The Eastern Produce Council has cancelled its upcoming dinner meeting, which was scheduled to take place Tuesday, May 19, at Demarest Farm in Hillsdale, NJ, according to an email from the council. The meeting, which is sponsored by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture, is traditionally held outdoors under a tent at Demarest Farms, and thus is known as the Jersey Fresh Cookout.

"The New Jersey Department of Agriculture has decided to cancel the annual EPC dinner meeting for late May," Joe Atchison III, the department's director of marketing and development, wrote in the email. "At this time, we feel it is best for all of our retailer and grower partners to focus on business and having the best 2020 season possible. We encourage retail buyers to source local fruits and vegetables, this year more than ever. And finally, we wish everyone the best of health, and we can't wait to see you at the New York Produce Show and at our EPC dinner meeting in 2021."

Susan McAleavey Sarlund, executive director of the council, added in the email, "We will continue to monitor this fluid situation and keep you updated about our annual golf outing, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, as we look forward to being together as a produce community again. In the meantime, on behalf of the officers and directors of the council, stay safe, be well, and thank you for your support of the Eastern Produce Council."