Until the second week of July, it had been a tough year for grapes. Chilean exports came in much later than ever before, causing problems for grape markets as the spring grape deals got underway in Sonora, Mexico, and the Coachella Valley in the Southern California desert. Both of those production regions had large crops, contributing to a continued excess of fruit in the market and poor prices.

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Apple Association board member Mark Nicholson urged a House of Representatives subcommittee to continue its full support of specialty crop programs in the next farm bill.

Sharing specific examples of the positive impact of the 2008 farm bill, Mr. Nicholson -- co-owner of Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, NY -- emphasized the importance of the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, the Fruit & Vegetable Program, the Market Access Program and other priority initiatives.

Idaho Potato Commission President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Muir was the first volunteer to go 'Over the Edge' to help raise funds and awareness for Idaho's Special Olympics.

"It was an absolute thrill, professionally, personally and physically to rappel off a 14-story building for a great organization like the Special Olympics," Mr. Muir said in a July 15 press release. "The IPC has been a strong and long-time supporter of the Special Olympics, and it was an honor to be invited to participate in this unique event."

Jennifer Skidgel-Clarke has joined Steinbeck Country Produce in Salinas, CA, in the newly created position vice president of food safety and regulatory compliance.

The Produce Marketing Association's Foodservice Conference & Exposition, set for July 30 to Aug. 1 in Monterey, CA, will provide foodservice professionals an outstanding menu of events and exhibitors.

Julia Stewart, PMA's public relations director, told The Produce News that this year's conference is placing a big focus on food-safety programming. The Food Safety & Traceability: Where We Are, Where We Need to Be workshop is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Saturday, July 31.

The Oppenheimer Group in Vancouver, BC, has appointed Nolan Quinn to lead its emerging berry category in the new role of berry category director.

Mr. Quinn, whose career at Oppenheimer spans a decade-and-a-half, now oversees all aspects of the company's berry business -- from global sourcing to exporting to marketing. Oppenheimer's category consists of berries grown in the United States, Canada, Chile, Argentina and Mexico, including Ocean Spray fresh cranberries and blueberries.