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February 18, 2021
The mission of the National Watermelon Association, the oldest fruit commodity association in the United States, remains largely unchanged from what it was pre-COVID-19, but with restrictions on travel, in-person conversations and meetings with policy makers, the means by which that mission is pursued has changed.
“Last March, everything changed,” said Bob Morrissey, executive director of the Lakeland, FL-based National Watermelon Association.
The focus is now on constant electronic communications.
The NWA is certainly not alone in that regard, he noted, as virtually all of his peers who run produce organizations or, for that matter, any other non-profit, have had to take a completely different approach in how they go about doing what they do for their members.
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February 18, 2021
The damage from what south Texas produce professionals will know as the infamous freeze of St. Valentine’s week started with a hard freeze that began on the night of Feb. 14. The Texas produce industry has deemed the event the “Valentine’s Day massacre for the fruit and vegetable industry of south Texas.” Cold continued off and on through that week, with more freezing temperatures forecast for the night of Feb. 18-19.
Curly Mustard Greens
Those who could be reached Feb. 18 unanimously indicated that it would be several days until the Texas industry had a better understanding of the extent of damage.
Cherrylake and IMG Citrus, who are both subsidiaries of IMG Enterprises, a 90-million-dollar Florida agribusiness with diversified operations in citrus, ornamental landscape, ecosystem restoration and real estate, has appointed Melanie Ressler, Timothee Sallin and Chloe Gentry as co-CEOs of the company. Michel Sallin, who is the co-founder of IMG Enterprises and previously sole CEO, will continue on the board of directors.
February 17, 2021
Ippolito International added Greg Heinz to its sales team. Heinz has nearly 15 years of sales and commodity management experience at D Arrigo Bros. California, working within a broad range of fresh vegetables.
An alumnus of California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, CA, Heinz started his career while a student intern. He was assigned to work in the cooler, tracking orders, ensuring accuracy and learning cooler operations. From there, he moved into the sales department, where he gained experience managing commodities with a focus on broccoli and romaine hearts. Heinz was also responsible for managing retail, wholesale and foodservice customers.
February 10, 2021
Mexican sweet corn conditions were strong for IPR Fresh as the Nogales distributor rolled toward the spring deal.
“Our corn program has seen a big… Read More