Obama names former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack to run USDA
WASHINGTON -- President-elect Barack Obama has named former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack as his choice to run the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Mr. Vilsack, who served two terms as Iowa's Democratic governor and who represented a state known for growing corn and soybeans, has been tabbed to run a department facing critical energy, agriculture and nutrition issues.
At a Dec. 17 press conference in Chicago, President-elect Obama said that his nominee for secretary of agriculture was a leader in clean energy and an advocate for policies that protect family farms.
Valencia citrus industry calls on Delaware River trade
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ -- The citrus industry of Valencia, Spain, descended Dec. 17 on the Gloucester Marine Terminal with considerable force.
The Holt family, owners of Holt Logistics Corp in Gloucester City, NJ, including the terminal on the Delaware River, hosted a delegation of about 25 visitors from Valencia. Many representatives of the Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York produce import trade were present to meet them. A strong media representation was also present.
Award honors chefs and companies for produce excellence
The competition is underway to honor companies and chefs among the foodservice industry's top produce performers in the United Fresh Research & Education Foundation's Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards.
Five winning chefs and their corporate executives will receive complimentary airfare, two nights' hotel accommodation and an all access convention pass to United Fresh 2009, slated for April 21-24 in Las Vegas, NV, where the winners will receive their awards at the chairman's reception and awards banquet Thursday evening, April 23.
Boston area customers hit by ice storm
An ice storm that struck New England Dec. 11-12 hit the distant suburbs of the city.
Camilo Pe?alosa, vice president of Infinite Herbs in Everett, MA, said Dec. 15 that the iciest and most treacherous part of the storm was generally limited to the Interstate 495 ring around the northern and western suburbs of Boston.
Sun World appoints Robertson sales and marketing VP; Aiton assumes new merchandising role
BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Sun World International LLC has named Gordon L. Robertson its vice president of sales and marketing, Chief Marketing Officer David Marguleas announced in mid-December.
Mr. Robertson assumes responsibility for all U.S. and international sales and marketing activities and staff. He joins Sun World from Campbell Soup Co., where he spent 20 years in various sales and trade marketing management roles and where he most recently served as vice president of joint business planning.
Obama urged to swiftly name FDA commissioner to shore up agency
WASHINGTON -- President-elect Barack Obama should move fast to name a U.S. Food & Drug Administration commissioner if the administration "hopes to hit the ground running" on key issues, such as tightening import regulation, according to a Nov. 24 letter to Mr. Obama's transition team from the Alliance for a Stronger FDA, an umbrella group of 180 consumer, industry and health organizations advocating more money for FDA.
Georgia Watermelon Association annual meeting planned
The Georgia Watermelon Association is making plans for its annual meeting and Watermelon Queen Contest, which will be held Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 at the Lake Blackshear Resort & Golf Club in Cordele, GA. The event offers exhibits, networking, recreational opportunities and educational sessions designed to bring the most up-to-date and relevant information to the watermelon industry.
L.C. Fruit & Legumes Inc. continues to grow in Montreal
Though his family's roots in produce run deep, Luc Charbonneau got his start in produce the old-fashioned way: selling bananas from the back of his car.
Capital City Fruit's succession plan successfully completed
Family-owned fresh produce distributor Capital City Fruit Co. in Des Moines, IA, has completed the transition of company leadership to the third generation of the Comito family, just in time to celebrate its 60th anniversary in 2009.
WGA partners with Texas Produce Association on health insurance
In concert with the Texas Produce Association, Western Growers Assurance Trust will be offering health insurance plans developed for companies in Texas beginning Jan. 1.
WGAT, which is a non-profit entity, has been providing health plans designed to meet the needs of agricultural customers since 1957. Previously, it had operated in California and Arizona providing services for Western Growers Association members in those two states.