WASHINGTON -- After discounting green onions, health officials now believe the most likely source of the Taco Bell outbreak is lettuce, which could deal another crippling blow to an industry struggling to regain buyer and consumer confidence.

Grand Junction, MI-based MBG Marketing's board of directors hired Frank G. Bragg III for its chief executive officer position to take effect Jan. 2. Mr. Bragg has been working closely with E. Kirk McCreary, the current CEO, to ensure a smooth and productive transition for the blueberry promoting organization.

The selection of Mr. Bragg culminated a search process initiated by the board in February. A special selection committee, assisted by one of the top executive placement firms in the produce industry, conducted a national search to identify the right candidate.

VANCOUVER, BC -- BC Hot House Foods Inc., here, and Greenhouse Produce Co. LLC. in Vero Beach, FL, jointly announced Dec. 13 the formation of their new sales and marketing company.

The grower-owned company will market all greenhouse produce grown by the producers of both companies. The company will be led by President Brian Beggs; sales and marketing will be directed by Vice President of Sales and Marketing Fried De Schouwer.

Tanya Fell was appointed executive director of the Colorado Onion Association on Nov. 1. Her appointment follows the resignation of Vickie Root, who stepped down from the position to pursue a career in real estate.

"I am very honored to work for the COA," Ms. Fell stated. "I have missed the onion industry and am very excited to be involved again."

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing another rate hike to certify fresh fruits and vegetables at terminal markets and is promising more increases to follow.

The proposed 15 percent increase, which amounts to an additional $2.4 million, is needed to help cover program costs, maintain adequate reserves and update technology, according to USDA. Agriculture officials inspect, grade and certify fresh fruits and vegetables and other products on a voluntary, user-fee basis.

Bell peppers and other row crops in California's Coachella Valley suffered damage as a result of a cold snap that began in the area around Nov. 29.

The extent of the damage in part depends on where crops lie in the Coachella Valley and how long the cold lasts. Temperatures dipped to below freezing the morning of Dec. 5, and similar conditions were also being experienced in California's Imperial Valley.