The Texas Department of Agriculture recently announced $1.8 million worth of federal grants that will fund 17 projects that promote and develop Texas- grown specialty crops, including projects that will further food-safety efforts in the state and assist burgeoning industries.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the grants are an investment in Texas agriculture and will help grow the industry, according to Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples.

Marco DiMare, 41, who was in charge of The DiMare Co.'s citrus operations in Indio, CA, was killed the evening off Dec. 1 in the California desert after his car was hit head-on by a stolen and speeding catering truck.

Mr. DiMare was the son of Thomas DiMare, who has headed the family firm's California operation for many years. The DiMare Co. was established in 1931 on the Boston wholesale market and now has operations from coast to coast.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act by a vote of 264 to 157 the afternoon of Dec. 2, clearing the way for the government to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables in schools servicing more than 31 million children.

The Florida Department of Citrus is finding ever more creative ways to promote the leading star in the state's produce lineup. Florida citrus is a $9 billion business annually; the department is always looking for ways to spur sales to new heights.

In late November at the 2010 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Show in Bartow, FL, chefs from around the world competed at the second annual USA Culinary Cup Challenge for prizes and medals. The FDOC sponsored Florida citrus juices and fresh Florida citrus as featured ingredients in all recipe submissions.

Avocados are fast becoming a star performer in the produce department, but consistent double-digit annual retail volume growth is just one reason why the Vancouver, BC-based Oppenheimer Group inked a partnership with Mexican avocado grower Mevi Avocados Inc. in mid-October.

By securing a year-round supply of Mexican avocados, the full-service marketing and distribution company significantly enhanced its emerging avocado category, which includes fruit from Peru and Chile. Mevi, based in Pharr, TX, produces in Michoacán, Mexico.