California citrus growers are finding out what Florida and Texas growers already knew: that the biggest threat to their livelihoods may not come from the Asian Citrus Psyllid, a tiny insect that spreads the deadly citrus greening disease HLB, but from homeowners who see their backyards as the best source of fresh citrus.

ISELIN, NJ — Allegiance Retail Services LLC announced that Victor Savanello has rejoined the company as director of produce and floral. He had left Allegiance in mid-June to join JOH Sales & Marketing as account executive in commodity sales.

The U.S. Department of Commerce, at the behest of U.S. tomato producers, is currently contemplating discontinuing an anti-dumping investigation suspension agreement under which the Mexican tomato industry has been operating since 1996, and the Mexican government, on behalf of Mexican producers, has been attempting to re-negotiate the agreement to the satisfaction of all concerned. A comment period, prior to the department making a decision, ends Monday, Jan. 28.

There are new and interesting things going on at Homegrown Organic Farms in Porterville, CA.

“We are now bringing in organic limes from Mexico, and shipping them out of our Arvin, CA, facility," said Scott Mabs, director of marketing. "We have been working with this grower in Mexico for the past year and have developed a good relationship.

“We are also we’re bringing in Chilean blueberries,” he continued. “Our domestic program has grown so large that the imports will help to keep our volumes at needed levels.”

Nate Stone, chief operating officer for Ben B. Schwartz & Sons Inc., located on the Detroit Terminal Market, said the company has outstanding leadership, and that the upbeat staff members share a great relationship. Everyone under the Ben B. Schwartz & Sons’ roof has a positive attitude about the firm and what their role in it is.