Congress hears about specialty crops' needs and worker shortages
WASHINGTON -- Fruit and vegetable growers demanded more attention in the next farm bill and an urgent fix to the broken guest worker program at two congressional hearings earlier this month. "I feel that specialty crops were basically left out in the cold in the previous bill," David Godwin, a North Carolina sweet potato and fruit producer, said at a Feb. 6 hearing in North Carolina. "Specialty crops account for approximately one-half of the total farmgate value in this country; however, only a very small portion of the federal resources was allocated to our needs."
OSO Sweet TV tour fills airwaves around America
Super Bowl Sunday was not only a winning day for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That morning, OSO Sweet onions starred in a nationally televised appearance on the popular Fox Network program "Fox & Friends." OSO Sweet teamed with renowned Junior's Cheesecake of New York to make an on-air appearance in support of the Ronald McDonald Houses charity across America. Each house provides a supportive place to stay for parents while their children are receiving medical treatment.
Del Monte to bid aloha to Hawaii
Del Monte Fresh Produce Inc. will plant its last pineapple plant in Hawaii on Feb. 19, beginning its exit from the pineapple production in the state, which will come about 18 months later when that plant is ready for harvest. Del Monte has been growing pineapples in Hawaii since 1916.
Executive changes position Oppenheimer for future strength
The Oppenheimer Group announced a number of executive changes that will position the Vancouver, BC-based company for the future.
Proposed budget will cut USDA marketing program in half
WASHINGTON -- Fruit and vegetable businesses will not be alone in protesting the Bush administration's proposal to cut in half funding for the popular Market Access Program next year. More than 90 groups that comprise the Coalition to Promote U.S. Agricultural Exports have been pushing Congress to maintain $200 million for MAP, the program designed to help expand sales of U.S. agricultural, fish and forest products overseas. Now the fiscal 2007 budget proposal would cut the program to $100 million.
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: Fruit Logistica leaves a lasting impression
They say you never forget your first, and for me, Fruit Logistica 2006 will occupy a special place in my memory with the other "firsts" in my life. When I joined The Produce News in February 1995 as an assistant editor, I had been with the publication for about eight months when I attended my first Produce Marketing Association convention.
Washington State Potato Foundation honors 50 years of excellent leadership
The Washington State Potato Foundation in Moses Lake, WA, has named the 1956 Washington State Potato Commission winner of the 2006 Industry Leadership Award.
Accepting the honor on behalf of the 1956 staff were the two surviving members of the WSPC from that year: Ed McKay (Othello) and Walt LePage (Pasco).
Green Giant Fresh by Growers Express employees earn H.R. certification
Employees of Green Giant Fresh by Growers Express in Salinas, CA, Athan Katsilometes, senior manager of human resources and administration, and Oscar Leal, manager of human resources, earned their certifications as senior professionals in human resources.
The certification, which is awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute, signifies that the recipients possess the knowledge and experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating mastery in the field.
Small U.S. contingent reaps benefits at Fruit Logistica
BERLIN -- Fruit Logistica, the international produce trade show and exhibition begun in 1993 and held annually, here, reached new heights with its record-breaking attendance and participation. And while the United States was one of the 112 countries represented among the exhibitors, the two dozen or so U.S. exhibitors paled in comparison to the strong showing by other exhibiting nations.
Washington Asparagus Commission identifies check forgeries of more than $63,000
At its Feb. 3 annual board of directors meeting, Washington Asparagus Commission Executive Director Alan Schreiber told board members that forged checks totaling more than $63,000 had been written on the Eltopia, WA-based commission's account throughout 2005, and the organization's former bookkeeper is under investigation by local and state authorities.