Cimino Brokerage Co., a firm based in Salinas, CA, that mostly sells broccoli, green onions and other vegetables grown in Mexico, filed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition in a U.S. Bankruptcy Court in San Jose, CA, in late November.

OXNARD, CA -- The world's largest fresh-cut onion processing plant is the topic of a "How It's Made" segment appearing 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, on Discovery's Science Channel (check local listings to confirm the time). The "How It's Made" series presents behind-the-scenes views of interesting and unusual manufacturing processes from around the world.

TALLAHASSEE, FL -- Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced Dec. 9 that the Florida citrus industry has overwhelmingly voted to continue funding a self-imposed tax to conduct important research for another six years.

Consensus was reached through a statewide referendum that concluded Dec. 9.

PORTLAND, OR -- Kevin Moffitt, president and chief executive officer of the Pear Bureau Northwest, has been named chairman of the U.S. Agricultural Export Development Council.

Dwight Ferguson has been named chief executive officer and president of Naturipe Farms, effective Jan. 4, 2010.

Mr. Ferguson, who left a similar position at Eurofresh Inc., Willcox, AZ, last month, takes over for Rich Amirsehhi, who has been serving as interim CEO since the departure of Bruce Peterson earlier this year.

Prime Produce International LLC, an avocado importer, packer and marketer founded in 2004 by Avi Crane, filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy Dec. 4 in U.S. Bankruptcy Court Central District of California in Santa Ana, CA, and ceased operation as of the same date.

The bankruptcy petition was filed by the company's attorney, John T. Hanson of San Francisco. Bankruptcy trustee is John M. Wolfe of Irvine, CA. The case is assigned to Judge Robert N. Kwan.