WASHINGTON -- A day after the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference wrapped up, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the award of $55 million in specialty block grants, a 10 percent increase over last year.

Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC in Idaho Falls, ID, markets potatoes not only in cartons and bags but also in an assortment of special retail packs.

In the past, the company has offered "what we called 'Easy Steamer,'“ with 1.5 pounds of potatoes in a microwavable bag, said Kevin Stanger, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “This year we transitioned" from the “Easy Steamer” into a new one-pound microwavable product called “Microwave in Bag!” It is available in red and yellow varieties.

Imported berries seemingly are marching off ships and airplanes and right into consumers' shopping carts.

Andy Gustavson, produce manager for Ben Lomond Market in Ben Lomond, CA, and produce supervisor for sister store Scotts Valley Market in nearby Scotts Valley, CA, told The Produce News Sept. 7 that he "keeps all varieties of berries in stock year round."

Blueberries have "mushroomed into such a big element" no matter where they are from, Mr. Gustavson said. "Blueberries are so international, I don't worry about getting blueberries."

Working on multiple fronts to maintain an elevated profile among both buyers and consumers, the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee has an ambitious marketing campaign that involves media, social networking and the world of high tech.

Recently returned from filming a segment of Lifetime Network's "Balancing Act" with show host Danielle Knox, IEOOC Marketing Director Sherise Jones said that the campaign is in full gear, with the first airing of "Farm to Plate" on "The Balancing Act" to have aired Sept. 24 and the second to telecast Oct. 22.

As we keep abreast of the overall business news, there is the constant reminder of the economic challenges we all face.

Spending has slowed, and more than ever consumers are being stingy with their disposable income and are only purchasing necessities.

The National Mango Board has a full plate of marketing initiatives underway, including its ongoing outreach to national magazines, newspapers and online editors.

Those efforts are expected to result in "significant mango buzz throughout the fall and winter months," said Wendy McManus, director of marketing for the National Mango Board.