Peterson launches trace-back initiative
Former Wal-Mart executive Bruce Peterson is launching a trace-back initiative with fellow consultant Michael McCartney as one of the initial projects in his post-Wal-Mart career.
Mr. Peterson said that within 30 days he expects to have a further announcement that will shed more light on both the funding and scope of the project. "Right now, [the funding] is not that important. I'm lucky that I can work on something I really enjoy," he said.
Aguacateros Integrados becoming strong player in Mexican avocados
Aguacateros Integrados de Michoacan, an avocado growing, packing and marketing organization headquartered in Michoacan, Mexico, produces some 10 million pounds of avocados a year in "certified orchards," according to a written company profile. Of that amount, 15 percent is sold in the national market in Mexico and 80 percent is exported to the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan and Central America.
Frieda's launches 'super fruit' line
Los Alamitos, CA-based Frieda's Inc. has launched Super Fruits: Antioxidant Rich Fruits, a new line of sweet superfruits.
The launch has started with one fruit: dried goji berries infused with the sweet flavor of pomegranate. The line eventually will include two or three other products, said Frieda's President Karen Caplan. In mid-summer, Frieda's will enter the next phase of the rollout, she said.
John Livacich dedicated his life to farming
John Livacich of Rialto, CA, died May 1 in Placentia (CA) Linda Hospital, leaving behind a trail of friendships in fresh produce he cultivated over his 50-plus years in the industry. He was 76.
New late-season green seedless comes to market
Anton Caratan & Son, Four Star Fruit Inc., Delano Farms Co. and Sun Fresh International jointly announced a new late-season green seedless table grape called Pristine.
Pristine was developed by Anton Caratan after more than 20 years and over 225,000 cross breeds. The result is a new late variety that produces large, crispy grapes that have all the characteristics retailers covet, including long shelf life.
Connecticut Department of Agriculture unveils new campaign
HARTFORD, CT -- With a display of Connecticut-grown plants and flowers as a backdrop at the regional produce market, here, the Connecticut Department of Agriculture kicked off a comprehensive, statewide advertising and public relations campaign to raise consumer awareness and support for state farmers and locally grown products.
Ag businesses hope for relief in immigration reform bill
WASHINGTON -- The Senate's immigration reform bill would help the agriculture industry's labor crisis, but the trick will be keeping the compromise language alive.
"We are deeply appreciative that the Bush administration and leaders of the Senate understood the uniqueness of the agriculture industry and embraced that in the legislative approach," said Craig Regelbrugge of the American Nursery & Landscape Association.
CTFA's president to accompany Schwarzenegger on trade mission to Canada
The California Tree Fruit Agreement announced that Sheri Mierau, president, would accompany California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on his trade mission to Canada on May 29-31.
While in Canada, Ms. Mierau will join other agricultural representatives in promoting California agriculture in Canada, which has been the top trading partner for the California peach, plum and nectarine industry for more than 20 years.
Canada accounts for over half of the total peach, plum and nectarine exports and approximately 10 percent of total annual packout.
Florida blueberries growing rapidly in production and demand
Increases in Florida blueberry production have been nearly phenomenal, more than doubling in the past three to four years alone. Even more impressive is that much of the growth has been south of the Tampa-Orlando regions, or what is typically referred to by Floridians as south of the Interstate 4 line, where temperatures during the eight-week (in a good year) blueberry season from mid- to late March through early May, average in the mid- to high 70- degree range.
Rob O'Rourke returning to the company he co-founded
After a two-and-a-half-year stretch as vice president of produce for Topco Associates in Skokie, IL, Rob O'Rourke is returning to RJO Produce Marketing, the company he founded in Fresno, CA, in 1993 with his brother John.
RJO President John O'Rourke said in a company statement that he is delighted to have his brother back on the RJO team.