Rico Farms, a longtime supporter of social accountability programs and advocate for worker empowerment, has certified its first farming operation with Equitable Food Initiative. Currently Rico Farms’ main operation, Agricola Sonorg, located near Hermosillo, Mexico, has received its certificate with the Agricola Tago operation moving closer to certification. Rico Farms grows organic winter and summer squash, cucumbers, eggplant, chili peppers, green beans and watermelon.

Publix Super Markets' CEO Kevin Murphy announced the retirement plan of Senior Vice President of Product Business Development Dave Bornmann after 41 years of dedicated service and the promotion of two officers effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Kicking off the annual International Fresh Produce Association State of the Industry keynote with a recap of various advocacy victories in 2024 and concluding the session with the unveiling of a new policymaker-oriented campaign focused on the reality that IFPA and its global members Fight for Fresh. IFPA CEO Cathy Burns highlighted the impact fresh produce and floral has on people, plates and the planet. 

Northeast Grocery Inc., parent company of Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Friendly Markets, took part in last week's 12th annual Big Apple Crunch event.

FarmOn! collaborated with local schools across New York state to offer a chance to win a $1,000 scholarship for a Victory Garden, and Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops supported this initiative with their own Crunch event.

The New York Apple Association has tapped Nancy Fuller, a renowned American celebrity chef on the Food Network. Nancy serves as a judge on the popular “Holiday Baking Championship and Spring Baking Championship” television shows. The celebrity chef is also known as the host of the Food Network television series “Farmhouse Rules,” where she shares her passion for farm-fresh ingredients and traditional cooking. The show is readily available through streaming as her popularity continues to grow.

Fresh Solutions Network announced that a sustainable packaging design for SPUDS less-than-perfect potatoes was awarded first place in the nationwide Student Design Challenge. The winning design, created by a team of four Pennsylvania College of Art & Design students, was announced on Sept. 30 at the sold-out 2024 Paperboard Packaging Council's Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference in Atlanta.