Produce for Better Health Foundation’s Consumer Connection Conference, scheduled for April 18-22, in Scottsdale, AZ, promises to be something special.

An internal shift of roles has allowed Black Gold Farms the opportunity to add Mark Knight as its chief operating officer, a new position for the company. This role will implement the company’s Farm Better Strategy by carrying out operational plans that meet the strategic needs of the business and exceed customer’s expectations.

Walmart Inc. announced that John Rainey has been named its next executive vice president and chief financial officer. Rainey will assume the responsibilities of CFO on June 6.

Now more than ever we as a community of flower and foliage lovers recognize that our friends and neighbors, our local businesses and homegrown products matter. That is to say, Origin Matters.  We want to ensure the freshest and best quality. We want to support our local businesses for long-term success. We want to have pride in American Grown and American Made. In sourcing your cut flowers and foliage, whether for celebrations, gifts or to beautify our homes and lives, there is no time like the present that we should all be seeking out and purchasing American Grown flowers.

Though Mexico-based truckers ended their three-day blockade of two Texas ports of entry on Wednesday, April 13, that was not the initial problem and it has not solved the long delays.

“The blockade ended last night,” said Dante Galeazzi, president and CEO of the Texas International Produce Association, relaying a slight bit of good news. “But DPS (the Texas Department of Public Safety) is still conducting safety tests on 100 percent of the trucks and there are still millions of dollars of produce stuck on the Mexican side of the border.”

This was my first experience with SAF CAD. I was not sure what I was in store for. What was awaiting me was an experience I will remember for a long time. SAF (Society of American Florists) is a national US trade association that represents the floral industry in the US. All are members, from retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to growers, educators, and students. SAF CAD aims to provide marketing, government advocacy, industry information, and best practices for members of the US floral industry.