U.S. House votes against farm bill by a 195-234 vote
WASHINGTON — Specialty crop producers got bad news Thursday as the U.S. House of Representatives voted 195-234 to reject the 2013 farm bill, raising more uncertainty about whether Congress can agree on a five-year, $940 billion bill this year.
The House leadership failed to bridge the divide as many Democrats voted against the bill because of steep cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as the food stamp program, and many Republicans voted against the measure because of its cost.
Limoneira launching Unleash the Natural Power of Lemons campaign
John Chamberlain, director of marketing for Limoneira, headquartered in Santa Paula, CA, said that the company has been introducing its Unleash the Natural Power of Lemons campaign to its retail, foodservice and wholesale customers.
Village Farms hosts chefs in British Columbia for ‘greenhouse tomato school’
Helen L. Aquino, marketing manager for Village Farms International, headquartered in Eatontown, NJ, told The Produce News that the company recently hosted chefs from several Vancouver Fairmont properties at its Delta, British Columbia greenhouse for a tomato school.
“The gathering consisted of the chefs, cooks and sous-chefs from the local region including the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, The Fairmont Waterfront, The Fairmont Vancouver Airport and Fairmont Pacific Rim,” Aquino said.
Mike and Mike’s continues to grow
Mike and Mike’s, an organic fruit and vegetable distributor based in Woodbridge, Ontario, is celebrating years of constant growth by expanding its product lines and its community involvement. The company has just picked up packaged salads by California-based Organic Girl.
Nature Fresh automated systems ensure peak efficiency
State-of-the-art technology doesn’t come close to describing the thought put into every detail to ensure Nature Fresh Farms is operating at peak efficiency.
The Leamington-based greenhouse operation is one of the largest greenhouse producers in Canada and one of the largest pepper growers in North America.
Loblaw’s Mike Venton discusses industry trends and issues
The Produce News recently sat down with Mike Venton, senior vice president fresh food discount and produce procurement for Loblaw Cos. Ltd, and discussed key priorities for the company, including trends, issues impacting the industry and what qualities they look for in suppliers.
Burnac Produce focuses on partnerships, products and service
Not only is Burnac Produce one of the larger independent wholesalers in Canada, they are also an exclusive supplier of produce for one of the largest food chains in Canada. The Produce News had a chance to sit down with Co-Chief Executive Officers, Lorne Burnett and Domenic Raso for a behind-the-scenes look at what makes Burnac Produce the success it is today and where they are headed in the future.
Bayshore enjoys steady growth
Bayshore Vegetable Shippers continues to enjoy steady growth, as it posts its third consecutive year with double digit numbers.
The company, based in Burlington, Ontario, is reaping the benefits of new packing equipment, new products and new seed varieties. Bayshore represents over 100 local growers and ships fresh produce to retailers and wholesalers in both Canada and the United States.
CPMA hosts National Health Summit in Ottawa, Ontario
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association, in association with the Canadian Public Health Association, hosted a national health summit in Ottawa, Ontario, June 12-13 at the Ottawa Convention Centre.
The event, titled “Increasing Fruit and Vegetable Consumption for a Healthier Canada: Partnerships, Promotion and Policies,” gathered together a wide variety of stakeholders with an interest in increasing fruit and vegetable consumption. The purpose of the summit was to facilitate dialogue among the diverse participants to come up with collaborative action plans.
Ontario greenhouse produce 'jewel-like' says OGVG’s George Gilvesy
Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers have product with exceptional quality this year, which should help growers rebound from slowed movement in 2012 and allow them to make improvements and additions to their facilities.
George Gilvesy, general manager of the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers in Leamington, ON, told The Produce News that the organization has placed a concentrated effort on the launch of this season’s Ontario greenhouse program.