While Walmart Stores Inc., the nation's largest retailer, would neither confirm nor deny that it has shifted some of its key produce personnel to other departments, produce industry sources have said that the chain has reassigned produce executives and replaced them with employees from other departments.

Stanley Scarborough, 57, a berry industry veteran, died April 29 after a battle with cancer at Appling HealthCare System in Baxley, GA.

TORONTO -- They came for the strong networking opportunities. They came for the quality business sessions. They came for the engaging speakers and the entertaining receptions.

Whatever the reason, members of the produce industry rallied in the face of the challenging economy and came to the 84th annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show, held here May 6-8.

Some clarity has emerged with regard to the financial difficulties being experienced by several agricultural firms owned principally by Scott Salyer in the past week as a number of public documents have been filed in separate court cases.

Frank Jarocki Sr., owner and president of Modern Produce Farms in Florida, NY, died May 7 at St. Anthony's Hospital in Florida after a short illness. He was 78.

Mr. Jarocki was born to Joseph K. and Catherine Jarocki Nov. 18, 1930, in Big Island, NY. He was a lifelong resident of the village of Florida.

He was a very successful onion grower and shipper, having owned and operated Modern Produce Farms Inc. for over 60 years. His father was also a longtime farmer in the region.

WASHINGTON  Produce businesses will need to keep a close eye on Washington in the coming month as a powerful congressional committee is slated to take up food-safety legislation after Memorial Day and a high-level White House task force is looking at how best to improve government oversight.

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA), chairman of the U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, said that he plans to have a draft food-safety bill ready by mid- May and start holding hearings on food-safety legislation right after the Memorial Day recess.