Idaho potato production similar to last year with good quality and range of sizes
Total potato acreage in Idaho this year for members of United Potato Growers of Idaho, which represents an estimated 85 percent of the fresh market potatoes, 70 percent of the processing potatoes and 95 percent of the seed potatoes grown in the state, is down about 19.4 percent from 2004, which is "even a lower drop than we had last year among United growers," said Jerry Wright, chief executive officer and president of United Potato Growers of Idaho.
Deardorff-Jackson changes name, focuses on organics and sustainability
Deardorff-Jackson Co. in Oxnard, CA, is now Deardorff Family Farms.
"The name change is about defining who we are and what we do," said Tom Deardorff II, the company's president. "My father, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather earned a reputation for the Deardorff name that was based on hard work, honesty and integrity. We proudly carry the Deardorff name and will continue to honor their efforts with a commitment to ensuring environmental and community health."
Botulism concerns result in recall of Bolthouse carrot juice
On Friday, Sept. 29, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a warning to consumers not to drink Bolthouse Farms 100% Carrot Juice, 450 milliliter and one-liter plastic bottles, with "Best If Used By" dates of Nov. 11, 2006 or earlier.
The FDA's warning followed the fourth case of botulism being linked to Bakersfield, CA-based Bolthouse Farms brand carrot juice.
Pro*Act's Steve Grinstead behind launch of new holding company
Steve Grinstead, president and chief executive officer of Monterey, CA-based Pro*Act, has partnered with others to launch National Distribution Group LLC, a newly formed Dallas-based holding company whose primary focus is to acquire or start up regional produce distribution companies.
Pro*Act is a leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry. Mr. Grinstead told The Produce News that he will retain his role with Pro*Act while adding the titles of president and CEO of NDG. Mr. Grinstead said that he would be spending a good deal of time in the Dallas area.
Produce Alliance adds Black River Produce
Black River Produce in North Springfield, VT, has joined Nashville-based Produce Alliance, a leading produce management group dedicated to marketing high-quality goods and services in the produce sector.
In a press release, Steve Birge, co-founder of Black River Produce, said, "We partnered with Produce Alliance because of its purchasing power. With close to $1 billion in sales revenue, we have the strength in numbers to supply our customers with the highest-quality product available at competitive prices."
Industry racing as time running out for AgJOBS
WASHINGTON -- In a last-ditch effort to shine a light on the issue before Congress returns home to campaign, Sens. Larry Craig (R-ID) and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) urged the Republican leadership not to pass tough border enforcement legislation without responding to farmers reeling from farm labor shortages and crop losses.
Spinach returns to stores as investigation narrows
WASHINGTON -- With the investigation narrowed to one fresh spinach processor, the Food & Drug Administration announced Sept. 29 that it cleared spinach for sale with the exception of bags that were part of several recalls.
NAM contest underway
In a program quite similar to last year, the 2006 National Apple Month retail display contest got underway Sept. 1 and will run through the end of November. The contest is open to all retailers in the United States as well as to all military commissaries in this country and abroad, according to NAM Director Kay Rentzel.
Daniel McClure, president of West Coast Tomato, dies at 80
Daniel Peyton McClure, president and chief operating officer of West Coast Tomato Inc. and McClure Farms in Palmetto, FL, died Sept. 23 at his home in Bradenton, FL, after a battle with liver cancer. He was 80 years old.
A lifetime resident of Manatee County, he was born Feb. 8, 1926 in Palmetto to Versenoia Thomas McClure and John Niel McClure Sr.
He graduated from Palmetto High School and the University of Florida, where he received a degree in finance and economics. He served in the U.S. Navy.
Beckman, others out as CTC moves forward with downsizing
FRESNO, CA -- As reported last week in The Produce News, at its board of directors meetings and executive sessions held Sept. 19 in Sacramento, the California Tomato Commission, here, decided to downsize the state commodity commission effective immediately, a cutback which will eliminate the marketing and government affairs program and retain only the research program, which focuses on seed varieties and pest management.