Produce industry headlines: September 16, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Wednesday, September 16, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Links today include farmers turning on Trump, Price Chopper/Market 32’s low price program, retailers promoting health and wellness, Harps’ leadership succession, a global produce transportation charter, and potato and apple crop updates.

As always, have something to share? Send us your feedback at news@bluebookservices.com.

Top Stories

Farmers slam Trump over record diesel prices: ‘We just can’t survive’

The president’s popularity with those in agriculture is cracking due to inflation, tariffs, and record-high fuel prices.

Price Chopper/Market 32 launches low-price campaign

The grocer said its new lower prices reach to nearly every category in the store, including fresh produce, and are not “short-term deals.”

Grocers Take a Proactive Stance on Health and Wellness

Kroger and Hy-Vee are among the retailers who have launched targeted campaigns aimed at promoting nutritional awareness, supporting preventive health, and lowering prices for health-minded shoppers.

Harps CEO to retire, successor named

Harps Food Stores has named President J. Max Van Hoose to succeed Chairman and CEO Kim Eskew, who will retire effective Jan. 15, 2027.

Voluntary charter imminent as Global Coalition seeks solutions to shipping issues

CPMA leaders were among those working on a voluntary charter for fresh produce transportation at the Asiafruit Knowledge Centre in Hong Kong.

U.S. apple and potato outlook improves as crop volumes decline

According to AgWest’s quarterly assessment, profitability across several U.S. fruit, nut, and potato sectors improved during the latest quarter.