WASHINGTON — The Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program may be successful in supplying more than 4 million children healthy snacks each day, but this is no time to sit back and relax during these times of budget cuts, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) warned attendees of the United Fresh Produce Association’s Washington Public Policy Conference.

More than 500 business leaders from 35 states heard from key senators and members of Congress on a wide range of issues — from new E-Verify and school nutrition initiatives to the looming farm bill legislation — at the association’s annual conference.

Ocean Mist Farms is featuring its new Season & Steam microwavable artichoke bag at this year’s Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit convention in Atlanta.

Pete (Produce Pete) Napolitano

Big Box Farms, a New York City-based start-up firm that installs controlled agriculture plots in wareho

Social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and RSS feeds, offer ways to quickly disseminate information on a large scale. They can be used to inform, mobilize and listen to users — all important communication goals during a recall.

So should social media be used during a recall? The simple answer is maybe.

The aromas of sweet apple cider and pumpkin pie filling the air are certainly clues that the autumn season is once again upon us. The atmosphere is also filled with excitement for another annual Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit convention. This means meetings, workshops, speakers, networking, fellowship and exhibitor booths.

I wrote several articles regarding retailers and wholesalers attending the PMA Fresh Summit. The intent was to pass along tips and suggestions to make the trip worthwhile by taking something of value back to a company.

WEATHER

Daytime highs in Salinas, CA, were expected to be in the mid- to upper 70s through Oct. 14 before dipping into the upper 60s through Oct. 18. Overnight lows were expected to be in the mid- to low 50s. A high-pressure system is in place over California’s Central Coast and should keep rain away at least through Oct. 18.