NAPLES, FL -- While food safety remained top of mind, Florida growers, shippers and distributors of fresh produce were equally concerned with how to best market their offerings during rocky economic times when they gathered Sept. 18-21 for the 67th annual Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association convention at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, here.

While food safety had a spot on the docket, Florida producers also focused on topics like enhanced selling techniques and using social media to improve business.

WASHINGTON -- The produce industry needs to support the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food campaign as the Obama administration continues to put fruits and vegetables "front and center" at the USDA, Kathleen Merrigan, deputy secretary of agriculture, said Sept. 16 at a meeting of the United Fresh Produce Association, here.

WASHINGTON -- A day after the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference wrapped up, Deputy Agriculture Secretary Kathleen Merrigan announced the award of $55 million in specialty block grants, a 10 percent increase over last year.

Wada Farms Marketing Group LLC in Idaho Falls, ID, markets potatoes not only in cartons and bags but also in an assortment of special retail packs.

In the past, the company has offered "what we called 'Easy Steamer,'“ with 1.5 pounds of potatoes in a microwavable bag, said Kevin Stanger, senior vice president of sales and marketing. “This year we transitioned" from the “Easy Steamer” into a new one-pound microwavable product called “Microwave in Bag!” It is available in red and yellow varieties.

Imported berries seemingly are marching off ships and airplanes and right into consumers' shopping carts.

Andy Gustavson, produce manager for Ben Lomond Market in Ben Lomond, CA, and produce supervisor for sister store Scotts Valley Market in nearby Scotts Valley, CA, told The Produce News Sept. 7 that he "keeps all varieties of berries in stock year round."

Blueberries have "mushroomed into such a big element" no matter where they are from, Mr. Gustavson said. "Blueberries are so international, I don't worry about getting blueberries."

Working on multiple fronts to maintain an elevated profile among both buyers and consumers, the Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee has an ambitious marketing campaign that involves media, social networking and the world of high tech.

Recently returned from filming a segment of Lifetime Network's "Balancing Act" with show host Danielle Knox, IEOOC Marketing Director Sherise Jones said that the campaign is in full gear, with the first airing of "Farm to Plate" on "The Balancing Act" to have aired Sept. 24 and the second to telecast Oct. 22.