PMA and United Fresh end merger discussions
The Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association have announced that the organizations are ending any further discussion of potential merger at this time, but will continue to cooperate in areas of mutual interest to each association's members.
Tony Bishop bids farewell to Domex and a long career in agriculture
Tony Bishop, who recently retired as an account manager from Yakima, WA- based Domex Superfresh Growers, said it's not often that people are able to do what they love and love what they do. But Mr. Bishop said that he has been one of the lucky ones, having invested the work of a lifetime in the field of agriculture.
Domex Superfresh Growers threw a retirement bash for Mr. Bishop on Aug. 10, and it was one he will never forget. "They threw an unbelievable party for me," he said. The company even brought in some of Mr. Bishop's clients for a final farewell.
Medfly quarantine in California's Solano County
The California Department of Food & Agriculture has established a 114- square-mile quarantine zone in California's Solano County in the Dixon area following the detection of a Mediterranean fruit fly infestation.
As of Sept. 19, 13 wild Medflies and larvae had been detected in the area. This is the first Medfly infestation in the Central Valley since the early 1980s.
Bedwell: Bill on Schwarzenegger's desk would strip farmworkers
FRESNO, CA -- SB 180, a bill recently passed by the California Senate and Assembly, has been sent to the governor's desk and is awaiting either his signature or his veto. The bill would strip farmworkers of their right to secret-ballot elections when deciding whether to unionize, according to Barry Bedwell, president of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League, here.
The league, along with several other farm groups, is urging Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to veto the bill, Mr. Bedwell said.
National Steinbeck Center hosts Taste of the Valley event
California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger recently issued a proclamation backing Salute to Agriculture 2007, the three-day series of events that draws attention to the Salinas Valley's agriculture industry.
The Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce coordinated the series, which ran from Sept. 12 through Sept. 14.
Herb Breen to direct sales operations at West Pak
Herb Breen, whose nearly 30-year career in the produce industry has included senior management positions at such companies as AmeriFresh, Food Services of America and Del Monte Fresh, has joined West Pac Avocado Inc. in Temecula, CA, where he will be charged with directing all sales for the company, according to Vice President Galen Newhouse.
Mr. Breen was scheduled to start the new job on Monday, Sept. 24, Mr. Newhouse told The Produce News.
FFVA show highlights importance of industry unity
BOCA RATON, FL -- While "Industry Crossroads" was the theme of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association's 64th annual convention, held here Sept. 16-18, the event also served to underline the importance of industry unity in the face of challenging times.
At the Cracker Breakfast Sept. 18, keynote speaker Larry Winget, author and host of the reality television show "Big Spender," brought attendees together with his unique style of humor in pulling from his best-selling book Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get A Life.
New York Apple Association and Anthony Farms recognized at United conference
WASHINGTON -- A group known for tirelessly advocating immigration reform, the New York Apple Association received the 2007 Produce Advocate of the Year Award at the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference.
RETAIL VIEW: Unified Grocer acquisition creates significant growth
With the shareholders of Seattle-based grocery wholesaler Associated Grocers Inc. approving the sale of the company to Unified Western Grocers in Los Angeles, Unified has now moved into being one of the top-five retailer wholesalers in the country. And the close to 3,000 retailers it serves, in aggregate, create buying power that could be among the top 10 retail operations in the country.
Divemex goes year round on bell peppers
"As part of our greenhouse expansion, we've decided to bring the best bell peppers to the market year round," Luis de Saracho, chief executive officer of Mexican firm Divemex, said in a statement.
"We have grown our acreage in our facilities in Mexico, and the main idea is to have new plants in two stages of the year: one from October to May and a second from June to December. This is the only way to have fresh crops all year with the best shelf life."