Paul Frederic's retirement was fun while it lasted.

The 30-year veteran of the mushroom industry traveled for two years and did the other activities retired people are supposed to do. Then, missing the challenges of the mushroom business, he decided it was time to go back to work.

Korean pears increase in popularity and consumption year after year in the United States, but not every Korean pear is truly sensational. Melissa's/World Variety Produce in Los Angeles runs its supply from November through March each year, and the response from customers is consistently great.

"We offer crisp, sweet, flavorful and larger-sized pears than most," said Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa's. "They are considered a premium variety, and are special not only because of the production process but also because they make a beautiful presentation."

SACRAMENTO, CA -- Mexico has announced that it will once again allow imports of California spinach but is requiring that any imported spinach products must by grown and shipped by member-companies of the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement.

Mexico's Federal Commission for the Protection Against Sanitary Risks announced the import requirements in late November. Canada issued similar import requirements earlier this year.

Dayka & Hackett LLC in Reedley, CA, has expanded its sales team with the hiring of two high-profile industry veterans, Julian Lipschitz and Mike Weaver, in what the company characterized as "a dramatic shift within the California grape and tree fruit marketing community." According to a company press release, "the move is expected to significantly bolster Dayka & Hackett's market share" in the grape and tree fruit categories.

WASHINGTON -- After the measure seemed hopelessly stalled, the Senate passed the 2007 farm bill Dec. 14, which will benefit fruit and vegetable growers, not in direct subsidies but in new funding for marketing, research and nutrition programs.

"After months of negotiations, we were able to work within a very strict budget allocation to complete our work and pass a farm bill that is good for agriculture, good for rural areas and good for the health of Americans," Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Tom Harkin (D-IA) said Dec. 14.

The Chilean fresh fruit season is kicking into high gear as the first ships from Valparaiso arrive in U.S. ports.