The formalizing of the Arkansas Agriculture Department in 2005 was certain to help propel the state as an important produce source, and strides so far have been huge. Increasing numbers of industry professionals are recognizing what is already produced in the state, as well as the potential in the future.

The PACA branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has determined that electronic invoicing, with the proper verbiage, does protect a seller's rights under the Perishable Agriculture Commodities Act Trust Provision.

Saying that their livelihoods could be at risk due to the current labor situation, merchants on New York City's Hunts Point produce market are stepping up in support of immigration reform.

In a May 14 letter to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), the merchants said that a "substantial portion" of business conducted on the market is "threatened by the fact that our suppliers in the U.S. produce market may not be able to bring their crops out of the field and orchard due to a shortage of farm workers to pick and harvest."

FRESNO, CA -- Z&S Fresh Inc., here, which last fall introduced a fresh tomato salsa kit under the "Old El Paso Fresh" label, is now launching a peach salsa kit under the same label. The new product was expected to begin shipping about mid-June, according to Justin Bedwell, the company's director of marketing.

WASHINGTON -- Produce trade associations have called for federal food safety oversight, and now the Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee approved a new resolution that calls on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to advocate for unified food-safety standards.

There is nothing new about the idea of a store brand or a private label, but experts say the concept has evolved significantly in the last decade, and now retailers use it largely to differentiate themselves from their competitors.