NAPLES, FL  The Florida Tomato Exchange and the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange held their annual membership meetings Sept. 8, at which time representatives from both groups discussed several issues affecting the industry and elected their boards of directors. The meetings were part of the Joint Tomato Conference held Sept. 6-11, here, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

Which came first, the "foodie" movement or the specialty produce category? The question is as debatable as the chicken-or-the egg query. It is certain, however, that newly introduced food products  and people who want to enjoy them  continue to complement one another, and each thrives by the mutual benefits the other provides.

NAPLES, FL  Celebrating its golden anniversary, the Florida Tomato Committee unveiled a series of four commercials that will mark the organization's first national television brand campaign for fresh Florida tomatoes during the 30th annual Joint Florida Tomato Conference held Sept. 6-11, here, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

WASHINGTON  Money is always tight for specialty crops, but attendees of United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association's Washington Public Policy Conference, here, heard news that the budget for agriculture got even tighter as Congress responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

More than 275 members of the produce industry representing more than 30 states signed up for the Sept. 13-16 conference, which provided an opportunity to hear from elected leaders and lobby congressional staff on hot-button issues.

The California Department of Food & Agriculture announced Sept. 13 that no further action would be taken against Ralph's Grocery Co. for violations involving the grocery chains alleged false advertising of Mexican-grown grapes as Californian-grown grapes.

When launching its new line of premium chicken sandwiches in early August, fast-food restaurant giant McDonald's Corp. made sure that consumers will be getting high-quality produce in every bite.

The new sandwich line, which includes the Classic, Ranch BLT and Club, all contain tomatoes and green leaf lettuce, which the company has promoted in recent press releases.