WASHINGTON  U.S. Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) circulated a draft food- safety bill May 26 that would levy new fees on all facilities registered with the Food & Drug Administration to pay for more frequent inspections and set new produce safety standards.

After months of speculation about food-safety legislation, a powerful House committee is scheduled to hold its first hearing on the bill June 3.

Almost one year after the debut of Six L's Vintage Ripe tomatoes, the new heirloom variety has found its stride with year-round production and increased acreage of nearly 25 percent.

The new Vintage Ripe tomato season kicked off June 1 with production coming from South Carolina. The deal then transitions to Virginia for the months of July through October before rounding out the season with Florida production November through May.

Cherry growers and shippers in the Pacific Northwest are starting to exhale as they prepare to move into production for this season's crop. Unlike 2008, the year during which frost severely damaged the annual crop, prospects for 2009 have the industry excited.

Maine agricultural products and Maine-made goods were the center of attention at a special "Made in Maine" celebration held May 19 at the Walmart in Augusta, ME.

Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture Ned Porter and Secretary of State Matt Dunlap joined representatives of Maine companies, legislators, local school children and Walmart associates and customers in promoting the quality of Maine products.

Longtime Metro Inc. staffer Robert Sawyer was recently named executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Montreal-based firm.

Mr. Sawyer, who is celebrating 30 years of service at Metro this year, most recently served as senior vice president of Metro's Ontario division, Metro Ontario Inc.

According to a company press release, "in his new position, he will be responsible for the Quebec and Ontario divisions, national procurement, corporate brands as well as information systems and marketing.

NEWARK, DE -- Produce Marketing Association's first-ever affiliate is now being formed for members in Australia and New Zealand, and will officially begin operating this fall, according to association leaders.