Naples, FL-based Naturipe Farms LLC said that the downturn in the economy will result in the company delaying plans to branch out beyond its non-core business.

As a result of its plan to continue to focus on its berry programs, Naturipe laid off several employees including Michael McCartney, its vice president of operations.

SACRAMENTO, CA -- The California Department of Food & Agriculture and the University of California at Davis-based Center for Produce Safety have signed a no-cost agreement to enhance the department's food safety grants process and leverage additional funding.

WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association has announced the appointment of Ray Gilmer as vice president of communications, where he will bring more than 20 years of combined experience in agricultural issues management, public relations and crisis management to United's senior management team.

SONOMA, CA -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced approval of a long-awaited protocol that permits the shipment of sweet oranges and grapefruits from Chile to the United States. The final rule was published April 7 in the Federal Register.

WASHINGTON -- Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc. in Terra Bella, CA, has expanded its recall of pistachios after the Food & Drug Administration found Salmonella in its California processing plant.

The new recall includes all roasted shelled pistachios and roasted in-shell pistachios from its 2008 crop, and raw shelled pistachios that are not subsequently roasted prior to retail sale, the California company said in an April 6 press release. But the recall also includes nearly 250 candies, ice cream and other processed food items that contain Setton pistachios.

Columbia Marketing International in Wenatchee, WA, is poised to bring the trademarked Kiku apple to the American marketplace.

The grower base was solidified April 2 following the announcement that Applewood Orchards Inc., located in Deerfield, MI, was granted a sub-license to produce the variety. The company joins Columbia Fruit Packers Inc. and Rice Fruit Co. in Gardners, PA, in the Kiku grower-packer triad.