Produce industry headlines: September 3, 2026

Good afternoon! It’s Thursday, September 3, 2026. Here’s what’s happening in produce and grocery today.

Read about retail’s challenge with loyalty programs, USDA easing organic processes, a new NGA initiative, the apple industry’s plea for labor help, a Western Growers honor, and a pear crop update.

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

Top Stories

Pardon the Disruption: Is grocery’s loyalty boom swaying price-sensitive shoppers?

Retailers’ changes to loyalty programs have made it easier for shoppers to earn points and save money on purchases, but more work needs to be done.

USDA seeks to ease organic certification process, costs

Jennifer Tucker, USDA deputy administrator of the National Organic Program, says the new plan will help producers clearly identify areas for potential fraud.

New NGA Foundation Strategic Plan Targets Workforce Training and Succession Planning

The foundation seeks task force members with hands-on operating experience as it launches a new strategic plan built around workforce development and business continuity.

More typical pear crop expected from Pacific Northwest for 2026

Harvest is underway, and pear growers expect a more normal volume output compared to last season’s exceptionally large crop.

US apple industry rallies for legislative relief as labor costs reach critical levels

USApple urges the Senate passage of the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act, introduced by U.S. Representative G.T. Thompson.

Western Growers to honor Edwin Camp

D.M. Camp & Sons CEO Edwin Camp will be presented with the 2026 Award of Honor by Western Growers at the organization’s 100th Annual Meeting in November.