Wenatchee, WA-based Stemilt Growers, a major player in U.S. tree fruit production, recently opened the doors of its new Miller Street pear facility in Wenatchee.

According to Stemilt Marketing Director Roger Pepperl, the new facility features two commit-to-pack lines, a post-harvest pear-ripening center and a network of cold storage rooms.

Mr. Pepperl said that the new pear lines will increase efficiencies and give the company more flexibility when filling orders.

Del Monte Fresh Produce Co. recently acquired two melon operations in Guatemala to further strengthen its position as a leader in the off shore melon season and as one of the world's leading fresh produce companies.

The combined acquired operations produced approximately 5 million boxes of cantaloupes and honeydews during the 2008 season. Neither company marketed their products under the "Del Monte" brand during the 2008 season.

CHICAGO - The volume of apples produced in the United States for the 2008- 09 season is expected to be down about 5 percent from the previous season and down about 9 percent from the five-year average, according to the U.S. Apple Association. USApple is forecasting a total national crop of 207.18 million bushels.

Those estimates differ slightly from U.S. Department of Agriculture numbers, which indicate a 1 percent increase from last season and a 4 percent decrease from the five-year average. USDA is forecasting a total national crop of 218.22 million bushels.

Before airplanes had sophisticated technical instruments and flight control systems, pilots flew planes literally by feel. Pilots felt their way through the sky by the plane's response to their actions at the controls. The largest point of contact between the pilot and the plane was in the feel through the seat of the pants. Thus, the phrase "flying by the seat of your pants" was originated.

And it was certainly fitting with the recent tomato fallout.

NEWARK, DE -- The Produce Marketing Association's Education Foundation announced Aug. 28 that it has officially changed its name to the PMA Foundation for Industry Talent. The name change culminates a three-month long strategic planning process, and more closely reflects the newly refined purpose and goals of the foundation.

California Giant is having a great summer with its premium-quality berries and champion cycling team, and the results could not be better.

The company's berry volume and quality has been excellent this year with optimum weather conditions providing consumer satisfaction all summer long. Feedback from buyers and consumers has been extremely positive, and the sales group is hoping for continued mild weather patterns throughout the rest of summer and into the fall so Cal Giant growers are able to ride out the rest of the season on a positive note.