The Produce Marketing Association, based in Newark, DE, has named Robert Whitaker, one of the produce industry's more respected scientists, as its first chief scientific officer. Dr. Whitaker will direct the creation of PMA's new science-based programs and services at a time when food safety, traceability, sustainability and other science-based issues are moving to the forefront in the produce industry.

WASHINTON -- U.S. Foodservice asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help develop a new testing service for processed produce, and now USDA is offering the new program to other buyers.

Chicago-based U.S. Foodservice is the first company to sign a yearlong agreement with USDA's Agriculture Marketing Service to provide the new quality monitoring program service at several of its distribution centers.

If you're in the Fort Lauderdale area of Florida with your loved one Feb. 14, don't miss dining at Sunfish Grill. Besides wonderful appetizer and entr?e offerings, it is acclaimed for its dessert menu created especially with "love" in mind.

Husband-and-wife team Tony and Erika Sindaco will celebrate Sunfish Grill's 10th anniversary this April. It gained international recognition for its fine cuisine many years ago.

Bonnie Fernandez has been selected as the new executive director of the Center for Produce Safety at the University of California-Davis.

Ms. Fernandez, who currently serves as the executive director of the California Wheat Commission, will assume the new position March 1.

A group of California agriculturists led by the state's secretary of agriculture, A.G. Kawamura, traveled to Cuba in January, and the produce representatives returned believing that there is opportunity to do some business.

Mr. Kawamura's group represented a wide range of commodities, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, raisins, cheese, rice and cotton. He told The Produce News that "California was following the lead of 18 other states in attempting to establish a trading relationship with Cuba."

Consumer interest in fresh organic produce has proven to be a significant driving force for Vitamin Cottage Natural Grocers.

The family-owned company, which began in 1955 as a door-to-door operation in Golden, CO, opened its 26th store Jan. 15 in Colorado Springs, CO. This latest addition expands the company's regional visibility in Colorado and New Mexico.

"It's a very well-prepared store," said Vice President of Marketing Nancy Flynn. "It was a very productive opening. People have been asking for more produce."