In an initiative that dates back to 2003, Watsonville, CA-based Driscoll Strawberry Associates expects to have all its growers meet EurepGap certification by the end of 2005, regardless of the region in which they operate.

PHILADELPHIA -- "The produce building will begin about here."

It was an extraordinary bus tour. The "street beneath the wheels of the big bus was the now-unused runway of Philadelphia's abandoned navy yard. The brambles to the right will be converted into the world's most modern fresh produce market before 2008.

Sonny DiCrecchio, executive director of the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market, was the tour guide. Aboard the bus were Philadelphia's produce merchants.

Continuing its restructuring and downsizing, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc., based in Montvale, NJ, ended its employment relationship with Ken Green, vice president of produce merchandising, as well as a number of other people at that level, on Monday, Sept. 26.

The "retreat" (my name for it) at the Pro Institute held Sept. 18-21 in Volcano, CA, was both peaceful and exhilarating.

There were no TVs, no telephones, no radios and no newspapers at the 100-year-old St. George Hotel. No one had cell phone recepti on either except for magical William from Passion Flowers, who somehow could call Colombia.

I was not jealous. I loved the serenity of this historic place -- the buildings of the town have been maintained or restored to their original 19th century gl ory and gorgeous gardens abound.

SALINAS, CA -- Dole Fresh Vegetables, a division of Dole Food Co. Inc., announced that it is cooperating with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Minnesota and California departments of health regarding an investigation of an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7, between Sept. 13, and Sept. 19, in the Minneapolis/St Paul area of Minnesota.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association based in Maitland and Western Growers Association in Irvine, CA, announced Sept. 28 that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will increase cooperation, collaboration and the sharing of some member services between their organizations.