WASHINGTON -- Short on funds to pay for implementing the new country- of-origin labeling program, the U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to reach over and grab $3 million from the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program to cover the shortfall.

But specialty crop producers are trying to put the brakes on the deal by alerting members of Congress.

Carl Adams Jr. of Adams Produce Co. in Birmingham, AL, died Jan. 10 at the age of 91.

Born April 11, 1917 in Birmingham, Mr. Adams was married to his beloved wife, Betty Bryding DeVore, for 61 years. He earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alabama in 1938 and went on to serve during World War II in the European theater, where he earned the Bronze Star.

J.C. Clinard knew early in life that his career would follow a path similar to that of his father, mother and grandfather. Today, at age 29, that's exactly the path he's on.

Bifulco's Four Seasons Cold Storage Inc., based in Pittsgrove, NJ, has received a 'superior' rating after a recent audit by PrimusLabs.

Salyer American Fresh Foods' U.S. customers will soon take receipt of their fresh produce on lightweight, durable, hygienic, all-plastic pallets embedded with radio frequency identification tags.

The switch from wood pallets marks a significant technological advancement in Salyer's domestic distribution systems while supporting efforts for environmental sustainability.

Al Murray, New Jersey's assistant secretary of agriculture, was named acting secretary of agriculture as of Jan. 1.

Charles M. Kuperus, who had served for seven years as the state's secretary of agriculture, had submitted his resignation Oct. 24 to New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine; that resignation became effective Dec. 31.