When a homeowner says to a newscaster that in the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma, his favorite backyard tree now belongs to his neighbor (considering the "possession is nine-tenths of the law" theory), you know the news cannot be much better for Florida fruit and vegetable growers.

Pear Bureau Northwest President and CEO Kevin Moffitt has added another title to his industry resume, having been elected secretary/treasurer of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council.

The election, which gave Mr. Moffitt a two-year term, took place during the council's board of directors meeting in July. After serving his term, Mr. Moffitt will considered for the position of vice chairman and then chairman.

Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce in San Diego and Sundance Berry Farms in Watsonville, CA, have announced a merger of their strawberry operations.

The merger was made "with an eye on expanding year-round availability of strawberries to better serve retailers and foodservice operators," according to an Oct. 18 press release from A&W.

Sundance, which was founded in 2003, operates berry farms in three California growing districts: Oxnard, Santa Maria and Watsonville.

Spreckels, CA-based Tanimura & Antle Partnership has sold all of its interest in Dulcinea Farms LLC in Ladera Ranch, CA, to Syngenta Seeds.

In 2003, T&A partnered with Switzerland-based Syngenta to form Dulcinea Farms to market "Dulcinea!" brand produce items in North America. Those items include Pure Heart watermelons and Tuscan-style sweet cantaloupes  proprietary products of Syngenta  and other fresh produce items developed by Syngenta and licensed to Dulcinea.

NEWARK, DE -- Because of the logistical uncertainties in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the executive committee of the Produce Marketing Association has voted to move the site of the organization's 2007 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition from New Orleans to Houston for the Oct. 12-15 event.

The North Carolina SweetPotato Commission, based in Smithfield, NC, is combating the U.S. trend to eat sweet potatoes only on Thanksgiving and other holidays through a promotional campaign targeting numerous markets.

The commission is an independent, member-based nonprofit commodity group. Its membership, now over 400 strong, is comprised of growers who farm a minimum of one acre of sweet potatoes in the state.