Produce Processing

Reported cases of cyclosporiasis in the U.S. continue to climb, topping more than 2,600 in Michigan alone, according to state health officials. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), 2,640 cases of the parasite that infects the intestines and causes watery diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps have been reported since July 13. The Centers for Disease and Control website, however, is reporting just 843 cases as of July 9. shows Michigan with 161 to 300 cases.

Packaging solutions company Ossid has named Maurice Alva as its regional sales manager for the Southeast region, Mexico and Latin America. Alva, who is fluent in English and Spanish, brings extensive experience in business strategy, project management and customer service, according to a news release. “We are excited to welcome Maurice to the Ossid team,” Andrew Birdwell, Ossid vice president of sales, said in the release.

A new program aimed at providing U.S. farmers with more access to domestic fertilizer in accepting applications through mid-August. USDA’s Rural Development is accepting applications for the Fertilizer Investment & Expansion for Long-term Domestic Supply (FIELDS) Program, aimed at providing U.S. farmers with more access to domestic fertilizer.

By Rebecca Marquez, Contributing Writer Once defined primarily by efficiency and shelf life, frozen produce processing is now being reshaped by a far more dynamic set of forces: health-driven consumption, operational constraints and rapid advances in processing technology. The result is a category in transformation — one that is becoming a proving ground for innovation. At the center of this evolution is the consumer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says investigations are ongoing to “identify potential clusters and potential sources” of 145 cases of cyclosporiasis reported to the organization in the U.S. from May 1 through June 16. Cyclosporiasis, which infects the small intestine and causes frequent, watery and explosive diarrhea, is caused by several species of the microscopic parasite cyclospora. The parasite is spread by food or water contaminated with feces.

The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) will not be renewed for another 16-year term. The deadline to renew the trilateral trade pact passed July 1. Instead, the agreement, negotiated during the first Trump administration, will be renewed annually. It will stay in effect for another decade if neither country decides to withdraw from it.

Packaging and specialty film company Klöckner Pentaplast has introduced a new fruit tray range designed specifically for packed fresh fruit. Manufactured from expanded polypropylene (EPP), kp Infinity fruit trays are fully recyclable and feature a lightweight, durable design, according to a news release.

A bill addressing the accessibility and cost of the H-2A visa program has been officially introduced in the U.S. House. House Agriculture Committee chair Glenn Thompson introduced the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 on June 30. The bill would represent the first statutory reform to the program that allows non-immigrant foreign workers to perform temporary agricultural jobs in the U.S. when domestic workers are unavailable in 40 years.

Fresh produce industry veteran Bob Sloate is retiring after 50 years, including 23 at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, where he served as national account manager. Sloate helped support the commercialization and expansion of key Duda Farm Fresh Foods categories, including celery, sweet corn and value-added produce, according to a news release. Prior to his national account manager role, he managed Duda’s Wellington business unit, contributing to the company’s growth and operational success.

An additional $10 billion in aid for specialty and row crops is included in an $86.7 billion supplemental funding request by the Trump administration. Russell Vought, director of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, sent a letter (.pdf) to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson requesting a supplemental spending package on June 24.