SALINAS, CA -- California Leafy Greens Research Program is a new marketing order that replaces the longtime California Lettuce Research Board and now includes spinach and spring mix.

The program's fiscal year began April 1 and operates under the California Department of Food & Agriculture, which oversaw the Salinas, CA-based California Lettuce Research Board.

"There are a million things going on at Frieda's," said Karen Caplan, president and chief executive officer of Frieda's Inc. in Los Alamitos, CA. "And some, like our 46th anniversary, are especially exciting. My mother, Frieda Caplan, started in business on April 2, 1962. Although every day is a celebration at Frieda's, this makes the day extra special."

Ms. Caplan said that the company held a national sales meeting and then a celebratory luncheon, which included employees from other areas of the country.

Castroville, CA-based Ocean Mist Farms is sparking the beginning of the peak artichoke season with several new marketing activities this spring.

With good-size artichokes and strong volume projected, Ocean Mist Farms is supporting sales with activities such as in-store demos, grower appearances, display contests and consumer outreach focused on educating shoppers about how to eat artichokes.

Longtime Salinas Valley industry leader Thomas Monroe Merrill died Tuesday, April 8, after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. He was 79.

It has been 25 years since the fresh produce industry was in Las Vegas, the No. 1 convention city in the world. This year, for the first time, United Fresh Produce Association is co-locating its two expositions -- FreshTech and Fresh Marketplace -- to bring more of the entire produce supply chain to Vegas.

CLOVIS, CA -- Ballantine Produce Co. Inc. and P-R Farms Inc. have announced a strategic arrangement whereby, beginning with the current growing season, Ballantine will manage the farming and be responsible for the packing and marketing of P-R Farms' stone fruit.