Category: Facility Operations
Improving refrigeration efficiency can root out hidden cold chain costs
Despite refrigeration accounting for a significant share of facility energy use — often as much as 60% — many plants lack the tools to measure and interpret performance in real time.
Manufacturing advances make cold storage smarter from the inside out
The industry is moving toward three central cold storage priorities: higher-performing insulation, precision-driven automation and more sustainable manufacturing practices.
USDA accepting applications for research, pest and disease programs
USDA programs related to research facilities as well as pests and disease are now accepting applications for funding.
Produce operations among recipients of entrepreneurship funding
A program designed to support agriculture entrepreneurship has awarded $215,000 in grants to a dozen operations, including a produce farm which will use its funding to develop a dried ground turmeric product line.
Organic apple processing facility in Washington nears production
Manzana Products Co.’s new organic apple processing facility in Yakima County, Washington, is nearing full operation. Production is slated to begin later this year.
Tell us about your labor concerns
The labor landscape is shifting in 2026, and we want to hear about your most pressing labor concerns. Please take a moment to fill out a brief survey.
Sorting technology company opens new California testing center
Sorting technology company Optimum Sorting has opened a new facility in Sacramento, California, which will include a demonstration center where customers can test their products.
Pacific Coast Producers steps up as steward of Del Monte brand
Pacific Coast Producers has stepped forward to preserve Del Monte’s legacy by purchasing a crucial segment of the company.
Widening the produce pathway: Facility broadens food service distributor’s reach
The produce distribution game in the Carolinas welcomed a big-time new player with the recent completion of a distribution center in Florence, South Carolina, for Florida-based Cheney Brothers.
Sormac establishes new hub in southeast Asia
Global fruit and vegetable processing company Sormac has established a new southeast Asia hub in Bangkok. The new facility includes a fully equipped showroom and climate-controlled test area.
Free webinar to offer financial tips to farm operations
Farm owners and managers, as well as food business owners, can learn about strategies to improve financial management through a free webinar.
Payment rates, application deadline set for specialty crop program
Payment rates for eligible crops and an enrollment period for the USDA’s Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ASCF) program have been set. The application deadline is Aug. 7.
Court denies request to halt enforcement of rule changing AEWR calculation
A judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction to halt the enforcement of a U.S. Department of Labor rule updating how Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWR) are calculated for non-range H-2A occupations.
Produce company receives management honor for 17th consecutive year
Mastronardi Produce has earned recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies for the 17th consecutive year.
Labor-saving tech to be on display at inaugural event
Labor-saving agriculture technologies to aid specialty crop growers will be on display at the inaugural Great Lakes Tek Flex, to be held Sept. 10-11 in Benton Harbor, Michigan.
Del Monte Foods makes Pittsburgh central hub
Del Monte Foods, a division of Fresh Del Monte Produce, has made Pittsburgh its central hub. Core functions for the division, including commercial operations, supply chain and research and development, will be located in the city.