Bob Sakata, president of Sakata Farms Inc. in Brighton, CO, said he is closely monitoring Colorado’s water situation. “We’re very fortunate right now,” he told The Produce News on June 24. “We have purchased surface water rights providing the river runs.”

Nichole Towell, marketing development manager for Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., headquartered in Oviedo, FL, said that the company, a leading national grower, marketer and shipper of vegetables and fruits, including citrus, would be exhibiting at the Produce Marketing Association Foodservice Conference & Expo in Monterey, CA, July 26-28.

Consistent growth, the desire to offer its customers an organic line of greenhouse vegetables and the locally grown trend are among the reasons why JemD Farms sought out the perfect place in the United States to construct it's new hydroponic greenhouse facility.

"Construction of the new high-tech Sun Farms' facility was announced March 15 during a press conference by Virginia Gov. Robert McDonnell," said DiMenna. "We broke ground on July 1, and we expect to be producing in Dublin in summer or fall 2014.

Students from the world-renowned Culinary Institute of America toured Well-Pict's facilities and fields Friday, July 19, as part of the institute's Farm-to-Table program, which includes three weeks of farm tours of food producers across Northern and Central California.

Southern Specialties Inc., a grower, importer, processor and shipper of a variety of specialty products grown in Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada and the United States, announced that it would begin shipping its popular "Southern Selects" Regal artichokes the week of July 22.

Spartan Stores Inc., a leading regional grocery distributor and retailer, and Nash Finch Co., one of the leading food distribution companies in the United States, have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Spartan Stores and Nash Finch will combine in an all-stock merger valued at approximately $1.3 billion, including existing net debt at each company.