WASHINGTON -- Some fresh fruit and vegetable companies have been pushing Congress to transfer import inspectors back to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but now a group of companies that import Mexican fresh fruits and vegetables say that such a move would be a mistake.

As the barbecues heat up for the summer grilling season, the California Avocado Commission is once again participating as an official sponsor of the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger national recipe contest and cookoff.

This is the fourth year CAC will sponsor and support this popular recipe contest, which presents the ideal setting and opportune timing to increase consumer demand for fresh California avocados in summer grilling activities.

The Washington stone fruit season is off to strong start, and Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers' new two-pound easy punnet packaging is proving to be a hit with consumers.

Meeting July 9 in Orlando, FL, with a group of the industry's larger and more respected foodservice operations, retailers and wholesalers, representatives from the California and Florida fresh tomato industries outlined a comprehensive, coordinated and ongoing effort to unify food-safety practices for U.S. tomatoes.

Ballantine Produce Co., based in Reedley, CA, announced July 3 that Rick Eastes has joined the company, effective July 1.

Mr. Eastes will spearhead the company's launch of its premium "Grower's Table" concept and brand in table grapes from its California production areas.

In a press release, David Albertson, president of Ballantine, called Mr. Eastes a "recognized leader and pioneer in the fresh produce industry with specific experience in the supply and marketing of table grapes from California, the Southern Hemisphere and Latin America."

RIVERHEAD, NY -- Fresh From The Start LLC is ready for another great season of its Maine broccoli.

Now in its 12th year, Fresh From The Start, a division of ADS Management LLC, based here, expects to begin shipping broccoli from Caribou, ME, during the week of July 16.