Saying that their livelihoods could be at risk due to the current labor situation, merchants on New York City's Hunts Point produce market are stepping up in support of immigration reform.

In a May 14 letter to U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY), the merchants said that a "substantial portion" of business conducted on the market is "threatened by the fact that our suppliers in the U.S. produce market may not be able to bring their crops out of the field and orchard due to a shortage of farm workers to pick and harvest."

FRESNO, CA -- Z&S Fresh Inc., here, which last fall introduced a fresh tomato salsa kit under the "Old El Paso Fresh" label, is now launching a peach salsa kit under the same label. The new product was expected to begin shipping about mid-June, according to Justin Bedwell, the company's director of marketing.

WASHINGTON -- Produce trade associations have called for federal food safety oversight, and now the Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee approved a new resolution that calls on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to advocate for unified food-safety standards.

There is nothing new about the idea of a store brand or a private label, but experts say the concept has evolved significantly in the last decade, and now retailers use it largely to differentiate themselves from their competitors.

A five-pound bag of Idaho potatoes isn't the only place to find the "Grown in Idaho" seal. While stationed in Guam, Technical Sergeant Ben David, who is currently stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Utah, had the famous "Grown in Idaho" seal tattooed on his right shoulder.

"A couple years ago, I looked at the 'Grown in Idaho' seal and thought, 'Hey, I'm grown in Idaho, too,'" said Mr. David. "I am extremely proud of my Idaho roots and am not afraid to show it. To me, the seal not only means great potatoes, it means a great state, a great way of life and something to be proud of."

WEST CALDWELL, NJ -- Spirits were high at RLB Food Distributors LP here, in mid-May as company staff celebrated an ownership change that placed two well-liked executives at the helm of the firm.

As The Produce News met with Floyd Avillo and Pat Mele III, who had just purchased all the company's stock, the staff coincidentally threw a congratulatory party for the new owners.