Continuing its restructuring and downsizing, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc., based in Montvale, NJ, ended its employment relationship with Ken Green, vice president of produce merchandising, as well as a number of other people at that level, on Monday, Sept. 26.

The "retreat" (my name for it) at the Pro Institute held Sept. 18-21 in Volcano, CA, was both peaceful and exhilarating.

There were no TVs, no telephones, no radios and no newspapers at the 100-year-old St. George Hotel. No one had cell phone recepti on either except for magical William from Passion Flowers, who somehow could call Colombia.

I was not jealous. I loved the serenity of this historic place -- the buildings of the town have been maintained or restored to their original 19th century gl ory and gorgeous gardens abound.

SALINAS, CA -- Dole Fresh Vegetables, a division of Dole Food Co. Inc., announced that it is cooperating with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Minnesota and California departments of health regarding an investigation of an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7, between Sept. 13, and Sept. 19, in the Minneapolis/St Paul area of Minnesota.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association based in Maitland and Western Growers Association in Irvine, CA, announced Sept. 28 that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will increase cooperation, collaboration and the sharing of some member services between their organizations.

WASHINGTON -- The produce industry hailed the new food pyramid's children-only version as a great opportunity for promoting children's health, but warned against complacency in selling a healthy diet to kids.

"With most children eating less than half the amount of fruits and vegetables recommended for a healthy diet, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's release of MyPyramid for Kids is a positive step toward promoting children's health and fighting childhood obesity," said Elizabeth Pivonka, president of the Produce for Better Health Foundation.

WASHINGTON -- A new bill that would reform the ailing H-2A agricultural worker program was introduced by House Agriculture Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) the week of Sept. 19.

"We need a reform of the H-2A program that promotes border security by allowing guest workers to come and go legally -- a reform that will streamline the costly and time-consuming process and establish a fair wage standard. This legislation accomplishes that," said Rep. Goodlatte.