Enclosures to become mandatory for Florida citrus tree nurseries
The latest issue in the seemingly unending list of bad news for Florida's once $9 billion-dollar-a-year citrus industry is that about 90 percent of the state's nurseries that grow and nurture young citrus trees may have to close their businesses.
Labor supplier sues grower over use of illegal aliens
Global Horizons, a supplier of foreign guest workers, has sued a Delano, CA-based blueberry grower and two labor contractors, claiming that the use of illegal immigrants has resulted in unfair competition.
California Tomato Commission hosts Canadian trade mission
FRESNO, CA -- A group of Canadian retailers and some representatives from a Canadian foodservice supplier visited California in early August as guests of the California Tomato Commission on a trade mission to learn more about the California tomato industry and establish or strengthen relationships with some California growers and shippers.
USApple forecasts smaller national crop than last year
CHICAGO -- National apple production looks to be 6 percent lower than last year and 1 percent lower than the five-year average, according to figures released by the U.S. Apple Association at its annual Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference, held here Aug. 17-18.
QPMA holds 59th annual convention
GATINEAU, QC -- Over 400 members, partners and guests of the Quebec Produce Marketing Association descended on the Hilton Lac Leamy, here, for the association's 59th annual convention Aug. 17-19.
IN THE TRENCHES: Leave produce to the produce experts
You're in a supermarket doing some shopping. As you're picking out a nice ripe cantaloupe, you spot a sign on an empty display case that states, "Wet paint. Do not touch!" What's the next thing you do? Like me, you're going to touch it. Right? So, you touch it. After getting paint on your fingers, the painter approaches and angrily says, "You just had to touch it, didn't you? Why did you have to tamper with my nice work? I'm a professional at what I do, and now you messed it up. Please mind your own business! I'm not trying to pick out your cantaloupe, am I?"
Blue Book names Nelson new manager of special services
Doug Nelson recently joined Carol Stream, IL-based Blue Book Services as manager of special services. He will lead a team of industry-experienced trading and collection assistance professionals for the firm.
Mr. Nelson most recently worked as a lawyer specializing in commercial litigation in Chicago. In addition to his legal experience, he worked as a Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act marketing specialist for over two years. Mr. Nelson earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and his law degree from Chicago's Loyola University School of Law.
Dole asserts rumors of recall of packaged salads untrue
Dole Fresh Vegetables in Westlake Village, CA, a division of Dole Food Co. Inc., has announced that there is absolutely no truth to recent stories on the Internet of a current recall of "Dole" branded packaged salads. Dole said that its salads are safe to eat and are produced in state-of-the-art facilities with a priority on product safety.
Frontera Produce hires Gonzalez to lead melon sales
Frontera Produce Ltd. in Edinburgh, TX, has announced the addition of Javier Gonzalez to its Florida division. He is responsible for leading the company's melon sales.
New husband, new house, new promotion and a lot of work for Sunrise's Jody Hegel
Jody Hegel was recently promoted to the sales desk at Sunrise Growers in Placentia, CA, which was just one of several exciting things to happen in her life in the last 15 months. She married Robert Hegel in August 2005, just three months after graduating from Whittier College in Whittier, CA, with a degree in business and starting a full-time job at Sunrise. The newlyweds bought a house and extensively renovated it before moving in. And now, with her new promotion, she appears to be on a fast track to a successful produce career.