WASHINGTON — The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas fired back a warning that an escalating trade battle with Mexico over tomato prices could result in long-lasting damage in trade disruptions and job losses.

SHANI MCKINNEY joined Fresno, CA-based Crown Jewels Produce on June 4.

Wholesum Family Farms Inc., which is more commonly known as Wholesum Harvest, has earned Fair Trade certification for its produce line in recognition of the company's commitment to free trade, fair labor practices, equitable compensation and environmental sustainability.

Though it is not our practice to editorialize about industry issues, there is currently industry chatter about the responsibility of the trade press and that subject is in our wheelhouse.

WASHINGTON — The House Republican leadership has decided not to include the 2012 farm bill on next week's calendar for floor debate, leaving only four days for the House to take up the bill before its August recess.

Frustration is growing among lawmakers and farm-friendly lobbyists who are trying to pressure the fiscally conservative House leadership to take up the five-year farm policy legislation before the program expires Sept. 30, 2012. The Senate approved the bill last month, followed by the House Agriculture Committee vote July 12.

Mann Packing Co. will debut a new leaf lettuce — Mann's Better Burger Leaf — at the PMA Foodservice Expo July 22 in Monterey, CA.

The lettuce, a Nunhems exclusive seed variety, is a green leaf-Iceberg hybrid developed as part of Nunhems "Sandwich Concepts" launched officially at Fruit Logistica in February.