"We're facing a death sentence for citrus trees in California, and the same is true for Mexico," Ted Batkin, president of the California Citrus Research Board in Visalia, said in an Oct. 10 press release. "We have a stronger chance of weakening the threat by working together on both sides of the border."

To that end, a delegation of U.S. citrus industry representatives recently traveled to Mexico to meet with their Mexican counterparts and discuss the problem.

Twice as many produce companies have gone out of business owing money so far this year than in a comparable period last year, according to the records kept by The Produce Reporter Co. on firms listed in its Blue Book industry directory and rating service.

"[The years] 2006 and 2007 were average for the number of listed companies being reported to have ceased operating with obligations not fully liquidated," Ken Schultz, vice president of rating services for the Carol Stream, IL-based firm, told The Produce News.

Usually, an industry event brings out the best in people with much boasting about their great sales, new store openings, growth in the company and loads of promotional success stories. However, the scenario has changed from a braggadocio tone to a much more oppressive atmosphere.

ORLANDO, FL -- In his state-of-the-industry address at Fresh Summit 2008, Produce Marketing Association President Bryan Silbermann stretched back some 45 years to borrow inspiration from Bob Dylan's seminal song, "The Times They Are A-Changin.' "

Mr. Dylan sang in part, "Then you better start swimmin' or you'll sink like a stone, for the times they are a-changin,'" to which Mr. Silbermann added, "We're not swimming fast enough."

The Idaho Potato Commission's comic book capers are back again to help fight against evil and -- even worse -- lackluster produce sales.

The award-winning ad series launched last fall to rave reviews, and will return this year, according to the commission. The eight-ad campaign features an array of comic book characters including caped crusaders, superheroes, mad scientists and Old West cowboys all touting the power of stocking Idaho potatoes.

WASHINGTON -- There is every incentive for the produce industry to follow the industry's new traceability guidelines, but there is no need for the federal government to mandate a new traceability system, produce trade groups said at an Oct. 16 meeting.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration held its first of two public workshops to discuss what needs to be done to enhance a tracking system during outbreaks. The second workshop in Oakland, CA, is planned for Nov. 13.