MAITLAND, FL -- Fruit and vegetable producers on Thursday, Jan. 22 were assessing damages from overnight freezing temperatures across much of the state. Temperatures fell well below 32 for several hours, a situation that could cause severe damage and extensive crop losses, according to the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association.

Whether running for a cause or finding other ways to help, Temecula, CA- based West Pak Avocado Inc. is contributing to charitable efforts.

The company's first foray into the charitable realm was its participation in an annual five-kilometer road race in Temecula last fall on behalf of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, an organization that bills itself as "the largest source of non-profit funds dedicated to the fight against breast cancer in the world."

GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ -- The season's first arrivals of South African organic grapes were set to arrive in mid-January, according to importer Marc Solomon.

Mr. Solomon, president of Fisher Capespan, said that his firm has "a small program" for the Prime variety of white seedless organic grapes. He told The Produce News Jan. 8, meeting in the firm's office, here, that these South African grapes will be received through February.

MONTEREY, CA -- The "plumbing" largely is in place to move forward with the broad initiative of produce traceability, according to Gary Fleming, the Produce Marketing Association's vice president of industry technology and standards.

In the fall, millions of kids across the United States will learn about the exciting world of Idaho potatoes. "Awesome Adventures," an award-winning weekly syndicated television series, takes kids ages 13-16 on incredible journeys around the world -- and Boise, ID, was their latest adventure destination.

WASHINGTON -- Fresh fruit and vegetable businesses should not expect any surprises from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's long-awaited final country-of-origin labeling regulation that goes into effect March 15.

The Jan. 15 final rule is similar to the Aug. 1, 2008, interim final rule, according to Ken Gilliland, director of transportation and international trade for the Western Growers Association. "It pretty much follows the interim final rule with a slight tweaking," he told The Produce News.