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Jan 29, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Jennifer Strailey |Tom Burfield |Christina Herrick |Jill Dutton
The California Avocado Commission says its projected harvest for the state is the largest crop estimate for locally grown fruit since 2020. In its latest update for the 2025 California avocado crop, the commission estimated the harvest to be in the range of 375 million pounds. The commission said it will launch the latest evolution of its “What’s Inside a California Avocado” campaign through advertising and social media this spring.
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Jan 29, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Cheyenne Kramer |Jennifer Strailey |Tom Burfield |Christina Herrick
Due to the growing number of climate-smart programs that are available to growers, it can be hard to navigate. That’s just what the Conservation Connector was intended to change. Developed by The Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) and its partners (The Nature Conservancy, Houston Engineering and OpenTeam), the Conservation Connector is an online directory that allows users to easily view and sort through the programs relevant to them in one place.
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Jan 29, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Jennifer Strailey |Tom Burfield |Christina Herrick |Jill Dutton
U.S. retail sales of potatoes remained strong from January to December 2024, as volume sales increased 3.1%, and dollar sales rose 0.7% to $18.2 billion, according to a report from Potatoes USA featuring retailer figures compiled by Circana. All categories of potatoes increased in volume sales, according to a news release. While overall volume sales for fresh potatoes increased, dollar sales declined 4.9% and were mixed across categories as consumer prices fell, Potatoes USA said.
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Jan 29, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Jennifer Strailey |Tom Burfield |Christina Herrick |Jill Dutton
Bonsai Robotics Inc., a developer of physical artificial-intelligence solutions for agriculture applications, says it raised $15 million in Series A funding. The new funding will enable Bonsai to continue enhancing its software capabilities, expanding its physical AI platform and data set, driving additional original equipment manufacturers partnerships and accelerating commercialization efforts, according to a news release.
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Jan 29, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Jennifer Strailey |Tom Burfield |Christina Herrick |Jill Dutton
Sprouts Farmers Market says it plans for significant expansion in 2025, with a focus on Florida. This strategic growth will bring more than seven new stores to the state, reinforcing Sprouts’ commitment to providing fresh and healthy food options to communities across the state, according to a news release. The company said the new locations will offer Sprouts’ selection of fresh and organic produce, responsibly sourced meat and seafood and an assortment of innovative and better-for-you products.
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Jan 29, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Jennifer Strailey |Tom Burfield |Christina Herrick |Jill Dutton
Chiquita says its “Pop by Nature 2.0” campaign will feature a collaboration with internationally acclaimed Argentinian artist and illustrator, Sebastian Curi. Known for his playful and surreal pop-art style, Curi will ensure a fresh and lively twist with his unique creative flair, the brand says. Through Curi’s artwork, the banana takes center stage in a multifaceted campaign that explores diverse life scenes.
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Jan 28, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Jim Wiesemeyer |Tyne Morgan |Christina Herrick |Tom Burfield
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s confirmation hearings for the position of Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) are scheduled for this week. President Trump’s pick to lead the HHS Department is scheduled to appear twice this week:• Senate Committee on Finance: Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 10 a.m. ET. • Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP): Thursday, Jan. 30, at 10 a.m. ET.
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Jan 27, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Christina Herrick |Tom Burfield
Scientists from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed advanced robotic insects that could aid farming through artificial pollination. They could prove especially useful in the controlled indoor environments of high-tech ‘vertical farms’. “These type of robots will open up a very new type of use case,” co-lead author Suhan Kim, from the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS), told Reuters. “For instance, we can think of artificial pollination.
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Jan 27, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Christina Herrick |Tom Burfield
Elephant House Public Relations has expanded its team with the addition of Amy Davis, registered dietitian nutritionist, as consumer media specialist. Elephant House PR is a dedicated full-service public relations agency specializing in the fresh produce industry. With nearly 15 years of experience, the agency says it has developed a unique expertise in helping produce brands build strong relationships with their customers and maintain a positive reputation.
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Jan 27, 2025 | 
thepacker.com | Christina Herrick |Tom Burfield
Pelion, S.C.-based leafy greens grower, processor and shipper WP Rawl celebrated its 100th year in business with a celebration and ribbon-cutting of its newly expanded Busy Bee Farm exhibit at the EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia, S.C.WP Rawl said the exhibit doubled in size from its original, which opened five years ago.
