L&M Cos.’ North Carolina crops got off to a bit of a challenging start this year.

Brock Christian, product manager for the Raleigh, NC-headquartered L&M, said that the company produces cucumbers, bell peppers, eggplant and squashes in Clinton, NC.

“The weather in the state has been cold, wet and overcast for the past two to three weeks,” he said May 6. “The forecast now predicts that warmer weather is coming this weekend, and it should bring on good growing conditions.”

Louis J. Acompora lost his life in March 2000 at age 14 while playing lacrosse for his high school team of Northport High School in Northport, NY. His death was caused by a syndrome known as Commotio Cordis. This occurs from blunt impact trauma during the critical cycle in the rhythm of the heart. In his position as goalie, Louis blocked what appeared to be a routine shot with his chest protector, took a few steps and collapsed. Paramedics arrived with a defibrillator almost 15 minutes later, but it was too late to save his life.

Kings Food Markets will continue to build on its tradition of bringing customers the freshest, highest-quality ingredients by launching its Local Fresh 24/7 program for the second year.

The program, which premiered last May and which begins this year on May 24, allows Kings customers to experience the benefits of a local farm stand in the convenience of their neighborhood food market by delivering locally grown, farm-fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs to its aisles within 24 hours of being hand-picked.

Dole is partnering with Schnucks on a promotion to promote the limitless possibilities of salads.

The partnership, part of Dole's summer-long Taste of Spain initiative, gives salad lovers in Rockford, IL, and other Schnucks cities the chance to host one of 25 exclusive Taste of Spain House Parties for 12 people provided by Dole. The kit includes everything from salad-based tapas recipes, free Dole salad coupons and $500 Schnucks gift cards to a Spanish tapas cookbook, flower hair clips and a Flamenco apron.

The Dr. Potato Blog, the Idaho Potato Commission’s popular resource for frequently asked questions about the state’s top crop, now has its own address. For answers to puzzling ingredient, technique and menu queries about Idaho potatoes, the Doctor is in at dr.idahopotato.com. Even better, operators will find useful tips for maximizing the appeal and profitability of their Idaho potato offerings.

SAN DIEGO — Mike Agostini, senior director of produce for Walmart, expects that several major retailers will fully implement the Produce Traceability Initiative by the end of this year. And he expects that will cause a domino effect with other retailers following suit.

By the end of 2015, he expects at least 60 percent compliance and it could be as much as 85 percent.