The Western Growers Association gathered at the Hotel del Coronado this year for its 99th annual meeting, filling the sun-washed halls with the familiar hum of growers, shippers and innovators comparing notes on an industry that never stops moving. Over four days, leaders dug into the issues facing farmers in the West — AI, innovation and the economy — a reminder that even in a risk filled business like agriculture, gathering together at events such as this bring encouragement and clarity to the road ahead.

Ted Schnuck has been appointed Schnucks’ next chief operating officer. In this expanded leadership role, he will have oversight for the company’s strategic initiatives and daily execution of business priorities, as well as executive leadership for store operations, merchandising, marketing, communications and supply chain. Ted will be the eighth Schnuck family member and first member of the fourth generation to have day-to-day operating responsibility for Schnucks.

Avocados From Mexico is making history with its first-ever collaboration with the American Diabetes Association to address one of the most pressing health challenges facing the Hispanic community: diabetes management.

California’s citrus growers are entering another harvest season under both promise and pressure. While the Golden State remains the country’s dominant supplier of fresh citrus, growers are contending with steeply rising costs, mounting regulatory burdens and persistent threats from invasive pests and disease.

The International Fresh Produce Association welcomed Congress’s overdue action to reopen the federal government, which helps restore stability to the essential programs that sustain America’s food system.

IFPA issued the following statement from Vice President of Government Relations Rebeckah Adcock:

Westerlay Orchids has partnered with Albertsons, Kroger, and Morgan Creek Growers to raise $30,450 for breast cancer research, donating $2 from every Pink Gemstone orchid sold during October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The money will be distributed to cancer research centers determined by each retailer.