PARLIER, CA -- As recently as two weeks earlier, it would have been hard to imagine that with all of the weather they had been through, California peach, nectarine and plum orchards could possibly set anything remotely close to a full crop this year.

CHICAGO -- United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association Chairman Nick Tompkins and International Fresh-cut Produce Association Chairman Mark Miller announced at the May 6 opening general session of the United Produce Show that their respective memberships have voted overwhelmingly in favor of the two organizations merging.

WILMINGTON, DE -- Chile's orange and grapefruit growers have completed their paperwork. Now, to export these products to the United States, they are simply awaiting for a final approval from the U.S. Department of Agricutlure's Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service, according to Ron Bown, chairman and chief executive officer of the Chilean Exporters Associaiton in Santiago.

Growers, packers and shippers of fresh produce, who in many cases rely heavily on immigrant labor, potentially could have been the most severely affected by the nationwide boycott planned for Monday, May 1.

EAGLE, ID -- It's no secret that creative displays in the retail environment move product. Need proof? For the 15th year in a row, the number of entrants in the Potato Lover's Month Retail Display Contest significantly increased.

BALTIMORE -- Novazone Inc., a provider of innovative ozone- based solutions to improve the freshness and safety of food and water, is looking to make its mark in produce as part of its plan to become strategically focused on the food industry. The company was on hand promoting its services at the International Fresh-cut Produce Association's Fresh Cut Expo 2006, here, April 26-29.