WASHINGTON -- Eighteen new produce industry members have been tapped to help advise the U.S. Department of Agriculture on policy issues that can affect how produce companies do business.

The 25-member committee attempts to mirror the industry by naming grower-shippers, wholesalers, retailers, trade association members, importers, produce processors, foodservice suppliers, fresh-cut processors, brokers and state departments of agriculture.

Pro*Act, a leading Monterey, CA-based fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry, has appointed Nick Proia as regional director of client services.

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services Charles H. Bronson has received word from top U.S. Department of Agriculture officials that it no longer believes that it is possible to eradicate citrus canker.

Officials said that based on USDA's scientific analysis of the potential spread of the disease from the unprecedented 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, a new management plan must be devised.

In a joint announcement made Jan. 2, Potandon Produce and Murakami Produce Co. said their new partnership is projected to strengthen the supply base of both companies and expand marketing opportunities.

Idaho Falls, ID-based Potandon is the exclusive marketer of "Green Giant Fresh" brand potatoes and onions in North America and for Sunspiced potatoes. The company occupies a position as market share leader in Idaho with over 35,000 dedicated acres and garners 10 percent of market share in the United States.

PLACENTIA, CA -- Prime Produce International LLC, here, a year-round supplier of domestic and imported avocados, announced that it has invested in the H&H Avocado Co. in Yorba Linda, CA, and will be marketing fruit packed by H&H in both the "H&H" and "Prime Produce" labels.

All 16 varieties of baby lettuce that comprise the gourmet salad mixes from Bab? Farms are now available with organic certification.

In a collaboration with organic lettuce grower Produce International Marketing in Salinas, CA, Bab? is meeting its club store customer orders with the entire current crop available to it at this time.

The organic salad blends will be sold and packaged under the established "Bab? Farms Spring Mix" brand with a green label in a one-pound clamshell package.