Widespread wildfires and even more widespread fierce Santa Ana winds in Southern California early in the week of Oct. 21 caused damage -- in some cases severe damage -- to thousands of acres of avocados and other crops. But the scope of the damage to the state's total avocado crop is now believed to be less than some in the industry initially feared and much lower than some early news reports indicated.

Country Fresh Inc., a leading manufacturer and distributor of fresh-cut produce and ready-to-eat meal solutions based in Houston, introduced a new line of snack packs combining varieties of fruits, vegetables and cheeses with Labrada Nutrition Hi-Protein granola bars.

Country Fresh's new snack packs come in four varieties featuring apples, grapes, celery, carrots and sharp cheddar cheese cubes.

Each snack pack includes one of two flavors of the Labrada Hi-Protein Granola Bars, which boast 20 grams of protein each.

WASHINGTON -- With the Senate slated to debate the farm bill during the week of Nov. 5, President Bush named former North Dakota Gov. Ed Schafer as his choice to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The two-term former governor would replace Acting Secretary Chuck Conner, who was installed when Mike Johanns quit the job in September to run for the Senate. Mr. Schaefer would have to be confirmed by the Senate before leading the USDA. In the coming weeks, questions will be raised about his position on key issues before Congress.

From global management to its product line, a wide set of changes will be implemented at Chiquita Brands International Inc.

The Cincinnati-based company announced Oct. 29 sweeping changes designed to accelerate its previously announced strategy to become the "global leader in healthy, fresh foods."

The company said that this business restructuring is designed to improve its profitability by consolidating operations and simplifying its overhead structure to improve efficiency, stimulate innovation and further enhance focus on customers and consumers.

Pro*Act, a leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry based in Monterey, CA, announced that Nick Proia has been promoted to vice president of sales. He assumes the responsibilities from Steve Finberg, who recently stepped down to accept a senior executive role at Adams Produce, one of Pro*Act's distribution companies.

Mr. Proia has over 20 years experience in the industry, holding sales and management positions in foodservice produce distribution, value-added processing and product development. Most recently, he was client services director for Pro*Act.

Widespread wildfires and even more widespread fierce Santa Ana winds in Southern California early in the week of Oct. 21 caused damage, and in some cases severe damage, to thousands of acres of avocados and other crops. But the scope of the damage to the state's total avocado crop is now believed to be lower than some in the industry initially feared and much lower than some early news reports indicated.