The National Watermelon Promotion Board assessment increase has been approved by USDA after a 20-month process.

As of Dec. 20, the final rule was in Public Inspection status, set to publish in the Federal Register on Dec. 23, approving the new assessment rate for the NWPB; the total assessment of nine cents per hundredweight vs. the current six cents per hundredweight. This amount is split between producers and handlers and paid in total by importers.

Naturipe Farms launched its third season of the greenhouse strawberry program. With new investments in expanded acreage, cutting-edge growing techniques and more flavorful proprietary varieties, Naturipe is expected to quadruple its supply of premium greenhouse strawberries during the 2024-25 season.

For 127 years, Strock & Co. has built a strong reputation and established itself as a leading supplier in the competitive Boston metropolitan area and throughout the New England produce markets.

Star Roses and Plants, a leading genetics company involved directly in breeding roses, edibles, perennials and woody plants, unveiled the Martha Stewart Rose for introduction in 2026.

Potandon Produce announced that Mel Davenport, the company’s CEO, will retire after 30-plus years of service marked by the launch of Klondike Goldust and Klondike Rose potatoes and the CarbSmart line. Succeeding him as CEO is David Lawrence, former CEO of Fresh Direct.

Since the turn of the 20th century, the Peter Condakes Co. has established itself as a leading name in the produce industry with its fresh-from-the vine tomatoes are packaged under the Harvest Queen brand.