United Fresh Produce Association announced the recipients of the 2019 ‘Retail Produce Manager Awards.’ Two Canadians, Mike Burdi of Metro Ontario Inc. in Toronto and Elaine Fong of Calgary Co-op are among the 25 winners.

Dr. Ian Potter has been named the new CEO of the Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, effective April 1, 2019. He comes from senior leadership roles with the National Research Council (NRC) and Alberta Innovates – Technology Futures (AITF).

Fifteen volunteers have been named to the Ontario agriculture minister’s advisory group, including representatives for apples, grapes and tomatoes. Chris Van de Laar, the 2019 Grape King, is one of those volunteers.

Nova Scotian apple grower Lisa Jenereaux has taken on the role of president of the International Fruit Tree Association for the next two years. She’s supported by her family operation, Spurr Bros., based at Melvern Square.

Mastronardi Produce has teamed up with John Paul DeJoria to make quality, flavourful produce more widely accessible. The concept? To develop advanced high-density farming systems for underserved markets around the globe.