As the middle child in a family of five children, 27-year-old Kevin Vines learned at an early age what it takes to stand out in a crowd.

“Growing up in a big family made it very easy for me to talk to people and also get my point across when it is needed,” said the Redlands, CA, native. “It also molded me into the worker I am today and taught me that you cannot get anywhere in life without hard work and determination.”

The recent announcement by Walmart that its produce suppliers have to be compliant with the Produce Traceability Initiative by the end of the year should give the concept the impetus it needs to become the industry standard sooner rather than later. At least that is the view of several industry observers who are well versed on the subject.

Four Seasons Produce Inc., a leading wholesaler of top-quality organic and conventional fruits and vegetables based in Ephrata, PA, has been named the 2013 Green Plus Sustainable Enterprise Award winner. The award recognizes Four Seasons Produce as a leader in sustainable business practices among companies in the United States.

Well-Pict Berries, known for innovation in growing methods and crop varieties, is continuing its forward-thinking theme with the launch of its new website.

The Growing California video series, a partnership betweeen CDFA and California Grown produced in association with California State University-Sacramento, has been recognized with two 2013 Telly Awards, a video competition now in its 34th year.

The two segments that won, “Chef’s Guide” and “Free-Spirit Farmer,” were honored in the category of Online Video – Information.

Though some of the Northwest’s early cherries, particularly in the Rainier variety, saw diminished production due to weather conditions, Chelan Fresh Marketing has promotable volume and quality of peak-season reds.

“We are now shipping beautiful fruit, and some of our very best cherries are still to come,” Mac Riggan, Chelan Fresh director of marketing, said in a July 9 press release.