Federal policymakers rely on laws and regulations to safeguard the food supply. This is understandable, since these are the tools at their disposal. But it overlooks the expertise our supply chain has gained over the years to enhance safety.

I believe that it is our industry's obligation -- and that it works to our benefit -- to bring that information and expertise to Washington, DC, where significant changes to our food-safety system are now being considered.

After 96 years of continuous operation, the Fruit Growers League, based on Oregon's Rogue Valley, has ceased operation.

The organization was founded in 1913, and its membership numbered as many as 400 people and businesses involved with pear production in Jackson County. The area is known for the Comice pear.

The Jersey Fresh program may be operating with far less money than in previous years if a proposal by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine comes to pass.

The original appropriation act for the current year (fiscal year 2009) had called for $475,000 for the Jersey Fresh program, according to Tom Vincz, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Treasury Department, although "for all intents and purposes," the Jersey Fresh budget for advertising and promotion was about $400,000.

WASHINGTON -- Nothing sells organic produce like a picture of the first lady Michelle Obama and a team of fifth graders planting a vegetable garden for the White House kitchen.

Just days after Alice Waters, owner of Berkley, CA-based Chez Panisse and a well-known food activist, called for a White House organic garden on the weekly news show "60 Minutes," the first lady gathered 26 school children to begin digging a 1,100-square-foot organic garden on the South Lawn.

David Kannenstine, vice president of New York metro sales and marketing for Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, NY, died surrounded by his family March 18 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 47.

Mr. Kannenstine headed the New York City office of the family-owned-and- operated orchard and juice company, where he worked for 12 years.

Produce industry veteran Paul Mocettini has been named vice president of sales and marketing at Salinas, CA-based Ippolito International LLP. In this new position, he will spearhead customer and new product development.

Mr. Mocettini, who has been in various produce industry sales, commodity management and executive sales management capacities since 1987, said that the potential growth and Ippolito's commitment to premium-quality products and customer service were instrumental in his decision to join the company.