United announces new volunteer leadership structure
WASHINGTON -- The board of directors of the United Fresh Produce Association has voted to implement a new organizational structure for its volunteer leadership, to be implemented following this year's annual convention, May 4-7 in Las Vegas, NV.
The new structure will consist of four horizontal boards representing different market segments of the produce supply chain, which in turn will roll up into a consolidated overall board of Directors representing the association's membership.
United announces 2008 board leadership
WASHINGTON -- Nick Tompkins of Apio Inc. and chairman of United Fresh Produce Association's board development committee has announced the slate of new officers and directors nominated to serve on United's board of directors, effective at its May 3 meeting.
Ascending to chairman of the board is Tom Lovelace, executive vice president of McEntire Produce, a fresh-cut processor, tomato re-packer and vegetable wholesaler in in Columbia, SC.
Angela Bezon turns passion for farming to United's advantage
Angela Bezon was not actually born in a cabbage patch, but she laughingly describes herself as a "Cabbage Patch Kid." Her mother, Sandy, was visiting her father, Joe, in the fields of the family onion and cabbage farm, Joseph Bezon & Sons in Elba, NY. "As my mom was leaving the cabbage field, she went into labor. People brought me 'Cabbage Patch' dolls in the hospital," Ms. Bezon, the 26-year-old policy and grassroots manager at the United Fresh Produce Association in Washington, DC, said in an interview with The Produce News.
Michigan apple producers vote to continue marketing program
The Michigan Apple Advertising & Promotion Program in April voted to continue operating. Michigan apple producers overwhelmingly voted for the program to continue for at least an additional five years, beginning Sept. 1, 2008, and ending Aug. 31, 2013.
Don Koivisto, director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture in Lansing, MI, announced the vote April 18.
Leger & Son launches 'HarvestMark' watermelon traceability
YottaMark and Label Technique Southeast will be showcasing the unit-level traceability of Leger & Son watermelons at the United Fresh convention May 4-6 in Las Vegas.
Leger & Son Inc., based in Cordele, GA, began delivering unit-level traceability of its watermelons using the "HarvestMark" solution developed by YottaMark Inc. Label Technique Southeast, an authorized YottaMark reseller, will provide the solution including labels pre-coded for traceability.
Farm bill moves closer to passing Congress in May
WASHINGTON -- Farm bill negotiators said they are close to striking a deal on the $300 billion bill and satisfying White House requirements, but the details of a final bill have yet to be released.
Lawmakers have battled with the Bush administration on subsidy limits for wealthy farmers, and President Bush criticized Congress at an April 29 press conference for considering a "massive, bloated farm bill" that would "fail to eliminate subsidy payments to multi-millionaire farmers."
Produce industry shows its stuff at All Things Organic show
Celebrity Chef Bobby Flay kicked off the Organic Trade Association's All Things Organic conference and trade show April 26-29 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Addressing current trends in foodservice, he spoke about how operators can best respond to customer needs and what lies ahead in foodservice.
Following his presentation, Chef Flay held a culinary demonstration and book signing. His presentation was deemed timely by the organic industry because the category continues to lag behind retail in organic product demand.
Fate of NJDA appears brighter
Nearly two months after New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine proposed eliminating the state department of agriculture to help reduce the state's huge budget deficit, the fate of the department now appears a bit brighter.
While nothing is official until the state budget is completed by July 1, the Assembly speaker, Joseph J. Roberts Jr., said that legislative leaders and Mr. Corzine had reached a general consensus to ease some of the proposed cuts in the $33 billion budget, The New York Times reported April 17.
Pear Bureau Northwest to receive 2008 Fresh Health Award
The Pear Bureau Northwest, headquartered in Milwaukie, OR, has been selected as this year's recipient of the Fresh Health Award. For 10 years, the Canadian Produce Marketing Association and The Produce News have recognized the achievements of one company to promote consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables in Canada.
"The award acknowledges the organization's support of the 5 to 10 A Day program and focuses on some of the programs the organization has developed to support the 5 to 10 A Day message," said Ron Lemaire, CPMA executive vice president and director of marketing.
Watermelon supplies could be down this summer
Watermelon demand in April was surprisingly strong, as Florida production was up over a year ago and Mexican production was also meeting demand. Growers expect domestic volume to be down this summer.
"The watermelon deal now could be better than last year," said Michael DeBerry, the sales comptroller for Borders Melon Co. Inc., which is based in Edinburg, TX. Borders' melons are grown in Mexico and Texas. "The fruit has been tremendous and the market has been 22-24 cents. Everything is good. The market, I anticipate, should hold at least through Memorial Day."