WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association has approved a plan to begin collecting microbiological testing data on commodities, Robert Whitaker of NewStar Fresh Foods said at a food-safety hearing on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Whitaker, who is also past chairman of United Fresh, said that the database would be blinded to protect the identity of data sources and developed in conjunction with outside legal counsel to provide maximum integrity.

MONTREAL -- The Canadian Produce Marketing Association's recently completed convention was shorter in duration than in previous years, but CPMA officials termed it successful in all respects, from workshops to social events, from speakers to the trade show.

The 82nd annual convention, held here May 9-11, was a three-day event - one day shorter than in previous years.

SALINAS, CA -- Kay Filice, owner of Filice Farms in Hollister, was named chairman of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California at its annual awards banquet Thursday, May 17, held at Corral de Tierra Country Club.

The award marks the first time in the association's 77-year history that a woman has ascended to the role. Ms. Filice served as vice chairman of the association for 2006-07.

An inedible, toxic fruit could be the best thing that has happened to the burgeoning movement in biofuels, and agribusiness talent from the Salinas Valley and surrounding areas could help tip the balance in favor of that fruit becoming the biofuel source of choice worldwide.

Two executives of RLB Food Distributors LP, based in West Caldwell, NJ, have purchased the company from its founder.

Floyd Avillo and Pat Mele III, chief operating officer and vice president/ controller, respectively, have purchased 100 percent of the company stock from Rob Bildner. The deal closed on May 9.

Mr. Bildner was president of RLB, which he founded in 1985. He and his wife, Elisa Spungen Bildner, who was president of RLB's processing division, FreshPro, have left the company to pursue other interests.

Allan Corrin, who is best known for shepherding the development of the Ruby Red seedless grape variety and launching Lunch Bunch grapes, died May 8, as a result of complications from a stroke he suffered in 2005. He was 80.