SALINAS, CA -- Tanimura & Antle, based here, has unveiled upgraded food- safety measures for its growers to follow, which became effective Dec. 21.

These measures include increased minimum-distance requirements from potential risks, tightened standard operating procedures for crops near flood risks, managing use of certified compost, increased water quality testing and stricter pre-planting ranch assessments.

If truly there is such a thing as a win-win proposition, it might be the new environmentally friendly grocery bags being promoted by several companies including Earthwise Bag Co. Inc. in Commerce, CA.

A very strong and cold trough of low pressure will drop southward into California's Central Valley late this week and this coming weekend.

The citrus industry in the Central Valley is particularly concerned. Lows Thursday, Jan. 11, will remain close to 30 with clouds and rain and possibly snow showers. The cool and wet conditions will continue into Friday, Jan. 12, with highs in the mid-40s and lows in the mid- to upper 20s Friday night.

SALINAS, CA -- Tom Koster, who in January 2006 stepped into the newly created position of vice president of sales and shipping for Salinas, CA-based Mann Packing Co., has left the company to run Koster Communications, a firm he founded with his wife, Lorri Koster, who is currently co-chairman of Mann Packing Co.

No replacement for Mr. Koster has been named and a search has yet to be launched.

WASHINGTON -- The stalled immigration reform effort may get a jump-start early in the new Congress as Senate backers of comprehensive reform are drafting a new bill, sources said.

This news cannot be more welcomed by fruit and vegetable growers facing a worsening labor shortage.

The Produce Alliance announced the addition of two Florida-based foodservice produce distributors.

Downtown Produce in Melbourne, FL, and Produce Distribution Center in Jacksonville, FL, have recently joined Produce Alliance in order to position themselves to service a very large region of the state that will allow the alliance to service the entire east coast of Florida.