What would you do if presented with an opportunity to significantly improve the health of America's children while increasing your sales at the same time?

The United Research & Education Foundation has chosen to launch Project Fresh Start, a new three-year, $500,000-per-year program to help the next generation of children double their fresh produce consumption to meet today's dietary goals and stem the tide of childhood obesity.

In May 2003, fresh out of college and armed with a bachelor's degree in food science with a concentration in fermentation science, Roger Ortega had plans to use his new skills at a rather well-known St. Louis beermaking operation.

"I had interviewed to work with Anheuser-Busch and wanted eventually to return to the Northwest to open a brewpub/ microbrewery," Mr. Ortega said recently.

Promoting its 22nd annual Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival, set for July 14-16 at the Walla Walla County Fairgrounds in Walla Walla, WA, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee will be giving away the coveted Sweety plush toy at this year's United Produce Show.

The committee will occupy booth 11314 at the May 6-9 United convention and expo, and Director of Marketing Kathryn Fry said that the committee will use the event to further the onion's overall presence in the industry.

As new avenues are opening for Pink Lady America in foodservice and slicing, where smaller-sized product can be used, Marketing Director Alan Taylor said that the company is also exploring markets for high-end juice drinks.

A push is on to brand product, which Mr. Taylor said is the wave of the future for the produce industry. Also, with consolidation in the global marketplace, Mr. Taylor said that Pink Lady America is looking to combine trademarks and varieties.

Keith Matthews, director of grower development for L&M Cos.' Selah, WA, office, said that a marketing agreement executed with Broetje Orchards will bring a substantial volume of apples and cherries to the market this year.

Broetje Orchards, which markets under the "FirstFruits" label, is one of the world's larger privately owned orchards with a total of 5,000 acres of conventional production in Prescott, WA. The operation also recently transitioned an additional 550 acres of orchards in Wallula, WA, to certified organic production.

PHILADELPHIA -- Field workers can be among the beneficiaries of a new natural mosquito repellant patch now being marketed by AgraCo Technologies International LLC in Lafayette Hill, PA.

David Webster, AgraCo's chief executive officer, met with The Produce News April 18 to discuss this latest product to be marketed by his firm, whose products include ethylene filters and fly traps.