The Oppenheimer Group announced a number of executive changes that will position the Vancouver, BC-based company for the future.

WASHINGTON -- Fruit and vegetable businesses will not be alone in protesting the Bush administration's proposal to cut in half funding for the popular Market Access Program next year.

More than 90 groups that comprise the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports have been pushing Congress to maintain $200 million for MAP, the program designed to help expand sales of U.S. agricultural, fish and forest products overseas. Now the fiscal 2007 budget proposal would cut the program to $100 million.

They say you never forget your first, and for me, Fruit Logistica 2006 will occupy a special place in my memory with the other "firsts" in my life.

When I joined The Produce News in February 1995 as an assistant editor, I had been with the publication for about eight months when I attended my first Produce Marketing Association convention.

BERLIN -- Fruit Logistica, the international produce trade show and exhibition begun in 1993 and held annually, here, reached new heights with its record-breaking attendance and participation. And while the United States was one of the 112 countries represented among the exhibitors, the two dozen or so U.S. exhibitors paled in comparison to the strong showing by other exhibiting nations.