BANGKOK, THAILAND -- The epic 21-hour flight to Bangkok notwithstanding, the trip to Thailand was an incredible experience and opened my eyes in many ways. Never having been to Asia, I knew not what to expect, but was filled with excitement and apprehension based on second-hand anecdotes and some Internet research.

The Avian flu has been in the headlines for months with talks of a pandemic and questions about the preparedness of the United States for an outbreak. In fact, federal and state health officials throughout the country have issued warnings advising that companies and local officials develop and have ready a preparedness plan.

This in turn has led to many companies around the country asking their suppliers if they have a plan in place. Numerous produce shippers have received letters from retailers asking for a copy of their plan.

"Florida blueberries" may have an unfamiliar ring for many. The popular fruit is commonly associated with Michigan, New Jersey and other northern states, with the bulk of off-season supplies coming from South American countries.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has elected its new incoming chairman. Larry McIntosh, president and chief executive officer of Peak of the Market, will be inducted as only the fourth Manitoban ever to serve as chairman in CPMA's 82-year history. He will become chairman at the CPMA convention in Montreal May 8, 2007, and will remain in office until the convention in Calgary in May 2008.

Japan informed the U.S. Department of Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service in Tokyo May 16 that it was removing a number of pests from quarantine and inspection status, which should give U.S. lettuce shippers a sales boost.

"I think there could be an immediate impact," said Ken Gilliland of Western Growers Association. He explained that among the pests removed from the quarantine list is the Western Flower Thrip. "There are three pests that we are most concerned about, and apparently we are getting rid of one of them," he said.

ALAMEDA, CA -- Life in fresh produce has come full circle for Dan (The Produce Man) Avakian, who has just purchased the open-air market where he got his start in the industry in 1976 at age 15.

Mr. Avakian, who for years co-hosted the nationally syndicated radio show "The Produce Pair," officially opened his store -- Dan's Fresh Produce -- May 22. The open-air market has had several owners since Mr. Avakian got his start here at age 15, with Mr. Avakian now taking the helm.