The California Tree Fruit Agreement in Reedley, CA, which represents growers of California peaches, nectarines and plums, has learned that the Australian government will "try to fast track opening Australia to our fruits," Dale Janzen, field director for the CTFA, told The Produce News March 8.

That news comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this year that China had opened its doors to California plums.

The Vidalia, GA-based Vidalia Onion Committee decided it was time that the famous onions it promotes had a recognizable image.

"Consumers know the value of a Vidalia, and they're looking for us by name in stores," said VOC Executive Director Wendy Brannen. "But for several years now, we've had bits and pieces of old marketing campaigns left floating around the country."

SALINAS, CA -- The National Steinbeck Center Museum, here, received a $2 million donation from Rabobank, a leading bank serving the global food and agriculture industry with retail branches throughout California, in a ceremony held March 7 at the center.

California fresh-market carrot production came in at 20.6 million hundredweight in 2005, 2.5 percent higher than both 2003 and 2004, when production came in at 20 million hundredweight.

"It was a bit of a surprise to me," said Jerry Munson of the California Fresh Carrot Advisory Board in Dinuba, CA, adding that it is further confirmation of the popularity of the baby cut-carrot market. He said that the full effect of baby cut-carrot production was first noticed in 1998, when fresh-market carrot production jumped into the 19 million range and stayed there through 2002.

Monterey, CA-based Colorful Harvest has added Robbie Coyle to its sales team as business development sales manager.

Mr. Coyle's main focus will be to grow the artichoke, blueberry, raspberry and blackberry business while supporting other sales needs at Colorful Harvest.

He brings 18 years of direct produce sales experience to Colorful Harvest in the areas of fresh vegetables and berries.

NOGALES, AZ -- One of the major activities of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, here, according to Lee Frankel, the association's president, is "increasing the number of retail promotions during our peak season." The program was introduced just last year, and it has been going "very, very well this year," Mr. Frankel said.