Some trade associations representing the grower-shipper community have raised concerns about the Produce Traceability Initiative, specifically its cost, the commitment of the whole chain to its enactment and the timetable.

Roger Griess, vice president of global business development at Sun World International LLC in Bakersfield, CA, resigned from the company effective March 26 after 13 years with the organization. He will be starting a new business based in Bakersfield involving fresh produce, but details of the new venture have not yet been released.

It was a scenario predicted two months ago in the wake of two weeks of freezing weather that had Florida strawberry farmers saturating fields to save a crop: Without cooperation from Mother Nature, the entire crop would come on at once, creating a market glut that would butt heads with the onset of the California season.

Railex LLC is looking to expand service into the southeastern and central United States.

Paul Esposito, Railex's Northeast division and corporate logistics vice president, made the announcement March 26 during an Internet-based presentation by the firm, which is a division of Riverhead, NY-based ADS Management.

"We have plans to expand Railex into the Southeast and into the Central portion of the United States, and ultimately into Texas and to export," Mr. Esposito said.

MOSES LAKE, WA - The Washington State Potato Commission's Tuber- Awesome campaign will make a stop in New York City the first week in April with a special appearance by the most decorated U.S. Winter Olympian in history, Apolo Anton Ohno.

The Seattle-native and potato commission spokesman will skate a special demonstration April 7 on The Rink at Rockefeller Center, followed by a breakfast roundtable at the Sea Grill Restaurant with leading food editors.

Winners of the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee's 2010 Onion Lover's Month retail display contest were announced March 31, with David Dozier, produce manager of G.F.F. Foods in Moore, OK, taking the grand prize of $2,000 cash.

The contest ran from Dec. 31, 2009 to Feb. 2, 2010, and featured the famed Spanish Sweets from the Treasure Valley of Idaho-Eastern Oregon.