“A quality product is the only way to build a business.” — Bernard A. Egan

Citrus industry legend Bernard A. Egan was literally born into the business, arriving in Elizabeth, NJ, on June 7, 1914, the same year his father, Joseph, an Irish immigrant who had come to the United States in 1890, launched Egan Fickett & Co. and the Nevins Fruit Co. in New York City.

Christopher Wada, 29, son of Albert Wada, who is chairman of Wada Farms in Pingree, ID, and grandson of the company's founder, Frank Wada, grew up in the potato business but worked briefly outside the industry after graduating from college before returning to the family business in October 2004.

At that time, he joined the company's marketing entity, Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC in Idaho Falls, ID.

His older brother, Brian Wada, is chief operating officer of Wada Farms Marketing.

Ippolito International LP is voluntarily recalling 1,715 cartons of bunched spinach distributed in 12 states and three Canadian provinces because the product has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

The Salinas, CA-based firm issued a press release Sept. 18 saying that "the voluntary recall is explicitly limited to 1,715 cartons" and "comes after routine random testing of bunched spinach in Michigan by the USDA Microbial Data Program, collected and analyzed by the Michigan Department of Agriculture tested positive. No illnesses have been reported to date."

WASHINGTON -- It is an active and energetic time here in the nation's capital. Bills of enormous consequence for our industry - and our country - are stacking up on the House and Senate floors, and the executive branch unveils new initiatives with regularity.

While ideology and policy goals shape one's particular view of these events, no matter where you stand, the changes may be profound. The produce industry's level of engagement will determine its ability to influence the course of that change -- and may even in the end create new business opportunities.

The Produce Marketing Association has named Nancy Ferguson its new public relations manager.

Ms. Ferguson will be responsible for providing media and other public relations support for PMA events, including the Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition Oct. 2-5 in Anaheim, CA, as well as for association products, services, departments and staff experts.

The National Watermelon Promotion Board has planted the seeds for U.S. watermelons to be sold by Japanese retailers.