Seald Sweet International LLC, a leading citrus marketer based in Vero Beach, FL, announced several high-level executive changes, including the appointment of the first female chief executive officer in its 98-year history.

Mayda Sotomayor, who previously held the title of senior vice president, is now chief executive officer. Ms. Sotomayor was promoted to senior vice president of Seald Sweet in 2004, having been the company's director of import sales since 2000. For 11 years prior to that, she developed the import program of Great American Farms in Pompano Beach, FL.

Bill Brewer, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission, said that potato growers are looking for a return to normal production in 2007. "So far, we're happy with the quality," Mr. Brewer told The Produce News. "Potato growers are pretty happy with their crops at this time."

In 2006, Oregon potato growers experienced a weather rollercoaster. Planting was delayed during a wet, cool spring. Temperatures then began to climb before a second cooling trend set in. In July, the mercury shot up.

The Washington Apple Commission is expecting the 2007-08 apple crop to be down approximately 3 percent when compared to 2006-07, which is expected to finish around 98.9 million boxes.

Nearly three years ago, a study conducted at the University of California at Los Angeles and published in the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry found that "nutrients in avocados can work together to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells."

SUN VALLEY, ID -- The Idaho Potato Commission announced initiatives for its 2007-08 season that include the release of two new commercials with spokesperson Denise Austin and the launch of a major cable television commercial campaign expected to make over a billion consumer impressions nationwide.

The commission, which is now in its 70th year of operation, announced the developments as part of its overall action plan for 2007-08 during the 79th annual meeting of the Idaho Grower-Shipper Association, held here Aug. 29-31.

On the one-year anniversary of the spinach recall, Congress has turned its attention in recent weeks to front-page news about China imports and is likely to pass legislation that will place new requirements on food importers.

But the produce industry is aware that one more outbreak during the coming weeks could redirect the attention of lawmakers to legislate a fix.