Montreal-based wholesaler Jolifruit Import Export Inc.'s membership with the Fruit & Vegetable Dispute Resolution Corp. was automatically terminated Feb. 2 as a result of the firm's failure to pay an arbitration award.

A press release issued by the DRC said the action was taken for "failing to comply with an arbitration award in the amount of U.S. $98,255.80, which is a violation of the DRC by-laws and the mediation and arbitration rules."

Florida growers are preparing for what Ted Campbell, executive director of the Florida Strawberry Association in Dover, FL, referred to as "a little burst of Yankee air" for Wednesday and Thursday nights, Feb. 4 and 5.

On Wednesday, the weather forecast called for a low of 21 degrees on both nights. Thermostats are expected to reach the lowest readings between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. on both mornings, meaning it's the most critical time for producers.

MAITLAND, FL -- Two veteran staff members of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association have been named vice presidents of the organization as part of a staff realignment, FFVA President Mike Stuart announced.

Dan Botts, currently director of the Environmental & Pest Management Division, has been named vice president of industry resources. He will oversee FFVA's pest management, water and natural resources, and food safety and sustainability activities. He will be actively recruiting individuals to manage those functions.

Charles Walker, managing director of the National Peach Council since the early 1990s, stepped down in September after serving the industry for more than 17 years, and Kay Rentzel, a veteran of the apple industry, was hired in December as the new managing director of the council, it was announced Jan. 26.

Greg Heinz competes in mountain bike races on a white and pink mountain bike. The bike has pink cables, and Mr. Heinz accessorizes with pink gloves and pink glasses.

Pink is the color used by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, most often seen with its pink ribbon logo. Breast cancer awareness is a cause that Mr. Heinz's employer -- Salinas, CA-based D'Arrigo Bros. Co. of California -- has actively supported for years. In fact, D'Arrigo has a popular, decades-old "Andy Boy" label that is pink.

As it marks its 75th year in 2009 as a domestic and international produce distributor, the Grant J. Hunt Co. continues its attention to quality and hands- on service as it moves ahead in technology and efficiency.

"We are celebrating 75 years from the official launch of the Grant J. Hunt Co. near the San Francisco Terminal Market. My family has actually been in the industry since my great-great grandfather first started delivering our fruits and vegetables to San Francisco via ferry boats in the early 1900s," company President Grant M. Hunt said in a press release.