Ocean Mist Farms, a leading grower and marketer of fresh artichokes in the U.S., announced that Jenny Rivera has joined Ocean Mist Farms as a sales representative. With this hiring, Ocean Mist Farms has brought on an experienced and proven professional.

With diversified production in a handful of Eastern Seaboard states and year-round supplies of some of its core commodities, vegetable-centric Parker Farms of Oak Grove, VA, is built to withstand the pressure of fluctuating markets.

Oppy is celebrating two of its finest — Tropicals Category Vice President Steve Woodyear-Smith and Creative Services Director Cathie MacDonald — as they wrap up their careers with the leading grower, marketer and distributor at the end of the month.

This year, 11 participants completed the third annual Viva Fresh Clean Eating Challenge, which culminated at the Viva Fresh Expo last month. Since 2020, the challenge has captured the attention of the produce industry as participants challenge themselves every year to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their daily routines. As a welcome bonus, participants have lost more than 1,000 pounds in the three years of the challenge and have enjoyed even more positive side effects.

Robert (Bob) Yoshiharu Sakata, a lifelong member of the agriculture industry and founder of Sakata Farms, died June 7 at the age of 96.

The International Fresh Produce Association officially launched The Global Produce & Floral Show, which will be held Oct. 27-29 in Orlando, FL. Registrations and hotel reservations are open, and there are still opportunities to join the show floor.