Longtime Los Angeles produce wholesaler, grower and shipper Norman Gilfenbain died April 30 at the age of 82.

Walla Walla, WA, is home turf for the signature Walla Walla sweet onion, Washington's state vegetable. But it also fertile territory for its namesake event, the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Festival. "This is the 29th year for the festival," said Kathy Fry-Trommald, director of the Walla Walla Sweet Onion Marketing Committee. "What we're trying to do is make it a growth environment. We encourage people to come to Walla Walla to check out all the exceptional things we have to offer."

Michael Solomon, president and chief executive officer of Ready Pac Foods Inc., announced his retirement from the company. Mr. Solomon has been with Ready Pac since 2006 and has been president and CEO since 2008. He has led the company through several years of record performance.

In a dynamic, first-of-its-kind partnership, North Carolina State University at the N.C. Research Campus in Kannapolis and Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, joined forces for the N.C. Strawberry Project.

Agriculture continues to grow and is an ever-increasing part of North Carolina's economy, a new study shows. Meanwhile, South Carolina peach producers are preparing for a bountiful and perfectly timed summer crop that should hit its peak in July, along with domestic top 10 production of greens, tomatoes and watermelon.

Steve Junqueiro, president and chief operating officer of Save Mart Supermarkets, was recently elected 2013-14 chairman and president of the Western Association of Food Chains at the organization’s 92nd annual convention, held at the JW Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, CA.

Mr. Junqueiro was previously the vice president of WAFC and has been involved with various other industry organizations throughout his career, including the Produce Marketing Association, the Produce for Better Health Foundation and the Food Marketing Institute.