The Produce Marketing Association's Retail Produce Solutions Conference will be held March 9-11 in Houston. The three-day conference is designed to give executives representing every segment of the supply chain the opportunity to focus on the unique challenges and solutions of the fresh produce industry. A particular focus will be marketing to the "new consumer" segments, namely Hispanics, Asians, GenXers and children.

In a move that solidifies Los Angeles-based Herb Thyme Farms Inc.'s position as a leading U.S. grower, shipper and marketer of fresh culinary herbs and edible flowers, the company has acquired the business operations of McCormick Fresh Herbs LLC.

New York Gov. George E. Pataki has nominated Patrick Brennan to serve as commissioner of agriculture and markets. He succeeds Nathan Rudgers, who stepped down from the post late last year.

As the state's agriculture commissioner, Mr. Brennan will oversee the responsibilities of the Department of Agriculture & Markets, an agency that has both regulatory and promotional oversight of the food and agricultural industry.

Accent lighting is becoming increasingly popular in the supermarket. Carefully aimed bulbs can enhance the green waxy shine on avocados, boost sunny colors on bananas, and make radishes, grapes and blueberries look positively mouth watering.

According to new research conducted by scientists at the University of Idaho extension, however, some lights work better on potatoes than others. The study showed that certain bright overhead lights speed the rate at which potatoes turn green, and that's a consumer turnoff.

WASHINGTON -- Expect production losses in fruits and vegetables of between $5 billion and $9 billion annually if enforcement-only bills like the House-passed immigration reform bill becomes law, says a new study by the American Farm Bureau Federation.

New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine has asked Charles M. Kuperus to continue to serve as New Jersey secretary of agriculture.

"In order to build a better New Jersey, all aspects of our economy must be thriving. Charles Kuperus understands this," Mr. Corzine, who was sworn in as governor of the Garden State on Jan. 17, said in a statement. "And he also recognizes the unique challenges facing New Jersey's farmers and agricultural community. I am pleased he has agreed to be part of my administration."