WASHINGTON -- Starting the week of April 23, the Produce Marketing Association plans to activate the group's largest grassroots campaign to convince Congress of the dire labor crisis that is affecting not only producers but also every player in the produce supply chain.

Dubbed "Empty Shelves, Empty Plates," the campaign is aimed at getting the produce industry -- particularly buyers -- engaged in calling on Congress to support the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits & Security Act of 2007, also known as AgJOBS.

In response to concerns about fuel costs and the environment, Well-Pict has introduced a new packaging configuration for its four-pound strawberry clamshells that will increase shipping efficiency with more units per truckload.

At 35 percent more unit density, the new clamshells will help retailers and consumers alike by achieving cheaper freight rates and reduced fuel usage without a compromise in product volume or safety.

Earthcycle Packaging in Vancouver, BC, announced that Four Seasons Produce Inc., a leading independent U.S. produce wholesaler, will be using Earthcycle's signature compostable produce trays for its entire organic packaging program, launching on Earth Day, April 22.

Southern Specialties, based in Pompano Beach, FL, has launched its "Paradise" tropicals branded line. The name "Paradise" will be used as part of the product identification for the company's mangos, papayas, avocados and limes. More products will be added to the line in the near future.

Southern Specialties has created an eye-catching new box and PLU sticker for each "Paradise" product. The boxes and PLU stickers feature hot colors that attract the consumer and evoke the tropics.

Pandol Bros. Inc. in Delano, CA, announced April 16 that the company has initiated a search for a new chief executive officer to replace Jack Breech, who will be retiring from the company.

The Pandol family hired Mr. Breech in 2001 "to help transition the company from its entrepreneurial roots to professional management and financial discipline," according to a company press release.

However, Mr. Breech had been involved with Pandol family businesses in other capacities already.

While no official estimates on the 2007 grape crop in Sonora, Mexico, had yet been released, several of the distributors in Nogales, AZ that The Produce News interviewed, as well as a spokesperson for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, expect the volume of fresh table grapes exported to the United States from Mexico in 2007 to be similar to two years ago.