The California Blueberry Commission officially marked its first anniversary April 1 as a managing organization. Executive Director Alexander Ott said that the year has been a busy one in terms of both strategic planning and program implementation. "Things seem to be coming together smoothly," he told The Produce News April 4.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture will issue a final rule April 12 on revising the Perishable Agricultural Commodity Act regulators regarding post-default agreements for payments, according to a press release from the United Fresh Produce Association. The rule will take effect Wednesday, April 13.

PLEASANTON, CA — More than 800 people attended the Fresh Produce & Floral Council Expo, which was held here Wednesday, March 30, at the Alameda Fairgrounds.

The one-day event drew scores of exhibitors and hundreds of attendees, who browsed through a large exhibit for the better part of seven hours. The exhibitors included many produce growers and shippers, floral operators and numerous food brokers.

Bozzuto’s trade show part of retail conference

Rochelle Zrakas and Ron Dandrea at the Dandrea Produce booth.

REEDLEY, CA -- Federal marketing orders for California peaches and nectarines, which have been administered by the California Tree Fruit Agreement, have been terminated following referenda that failed to garner sufficient votes for continuation. The peach marketing order had been in place since 1939 and the nectarine order since 1958.

McALLEN, TX — Two things were readily apparent at the first-ever America Trades Produce Conference, held March 30-April 1 at the McAllen Convention Center, here.