Bayer CropScience announced that it is teaming up with the United Fresh Produce Association Foundation to support Let's Move Salad Bars to Schools, a public health initiative developed to increase children's fruit and vegetable consumption by providing salad bars to schools across the United States. This initiative is supported by evidence that children will choose fresh and healthy foods if they are available.

Hidalgo, TX-based Le Best Banana Supply Co. hired PHILLIP CUCCERRE as sales manager on Nov. 10.

In his new position, Mr. Cuccerre is responsible for developing grower-direct programs with retail, foodservice and processors. He handles the “Carmelite” brand, which includes premium bananas and gold pineapples from Mexico.

Prior to joining Le Best Banana Supply Co., Mr. Cuccerre worked for Chiquita Brands International in Cincinnati for 12 years, and The Oppenheimer Group for three years.

During the past decade, Stemilt Growers Inc. has made calculated business decisions allowing for seamless growth in today’s organic arena. The company, located in Wenatchee, WA, has been farming organic tree fruit since 1989. Director of Marketing Roger Pepperl said significant changes have occurred since those early years.

Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo is collaborating with Fairtrasa, a Latin American company with extensive experience in Fair Trade growing practices.

Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo, headquartered in Pescadero, CA, has practiced innovative organic growing methods, and has been an organic industry leader for over three decades.

Marina Pace, marketing representative, said the success of the company is rooted in a unique vision for social change and a longstanding dedication to growing premium, flavor-focused produce in an environmentally friendly, ethical and sustainable manner.

Women currently represent only 15 percent of senior management roles in all industries despite studies that consistently show significant benefits to companies with women in leadership roles.

To help produce businesses leverage this competitive advantage, the Produce Marketing Association’s Foundation for Industry Talent will debut the Women’s Fresh Perspectives Conference April 21-23 at the FireSky Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ.

A large solar power project, combined with programs designed to increase energy efficiency, has yielded impressive results for CF Fresh, a leading organic produce marketer based in Sedro-Woolley, WA. A newly completed analysis of both programs shows measurable results in both conservation and energy production over the past five years.