USDA adopts streamlined COOL in new regulations
WASHINGTON -- Produce companies already labeling commodities by country of origin are not expected to be rocked by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's new labeling rule, and those that haven't started will find that USDA tried to minimize hefty regulatory costs.
National Mango Board holds outreach meeting in Brazil
PETROLINA, BRAZIL -- As part of an ongoing outreach program with its member countries, the U.S.-based National Mango Board held an informational meeting for Brazilian growers, shippers and exporters, here, Friday, July 25, in conjunction with an agriculture show that took place in the country's top mango-producing region.
Congressional panel airs problems in Salmonella investigation
WASHINGTON -- A congressional hearing on the role of traceability in the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak took the first stab at exposing the gaps in the investigation and the damage done to the produce industry.
"The poor handling of this outbreak has confused consumers and damaged producers," said Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-CA), who chaired the July 30 House Agriculture Subcommittee hearing.
INDUSTRY VIEWPOINT: Can New York afford to lose the Hunts Point Terminal Market?
The largest wholesale terminal market in the United States sits on the bank of the East River on Hunts Point in New York City, looking across to Riker's Island. The New York City Terminal Produce Co-Operative Market has been at Hunts Point for over 35 years, serving the New York metropolitan area with its ethnically diverse population that is estimated at more than 16 million people. It is estimated that the revenues exceed $1.75 billion annually, which is more than any other produce market in the world.
Pat Ricchiuti, founder of P-R Farms, was 88
CLOVIS, CA -- Pasquale (Pat) Ricchiuti, founder of P-R Farms, here, and father of the company's current president, Patrick Ricchiuti, died Sunday, July 27, in Fresno, CA. He was 88.
Mr. Ricchiuti was born Jan. 7, 1920, in Rochester, NY. His family later moved to California and began farming, and as a young man, he began working on the family farm.
Western Veg-Pro ups grape volume with grower deals
BAKERSFIELD, CA -- Western Veg-Produce Inc., here, has been involved in buying and selling grapes for around 13 years, and has supplemented that with a small grower deal for about the last four years.
But for the 2008 season, Western Veg-Pro will be representing some significant volume from two grape growers.
Mike Carter leaves WPVGA for Bushman's
Two weeks shy of a decade of employment with the Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association in Antigo, WI, Mike Carter has become the chief executive officer of association member Bushman's Inc. in Rosholt, WI.
Mr. Carter, who had been the executive director of the association, told The Produce News July 25 that the association is conducting a national search to find his replacement. Bushman's owner and president, Mitch Bushman, will allow Mr. Carter to serve on the search committee to find his successor.
Sustainability efforts focus of PMA seminar
MONTEREY, CA -- Industry efforts to take steps to address the health and sustainability of the planet were explored in a seminar during the Produce Marketing Association's 27th annual Foodservice Conference & Exposition, held here July 25-27.
The seminar featured a three-person panel that tried to make the issue more concrete with examples of industry efforts toward sustainability. The panel also addressed public perception through surveys and anecdotal examples.
Industry enjoys intimacy of PMA foodservice conference
MONTEREY, CA -- By design, the Produce Marketing Association's foodservice show draws considerably fewer exhibitors and visitors than its annual Fresh Summit conferences.
A little less than 1,500 members attended the association's 27th annual Foodservice Conference & Exposition, held here July 25-27, according to PMA President Bryan Silbermann.
Tropical Storm Edouard looks to bypass agricultural regions
Tropical Storm Edouard was gaining strength today (Aug. 4) as it headed toward Texas and an anticipated date with the coastline Tuesday, Aug. 5.
"At this point, it appears as if it is going to hit landfall pretty far north," said John McClung of the Texas Produce Association. "They are anticipating that it will hit between Corpus Christi and Houston or maybe even north of that toward Louisiana."