WASHINGTON -- Tom Stenzel, United Fresh Produce Association's president and chief executive officer, released the following statement Dec. 15 on the introduction of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform for Americas Security & Prosperity Act of 2009 by Rep. Luis Gutierrez (D-IL):

YAKIMA, WA -- Domex Superfresh Growers announced in mid-December that it has pledged $15,000 to the Produce Marketing Association's Foundation for Industry Talent.

This funding is used to build programs designed to attract, develop and retain talent for the produce supply chain. Programs include internships, career ambassadors program, job bank, career resource center, event scholarships, leadership development opportunities and HR resources

WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association congratulated Reps. Sam Farr (D-CA) and Adam Putnam (R-FL) on their introduction of the Children's Fruit & Vegetable Act of 2009 on Capitol Hill.

United Fresh President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Stenzel thanked the congressmen for their leadership on the bill, which now becomes a priority component of overall child nutrition legislation in 2010 reauthorizing the school lunch and breakfast programs.

Wendy Brannen, executive director of the Vidalia, GA-based Vidalia Onion Committee and chairman of the Vidalia Onion Museum Committee, was recently awarded $30,000 in funding that will bolster both Vidalia area tourism and the Vidalia onion name.

DILLSBURG, PA -- In its sixth year, Apple Crunch -- sponsored by the Center for Nutrition & Activity Promotion at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital and supported by the National Apple Month program, the Pennsylvania Apple Marketing Board and Appeeling Fruit -- had schools in the mid-Atlantic region munching on apples.

A major promotion focused on Washington-grown Jazz apples is targeting consumers in specific U.S. markets, according to David Nelley, manager of The Oppenheimer Group's pipfruit and pineapple category.