Colorado farmers make good use of ready-made workforce
AVONDALE, CO -- The temperature was in the 90s as a group of 10 yellow- clad women made their way back and forth across Joe Pisciotta's melon field east of Pueblo, CO, hoeing weeds and chatting amiably among themselves.
Nearby, a uniformed man, himself with a hoe, simultaneously dug at weeds and watched the women's progress.
The man, Correctional Industries Supervisor Eric Letendre, is employed by the Colorado Department of Corrections, as are, in a less direct way, the women.
Dash's Market brings freshness and quality to Buffalo-area shoppers
WILLIAMSVILLE, NY -- Somewhere, Joe Dash's grandparents are smiling.
Mr. Dash's grandparents Mary and Joe, who ran a small produce market on the east side of Buffalo, NY, probably would have never imagined that the family would still be involved in the retail produce trade some 84 years later.
Sweet Clover transitioning into Sweet Clover Sweets
As the summer onion shipping kicked into high gear in southeastern Washington, Bill Brownfield of Sweet Clover Produce in Walla Walla said that the transition from Walla Walla Sweets to Sweet Clover Sweets in late July or early August is expected to be smooth.
Mr. Brownfield said June 28 that all onion varieties handled by his company are "growing exceptionally well" this season, and supplies of Sweet Clover Sweets will be good through January.
CAC continues 'Build a Better Burger' contest
As the barbecues heat up for the summer grilling season, the California Avocado Commission is once again participating as an official sponsor of the Sutter Home Build a Better Burger national recipe contest and cookoff.
This is the fourth year CAC will sponsor and support this popular recipe contest, which presents the ideal setting and opportune timing to increase consumer demand for fresh California avocados in summer grilling activities.
Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers now offering two-pound easy punnet pack for stone fruit
The Washington stone fruit season is off to strong start, and Oneonta Starr Ranch Growers' new two-pound easy punnet packaging is proving to be a hit with consumers.
California and Florida tomato producers unified on food safety
Meeting July 9 in Orlando, FL, with a group of the industry's larger and more respected foodservice operations, retailers and wholesalers, representatives from the California and Florida fresh tomato industries outlined a comprehensive, coordinated and ongoing effort to unify food-safety practices for U.S. tomatoes.
West Kansas Produce increases Cimarron Gold acreage
West Kansas Produce LLC in Ulysses, KS, a grower, packer and shipper of "Cimarron Gold" brand sweet corn, is gearing up for its second year with increased volume of high-quality product.
The company began only last year, but its founders and staff have many years of produce experience. Jake Thorup, sales agent, has been in the business for over 30 years and has worked as a sales broker and agent in Salinas, CA, for various companies and in many commodities.
G&G prepares to take over Fleisher units
PHILADELPHIA -- G&G Produce Inc. has placed a deposit to buy the units of the now-defunct Ellis Fleisher Produce Co. on the Philadelphia Regional Produce Terminal, here.
Jimmy Storey, president of the Philadelphia Fresh Food Terminal Corp., told The Produce News July 3 that the market's board planned to convene the second week of July to approve the purchase. "I don't think there will be any problem [with the approval]," Mr. Storey said.
FPAA opposes plan to transfer inspectors back to USDA
WASHINGTON -- Some fresh fruit and vegetable companies have been pushing Congress to transfer import inspectors back to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but now a group of companies that import Mexican fresh fruits and vegetables say that such a move would be a mistake.
Industry veteran Rick Eastes joins Ballantine Produce
Ballantine Produce Co., based in Reedley, CA, announced July 3 that Rick Eastes has joined the company, effective July 1.
Mr. Eastes will spearhead the company's launch of its premium "Grower's Table" concept and brand in table grapes from its California production areas.
In a press release, David Albertson, president of Ballantine, called Mr. Eastes a "recognized leader and pioneer in the fresh produce industry with specific experience in the supply and marketing of table grapes from California, the Southern Hemisphere and Latin America."