WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering opening the U.S. market to mangos from India after 17 years. But the world's largest producer of mangos will still need to overcome several obstacles to seal the deal.

U.S. agriculture officials have been reluctant to open the U.S. market to mangos from India because it was never assured that shipments would be pest-free. While India is the world's largest producer of mangos, it exports less than 1 percent of its crop. Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States do not accept India's mangos.

WASHINGTON -- Past marches on Washington evoke visions of thousands of people carrying signs and shouting slogans, but the produce sector is hoping to carry a strong message to lawmakers when it rallies March 15 on Capitol Hill to lobby on the issue of immigration reform.

During his March 4 keynote speech to attendees of the Southeast Produce Council annual conference and exposition in Fort Lauderdale, FL, United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association President Tom Stenzel announced the launch of a three-year, $1.5 million fundraising campaign for Project Fresh Start, a new nutrition and health policy project of the United Research & Education Foundation.

Global Pacific Produce Inc., a Henderson, NV-based fresh produce firm, and Lazopoulos Associates, headquartered in Kennett Square, PA, recently announced that they have entered into an agreement to import certified organic Regal (Sugraone), Thompson seedless, Sunred seedless and Black Dan Ben Hanna grapes from South Africa under the "Colors" brand. The label is already well recognized in many countries.

Oakland, CA-based Grant J. Hunt Co. has named Eric Patrick marketing director, and the produce industry veteran will be part of the Hunt division in The Dalles, OR.

Mr. Patrick will operate out of the company's Yakima office, he told The Produce News March 1.

Prior to his move to the Grant J. Hunt Co., Mr. Patrick had served as director of marketing for Domex Inc. in Yakima, WA, and had also held the position of domestic promotion director for the Washington State Fruit Commission/Northwest Cherry Growers.

Dole Fresh Vegetables has introduced three new salads: Spring Garden, Bacon Lettuce Toss and Sweet Baby Lettuces.

Spring Garden is the second in Dole's "Selections of the Season" salad kit line, which features seasonal greens with toppings and a custom dressing tailored to the season. Available March through May, Spring Garden is a light blend of sweet baby lettuces, crisp shredded carrots and crunchy toasted almonds.