HOUSTON -- Is there a common market in North America's future with regard to agricultural trade? It is something that Jeffrey Max Jones, Mexico's undersecretary of agriculture, would like to see happen, and it is something he has been working toward for some time.

Salinas, CA-based Growers Express and nearby Moss Landing, CA-based Capurro Farms are in discussions about a possible partnership between the two companies, Growers Express President and Chief Executive Officer Jamie Strachan confirmed to The Produce News Tuesday, Nov. 20.

"We're trying to figure out if there's a fit and where there's a fit," said Mr. Strachan, who characterized the discussions as "positive."

PHILADELPHIA -- Bob Paliama is the recipient of the 2007 Friend of Chile Award.

Mr. Paliama, who is president of Delaware River Stevedores, based here, received the award, which is presented annually to an outstanding member of the regional community with a strong commitment to fostering increased commercial and trade relations between Chile and greater Philadelphia. The award is presented at the annual award luncheon hosted by the Chilean & American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Philadelphia.

As part of an effort to oppose what it believes is an unwarranted block of late-season Chilean red grapes by Coachella, CA, grape producers, the Chilean Exporters Association, known as ASOEX_and based in Santiago, has requested related market information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. With this was a request for a 60-day extension on the comment period related to a proposed marketing order change.

The Fresh Demand Working Group is set to launch an important signature campaign Jan. 15. "Potatoes: Goodness Unearthed" is the culmination of several months of in-depth consumer research by a leading New York-based international branding agency. Fresh Demand Working Group Co-Chair Tim O'Connor told The Produce News, "This is a campaign that will engage the entire industry."

Speaking with one voice, 23 produce associations and commodity groups asked a buyer consortium to reconsider the effort it has launched to require suppliers to sign and comply with specific new food-safety guidelines.