On Nov. 24, for the first time ever, a container of greenhouse tomatoes was exported from Central America to the United States, according to Francisco Viteri, president of Agropecuaria Popoy?n S.A. and La Carreta in Guatemala City.

The first container was produced at Chirioj Farm in San Raymundo, Guatemala, and packed at La Carreta Farm's packing facility in El Jocotillo, Guatemala. The receiving importer in the United States was Del Monte Fresh Produce in Coral Gables, FL, according to Mr. Viteri.

The Florida Strawberry Growers Association issued a press release Nov. 29 to the trade advising that Charles F. (Chip) Hinton's employment as executive director of the association was to be discontinued effective Nov. 30.

Steve Peirce, founder of Avocado Marketing Services Inc. and for the last 11 years a consultant to the California Avocado Commission, died suddenly Wednesday, Nov. 22, of a heart attack at his home in Lake Elsinore, CA. He was 55 years old.

Park City Group Inc. in Park City, UT, a leading provider of inventory and labor optimization solutions for retailers, has announced that Earthbound Farm has joined its roster of customers. Earthbound Farm, a leading provider of organic produce and specialty salads, becomes Park City Group's newest Supply Chain Profit Link customer.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has agreed to delay collection of new inspection fees for Canadian shipments coming across the U.S. border, but Canadian authorities are still pressing for the rule to be withdrawn.

PLANT CITY, FL -- The Florida Strawberry Growers Association announced that Charles F. (Chip) Hinton's employment as executive director of the association has been discontinued effective Nov. 30, 2006, and that an effort is currently underway to locate a qualified replacement.

In the interim, Erin Best, member services director for the association, has been named acting executive director.