The Year of the Tiger is preparing to give way to the Year of the Rabbit with the commencement of Chinese New Year on Feb. 3, and U.S. produce marketers are looking to capitalize on the growing interest in Asian specialty items.

Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa's/World Variety Produce in Los Angeles, said that fortune is smiling on the Year of the Rabbit. "This is the time of year when Americans are eating healthier," he told The Produce News. “Chinese New Year has become an Americanized holiday.”

Karen Ross, who is chief of staff for U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, was named to be the next secretary of the California Department of Food & Agriculture Jan. 12 by newly elected Gov. Jerry Brown.

TAMPA, FL -- Florida farmers scrambled to protect already battered crops from yet another hard freeze that surprised much of the state in the early hours of Jan. 13. Forecasts initially called for temperatures near freezing, but as the evening of Jan. 12 progressed, frigid winds frosted north and central Florida as temperatures dipped into the low 20s with winds gusting to 20 mph and chill factors in the teens.

Bryan Silbermann, president of the Produce Marketing Association, was a guest speaker at the New England Produce Council's Jan. 6 meeting.
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River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC, a leading processor of value-added salads and fresh-cut produce, announced the availability of a proprietary new salad blend that offers a robust and distinctive alternative to traditional spring mix. Heritage Blend, a specially formulated variety of petite red and green lettuces, features a medley of compact leaves in an array of shapes, textures and vibrant colors. While crisp and full in appearance, Heritage Blend provides a smooth and delicious eating experience - the perfect foundation for a multitude of salad combinations.