943, the FFVA has promoted an array of crops, including vegetables, citrus, tropical fruit, berries, and more, with the mission to enhance Florida’s produce business and foster a competitive environment for producing and marketing these crops.

Dave Puglia, president and CEO of Western Growers, moderated a grower keynote roundtable that discussed the state of organic growing with panelists Brie Reiter Smith, vice president of product leadership for Driscoll’s, Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator for Divine Flavor, and Tom Nunes V, president of The Nunes Co.

The thought-provoking keynote roundtable explored the perspectives of these purveyors of organic production on topics such as supply chain issues, inflation, labor, new innovations and technologies.

Mother Nature has not exactly been cooperating with the new crops in the desert farming area. Colder-than-normal temperatures are slowing down the growth of many vegetables, especially lettuce. This has caused some traces of ice to settle on the lettuce. The markets continue to remain at elevated levels on a demand-exceeds-supply status.

The International Fresh Produce Association provided a map of its efforts to advocate for improved efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and collaboration at the FDA. The update comes before the Reagan-Udall Foundation is expected to issue a report commissioned by the FDA to provide holistic recommendations to strengthen the foods program. 

Square Roots and Gordon Food Service opened a new climate-controlled, indoor farm today in Shepherdsville, KY.

Since establishing their strategic partnership in 2019, Square Roots and Gordon Food Service have been building indoor farms together across the continent — with the ultimate aim of bringing locally grown food to customers at a global scale. In the past year alone, Square Roots has deployed new, co-located farms on Gordon Food Service distribution centers in Kenosha, WI; Springfield, OH; and now Shepherdsville.