NAPLES, FL -- Attendees of the 2006 Florida Tomato Institute, part of the 31st Joint Tomato Conference being held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, here, heard some bad news delivered by Reggie Brown, manager of the Florida Tomato Committee. The news was that Florida tomato production was down 5 million packages and the value of the crop is almost $200 million less this season than it was the year before.

SUN VALLEY, ID -- The Idaho potato industry is operating under a new paradigm, and other potato-growing states around the country have followed suit, Jerry Wright, chief executive officer and president of United Fresh Potato Growers of Idaho, said in his remarks at an industry luncheon during the 78th annual Idaho Grower-Shippers Association convention, here, Aug. 30.

That new paradigm, he explained, is for growers to grow "only what is needed for the fresh market," rather than to grow as many potatoes as they can and then try to market them.

The Chilean Avocado Importers Association announced that Tom Tjerandsen of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association has been appointed marketing manager to lead the association's efforts to promote Chilean Hass avocados to U.S. consumers.

Steve Lutz of the Chicago-based Perishables Group has completed his work with CAIA to oversee the development of the associations initial marketing and media plans, and Mr. Tjerandsen will begin work to implement the CAIAs $5 million marketing plan for the import season.

Johnson Associated Fruit Co. in Denville, NJ, has opened an office in Sebastian, FL, and named Thomas (Tommy) Martorana to oversee the satellite operation.

"We are very pleased to make him an addition to our staff," said Robert Johnson, company president.

Mr. Martorana's title is director of business development and shipper relations. "The opening of the Florida office and what I'll be doing here is multifaceted," he said Aug. 30.

Los Angeles-based Melissa's/World Variety Produce and the Hass Avocado Board are partnering in a co-marketing campaign to promote Latin produce during Hispanic Heritage month from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The project is specifically targeted to approximately 2,500 retailers that cater to Hispanic customers.

With members in five time zones, "Next Big Thing," a growers' cooperative, was formed at the end of July. The apple cooperative headquarters is in Lake City, MN.

The chairman of the new co-op, which operates with the abbreviation N.B.T., is Dennis Courtier, who is also the owner and chief executive officer of Pepin Heights Orchards Inc. in Lake City, MN.