Idaho Potato Commission ramps up marketing plans for 2007-08 season
SUN VALLEY, ID -- The Idaho Potato Commission announced initiatives for its 2007-08 season that include the release of two new commercials with spokesperson Denise Austin and the launch of a major cable television commercial campaign expected to make over a billion consumer impressions nationwide.
The commission, which is now in its 70th year of operation, announced the developments as part of its overall action plan for 2007-08 during the 79th annual meeting of the Idaho Grower-Shipper Association, held here Aug. 29-31.
Oregon returning to normal potato production in 2007
Bill Brewer, executive director of the Oregon Potato Commission, said that potato growers are looking for a return to normal production in 2007. "So far, we're happy with the quality," Mr. Brewer told The Produce News. "Potato growers are pretty happy with their crops at this time."
In 2006, Oregon potato growers experienced a weather rollercoaster. Planting was delayed during a wet, cool spring. Temperatures then began to climb before a second cooling trend set in. In July, the mercury shot up.
Washington apple volume expected to decrease in 2007-08
The Washington Apple Commission is expecting the 2007-08 apple crop to be down approximately 3 percent when compared to 2006-07, which is expected to finish around 98.9 million boxes.
Buyers play top role in enforcing food safety as Congress and FDA watch
On the one-year anniversary of the spinach recall, Congress has turned its attention in recent weeks to front-page news about China imports and is likely to pass legislation that will place new requirements on food importers.
But the produce industry is aware that one more outbreak during the coming weeks could redirect the attention of lawmakers to legislate a fix.
Brown laments plunge in value of Florida tomatoes at annual FTC meeting
NAPLES, FL -- The Florida tomato industry has seen the value of its crop drop nearly $260 million over the past three seasons.
The grim statistic was given by Reggie Brown, executive director of the Florida Tomato Committee, during his state of the industry speech Sept. 5 at the Florida Tomato Institute, part of the 32nd Joint Tomato Conference, held here Sept. 5-8.
Harkin to introduce safety legislation for fresh produce
WASHINGTON -- Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) has pledged to introduce food- safety legislation that will focus solely on fresh produce after the latest spinach recall, this time from Metz Fresh LLC, hit the newspapers last month.
Court delays no-match rule, giving industry time to comply
WASHINGTON -- The produce industry welcomed news that a federal judge had temporarily delayed enforcing the so-called no-match rule. But farm businesses watched a longtime AgJOBS supporter exit from Congress before legislation giving relief from the growing farmworker crisis is finalized.
Metz Fresh seeks answers in wake of salmonella finding
As of Wednesday, Sept. 5, King City, CA-based Metz Fresh LLC didn't yet know the cause of a salmonella contamination finding that led to the voluntary recall of 8,118 cases of its bagged spinach.
Routine testing determined a presumptive positive for salmonella found in a single sample from one of three packinglines of bagged spinach. The presumptive positive test for salmonella on Aug. 24 came after the lot was processed and bagged.
Timing of United's Washington conference key as critical votes planned on ag issues
WASHINGTON -- This year's Washington Public Policy Conference could not come at a better time for members of the United Fresh Produce Association, as Congress is knee-deep in critical issues that are slated for decisive votes in the coming weeks.
"Conference attendees will be talking to members of Congress and staffers at a critical time," Tom Stenzel, president of the United Fresh Produce Association, said in referring to the Sept. 11-14 meeting.
Blueberry grower Peter Macrie was 76
Peter R. Macrie Sr., a lifelong resident of Hammonton, NJ, which calls itself the blueberry capital of the world, died Aug. 28 at his home in Hammonton at the age of 76. He had suffered from heart problems and Alzheimer's disease for the past few years, according to his son, Peter R. Macrie Jr.
Peter Robert Macrie Sr. was born May 7, 1931 in Hammonton, where he graduated from high school in 1949. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he spent four years, including service in Geneva, NY, during the Korean War.