PALM BEACH, FL -- The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association left no stone unturned at its 68th annual convention, held at the Ritz Carlton here Sept. 18-21, tackling tough issues like labor and immigration, water and other natural resources, government regulation and pestilence with a power-packed series of panels and workshops featuring some of the industry's bigger hitters.

NASHVILLE -- The Southeast Produce Council has been true to its mission and is in excellent health in terms of both membership and finances, SPC President John Shuman told attendees of the council's annual fall conference, held Sept. 23-25 here at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

Big Box Farms, a New York City-based start-up company, has introduced what it calls breakthrough agricultural technology that will offer retailers and foodservice operators the ability to provide customers the freshest packaged salad products, sold 24 hours after harvest.

Tony DiMare (left) receives FFVA's 2011 Distinguished Service Award from FFVA Chairman Drew Duda.

MAITLAND,

WASHINGTON -- Legislation that would require employers to use E-Verify to check worker’s legal status passed the House Judiciary Committee Sept. 21 without much relief for agricultural producers.

The Legal Workforce Act (H.R. 2885) passed the committee by a 22-to-13 vote without any amendments that would have carved out agricultural producers from the measure. At this time, the measure is not scheduled for House floor action.

Fresh Express, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chiquita Brands, announced Sept. 19 the introduction of two new consumer-preferred organic salad mixes and the launch of an awareness campaign that highlights the added benefits of purchasing Fresh Express USDA certified organic salads.