Most trends that change the landscape of produce departments evolve somewhat gradually. One major chain will make a noticeable display or arrangement change that proves successful, and soon another chain follows suit. Often the changes have their roots at small independent retailers, especially gourmet-level stores that do not have set corporate guidelines and more freedom to make creative changes. That is how, for example, produce departments were ultimately moved from the rear of stores to the front.

WASHINGTON -- Produce companies have 60 days to comment on changes the U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering for the country-of-origin labeling program that goes into effect for perishables in September 2008.

USDA changed key definitions for COOL when it issued a final rule for fish and shellfish, so the agency is weighing whether to extend the changes to the other commodities.

Confidence is high among blueberry growers throughout New Jersey, and barring any unforeseen situations, growers in the state expect nothing less than a banner year.

Tim Wetherbee, sales manager for Diamond Blueberries Inc., expects a very good season. His growers have recorded near normal timing with the possibility of the harvest beginning one or two days later than last year.

MEDFORD VILLAGE, NJ -- The Philadelphia chapter of the United Fresh Produce Association held its annual Louis Penza Sr. Memorial Golf Tournament June 8 at the Medford Village Country Club, here.

More than $13,000 was raised for local charities on a day when the 88 golfers likely lost a few pounds, with temperatures in the mid-90s. Most of the players came from -- or were customers of -- the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market.

WASHINGTON -- If it were left to U.S. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-MN), there would be little doubt that meat and produce businesses would be complying with the country-of-origin labeling law that goes into effect next year.

Mr. Peterson sent a letter to the meat industry this month, asking all the groups to sit down and draft a workable system for COOL. Meat packers -- leading opponents of the labeling law -- have questioned the cost and workability of the labeling program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture's regulations.

WASHINGTON -- Starting next month, the Food & Drug Administration will partner with Virginia officials to investigate the cause of occasional food- safety problems during the tomato-growing season there, then turn to Florida fields in the fall as part of a federal tomato-safety initiative announced June 13.