When it comes to food, Baltimore is probably best known for its seafood, especially crabs, but it also is a home to a vibrant produce business. As Maryland’s biggest city, Baltimore is key to the state’s agriculture business. Vegetable growing totals nearly 30,000 acres in Maryland, with sweet corn comprising more than 8,000 of those acres, followed by watermelon at more than 3,700 acres. Fruit accounts for more than 4,000 acres with apples leading the way with almost 1,800 acres.

Driscoll’s has launched its latest digital projects, including its Berry Patch Sensory Wheels and a collection of Specialty Strawberry Mini Sets to support the brand’s high-flavor strawberry collection. The new digital assets were timed with the return of Driscoll’s seasonal premium offering and bring the brand’s promise of providing "Only the Finest Berries" to life through custom creative, shareable online content.

The Organic Produce Association elected Theojary (Theo) Crisantes Jr., chief operations officer for Wholesum, as its chairman. Crisantes has been serving in an acting capacity since the fall of last year.

Starr Ranch Growers, known for its top-rated JUICI apples, is elevating the collective-good with a industry first designation on over 3,900 acres being Fair Trade Certified. “We’re the first apple grower-shipper to receive this hard-earned distinction,” said Krista Beckstead, brand manager at Starr Ranch, based out of Wenatchee, WA.

Farmers, suppliers and retailers are all currently feeling the pinch of operating their businesses. They are still recuperating from the 2020 COVID-19 setback that disrupted their operations. To make matters worse they are now struggling with the higher costs of historical inflation.

Brothers Joshua and Morris Setton began processing pistachios in the 80s, believing it was a crop with great potential. Their instincts turned out to be correct as the pistachio industry has grown by leaps and bounds.

“This success also allows us to support our community by creating hundreds of jobs, aiding local charities, and developing free recreational and technological amenities for residents such as parks and internet access,” said Joseph Setton, executive vice president of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella and Setton Farms.