With the acquisition of Salinas, CA-based Fresh Express by Chiquita Brands International completed, the real work of melding Fresh Express into a Chiquita subsidiary can begin.

Jeffery Hall, manager of the Vidalia Onion Committee in Vidalia, GA, stepped down June 30 to pursue an opportunity with National Onion Labs in Collins, GA. Set to fill the position, effective July 11, is Wendy Brannen, who has experience in television news and advertising, and a family in the agriculture industry.

"I have predominantly worked as a news journalist" in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. Ms. Brannen told The Produce News. Before taking this manager position with the committee, she had been working as an advertising executive for Northland Cable.

Even if you are familiar with Agretti, describing it is challenging to say the least. What would grass look like if it were round and tubular-shaped, and at a height that would beckon you to rev up the lawn mower? Or, imagine fennel greens, but with thicker, slightly longer leaves. Conjure up the idea of a flavor that is like spinach, but milder, with maybe a bit of a chive aftertaste and a slightly salty undertone.

Sorry, but these are as accurate descriptions as even farmers who grow it are able to offer.

Northwest Fruit Exporters is hoping the latest World Trade Organization ruling that struck down Japan's import restrictions for U.S. apples as scientifically unjustified will hold the key to easing restrictions in other lucrative markets.

"This is a solid victory for the U.S. apple industry," said U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman. The WTO panels clear and well-reasoned decision sets a scientifically based standard to be used by Japan and other countries. Japan has unfairly used unscientific restrictions to block U.S. apple exports for years.

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Sun World International LLC, one of California's largest vertically integrated agricultural corporations, announced July 1 the appointment of Bruce C. Burton as chief executive officer, effective July 18.

REEDLEY, CA -- Ballantine Produce Co. Inc., here, has introduced what it believes to be the industry's first color maturity guide for green seedless table grapes.

The company has put together a kit entitled The Fine Art of Grapes: The Original Green Seedless Table Grape Guide that includes descriptions and photos of green grapes at six different stages of maturity. The kit consists of a large wall poster, a desk reference booklet and a set of laminated color discs for use in the field, warehouse or store -- each depicting the six stages.