As New Zealand apple growers harvested the season?s first Royal Galas, their currency hit a 10-year high against the U.S. dollar, setting the stage for reduced pipfruit volumes in North America relative to last year.

FRESNO, CA " George Rossi, formerly in sales at Farmington Fresh in Stockton, CA, has joined the sales and marketing team at Crown Jewels Marketing & Distribution, here, according to the company?s Atomic Torosian.

Mr. Rossi, who worked in apple and cherry sales at Farmington Fresh during the last two seasons, "is no stranger to cherries, apples, pears and wine grapes," Mr. Torosian said.

Although the USDA?s National Organic Program has brought some consistency and order to the U.S. organic industry, a lack of harmonization of organic standards internationally has caused some confusion in the marketplace.

The Central American Free Trade Agreement, which is largely supported by the U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable industry, may have a tough time in Congress when it begins ratification hearings in April.

Ken Gilliland, director of international trade for Irvine, CA-based Western Growers Association, said that WGA has publicly supported CAFTA "as there is no downside for our members."

The New England Produce Council?s Produce & Floral Expo, set for April 6 in Boston, features "a number of different events, and the [trade show] is a very important part of it," said Robert McGowan, president of the council.

FFVA Director of Environmental & Pest Management Dan Botts has been named to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education & Economics Advisory Board?s Specialty Crop Committee.

The new committee is responsible for studying the scope and effectiveness of research, extension and economic programs affecting the specialty crop industry.

?The committee makes recommendations to USDA on critical agriculture policies, and we are gratified to have someone of Dan?s expertise sitting at the table," said FFVA President Mike Stuart.