Growers of Washington potatoes, apples and onions had a chance to talk with Mike Begnaud, who handles sales for Rail Logistics LC about new rail service through the Washington Produce Railcar Pool program. Mr. Begnaud arrived in Moses Lake, WA, on Sept. 18 to visit with the Washington State Potato Commission and coordinate grower visits prior to his return to Overland Park, KS.

WASHINGTON -- Canadian produce marketers have raised concerns about new user fees due to be levied on Canadian shipments of fruits and vegetables to help pick up the tab for increased U.S. inspections.

The issue surfaced during high-level trade negotiations between the agriculture chiefs of the two countries earlier this month.

TRENTON, NJ -- New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus welcomed the Food & Drug Administration's decision to declare spinach grown outside a three-county area in California safe for consumption.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Veggie Mascots were officially named during a special ceremony that was held at the Big E on Wednesday, Sept. 20, Connecticut Day.

The names were selected from suggestions submitted by residents throughout Connecticut, and the individuals who submitted the winning names were greeted and introduced by Connecticut Agriculture Commissioner F. Philip Prelli during the ceremony.

WASHINGTON -- Fruit and vegetable producers continue to push for improvements in nutrition and farm policies, but their agenda may hinge on whether Congress spells relief for an industry struggling to maintain a stable foreign workforce, said Mike Stuart of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.

Speaking at the Sept. 14 United Fresh Produce Association meeting, here, Mr. Stuart said that the industry has opportunities to expand the school snack program and provide more fruits and vegetables to mothers and children on a government feeding program.