Packaging that spotlights "Josie's Organics" Romaine hearts took home an award in the 2014 Graphic Design USA American Package Design Competition. The eye-catching design by Moxxy Marketing of Salinas, CA, was chosen for recognition out of 1,800 entries and is the ninth GDUSA award Moxxy has won.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Food & Drug Administration investigators may be on farms to enforce the new Food Safety Modernization Act, but they will not be “heavy handed,” FDA Commissioner Margaret Hamburg reassured a congressional subcommittee on Thursday.

Hamburg appeared at the House Appropriations agriculture subcommittee hearing to defend the administration’s proposed FY 2015 budget request and respond to questions from the panel on issues including FSMA.

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc. announced that Paul Hertz has been named president and chief executive officer of the company, effective immediately. Since joining A&P in 2010, Hertz has held the role of chief operating officer. In his new role, Hertz will be responsible for the leadership and strategic direction of the company, including oversight and implementation of all business and marketing decisions, as well as support of ongoing growth initiatives.

The Hass Avocado Board in Irvine, CA, announced earlier this year the publication of a study “that suggests adding one-half of a fresh avocado to lunch may have helped 26 healthy, overweight people feel more satisfied and reduced their desire to eat following a meal.” According to a board press release, the study, which was funded by HAB, was conducted by researchers at the Loma Linda University and published in Nutrition Journal.

The 2014 World Floral Expo, held in Chicago March 26-28, was an international gathering of farms, growers and suppliers from more than 10 countries around the world. During the three-day event, buyers from the United States and Canada toured the booths of the 87 exhibitors, seeing new farms, new flowers and new trends.

{2jtoolbox gallery id:60}

Farmers, ranchers and commodity groups from across Colorado gathered Wednesday, March 26, at the state capitol building in Denver to participate in Colorado Agriculture Day.