James Michael has taken over the reins as promotions director for the Washington State Fruit Commission and Northwest Cherries. The position was previously held by Andrew Willis, who left the commission to pursue his doctorate at the University of Washington.

Mr. Michael joined the commission July 1 as the 2009 cherry season moved into full swing. "It was nice to get my feet wet during the harvest," he told The Produce News Sept. 8. "This harvest you had the phone in one hand to your ear and were sending out an e-mail with the other hand."

The whirl of activity in Washington on food-safety issues is deservedly the subject of much concern in the produce industry.

Everyone in the produce chain, from the farmer through the retailer, could be impacted by the various proposals aimed at reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Driven by the nationwide attention given to Salmonella in peanuts earlier this year, the temptation in Washington will be to craft the strictest possible regulations, and that may mean trouble for small farmers if not handled correctly.

WASHINGTON -- Expect more government testing of fresh produce in the coming months and more recalls. This was the message that more than 100 United Fresh Produce Association members heard from Food & Drug Administration officials at a Sept. 10 meeting. As part of the Sept. 9-11 Washington Public Policy Conference, United Fresh staged a town hall meeting with FDA regulators to hear about the latest developments at FDA's College Park, MD, office.

Beth Manfre-Gross sees the future of the produce industry through the prism of the past.

"This is an industry and a business that is so important, incredibly important, to the future of this country and our children that I have to be a part of it," the 31-year-old produce entrepreneur said. "I have to help strengthen it. I love the idea of being able to improve the industry by providing talent and helping shape the next generation of leaders."

Frank J. (Francis) McCarthy III, a veteran produce marketer who most recently was vice president of marketing for Albert's Organics, died Sept. 9 following a brief illness. He was 66 years old and a resident of Auburn, MA.

SUN VALLEY, ID  When the Idaho potato market finally recovers, the industry will be poised to move a high volume of product thanks to the marketing plans put in place by the Idaho Potato Commission. But until then, it will be a waiting game as a combination of overproduction and a down economy is hampering the market for Idaho potatoes.