"The winter is going very well," said Bruce Heeren of Michigan Fresh Marketing LLC in Belding, MI. "Demand has been strong since the start. Apples are holding in storage just fine. The inventory will ship into July, like normal. And the prices, I'd say, are right in line with a year ago or slightly higher on some things. Movement is very good."

Capitalizing on its highly diversified agricultural and real estate operations, two of Duda's primary agricultural divisions -- fresh fruits and vegetables and frozen processed vegetables and beverages -- will become wholly owned subsidiaries of the corporation in 2006.

New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers announced his resignation from state service, effective Dec. 11, 2005. Mr. Rudgers has led the department of agriculture and markets since June 1999.

"I am blessed to have had the experience of working for Governor Pataki, who has expanded the opportunities for farmers and the agricultural sector in New York," Mr. Rudgers said. "It has been my pleasure to lead a skilled and dedicated team at the department of agriculture and markets."

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced recently plans to purchase up to 6 million pounds of dried fig pieces to be donated to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs.

In fiscal year 2005, which ended Sept. 30, USDA purchased 5 million pounds of figs. USDA purchased nearly 4.9 million pounds of figs in FY04 and 3.7 million pounds of figs in FY03.

MAITLAND, FL -- Thanks to the efforts of Florida's congressional delegation, the state's agricultural producers will receive at least $200 million to assist in post-hurricane cleanup and conservation efforts, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson announced at the end of December.

Money to fund the disaster relief package will generally come from Section 32 dollars. USDA's Section 32 program earmarks a portion of customs receipts to aid the farm sector.