WASHINGTON -- While a popular consumer magazine is telling shoppers to be discriminating when it comes to spending money on organic products, it singled out certain organic fruits and vegetables as worth the money in order to avoid chemicals found in the conventional counterparts.

This prompted the Produce Marketing Association to challenge the report as misleading and to defend the safety of all fresh fruits and vegetables.

WASHINGTON -- Eighteen new produce industry members have been tapped to help advise the U.S. Department of Agriculture on policy issues that can affect how produce companies do business.

The 25-member committee attempts to mirror the industry by naming grower-shippers, wholesalers, retailers, trade association members, importers, produce processors, foodservice suppliers, fresh-cut processors, brokers and state departments of agriculture.

Pro*Act, a leading Monterey, CA-based fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry, has appointed Nick Proia as regional director of client services.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services Charles H. Bronson has received word from top U.S. Department of Agriculture officials that it no longer believes that it is possible to eradicate citrus canker.

Officials said that based on USDA's scientific analysis of the potential spread of the disease from the unprecedented 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, a new management plan must be devised.

In a joint announcement made Jan. 2, Potandon Produce and Murakami Produce Co. said their new partnership is projected to strengthen the supply base of both companies and expand marketing opportunities.

Idaho Falls, ID-based Potandon is the exclusive marketer of "Green Giant Fresh" brand potatoes and onions in North America and for Sunspiced potatoes. The company occupies a position as market share leader in Idaho with over 35,000 dedicated acres and garners 10 percent of market share in the United States.

PLACENTIA, CA -- Prime Produce International LLC, here, a year-round supplier of domestic and imported avocados, announced that it has invested in the H&H Avocado Co. in Yorba Linda, CA, and will be marketing fruit packed by H&H in both the "H&H" and "Prime Produce" labels.