Since introducing conditioned pears nearly a decade ago, Rainier Fruit Co. in Selah, WA, has seen significant growth in the program and, according to Marketing Director Suzanne Wolter, continues to emphasize the value of conditioned pears at retail.

“That’s where the future is. That’s where the excitement is,” Ms. Wolter told The Produce News. “People want to experience the flavor of pears, and a conditioned d’Anjou is absolutely wonderful — sweet and juicy.”

H. Smith Packing Co. offers something that few other broccoli shippers can lay claim to: complete control of its product from seed to sale.

WASHINGTON — Oregon strawberries sold at roadside stands and tied to a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 cases are raising questions about a decision by Congress to exempt small producers from federal food-safety regulations.

Oregon health investigators traced fresh strawberries to Jaquith Strawberry Farm in Newberg, OR, in the first E. coli outbreak tied to strawberries. At least 10 people became ill last month and one person has died, the Oregon Health Authority said Aug. 10.

WEATHER

Daytime temperatures in Salinas were expected to range from the upper 60s to low 70s through Aug. 16 with overnight lows in the mid 50s. Patchy morning and evening fog should persist into late August.

In Mendota, CA, daytime temperatures were expected to be in the mid- to upper 90s through Aug. 16 with overnight lows in the low 60s.

DEMAND

Salinas row crop shippers are seeing continued modest demand. Strawberry shippers are experiencing strong demand for the premium lots and labels.

For a long time, mushrooms have been celebrated as a source of powerful nutrients, particularly those of public health interest such as vitamin D and potassium, The Mushroom Council in San Jose, CA, reported. And they can also help people meet the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which has been issued by the Department of Health and Human Service and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The goal of the guidelines is to reduce sodium and increase vegetable consumption.

Hugh (Chip) H. Branch Jr., co-owner of Hugh H. Branch Inc., headquartered in Pahokee, FL, died unexpectedly Aug. 6 in his sleep of a heart attack in Basinger, FL. Mr. Branch was 60 years old.