"When Hurricane Wilma moved across the state, it was followed by a cold front," said Ray Gilmer, director of public affairs for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association in Maitland. "That front turned into what is today [Tuesday, Oct. 25] an absolutely beautiful day. It's 65 degrees and crystal clear."

It is the kind of day that draws thousands of visitors and winter residents to the state in increasing numbers each year. But that is also part of the problem.

In Fresno, CA, community activists cajoled the city council into spending $11 million in redevelopment funds on a Food Maxx supermarket.

In Newark, NJ, it took six years of lobbying and two years of legal battles to turn 62 blighted parcels into a Pathmark supermarket.

In rural Chinle, AZ, a community development corporation on the Navajo Nation built a Basha's Market to serve the local Native Americans, and in so doing created more than 170 jobs for local residents.

Looking after a large portion of a major apple orchard takes more than brawn, but four generations of Forrence family members have taken any "brains or brawn" analogies you may have heard in the past to new levels.

NEW YORK -- Trend diets have become as common to the American public as mashed potatoes, but none, unfortunately, are nearly as tasty. The onslaught of diets that dictate carbohydrate restriction has caused several fresh produce categories to suffer, both economically and in how consumers perceive them. In this light, none comes to mind faster than potatoes.

Los Angeles-based AgriCap LLC has carved out a niche of financial services that has found the business doubling every year since its inception in 2001, said president and co-founder Rick Jones.

"We've exceeded all expectations in terms of growth," Mr. Jones said.

The company's core services include accounts receivable factoring and commercial real estate financing. It also offers seasonal production financing, trade financing and vendor financing.

In the coming months, Vancouver, BC-based Oppenheimer Group will gain additional greenhouse pepper distribution, thanks to increased volume from Divemex.