Due to a possible health risk from Listeria monocytogenes, Dole Fresh Vegetables is voluntarily recalling a limited number of cases of bagged salad. This precautionary recall is due to one sample of Dole Italian salad that yielded a positive result for Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample test conducted by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

Dole is coordinating closely with regulatory officials, and no illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.

TUBAC, AZ — About 200 produce professionals gathered at the Tubac Golf Resort & Spa, here, March 12-13 for the fourth annual America Trades Produce Conference, where they participating in an exchange of ideas and networking opportunities designed to facilitate the flow of fruits and vegetables across the southern border of the United States.

Leamington-based Nature Fresh Farms continues to see tremendous growth in its Heritage heirloom tomato specialty category.

Yellow, green, brown, orange and purple are amongst the rainbow of colors that can be found in its heirloom pack. Available from April through early December, the Nature Fresh season will start with the great-tasting and beautiful Heritage heirloom tomatoes.

“Demand continues to skyrocket for these gems and we continue to see tremendous growth in this specialty category,” said Ray Wowryk, director of business development for Nature Fresh Farms.

The 2014 CPMA Convention and Trade Show will take place April 2-4 in Vancouver, BC, at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

Below are some of the highlights of this year’s show. For more details and the full schedule, visit CPMA.ca.

Tuesday, April 1 & Wednesday, April 2:

The convention kicks off on Tuesday, April 1 with the Directors and New Members’ Reception, followed on Wednesday, April 2 with the Retail Tour, CPMA Members Annual General Meeting and Chair’s Welcome Reception.

Thursday, April 3:

Promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables has been a key message across the produce industry, and the Calgary Produce Marketing Association has been busy doing just that.

The association’s focus is to increase brand awareness through a robust education initiative in the schools and community. This year, Calgary PMA supported several successful school-based healthy eating programs.

Christopher Ranch, headquartered in Gilroy, CA, is taking its wide range of high-quality products across the U.S.-Canada border with correct bi-lingual labels, which it will feature at the Canadian Produce Marketing Association’s Convention and Trade Show in Vancouver, BC, on April 2-4.

“Christopher Ranch will be at Booth No.101 at the event,” said Patsy Ross, vice president of marketing. “We will be represented there by Rich Pirozzoli, sales representative, and Jeff Stokes, vice president of sales for our company.”