NOGALES, AZ — Jorge (George) Gotsis Cevallos, owner and president of Omega Produce Co. Inc., here, was one of two first-year recipients of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas' new Pillar of the Industry award presented at the FPAA’s 42nd Annual Produce Convention Nov. 6.

The other recognition went posthumously to Roy Lundstrom, who had spent much of his long produce career at GAC Produce

Mr. Gotsis first began to work for Omega, his sister’s distribution company, in 1951. In time, he became a partner, and in 1961 he began buying the remaining shares.

Sparta, MI-based Riveridge Produce Marketing's compliance with the Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program has been verified by the Michigan Department of Agriculture, signifying Riveridge’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The firm has become an advocate of the MAEAP program (www.maeap.org) and is strongly encouraging its many partner farms to follow its lead.

The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association recently developed a U.S. regional retailer opinion market survey to assist the industry identify areas of opportunity and challenges for fresh market asparagus.

The study obtained direct opinion knowledge from retailers on a regional basis and interviewed over 70 retailers across the United States. Those interviewed were specifically from the front lines of buying fresh asparagus as well as merchandising.

WASHINGTON - Food-safety legislation looked doomed last week but in a surprise move the U.S. Senate passed it by unanimous consent the evening of Dec. 19.

TAMPA, FL -- Florida growers have now had a few days to survey the damage from a pair of unprecedented early-season cold snaps the weeks of Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, and one thing has become clear: Nothing will become clear for a few more days.

Liz Compton of the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services told The Produce News Dec. 20, "We're really not going to know anything until the end of the week or the beginning of next week."

Julia Inestroza and Tracie Levin have been selected to receive the third annual Produce Marketing Association Foundation for Industry Talent's Tip Murphy Scholarship for Leadership Excellence.