If raw figures weren't enough, a clear signal that organic produce is on the rise is a revelation by the nation's largest retailer that it will be doubling the offerings in its "organic cluster" stores.

Ron McCormick, vice president and divisional merchandise manager for produce and floral for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in Bentonville, AR, told The Produce News that in the week following Easter (April 16), the retailer will be significantly increasing the SKUs in its organic produce sections.

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Participants of two recent field tours had an opportunity to visit two of Florida's premier grower-shippers, where they saw produce growing in the fields and under glass, watched packinglines in action and heard about the latest advances in celery research.

The all-day field tours held March 3 were part of the Southeast Produce Council's annual conference and expo, held here March 2-4.

Plant City, FL-based William Manis Co. announced the opening of a Vero Beach sales office.

Lloyd Rosen, vice president of the firm, told The Produce News that it has been put in place to function as a sales arm to help the company in its future strategies. Newly hired sales associate Gary Parris, a veteran in the produce industry, will head the office.

The California Tree Fruit Agreement in Reedley, CA, which represents growers of California peaches, nectarines and plums, has learned that the Australian government will "try to fast track opening Australia to our fruits," Dale Janzen, field director for the CTFA, told The Produce News March 8.

That news comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this year that China had opened its doors to California plums.

The Vidalia, GA-based Vidalia Onion Committee decided it was time that the famous onions it promotes had a recognizable image.

"Consumers know the value of a Vidalia, and they're looking for us by name in stores," said VOC Executive Director Wendy Brannen. "But for several years now, we've had bits and pieces of old marketing campaigns left floating around the country."

SALINAS, CA -- The National Steinbeck Center Museum, here, received a $2 million donation from Rabobank, a leading bank serving the global food and agriculture industry with retail branches throughout California, in a ceremony held March 7 at the center.