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Border security, U.S. jobs at risk over imbalance of Homeland Security funding, says FPAA

NOGALES, AZ -- Residents across border communities were reeling after the White House announced a list of requested amendments for an FY 2010 Supplemental Appropriations Bill -- amendments that the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas said drastically missed the mark on securing ports of entry across the border.

Specifically, the White House requested funding for 1,000 Border Patrol agents but only 30 Customs & Border Protection officers, the front line of security at the nation's ports of entry.

DNE's early Australian citrus larger and sweeter than usual

Fort Pierce, FL-based DNE World Fruit Sales' first 2010 shipment of Australian citrus arrived June 18 at the port of Long Beach, CA, carrying some pleasant surprises.

A heat wave after the Australian trees blossomed caused a bloom drop, and subsequent heavy rains resulted in huge, sweet fruit and a "surprisingly pretty strong crop," Stu Monaghan, national sales manager for DNE, told The Produce News June 28.

'Phenomenal weather' for Maine broccoli and substantial savings on transportation

RIVERHEAD, NY — Eric Scannelli is eagerly anticipating Fresh from the Start's Maine broccoli program, which was expected to kick off July 6 — about 10 days earlier than in previous years, thanks to the "phenomenal weather" that the Northeast has experienced.

Mr. Scannelli, the firm’s sales manager, told The Produce News June 25 that Fresh from the Start, a division of ADS Management LLC, based here, handles transportation in-house for its clients, which are primarily retailers and foodservice providers, and offers next-day delivery for most major cities in the Northeast.

Stemilt kicks off blueberry harvest

Stemilt Growers commenced harvest on its 2010 blueberry crop the week of June 28 at Ladybug Orchards in Othello, WA, an arid region that is known for producing large, firm and dry blueberries.

Kyle Mathison, a fourth-generation farmer and co-owner of Stemilt, uses fertigation to feed and water his blueberries. This advanced farming method ensures that blueberry plants absorb nutrients at the exact time they are needed.

Fruit Patch announces new specialty citrus and pomegranate programs

DINUBA, CA -- Fruit Patch Inc. announced July 1 that it will install a state-of- the-art pomegranate and specialty citrus line for the 2010-11 season.

Rawl unveils new corporate identity

PELION, SC -- Effective July 1, Walter P. Rawl & Sons is moving forward with a new corporate look highlighted by its updated 'WP Rawl' logo.

For three generations, dating back to 1925, the Walter P. Rawl family has expanded from a local greens grower to a vertically integrated grower, shipper, packer, and processor of fresh greens and vegetables throughout the Eastern region of the United States.

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