ARLINGTON, VA -- Health care reform, agricultural labor shortfalls and produce safety regulations were just some of the items on produce industry's agenda at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee meeting this month.

The group of industry leaders tackled a wide range of issues at the meeting, held here Feb. 28-March 1.

Twenty years ago, there was virtually no commercial production of blueberries in the state of Florida, save for U-pick farms and berries grown for local markets. This year, some experts say that Florida’s blueberry production may reach 18 million pounds, although more conservative estimates place the total between 13 million and 15 million pounds.

That is still just half the average of leading states in fresh-category production like Michigan (49 million

In further continuing growth strategies and expansion, Seald Sweet International in Vero Beach, FL, announced March 7 the launch of its Tropical Commodity division. The division brings new depth and diversity to Seald Sweet's fresh fruit supply base, adding products such as pineapples, plantains, mangos and avocados to its portfolio.

Kelly Ricketts, a sales associate for Sweet Onion Trading in Melbourne, FL, joined the company in May 2009 as an intern soon after graduating from the University of Florida with a degree in food and resource economics.

Jack Cain, vice president of sales and marketing at Westlake Produce Co. in Winter Haven, FL, is optimistic about the upcoming Florida blueberry season, and with ample reason. The company has doubled its volume since last year and continues to make a commitment to supply a premium finished product by investing in the latest packing technology and food safety.

Winter freezes in Florida did not affect the blueberry crop, and in fact February and March brought perfect weather to ensure that this season’s offerings are on time and abundant.

ORLANDO, FL — The Southeast Produce Council drew record attendance to its eighth annual Retail and Foodservice Conference & Expo, with SPC officials, attendees and exhibitors all declaring the event a huge success.

"We hit that 1,400 mark," SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees proudly told The Produce News March 7.