Produce Traceability Demo Center a hot spot at United Fresh 2009
LAS VEGAS -- The United Fresh Produce Association wasn't really gambling when it came up with the timely idea to showcase a Produce Traceability Demo Center, here, at United Fresh 2009.
Bob Gray to step down as CEO of Duda Farm Fresh Foods
OVIEDO, FL -- Bob Gray has announced that he will step down as chief executive officer of Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., effective June 1. He will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through Aug. 1.
Mr. Gray's decision comes at a time when the company is planning to consolidate its diversified business unit leadership teams here.
Oppenheimer enters partnership with California citrus grower
A new partnership with Golden Maid Packers in Strathmore, CA, has added domestic citrus to items shipped by Vancouver, BC-based The Oppenheimer Group.
According to a press release from Oppenheimer, California-grown Valencia and Navel oranges and lemons will begin shipping in early May, marking the first time the "Oppenheimer" brand has appeared on domestically grown citrus.
Cal Giant to take on Lance Armstrong
WATSONVILLE, CA -- The California Giant Berry Farms cycling team will be competing this weekend (May 2-3) at the Tour of the Gila in Silver City, NM. This five-stage road race has been a favorite of the team for the past several years, but this year might be a little more memorable for the riders.
Produce industry to tee it up against diabetes at Don Strock Golf Classic
Those who know about football know that Don Strock was one of the National Football League's great backup quarterbacks. That is not a slight.
United introduces 15th class of the Produce Industry Leadership Program
WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association announced April 28 the 12 new candidates selected to take part in the 2009-10 United Fresh Produce Industry Leadership Program.
A yearlong program that teaches leadership skills to future industry leaders, the Produce Industry Leadership Program will welcome the following professionals to its 15th class:
Event at Walmart welcomes California-grown avocados and strawberries
Spring is in the air, which means fresh California-grown avocados and strawberries are hitting the produce aisles at Walmart Supercenters throughout California, including in Hemet.
In recognition of spring's bounty, Walmart hosted Hemet Mayor Eric McBride and Riverside Deputy Agriculture Secretary Ron Bray April 16 to highlight the partnership between Walmart and California farmers, as well as to encourage customers to take advantage of fresh, locally grown avocados and strawberries available at their local Walmart Supercenter.
Coalition seeks increase in national truck weight limits
Members of the Coalition for Transportation Productivity traveled to Capitol Hill in mid-April to talk with congressional leaders and regulators about reforms that could make the national transportation system more efficient.
Matt Harris, director of trade for the Washington State Potato Commission, said, "The whole thought is to use the system as it exists." For this reason, he said, the coalition supports an increase of the national truck weight limit to 97,000 pounds from 80,000 pounds. The weight increase would necessitate that trucks operate with three sets of axles.
California farmers and farmworkers march for water
If U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar expected to hear cheers from farmers and farmworkers when he came to California April 15 to announce $260 million in federal funding for California water projects, he was disappointed.
Even as the announcement was being made, an estimated 10,000 farmers and farmworkers were engaged in a four-day march to the nearly empty San Luis Reservoir to protest water cuts that have forced more than 300,000 acres of cropland out of production and eliminated thousands of jobs.
IPC represents industry at seventh World Potato Congress
Idaho Potato Commission President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Muir represented the Idaho potato industry on the international front as a speaker at the seventh World Potato Congress March 23 in Christchurch, New Zealand. Mr. Muir was invited to speak to more than 400 potato industry delegates from around the world on the future of processed potato products, an important trend in the on-the-go world.