THERMAL, CA " One of the larger table grape grower-shipper operations in the Coachella Valley " Rivera Vineyards " has removed itself from the 2005 fresh table grape shipping season, which is set to start in early May.

The grocery industry and consumer press seem to be inundated with stories about the advantages of in-store sampling lately.

One Florida newspaper article recently sang its praises, outlining efforts by stores with pepper jelly and cream cheese on pretzels, French bread with a dipping sauce, and a pre-mixed meatloaf.

WASHINGTON - Coming from Nebraska, USDA Secretary Mike Johanns admitted he was not up to speed with fresh fruit and vegetable industry issues at a March 29 meeting with leaders of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association.

But United President Tom Stenzel said that the new secretary was very supportive, asked many questions and expressed interest in touring produce operations to become more familiar with an industry that will be demanding more attention from USDA in the upcoming farm bill debate.

SunSelect Produce in Aldergrove, BC, is the latest greenhouse producer to join marketing forces with Vancouver, BC-based The Oppenheimer Group. Oppenheimer signed a multi-year agreement with SunSelect in mid-March, and began shipping the first bell peppers grown by its new partner a week later.

?My brother and I, in a friendly move, split and went different directions," Michael Cutler told The Produce News on April 11, a week after his new firm, Michael Cutler Co. in Olyphant, PA, began its operations.

Mr. Cutler, who has been in the produce business for 37 years, was previously associated with his brother, Harris Cutler, in Race West Co. and Philip G. Ball Co. in Clarks Summit, PA.

Harris Cutler succinctly and simply commented to The Produce News: "We wish Michael and his employees great success in their new venture."

NEWARK, DE -- Fruits and vegetables are the centerpiece of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new food guidance system that will be used to help the public understand and use the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and make more healthful choices among the foods they eat, including greater consumption of fruits and vegetables.