CASTROVILLE, CA -- As part of an ongoing commitment to sustainable agriculture, Ocean Mist Farms, a leading grower of artichokes and other fresh vegetables, has formed an alliance with an environmental group in Monterey County to convert farmland into wetlands.

The unusual alliance, called a "convergence of interests" by those involved, started in 2006 when Hugo Tottino and his partners, owners of Ocean Mist Farms, agreed to sell 183 acres of farmland to the Elkhorn Slough Foundation for much less than the land's market value for Salinas Valley.

For the second year, Yakima, WA-based Sage Fruit Co. and its regional retail partners have seen a significant uptick in their apple sales as the result of Sage's produce department display contest.

Sage President Chuck Sinks said that the contest ran from early January through late February and involved approximately two dozen retail stores in the Upper Midwest.

"We introduced the Ojai Pixie tangerine to America in 2002," said Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa's/World Variety Produce in Los Angeles. "We are now entering our sixth season, and we are geared up for the continued increase in demand."

Mr. Schueller said that the Ojai Pixie is "the best tasting fruit out there." He described the flavor as a cross between a King and a Dancy tangerine.

New long-term agreements in Africa will help Chiquita Brands International overcome European duty issues, which have plagued "dollar" banana suppliers for many years.

Chiquita, based in Cincinnati, announced March 4 long-term strategic associations in Africa for the export of bananas to the company's core European markets from Angola with ESCOM, a member of Grupo Espirito Santo, and from Mozambique with Matanuska Africa Limited.

Responding to increased demand at retail, Rainier Fruit Co. in Selah, WA, has ramped up its organic production and expects to double volumes of blueberries and cherries in 2008, according to Director of Marketing Suzanne Wolter.

Ms. Wolter said that the two items run simultaneously, with first shipments expected in early to mid-June. Both organic blueberries and cherries will ship into late July this season, although Ms. Wolter noted that new blueberry plantings will take the season into August in coming years.

The Southeast Produce Council has moved into a new and larger office, reflecting the growth it has experienced since it was founded in 1999.

The council, which began looking for new space about a year ago, moved March 1 into a 1,000-square-foot office in Riverview, FL, just south of Tampa, according to SPC Executive Director Terry Vorhees.

The council is also looking to hire a part-time employee, which will allow Mr. Vorhees to "get out on the road to visit members more often," he said. Mr. Vorhees hopes to have that person in place by around June 1.