Since Georgia and Alabama suffered staggering crop losses last spring due to a lack of labor, Florida growers have been holding their collective breath about who may show up to harvest Sunshine State fruits and vegetables this spring.

Rumor and anecdote have suggested that laborers might be reluctant to pass through the border states of Georgia and Alabama, which both enacted tough anti-immigrant legislation in 2011, to return to work in Florida.

For four years, from the time the Asian citrus psyllid, a vector for the devastating citrus disease huanlonogbing, was first detected in California, pest-control experts have been saying that it was only a matter of time before the disease would show up in the state as well.

Pompano Beach, FL-based Southern Specialties first got its start in a small space on the Pompano State Farmers Market over two decades ago, said Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development.

After months of much anticipation and fanfare, the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Idaho Gov. C.L. (Butch) Otter in front of the Idaho Capitol Building.

In celebration of its Diamond Anniversary, the Idaho Potato Commission built a larger-than-life version of the

WEATHER

Daytime temperatures in Huron, CA, were expected to remain in the mid-60s through April 6 before climbing into the mid- to upper-70s through April 10. Overnight lows were expected to range in the mid-30s to 40 degrees through April 5 then rise into the upper 40s through April 10.

In Salinas, CA, daytime highs were expected to range in the low to mid-60s through April 6 then nudge into the mid- to upper 60s through April 10.

DEMAND

Andrew Schultz

DiMare Fresh hired ANDREW SCHULTZ as its new vice president of strategic business development in Arlington,