J Allen Carnes, proprietor of Winter Garden Produce in Uvalde, TX, has always walked the walk, not just talked the talk. Carnes grew up in a farming family and he has continued the tradition. But now he is stepping up his commitment to the industry, announcing Sept. 5 that he hopes to serve the state of Texas as its next commissioner of agriculture.

Editor’s note: As The Produce News went to press it was announced that the United Family had been acquired by Albertsons LLC, which operates 76 stores in Texas and has plans to grow the United brand.

Entering its seventh season, Lone Star Citrus Growers of Mission, TX, continues to grow and innovate. Recent additions in the packinghouse and improvements in procedure will make the company even stronger and more efficient, said partner and Vice President of Sales Trent Bishop.

Almost three decades ago, Frank J. Schuster founded Val Verde Vegetable Co., Inc. to sell the crops grown on his family farms in Alamo, TX. The company has since become a major grower, packer and shipper in the Rio Grande Valley and importer of fruits and vegetables from Mexican partners. Now, Val Verde is setting the stage for the next generation of vision and leadership with a new management team comprised of industry veteran Jed Murray as well as Frank’s sons, Kurt and Max Schuster.

Several years ago when the East and West Coast partners in the family of companies tied to Vision Produce Co. launched Vision Produce Partners of Texas LLC, the goal was clearly defined: the Texas company would help source Mexican product and expand their reach south of the border.

Ben Brittain, executive vice president and managing partner of the Pharr, TX, operation, recently told The Produce News that the goal has remained in focus and on target.

About a year ago, Loop Fresh Produce of McAllen, TX and the Allen Lund Co. of Los Angeles formed an alliance to meet the needs of mutual customers shipping product from south Texas. The partnership has proved so successful that Loop and Lund is already expanding its service areas.

This season LTL transportation services are focused on expansion into the Northeast and Midwest, in addition to major markets in the Southeast and Texas.