LOS ANGELES -- The Giumarra Cos. has announced that Taro (Tommy) Uchizono died Tuesday, March 22, in Los Angeles at the age of 89.

Mr. Uchizono was born March 22, 1922, and was a very well-known and respected figure within the North American produce industry.

Mr. Uchizono was a veteran of World War II, during which he was a member of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team fighting in Italy. After the war, he returned to Los Angeles and joined the produce industry. He was a founder of Bear Produce and Metro Produce, and also worked with Child Brothers.

Time will tell just how much actual damage Vidalia sweet onion fields sustained in the aftermath of a severe storm March 27 which pummeled portions of Georgia's Vidalia onion growing district with golf ball-sized hail.

VANCOUVER, BC -- Driven by a desire for better service to its eastern U.S. and Canadian customers -- and an appetite for quality sweet Bell peppers and tomatoes -- The Oppenheimer Group has entered into its first-ever exclusive Ontario greenhouse partnership, with not just one but two exceptional greenhouse growers.

WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association announced at the end of March that Burleson Smith, former director of pest management policy at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, will join the association as vice president of environmental affairs and sustainability.

PHILADELPHIA -- In what was perhaps the happiest day in the history of Philadelphia's produce industry, a red ribbon was cut March 25 signifying the completion of the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market.

Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter joined leaders of the industry and other parties who were instrumental in the construction of the market.

PLANT CITY, FL -- Wishnatzki Farms, a Florida-based grower-shipper, has hired Darwin Reich as director of California operations. He will oversee Misty Ranch, the company's joint venture with Berry Valley Farms in Salinas, CA. He will also recruit independent growers in California who want to sell their crops through Wishnatzki's marketing arm. And he will look for opportunities for the company to own and operate acreage in California.