Oxnard, CA-based Deardorff Family Farms hired LUKE PATRUNO to its team on March 13.

In his new position at Deardorff Family Farms, Mr. Patruno is leading a new organic business unit that focuses on sourcing, packing and distributing organic produce from the company’s headquarters in Oxnard, according to a company press release.

Lou Kertesz, a longtime leader in the produce retail industry, died Saturday, June 2. He was 76. Mr. Kertesz was well known as a master of merchandising when it came to moving massive amounts of product through the retail system. He was always filled with dynamic and aggressive energy at all times. Mr. Kertesz could sell anything, anytime and anywhere. His enthusiasm taught people to concentrate on massive selling rather than just plain talking about it.

The RedLine Solutions educational produce traceability initiative seminars have been receiving high marks from attendees and attracting growing audiences. The series continues June 5 in Ellensburg, WA, and June 14 in Mission, TX. This educational event covers everything grower-shipper-packers need to know to get started with PTI.

Stemilt Growers, one of Washington's larger apricot grower-shippers, is set to begin harvest on its 2012 apricot crop later this month in central Washington. This year's apricot crop will be second to none in regards to quality thanks to ideal weather during bloom and pollination, according to Roger Pepperl, Stemilt marketing director.

FPFC President Carissa Mace and Margo Robinson of Augustine Ideas.

Seems there’s nothing like a farm bill year to get people focused on exactly how the federal and state governments spend the billions allocated annually in federal funds to enhance agriculture’s role as a leading economic engine in the nation.