WASHINGTON -- Dole Fresh Fruit International said that a federal review board's decision to postpone acting on whether to keep ethylene on a list of substances allowed on organically labeled bananas would leave farmers in a tenuous position.

At a Nov. 16 meeting, Franz Wielemaker, director of sourcing and development for Dole's organic program, said that the National Organic Standards Board should recommend that the U.S. Department of Agriculture continue listing ethylene as a post-harvest substance used for banana ripening.

ATLANTA -- The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association is extending a $4 million 2005-06 promotion to many major markets throughout North America.

In a presentation to the trade and media here Nov. 5, Tom Tjerandsen, managing director for the association, which is based in Sacramento, CA, presented details of the promotion.

Gustavo Yentzen, marketing manager for the Chilean Exporters Association, or ASOEX, which is based in Santiago, outlined an overview of the plans.

Vida Fresh Inc., a Los Angeles area-based grower, shipper, importer and exporter of fresh herbs and assorted fruits and vegetables, has received certification for the second successive year from the Mexican government for its food- safety practices on its herb farms in Baja California, Mexico.

ATLANTA -- Produce for Kids hosted a ceremony Sunday, Nov. 6 at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit to honor its 2005 participating retailers for their combined help in raising $225,000 for the program so far in 2005.

"The checks were make out to the Children's Miracle Network, the organization that Produce for Kids supports," said Heidi McIntyre, marketing director for the organization. "We also presented each of our sponsors with a plaque to thank them for their 2005 contributions."

SAN DIEGO -- Former Western Growers Association Chairman of the Board Doc Danna of Danna & Danna Inc. in San Jose, CA, received the prestigious Award of Honor from WGA at the group's 80th annual meeting, here, on Tuesday, Nov. 15, at the famed Hotel Del Coronado.

Mr. Danna, who is 94 years old, was honored for his six decades of service to WGA. Another former chairman of the board of the association and longtime friend, Andy D'Arrigo of D'Arrigo Bros. of California in Salinas, presented the award and cited Mr. Danna's gentle nature and keen intellect.

Seald Sweet LLC recently announced partnership deals in Florida and California that strengthen the Vero Beach, FL- based company's position as a year-round supplier of high- quality citrus.

In Florida, Seald Sweet concluded a joint venture acquisition and operating agreement with SunBrite Citrus Inc. in Fort Pierce, FL, which is one of its grower-shipper members. Under the agreement, reached Oct. 19, Seald Sweet becomes a 50 percent owner of a newly formed company SunBrite Holdings LLC, with the Schirard family retaining the other half of the company.