This apple season, Columbia Marketing International will showcase its organic apples, sold under the “DAISY GIRL” brand, in both traditional two-pound poly bags as well as a newly designed two-pound pouch-style bag that stands up. Vice President of Marketing Bob Mast said the pouch-style bag is clear and presents product in a rich manner in displays.

Organics represent about 10 percent of Bard Valley Medjool Date Growers’ sales. Dave Nelson, vice president of sales for the Bard, CA-based company told The Produce News that it is a fully integrated cooperative.

“About three years ago, organic sales dropped off somewhat, so some of our growers decided to maintain their organic practices, but to forego the organic certification because of the expense involved,” said Mr. Nelson.

NOE ARIAS joined Los Angeles-based Amazon Produce Network of California as a sales representative.

In his new position at the company, Mr. Arias is responsible for finding new sales opportunities while maintaining business relations with current customers.

Prior to joining Amazon Produce Network, he worked for his family, which owns a produce company located in the 7th Street terminal market in Los Angeles.

Lori Taylor, author of The Produce Mom, was recently recognized by the National Center of Excellence in Women's Health as a Woman of Influence. The Woman of Influence distinction is reserved for community leaders who serve as a resource for under-served women, and provide a platform for both community and professional health care education forums to occur.

The Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has seemingly ignored outreach efforts by commodity groups in California's San Joaquin Valley as it works through the proposed long-term Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program.

The seven-member board heard presentations from staff members at a recent Central Valley Water Board meeting. The day revolved around a draft of rules to monitor groundwater and control discharges of contaminants, including fertilizers and pesticides.

King Farms, a Naples, FL-based grower-shipper, added a new farm and packing facility in White Springs, FL, a strategic location that will give the firm access to all produce grown in Florida and Georgia.

“We are now operating at our new farm and packing facility in White Springs, Florida,” Steve Oldock, president of King Farms LLC, told The Produce News. “Our first harvest will be during the first week of October.”