SALINAS, CA -- Since 1990, the Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce has presented an agricultural leadership award to the individual, company, group, association or agency that has made the most significant contribution to the Salinas area agricultural community.

The Liberty Fruit Co. Inc. in Kansas City held its ninth annual golf tournament Sept. 22.

The tournament is a way for Liberty Fruit Co. to give back to its community. In the eight previous years, all money raised during the tournament was donated to Children's Mercy Hospital for research, diagnosing and treating intestinal problems in children.

But this year, Liberty Fruit Co. added two additional charities to its donation plan.

It seems fitting that Jeff and Kristine Boullioun named their Oroville, WA, orchard Busy Bee because when it comes time to harvest their mix of organic Asian pear varieties, that is exactly what they emulate.

From implementing organic growing practices in all of their 58 acres to hand- picking and hand-packing each piece of fruit, the Boulliouns work tirelessly to ensure consumers get to experience only the best-tasting Asian pears. The Boulliouns grow fruit exclusively for Stemilt Growers, a leading tree fruit company based in Wenatchee, WA.

Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner announced an 11-year, multi-million dollar land lease between Chiquita Fresh North America and the Diamond State Port Corp. This new 27.6-acre lease will keep Chiquita at the port of Wilmington and in the state of Delaware until July 2019.

Chiquita is a leading international marketer and distributor of high-quality fresh and value-added food products from energy-rich bananas to nutritious blends of convenient green salads. Globally, Chiquita employs over 23,000 people in more than 70 countries.

Ocean Spray celebrated the completion of the expansion of its Wisconsin Rapids, WI, facility, which doubled the plant's size to 440,000 square feet, making it one of the larger cranberry processing plants in the world.

"Ocean Spray is exactly the kind of company we are excited to have here in Wisconsin," Gov. Jim Doyle said in a press release. "I am pleased the state is able to partner with Ocean Spray to expand their facility in Wisconsin Rapids and create 100 jobs for hardworking Wisconsin families."

NAPLES, FL - In the United States, 65 is the magic number that allows many workers to retire with full Social Security benefits. It represents an age that many people look forward to for their ability to slow down and enjoy their golden years.

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, however, is doing anything but slowing down in its 65th year. During its annual convention, held Sept. 21-23 at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, here, the association explored some of the major issues that are confronting the produce industry both in Florida and across the nation.