Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner announced an 11-year, multi-million dollar land lease between Chiquita Fresh North America and the Diamond State Port Corp. This new 27.6-acre lease will keep Chiquita at the port of Wilmington and in the state of Delaware until July 2019.

Chiquita is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added food products from energy-rich bananas to nutritious blends of convenient green salads. Globally, Chiquita employs over 23,000 people in more than 70 countries.

Ocean Spray celebrated the completion of the expansion of its Wisconsin Rapids, WI, facility, which doubled the plant's size to 440,000 square feet, making it one of the larger cranberry processing plants in the world.

"Ocean Spray is exactly the kind of company we are excited to have here in Wisconsin," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a press release. "I am pleased the state is able to partner with Ocean Spray to expand their facility in Wisconsin Rapids and create 100 jobs for hardworking Wisconsin families."

NAPLES, FL - In the United States, 65 is the magic number that allows many workers to retire with full Social Security benefits. It represents an age that many people look forward to for their ability to slow down and enjoy their golden years.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, however, is doing anything but slowing down in its 65th year. During its annual convention, held Sept. 21-23 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, here, the association explored some of the major issues that are confronting the produce industry both in Florida and across the nation.

The moon is considered a "local" satellite of the Earth. However, the distance between the two is 238,857 miles. Is that really "local?"

Local weather, local time, local news, local restaurants, local, local, local - what is local? Is it down the street, two blocks over, in a neighboring town, or 238,857 miles away? Is there a specific measured distance for something to be officially deemed "local?"

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association announced Sept. 24 the resignation of Ron Lemaire, the organization's executive vice president and director of marketing.

As a key part of the association for the past 10 years, Mr. Lemaire has contributed as part of the CPMA team to position the association effectively to meet the future needs of its members.

Joe Longo Sr. loved life.

Mr. Longo was a family man who loved to celebrate with his family and who loved food, which was appropriate for a man who worked around food nearly his entire life.

Roseanne Longo, Mr. Longo's niece and the spokesperson for Longo Bros., told The Produce News that her uncle, along with his brothers Tommy and Gus, founded the Mississauga, ON-based company.

Mr. Longo, 70, died Sept. 15, after battling a lengthy illness.