Mills 'Wholeaves' will display heart-check mark
The "Wholeaves" bagged salad program of Salinas, CA-based Mills Family Farms has been certified by the American Heart Association as heart-healthy -- the first bagged salad to receive such designation.
LaVigne to leave FCM
Florida Citrus Mutual Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Andy LaVigne announced his resignation from the organization effective Feb. 1 in order to assume the role of president and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association.
"I have been extremely fortunate in my career to have spent the last seven years working for Florida's citrus growers at FCM," Mr. LaVigne said. "While I will miss the relationships I have made, I am very confident that the Mutual board, membership and staff will continue to build on the successes we have enjoyed."
Strong Michigan apple crop moving very quickly
"The winter is going very well," said Bruce Heeren of Michigan Fresh Marketing LLC in Belding, MI. "Demand has been strong since the start. Apples are holding in storage just fine. The inventory will ship into July, like normal. And the prices, I'd say, are right in line with a year ago or slightly higher on some things. Movement is very good."
Duda forms subsidiary structure for its diversified operations
Capitalizing on its highly diversified agricultural and real estate operations, two of Duda's primary agricultural divisions -- fresh fruits and vegetables and frozen processed vegetables and beverages -- will become wholly owned subsidiaries of the corporation in 2006.
New York agriculture commissioner announces departure
New York Agriculture Commissioner Nathan L. Rudgers announced his resignation from state service, effective Dec. 11, 2005. Mr. Rudgers has led the department of agriculture and markets since June 1999.
"I am blessed to have had the experience of working for Governor Pataki, who has expanded the opportunities for farmers and the agricultural sector in New York," Mr. Rudgers said. "It has been my pleasure to lead a skilled and dedicated team at the department of agriculture and markets."
A new year's resolution that's easy to follow: eat more
WILMINGTON, DE -- As Americans began the annual ritual of making new year's resolutions, the pledge to shed pounds is no doubt near the top of the list again this year, but a group dedicated to better health says that most still resolve to do the wrong thing and miss a very simple solution: eat more.
USDA announces purchase of up to 6 million pounds of dried fig pieces
WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced recently plans to purchase up to 6 million pounds of dried fig pieces to be donated to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs.
In fiscal year 2005, which ended Sept. 30, USDA purchased 5 million pounds of figs. USDA purchased nearly 4.9 million pounds of figs in FY04 and 3.7 million pounds of figs in FY03.
Florida agriculture to receive hurricane assistance from USDA
MAITLAND, FL -- Thanks to the efforts of Florida's congressional delegation, the state's agricultural producers will receive at least $200 million to assist in post-hurricane cleanup and conservation efforts, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson announced at the end of December.
Money to fund the disaster relief package will generally come from Section 32 dollars. USDA's Section 32 program earmarks a portion of customs receipts to aid the farm sector.
To our web site viewers and readers of The Produce News:
The Produce News has moved to a new office in Oradell, NJ, just a short distance from our previous office.
The new address is 800 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 100, Oradell, NJ 07649.
Our new telephone number is 201-986-7990, and our new fax number is 201-986-7996.
All of our e-mail addresses remain the same, including the general editorial address: [email protected].
Bozzuto's Inc. wins PLMA's 2005 Salute To Excellence Award
CHESHIRE, CT -- The Private Label Manufacturers Association capped a year of unprecedented acclaim for store brands by honoring some of the country's better private-label programs and products at its annual trade show held in Chicago this past November.