The Central American Free Trade Agreement, which is largely supported by the U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable industry, may have a tough time in Congress when it begins ratification hearings in April.

Ken Gilliland, director of international trade for Irvine, CA-based Western Growers Association, said that WGA has publicly supported CAFTA "as there is no downside for our members."

The New England Produce Council?s Produce & Floral Expo, set for April 6 in Boston, features "a number of different events, and the [trade show] is a very important part of it," said Robert McGowan, president of the council.

FFVA Director of Environmental & Pest Management Dan Botts has been named to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education & Economics Advisory Board?s Specialty Crop Committee.

The new committee is responsible for studying the scope and effectiveness of research, extension and economic programs affecting the specialty crop industry.

?The committee makes recommendations to USDA on critical agriculture policies, and we are gratified to have someone of Dan?s expertise sitting at the table," said FFVA President Mike Stuart.

It was a red-letter day for Stemilt Growers Inc., along with 10 other companies, when the national fruit grower and packer received the Produce for Better Health Foundation?s Diamond Crystal award on March 12.

The award recognizes the company?s outstanding efforts to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables for better health. Ten other companies joined Stemilt on the platform, receiving National 5 A Day Excellence awards for their fruit and vegetable promotion and education efforts.

FRESNO, CA " The term Renaissance man is frequently used to describe someone who has diverse talents and broad interests, and that is certainly an appropriate characterization of Kenton Kidd, who will retire April 1 from the California Apple Commission over which he has presided since its founding.

Christopher Ranch, a leading U.S. garlic grower, packer and shipper based in Gilroy, CA, announced the hiring of Frank Russo as sales manager of its New Jersey Division, which is located in Edison.

Maintaining daily sales with all New Jersey customers as well as pursuing new business leads in wholesale and foodservice accounts, he will report to Anthony DeAngelis, director of Northeast operations.

Mr. Russo, who started with Christopher Ranch on Feb. 14, will also assist in the management of large import purchases arriving at the New Jersey facility.