Tapping into consumer interest in celebrity chefs, the California Avocado Commission put together an innovative public relations program combining new social media tactics and the organization's ongoing relationship with chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger, known together as the Too Hot Tamales, to spread new ideas that encourage demand for California avocados. Ms. Feniger also has received national attention as a finalist on Bravo’s hit reality series, "Top Chef Masters."

A provision that allows sellers to extend payment terms beyond 30 days without jeopardizing their PACA Trust rights has been proposed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with comments due by Aug. 9.

Matthew McInerney, executive vice president of Western Growers Association in Newport Beach, CA, applauded the proposal, which he said came from the USDA's Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee.

While it was not enough to salvage a disastrous season, Florida tomato growers were happy to find a market for at least another $6 million worth of product in the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which announced plans June 4 to spend up to that amount to immediately purchase fresh Florida tomatoes for federal food nutrition assistance programs.

Dole wants people to know that bananas are not just for breakfast.

And to encourage consumers to think of the fruit as a snack for all times of the day and night, the Westlake Village, CA-based marketer has launched the Go Bananas After Dark campaign.

Produce items served in Subway sandwiches are under scrutiny as Illinois health officials investigate an outbreak involving 60 Salmonella cases across 22 counties.

As of June 8, Illinois Department of Public Health reported 60 cases of Salmonella Hvittingfoss, an uncommon serotype, which appears to be linked to food served at Subway restaurants. Illinois reports only one or two cases of this type of Salmonella each year.

BONITA SPRINGS, FL -- Promising to rob Peter to pay Paul if necessary, the Florida Citrus Commission voted June 9 to add an additional $2.8 million to the Florida Department of Citrus' 2010-11 budget to cover a shortfall created by recent vetoes of legislation that would have increased funding for citrus disease research.

The proposed budget was $53.8 million, down $3.1 million from FY 2009- 10; the approved amended total for FY 2010-11 stands at $56.6 million.