James Nolan Cook, founder of Cook Produce Inc. in Glendale, AZ, died Dec. 5, 2005, after a short illness. He was 85.

Born Nov. 17, 1919 in Key West Township, Coffey County, KS, Mr. Cook moved with his family to Salinas, CA, in 1935, where he soon found employment in the produce industry.

During World War II, Mr. Cook served in the U.S. Navy, and while stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, he met his wife, Katheryn (Kay) Jane Sanders of Fort Worth, TX, who was serving there with the Red Cross.

The "Wholeaves" bagged salad program of Salinas, CA-based Mills Family Farms has been certified by the American Heart Association as heart-healthy -- the first bagged salad to receive such designation.

Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Andy LaVigne announced his resignation from the organization effective Feb. 1 in order to assume the role of president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association.

"I have been extremely fortunate in my career to have spent the last seven years working for Florida's citrus growers at FCM," Mr. LaVigne said. "While I will miss the relationships I have made, I am very confident that the Mutual board, membership and staff will continue to build on the successes we have enjoyed."

"The winter is going very well," said Bruce Heeren of Michigan Fresh Marketing LLC in Belding, MI. "Demand has been strong since the start. Apples are holding in storage just fine. The inventory will ship into July, like normal. And the prices, I'd say, are right in line with a year ago or slightly higher on some things. Movement is very good."

Capitalizing on its highly diversified agricultural and real estate operations, two of Duda's primary agricultural divisions -- fresh fruits and vegetables and frozen processed vegetables and beverages -- will become wholly owned subsidiaries of the corporation in 2006.

New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers announced his resignation from state service, effective Dec. 11, 2005. Mr. Rudgers has led the department of agriculture and markets since June 1999.

"I am blessed to have had the experience of working for Governor Pataki, who has expanded the opportunities for farmers and the agricultural sector in New York," Mr. Rudgers said. "It has been my pleasure to lead a skilled and dedicated team at the department of agriculture and markets."