Hunts Point leaders continue struggle to revitalize the market
As co-president of the Hunts Point Terminal Produce Cooperative Association Inc. Matt D'Arrigo has worked for a revitalized Hunts Point Terminal Market since 2000. In the process, he has seen more ups and downs than a West Virginia country road.
At this time, "all of our options are open to prepare for the future and compete as effectively as we can. One obvious possibility is creating a satellite market in New Jersey. There is quiet contact with New Jersey, which is an interested party in job development and industrial development."
UFW files complaint against T&A
The United Farm Workers union filed a complaint March 13 with the U.S. Department of Labor on behalf of 16 employees laid off by Tanimura & Antle.
The complaint alleges that Spreckels, CA-based T&A did not follow the rules when hiring temporary guest workers under the federal H-2A program. According to Armando Elenes, UFW's external organizing director, the laid- off workers -- all from the Tres Picos area near Huron, CA -- claim that at the same time T&A laid them off, the company was hiring workers under the H-2A program.
Joe Leonard to lead Bonipak
Santa Maria, CA-based Bonipak Produce Co. has hired Joe Leonard as chief executive officer.
Mr. Leonard officially began in his new position March 1, though he has been a consultant to Bonipak since near the end of 2007, according to Mitch Ardantz, Bonipak's vice president of sales and marketing.
RETAIL VIEW: RPCs steadily gaining more market share
On the one hand, proponents of reusable plastic containers for the produce industry have to be happy with the close to 50 percent growth over the past several years. On the other hand, RPCs still only account for 7-8 percent of the market, which is difficult to fathom if you believe the advantages touted by those same proponents.
FDA issues import alert
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued an import alert March 22 regarding entry of cantaloupe from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a Honduran grower and packer, because, based on current information, fruit from this company appears to be associated with a Salmonella Litchfield outbreak in the United States and Canada.
The import alert advises FDA field offices that all cantaloupes shipped to the United States by this company are to be detained.
Vidalia Onion Committee launching big promotions
VIDALIA, GA -- The Vidalia Onion Committee will be promoting Georgia's famous sweet onions this year on several fronts.
Golden Valley's facility destroyed by fire
A massive fire the afternoon of March 13 completely gutted the 40,000- square-foot facility of Golden Valley Specialty Mushrooms Ltd., one of North America's larger growers of organic specialty mushrooms in Pitt Meadows, BC, about 25 miles east of Vancouver.
Georgia Senate honors Delbert Bland for outstanding achievement
Members of the Georgia Senate honored Delbert Bland, president and chief executive officer of Bland Farms LLC in Glennville, GA, Feb. 5 for his significant contributions to the state's economic health and wellbeing.
Bland Farms began growing Vidalia onions on five acres in 1982. From those humble roots, growing operations burgeoned over the years beyond the borders of the Peach State and into Utah, Pennsylvania, Colorado, California, Texas and Peru.
Means appointed to Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee
NEWARK, DE -- Kathy Means, Produce Marketing Association's vice president of government relations, has been named to serve the 2008-12 term on the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Fruits & Vegetables. Appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Ed Schafer and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Susan C. Schwab, Ms. Means is one of 34 chosen nationally to sit on the committee.
Driscoll hires Kevin Murphy as new senior vice president
Watsonville, CA-based Driscoll Strawberry Associates Inc. has hired Kevin Murphy as its senior vice president of supply and operations.
Mr. Murphy's responsibilities include production, logistics and distribution, packaging, nursery, quality assurance and food safety. He replaces Al Rodrigues, who retired from this position.