“Village Farms International’s ‘Texas Grown’ concept sprouted from the growing consumer interest in locally sourced fruits and vegetables,” said Helen L. Aquino, marketing manager for the Eatontown, NJ-based leading greenhouse grower. “Consumers want to understand where their food is grown while supporting their local farmers. In Texas, consumers also have a unique allegiance to not only locally grown, but also to a sense of place or ‘locale.’”

Ocean Mist Farms, a leading grower of artichokes and other fresh vegetables, recently announced two new staff promotions.

Afreen Malik was promoted to director of technical services, and Arlin Valenzuela will be the company’s quality assurance manager.

In Malik's new role, she will be responsible for Ocean Mist Farms’ food safety, quality assurance and sustainability initiatives

Wholesum Family Farms has unveiled a new mobile web page utilizing quick response codes, or QR codes, as part of its strategy to help consumers make healthy food decisions wherever they are — at the grocery store, at home or on the go. This new tool follows closely the recent addition of short kitchen tip videos on YouTube and Pinterest.

Spice World, a leading producer of garlic and other spices and herbs, is 100 percent vertically integrated with its own seed program.

Louis Hymel, director of purchasing and marketing for the Orlando, FL-based company said it has offered an organic line for over a decade.

“Our organic line includes a variety of sizes, packages and value-added garlic,” said Hymel. “We offer bulk, fresh in cello or mesh bags, peeled, ready-to-use jarred garlic and, of course, our now very popular ‘Squeeze Garlic,’ all in both conventional and organic options.”

In anticipation of the competition between Boise State Broncos and Air Force Academy Falcons at BSU Bronco Stadium on Friday, Sept. 13, teams representing Boise State ROTC and nearby Mountain Home Air Force Base will come together in a fierce but friendly battle in the second “Grill-Off” sponsored by USA Onions.

WASHINGTON — There had never been a public or private entity that brings together the agri-food sector to focus exclusively on food traceability issues until today, when a coalition of industry trade associations, along with the Food & Drug Administration, joined together to create the Global Food Traceability Center.