North Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler named Peter Thornton as the new director of the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Marketing Division. Thornton replaces Joe Sanderson, who retired in March after 34 years with the department.

The burgeoning growth of controlled environment agriculture and how growers and consumers view this emerging segment of fresh produce production is the second of two educational sessions devoted to CEA at Organic Produce Summit 2022.

Mission Produce Inc. has named Timothy Bulow as president and chief operating officer, effective no later than Aug. 1. Mission Founder Steve Barnard will continue to serve in his role as CEO and a member of the board of directors.

The Kroger Co. announced the second year of its Go Fresh & Local Supplier Accelerator, a program designed to enhance and accelerate the selection of local items sold in the Kroger Family of Cos. The program provides a pathway to entry for local businesses of all sizes by allowing American-based growers and producers the chance to work directly with the retailer. Through the Supplier Accelerator, Kroger is continuing to expand its fresh departments, including produce, deli and floral.

Located in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley, Bakersfield, CA-based Top Brass Produce has a diverse portfolio of premium commodities, including table grapes, wine grapes, pistachios and almonds, and is currently promoting its portfolio of organic potatoes.

“We began the harvest on reds and yellows, and anticipate Russets the beginning of June,” said Brett Dixon, president of Top Brass. Dixon cites that while promotable volume may not begin until June, he anticipates those better yields forthcoming.

The International Fresh Produce Association and Produce for Better Health Foundation applauded the announcement of the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health this September. Funding was included for the conference in the FY 2022 Omnibus funding package after several years of leadership and advocacy from bipartisan lawmakers, the industry, and stakeholders.