Red River Valley moving large crop
Despite the impact of frost to the 2012 potato crop from the Red River Valley, the region’s growers are moving their largest crop since 2008. “It would have been larger if we hadn’t lost 2,100 acres to frost late in the harvest,” said Ted Kreis, marketing director for the Northern Plains Potato Growers Association in East Grand Forks, MN. “That cost us a half million hundredweight of potatoes.”
Solar project the latest in sustainability efforts at Bagdasarian
As part of Richard Bagdasarian Inc.'s commitment to sustainability, President Nick Bozick recently employed an advanced 300kW photovoltaic solar energy system at its packinghouse in Mecca, CA.
Earl Cronk, senior category manager for Price Chopper, dies at 45
Earl A. Cronk Jr., a senior category manager for the Golub Corp's Price Chopper division in Schenectady, NY, died of a sudden and massive heart attack Dec. 7. He was 45.
Bryce Edmonson new CEO of Bland Farms
Bland Farms, a sweet onion category leader, appointed Bryce Edmonson the company’s new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 13. Mr. Edmonson brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the nationally recognized sweet onion company and replaces Bruce Peterson, who has served as interim CEO since July 1, 2011. Mr. Peterson will remain on the Bland Farms board of advisors.
Crown Jewels and growers to be seen on Discovery Channel's 'American Farmer'
Crown Jewels Produce LLC in Fresno, CA, will be featured on the Discovery Channel's "American Farmer" broadcast that will air initially on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Standard and Pacific Standard Time, according to a press release from Crown Jewels dated Nov. 30. There will be subsequent airings as well, but dates and times have not yet been specified.
"Crown Jewels was selected by 'American Farmer' to present the bounty of California agriculture and educate consumers across America on where our produce is grown," the release stated.
Customized Brokers’ new cold storage facility nears completion
Customized Brokers, the customs brokerage division of Crowley Marine Corp. in Miami, FL, caters heavily to the clearance of fruits and vegetables coming into the United States.
Nelly Yunta, vice president of U.S. imports, customs brokerage and consulting for the company, said that it is able to clear anything that is imported into the United States.
Sweet Clover shipping full-steam ahead
In the midst of holiday demand, Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA, is shipping a full line of onions now.
The 2012 onion season has kicked into high gear with shipments of organics, sweets and hybrids from Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA.
FPAA names Allison Moore director of legislative and regulatory affairs
Allison Moore has been named director of legislative and regulatory affairs for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, effective Dec. 7.
"Allison increasingly has helped set the tone for FPAA in its in regulatory and legislative issues," Lance Jungmeyer, president of FPAA, said in a press release. "In this role, she will continue to expand her knowledge and activity in these areas."
Donnie Blanton, California produce veteran, dies at 46
Donnie Blanton, a veteran of the California produce industry, died unexpectedly in his sleep Dec. 2 at the age of 46. The cause of death was not disclosed.
Heather Moyse to continue as brand ambassador for Prince Edward Island Potatoes
Heather Moyse, an Olympic gold medalist hailing from Prince Edward Island, will continue her role as brand ambassador for Prince Edward Island Potatoes.
After a successful first year representing Prince Edward Island Potatoes at consumer and trade events across Canada and via social media, Ms. Moyse will be active in promoting PEI potatoes while competing for spots on both Canada's women's Rugby Sevens team as well as Canada's women's bobsled team.