FRESNO, CA -- Researchers are continuing to discover new ways in which a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is beneficial to health and helps ward off diseases. One new study, which appeared in the May 2007 issue of Journal of Nutrition, shows that "grapes may slow the progression of Type I Autoimmune Diabetes in lab mice," according to a press release from the California Table Grape Commission.

WASHINGTON -- The wrestling match between Congress and President Bush on Iraq war funding ended when the president signed the bill May 25 to pay for military operations and the long-awaited $3 billion in emergency disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers.

In response to a May 18 announcement by Yum! Brands Inc. that it has expanded its tomato deal with a Florida farmworker group to cover all its restaurant chains, including Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's and A&W All-American Food Restaurants, the Florida Tomato Growers Exchange is urging its members to not participate in any labor deal that requires tomato companies to adhere to terms and conditions for its employees set by unaffiliated organizations.

Progreso Produce in Boerne, TX, a leading grower-shipper in the Texas/ Mexico import corridor, has hired Sandy Watts as its new general manager.

Mr. Watts comes to Progreso with 25 years of experience in the produce industry, having worked in both Florida and Texas with direct experience in citrus, melons and Mexican imports.

B.C. Hot House and Greenhouse Produce Co. LLC recently merged to form a consolidated company, Pan American Foods LLC.

A May 18 announcement indicated that the new operation would be headed by President Brian Beggs of B.C. Hot House and Vice President Fried De Schouwer of Greenhouse Produce. Mr. De Schouwer will handle sales and marketing, which will be done under the "B.C. Hot House" brand.

"New in name only, Pan American Foods LLC merges two greenhouse industry leaders, bringing together over 30 years of growing and marketing experience," the announcement stated.