WASHINGTON -- Produce companies already labeling commodities by country of origin are not expected to be rocked by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new labeling rule, and those that haven't started will find that USDA tried to minimize hefty regulatory costs.

PETROLINA, BRAZIL -- As part of an ongoing outreach program with its member countries, the U.S.-based National Mango Board held an informational meeting for Brazilian growers, shippers and exporters, here, Friday, July 25, in conjunction with an agriculture show that took place in the country's top mango-producing region.

WASHINGTON -- A congressional hearing on the role of traceability in the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak took the first stab at exposing the gaps in the investigation and the damage done to the produce industry.

"The poor handling of this outbreak has confused consumers and damaged producers," said Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), who chaired the July 30 House Agriculture Subcommittee hearing.

The largest wholesale terminal market in the United States sits on the bank of the East River on Hunts Point in New York City, looking across to Riker's Island. The New York City Terminal Produce Co-Operative Market has been at Hunts Point for over 35 years, serving the New York metropolitan area with its ethnically diverse population that is estimated at more than 16 million people. It is estimated that the revenues exceed $1.75 billion annually, which is more than any other produce market in the world.

CLOVIS, CA -- Pasquale (Pat) Ricchiuti, founder of P-R Farms, here, and father of the company's current president, Patrick Ricchiuti, died Sunday, July 27, in Fresno, CA. He was 88.

Mr. Ricchiuti was born Jan. 7, 1920, in Rochester, NY. His family later moved to California and began farming, and as a young man, he began working on the family farm.

BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Western Veg-Produce Inc., here, has been involved in buying and selling grapes for around 13 years, and has supplemented that with a small grower deal for about the last four years.

But for the 2008 season, Western Veg-Pro will be representing some significant volume from two grape growers.