Idaho Potato Commission President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Muir represented the Idaho potato industry on the international front as a speaker at the seventh World Potato Congress March 23 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Mr. Muir was invited to speak to more than 400 potato industry delegates from around the world on the future of processed potato products, an important trend in the on-the-go world.

California Giant launches traceability pilot program using HarvestMark

April 23, 2009

California Giant Berry Farms in Watsonville, CA, a leading berry grower and shipper in the United States, is deploying HarvestMark for unit-level traceability of strawberries.

HarvestMark codes on California Giant strawberry four-pound clamshells will deliver instant traceback to its buyers and new levels of information to consumers interested in learning more about the products they purchase.

U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced April 15 that two water projects of significant importance to agricultural producers in Washington state will be funded as part of the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act. The stimulus package will include $5 million for the Potholes Supplemental Feed Route and another $50 million for the Weber Siphon Complex.

LAS VEGAS -- The United Fresh Produce Association's Research & Education Foundation announced April 22 that it will form a new Center for Global Produce Sustainability, designed to help companies across the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain enhance their businesses through sustainability. The center will initially be funded through a $1.1 million endowment grant over four years from Bayer CropScience.

Eurofresh Farms in Wilcox, AZ, and its subsidiary, Eurofresh Produce LTD, announced April 21 that they had reached an agreement with a group of investors to recapitalize the company. As part of the negotiated settlement, Eurofresh filed a voluntary petition for protection under chapter 11 of the U.S. bankruptcy code that will allow the company to implement a plan of reorganization, according to a company press release.

For the past 21 years, one member of the Delaware River port community is selected every spring by a jury of his or her peers to receive the prestigious Spirit of the Port Award. This year was notable on several fronts.

Barbara Hunter, director of imported commodities for Western Fumigation, is the first woman to receive the honor, and it happened on the historic day -- April 18 -- that the crew of the Maersk Alabama took back their ship from pirates off the coast of Somalia.