USDA files action against Texas company for $326K PACA violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against L&L Produce LLC (not to be confused with L&L Farms in Batesville, TX). L&L Produce, operating from Texas, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to two produce sellers in the amount of $326,281 from December 2022 through August 2023, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
Coliman Avocados projects strong Mexican avocado season to compliment California
Coliman Avocados is a proud Mexican company with more than 50 years of experience in the harvesting, packaging, commercialization and distribution of fresh Hass avocados and is very excited about what spring will bring.
Registration opens for Elevate, the 2026 AIFD National Symposium
Registration is now open for the American Institute of Floral Designers’ 59th annual national symposium.Far more than an ordinary flower show, the Elevate symposium will showcase a lineup of world-renowned industry educators. Attendees can look forward to inspiring main stage programs, dynamic hands-on workshops, insightful lecture sessions and more.The official symposium brochure is available online.Registration is available through the symposium website.
Grapefruit reigns supreme in wellness trends
Goody’s selling season begins strong as nationwide wellness trends spotlight grapefruit for consumers. Current consumption of grapefruit remains robust, with 2026 estimated U.S. sales expected to meet the 2024 high of more than $400 million. While data for 2025 is still being finalized, consumption in the U.S. for 2024 exceeded 330,000 tons, an approximate increase of 9.5 percent from recent years, according to Index Box.
USDA files action against California company for $333K PACA violations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against G&S Produce Inc. The company, operating from California, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to 19 produce sellers in the amount of $333,072 from August 2023 through August 2024, in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act.
John Strickland joins Collins Family Farms as COO
John Strickland has joined Collins Family Farms - Vidalia Sweet Produce as chief operating officer, supporting operations, logistics and business development.Strickland’s background combines hands-on experience in the produce industry with experience in project management, bringing a structured, systems-driven approach to operations and team leadership.
Babé Farms celebrates 40 years of specialty vegetable innovation
Babé Farms, a grower of specialty vegetables and greens, traces its roots from a humble beginning 40 years ago to a mainstay in the category that ships more than 70 items across the country and to Canada.The family-owned Santa Maria, CA, grower celebrates its 40th anniversary this year by highlighting the innovation that drives the company’s growth, and recognizing the work of its founders, current leadership and generations of employees.
Walmart names new chief legal officer
Erin Nealy Cox has been named Walmart’s next executive vice president of global governance, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. Cox will assume responsibilities on April 13.
Andy Boy launches true baby Romaine hearts
D’Arrigo California launched Andy Boy Baby Romaine Hearts, naturally compact, non-hybrid Romaine hearts.As one of the premier grower-packer-shippers of Romaine hearts in North America, D’Arrigo California has built its reputation on disciplined growing practices, premium quality standards and dependable year-round supply. The introduction of baby Romaine hearts expands the company’s romaine portfolio while maintaining its premium hearts program.
USDA restricts PACA violators in Arizona, California and New York
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failing to meet contractual obligations to the sellers of produce they purchased and failing to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act. These sanctions include suspending the businesses’ PACA licenses and barring the principal operators from engaging in PACA-licensed business or other activities without USDA approval.The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry: