Four Seasons Produce Inc. in Ephrata, PA, announced Aug. 26 that it will close its Donna, TX-based division, Four Seasons Trading Co. LP, by Nov. 1.

In a statement, Ron Carkoski, president and chief executive officer of parent company Four Seasons Produce Inc., called it "strictly a business decision" based on Four Seasons Trading Co. LP's ineffective performance. He said that the move will allow the company to focus on its vibrant market in the mid-Atlantic region.

Elliott Buchanan's bags were all packed and loaded in his car.

He was on his way to start his career as a reporter for the Los Angeles Daily News, but a funny thing happened on the way to the City of Angels.

He made a telephone call to a friend that would change his entire life.

IGA in Chicago has announced that James J. Walz has been named senior director of branding and business development.

Mr. Walz, who begins his appointment immediately, will report directly to IGA Vice President and U.S. Chief Growth Officer Doug Fritsch.

WASHINGTON  Pressing trade issues and budget cuts will influence the 2007 farm bill, but that is not enough to dissuade fruit and vegetable businesses that are looking for a bigger slice of the pie this time around.

For the first time ever, fresh table grapes grown in South Korea have apparently entered the U.S. marketplace.

On Friday, Aug. 19, the Korean Agriculture & Fisheries Ministry announced that 330 kilograms of the Campbell Early grape variety, produced in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province, passed quarantine inspection earlier in the week and were shipped via air to Los Angeles. The JoongAng Daily Korean newspaper reported that the grapes arrived at the Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, Aug. 18.

CINCINNATI -- Chiquita Brands International Inc. announced that its port facilities at Gulfport, MS, were severely damaged by Hurricane Katrina. Gulfport is one of five U.S. ports the company uses to import bananas and other fresh produce.