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Historic pear group closes doors

After 96 years of continuous operation, the Fruit Growers League, based on Oregon's Rogue Valley, has ceased operation.

The organization was founded in 1913, and its membership numbered as many as 400 people and businesses involved with pear production in Jackson County. The area is known for the Comice pear.

Cut in Jersey Fresh program proposed

The Jersey Fresh program may be operating with far less money than in previous years if a proposal by New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine comes to pass.

The original appropriation act for the current year (fiscal year 2009) had called for $475,000 for the Jersey Fresh program, according to Tom Vincz, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Treasury Department, although "for all intents and purposes," the Jersey Fresh budget for advertising and promotion was about $400,000.

Michelle Obama to grow vegetable garden at White House

WASHINGTON -- Nothing sells organic produce like a picture of the first lady Michelle Obama and a team of fifth graders planting a vegetable garden for the White House kitchen.

Just days after Alice Waters, owner of Berkley, CA-based Chez Panisse and a well-known food activist, called for a White House organic garden on the weekly news show "60 Minutes," the first lady gathered 26 school children to begin digging a 1,100-square-foot organic garden on the South Lawn.

David Kannenstine dies at 47

David Kannenstine, vice president of New York metro sales and marketing for Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva, NY, died surrounded by his family March 18 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 47.

Mr. Kannenstine headed the New York City office of the family-owned-and- operated orchard and juice company, where he worked for 12 years.

Mocettini named VP of sales at Ippolito

Produce industry veteran Paul Mocettini has been named vice president of sales and marketing at Salinas, CA-based Ippolito International LLP. In this new position, he will spearhead customer and new product development.

Mr. Mocettini, who has been in various produce industry sales, commodity management and executive sales management capacities since 1987, said that the potential growth and Ippolito's commitment to premium-quality products and customer service were instrumental in his decision to join the company.

A. LoPresti & Sons ceases operations

Citing unprecedented financial challenges resulting from the effects of the economic downturn across the nation and in Ohio, A. LoPresti & Sons Inc., a family-owned, wholesale foodservice distributor that has been serving northeastern Ohio for more than 100 years, announced that it is ceasing operations and will liquidate the business.

The company, which has annual revenues of approximately $40 million, had more than 1,200 customers - primarily restaurants, hotels, caterers, schools, hospitals, and business and industry accounts throughout the region.

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