Erratic and unusual weather patterns delayed the start of the 2010 watermelon season; there will be no such repeat in 2011. Growing conditions throughout the United States have been perfect, the season’s first domestic melons were cut ahead of schedule in Florida during the first week of April, and the market is reasonably solid.

(UPDATED) The U.S. Department of Agriculture formally recommended a proposal Tuesday, April 26, for the establishment of a National Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, with the expectation that the voluntary marketing agreement will be in place by the end of the year.

The stars — and production — appear to be aligned, and to a person, California’s Coachella Valley produce community is expecting a strong season in 2011.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service is requesting comment on the creation of a voluntary National Leafy Green Marketing Agreement that would assist all segments of the leafy green industry in meeting commercial food quality and safety requirements.

To reflect the different climates, production practices and markets handling leafy green produce, USDA is proposing that there be eight regional zones represented on the board.

MONTREAL — European Flavors, a healthy-eating initiative inspired by the Mediterranean diet and currently active in the United States, Russia and Japan, has expanded into Canada.

SILVER SPRING, MD — The U.S. Food & Drug Administration should not mandate finished-product testing when it writes new preventive control rules under the federal food safety law, according to Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy for the United Fresh Produce Association, based in Washington.