Industry veteran Stanley Scarborough of SunnyRidge Farm dies at age 57
Stanley Scarborough, 57, a berry industry veteran, died April 29 after a battle with cancer at Appling HealthCare System in Baxley, GA.
Industry rallies at 84th CPMA convention
TORONTO -- They came for the strong networking opportunities. They came for the quality business sessions. They came for the engaging speakers and the entertaining receptions.
Whatever the reason, members of the produce industry rallied in the face of the challenging economy and came to the 84th annual Canadian Produce Marketing Association Convention and Trade Show, held here May 6-8.
Processing of H-2A visas resumes in Mexico
Processing of H-2A visas for workers in Mexico resumed May 12 as Mexico eased restrictions in the wake of the H1N1 flu outbreak, but the disruption in seasonal workers may cause some businesses to rethink the cumbersome H- 2A program, said Frank Gasperini, president of the National Council of Agricultural Employers. "We've heard theres a week or two" of backlogged visas, Mr. Gasperini told The Produce News May 13. The U.S. embassies shut down when the Mexican government announced measures to limit large congregations to prevent the spread of the virus.
Red Zoo says bankruptcy not in its plans
While some industry news sources reported the first week of May that Red Zoo Marketing, a producer and shipper of greenhouse vegetables, had already -- or had plans -- to file for bankruptcy, Jay Colasanti, president and co-owner of the Kingsville, ON-based firm, told The Produce News that filing for bankruptcy protection is not currently in the company's plans.
CDFA official appointed AMS administrator
The California Department of Food & Agriculture's deputy secretary of legislation and policy, Rayne Pegg, has been appointed administrator of the U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Marketing Service. "Rayne has served the people of California admirably through her legislative work here at CDFA, including areas such as invasive pests, organic farming and food safety," CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura said in a press release.
Wayne E. Bailey Produce donates sweet potatoes through national TV show
ABC's "Good Morning America" show is currently conducting what it calls the "GMA $15 Dinner Dare" series. The segment highlights celebrity chefs, such as Mario Batali, who prepare meals with ingredients that cost under $15.
Affiliated Foods Southwest and produce subsidiary file bankruptcy protection
Affiliated Foods Southwest Inc. and its subsidiary Produce Pre-Pak, both headquartered in Little Rock, AR, filed separate voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy petitions.
Ballantine closure leaves fruit growers and marketing personnel looking for a home
Ballantine Produce Co. Inc., headquartered in Sanger, CA, has closed its packing and marketing operations but will continue its farming operations, according to industry sources. It is not yet clear who will now be packing and marketing the fruit from Ballantine's company orchards or where the outside growers Ballantine represented will be taking their fruit.
Western desert melon deal involves many growing areas
The Western desert melon deal starts in California's Imperial Valley, then moves to Yuma, AZ, before moving to Blythe, CA, and on to Phoenix.
After the Phoenix harvest which starts in mid-June the deal continues to Californias Bakersfield area in late June and the Mendota, CA, area around July 1 for what is referred to as the West Side melon deal. The majority of growers in the desert wrap up harvests there by July 1.
Acreage for California new potatoes holds steady
California 2009 new potato acreage is estimated at 8,375 acres in Kern County, a barely noticeable increase from last year's 8,362 acres. The acreage is an improvement, however, since the 2008 acreage numbers showed a nearly 10 percent decline compared with 2007, according to published data from the Kern County Department of Agriculture. Kern Countys acreage numbers stood at 9,268 acres in 2007.