While 2004 was considered a "salvageable? year for California asparagus growers, it appears that 2005 needs to match or better that result to keep some growers from throwing in the towel on the crop. But favorable weather conditions " including sufficient rain and ample chill hours " and an aggressive promotion program have growers cautiously optimistic about the 2005 season.

WASHINGTON " Grower-based organizations are hoping that President Bush?s call for action on immigration reform during the State of the Union address will help Congress pass long-awaited reforms for the agriculture guest worker program.

?Those of us in agriculture who have been pleading for immigration reform are heartened by the president?s courageous call to action and we are optimistic that a solution can be found to solve the immigration crisis," said Tom Nassif, president of Western Growers Association in Irvine, CA.

Santa Maria, CA-based Bab? Farms Inc. and Phillip Moreland, the company?s vice president of sales and marketing, have come to an amicable parting as of Feb. 1.

Greg Pedigo, president of Bab? Farms, told The Produce News Feb. 7, that he and Mr. Moreland mutually agreed to the split. "It wasn?t the right fit," Mr. Pedigo said. "I consider him a friend and would recommend him [for employment]."

Mike Browne, president, CEO and founding partner of Fresh Directions International in Ventura, CA, is no longer part of the company?s management, but he retains his 25 percent interest in the business, according to Manuel Castillo Jr., the son of the majority partner who is "helping out through the transition? until a replacement is named.

The Florida tomato industry has launched a campaign designed to reach consumers with the message that there is no shortage of tomatoes from the Sunshine State.

The effort includes participation from virtually every segment of the tomato industry " from suppliers to trade associations to the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services and even to retailers.

Why people might think there is a shortage " and a subsequent increase in retail prices " is due to a chain of events that has occurred over the past six months.