Industry reels from spinach recall
SALINAS, CA -- As the ripple effect of the nationwide fresh spinach recall continues, some longtime industry veterans are calling it the worst such episode they have ever witnessed.
Joe Pezzini of Castroville, CA-based Ocean Mist Farms and chair of Salinas- based Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, said that the focus should be on the woman who died and those who got sick from tainted spinach.
Beckman to lose job as California Tomato Commission downsizes
FRESNO, CA -- The decision of the California Tomato Commission to downsize and eliminate all activities except its research program that focuses on seed varieties and pest management will mean the loss of jobs for several members of the staff, including the organization's president, Ed Beckman.
Mr. Beckman has been with the commission for 18 years.
Ag leaders meet over spinach fallout
SALINAS, CA -- With claims of a smoking gun still ringing in the ears of spinach growers and shippers in and around the Salinas Valley, a closed meeting Wednesday, Sept. 21 with some 200 Salinas-area growers and agriculture leaders failed to lift the dark cloud that hangs over the industry.
FDA's spinach probe moves ahead
The government's investigation leaped ahead Sept. 20 as the Food and Drug Administration announced a matching E. coli O157 sample in a victims Dole spinach bag and as the paper trail narrowed the probe into fields in three California counties.
The New Mexico Department of Health said that it found the matching E. coli sample to the outbreak strain in an opened package of conventionally grown "Dole" brand baby spinach, which was packed by Natural Selection Foods. Many other bag sample results have yet to be reported, said FDA.
Television ad campaign helps Florida tomatoes increase market share
NAPLES, FL -- Thanks in large part to a national television ad campaign, Florida field-grown tomatoes have enjoyed an increase in market share over rival hothouse-grown beefsteak and on-the-vine varieties, Samantha Winters, director of education and marketing for the Florida Tomato Committee, said at the group's organizational meeting during the 31st annual Joint Florida Tomato Conference held here Sept. 5-10 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
FPFC holds Northern California luncheon meeting in Oakland
OAKLAND, CA -- The Fresh Produce & Floral Council held its semi-annual Northern California luncheon meeting Tuesday, Sept. 12, here, which attracted a crowd from throughout the state.
Surfers Healing camps need support
Jim Margiotta, president of J. Margiotta Co. in New York, is a produce man and, in his spare time, a surfer. He didn't plan to be a fund-raiser, but he has found himself in that role as he seeks help from the produce industry in his quest to help autistic children.
Golden State Citrus Packers on growth curve
When Visalia, CA-based Golden State Citrus Packers -- a Sunkist affiliate with the Visalia Citrus Packing Group -- begins the new fall season, it will throw the switch on the latest in packing technology in its expanded and improved quarters that will better serve its growers and customers, especially in the area of specialty citrus.
Trade delegation seeking opportunities in China
The Santa Cruz, CA-based Monterey Bay International Trade Association is forming a trade mission of California companies and investors to the Hunan province of China Nov. 11-20.
Asian pear experts join forces with Stemilt Growers
When it comes to organic Asian pears, Jeff and Kristine Boullioun, owners of Busy Bee Orchards in Oroville, WA, could be considered a pair of experts.
Their expertise -- and top-notch product -- will be a greater part of Stemilt Growers' fruit inventory this season as the Boulliouns transfer exclusive marketing rights to Stemilt for all their organic Asian pears. Stemilt has been responsible for marketing about one-fourth of the Boulliouns' Asian pears in both 2004 and 2005.