Following the precedence set by its 2012 onion grilling campaign, USA Onions/Idaho-Eastern Oregon Onion Committee is launching an all-new program this football season in conjunction with Boise State Bronco Football home games.

As part of the tailgate-themed promotion, Idaho Gov. Butch Otter will compete at the grill against a surprise "opponent" during the Broncos' match up with University of Southern Mississippi Golden Eagles at Boise State on Sept. 28.

Claims against the 97-year-old Walla Walla Gardeners' Association in Walla Walla, WA, continue to mount after the onion and asparagus packer and shipper shut its doors in November 2012 following a Chapter 7 bankruptcy filing.

According to court documents, the dollar amount of unsecured nonpriority claims in late March surpassed $1.5 million, and the packing facility itself was bought by Sweet Clover Distribution of Walla Walla in early April.

Marketing Plus in Fresno, CA, celebrated its new facilities with an open house on Friday, June 28. The move will enable Marketing Plus to bring on a full-time graphics and creative department.

RPE Inc. has entered into a partnership with Imperial, NE-based Frenchman Valley Produce Inc., in which RPE will serve as the exclusive marketer for Frenchman Valley’s fresh potato sales.

Earlier frost conditions are expected to delay some of the first crops grown by Buurma Farms Inc. in Michigan during 2013.

“Frost took out the first couple of plantings of most crops, which put us about a week to 10 days behind schedule. We just have to be patient,” Treasurer Loren Buurma told The Produce News. “But quality looks really good on what we have coming.”

The history of the multi-generational farming company dates back to its founding in 1896.

Springing up from humble roots with a small vegetable growing operation dating back to the early 1960s, Mucci Farms Ltd. continues to implement a plan for sustained and strategic business development as it moves into the future.

“We have finally finished a year-long warehouse and office renovation at corporate headquarters and couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Joe Spano, vice president of sales and marketing at the Kingsville, ON-based company.