WASHINGTON -- The Food & Drug Administration has no formal fresh produce program, spends very little money on fresh produce issues and conducts few inspections, according to a new report by the General Accountability Office.

Georgia Department of Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin has announced plans to retire in 2010 at the end of his current term. When he does, he will have served in the position for 10 four-year terms. He is the longest-serving commissioner of agriculture in the United States and the longest serving statewide official in Georgia.

"It's just two years and a couple of days away," Commissioner Irvin told The Produce News Sept. 25. "It will also mark over 54 years of service to the people of Georgia."

Baldor Specialty Foods Inc. announced that it is close to finalizing the acquisition of Merex Food Corp., a leading produce importer for the North American market.

Merex is a specialty food industry pioneer, having introduced exotic products to the mainstream market over 20 years ago.

Metro Inc., one of Canada's larger retail chains, has promoted two of its senior produce executives and has begun to restructure its operations in Ontario to make it the largest grocery banner in the province.

Bernadette Hamel, senior director for produce purchasing, merchandising and central procurement, was promoted to vice president of produce purchasing, merchandising and customer service for Quebec and central negotiations for Ontario and Quebec.

(This is an updated story from the one posted Sept. 9 on this site.)

Ron Lemaire is going green, and it has nothing to do with produce.

Mr. Lemaire, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association's executive vice president and director of marketing, announced his resignation Sept. 19. He is leaving to become vice president of market development at the Canadian Green Building Council. His last day at the CPMA will be Oct. 17.