LAKELAND, FL -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture increased its April orange crop forecast for the 2009-10 season by 600,000 boxes. Florida is now expected to produce 131.6 million boxes of oranges.

Alsum Produce Inc., based in Friesland, WI, has changed its name to Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. to better reflect its long-term growth plans and commitment to locally grown produce.

The company will continue its growth through innovative new potato products, expanded offerings in fruits and vegetables, continued improvement in sustainable practices, and by building awareness of Wisconsin potatoes.

Andrea Astrachan of Ahold USA was elected chairman of the Produce for Better Health Foundation's board of trustees at its 2010 annual meeting April 8-10 in Half Moon Bay, CA. Ms. Astrachan most recently served as vice chairman of the foundation.

The board of trustees recognized the service of outgoing 2009 Chairman Paul Klutes of C.H. Robinson Worldwide Inc. Mr. Klutes will remain on the executive committee as immediate past chairman.

Roger Pepperl of Stemilt Growers Inc. was elected vice chairman, and Paul Palmby of Seneca Foods Corp. was elected secretary-treasurer.

WASHINGTON - The United States and Brazil struck a tentative deal April 6 over a cotton dispute that threatened to result in millions of dollars of tariffs on U.S. goods, including fruits and nuts.

ORLANDO, FL -- Two-dozen heavy-hitters representing all facets of the produce industry gathered April 7 in a conference room at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes, here, to tap into the knowledge base of Gary Fleming, a leading authority on produce traceability.

After several years of California blueberry producers and handlers moving toward creating a blueberry commission, the California Blueberry Commission has become a reality.

A referendum vote was passed by blueberry producers and handlers in February. Nominations were put out in February and board elections were held in March.

The commission held its first official meeting March 25.