Western Fresh Marketing in Madera, CA, which handles an assortment of products but is perhaps best known for its fresh figs, kiwifruit and Hawaiian papayas, has added several new items to its product line for the fall season.

According to Chris Kragie, deciduous fruit manager, Western Fresh has taken on a large kiwifruit grower in the vicinity of Gridley, CA, which also grows other items that Western Fresh will be marketing, specifically pomegranates and horned melons, also called Kiwano melons.

An organization called Californians Against Hate and several other gay rights groups have called on supporters of gay marriage to protest and boycott carrot giant Wm. Bolthouse Farms Inc. in Bakersfield, CA, because of a political donation made by the Bolthouse Foundation, although both Bolthouse Farms and the Bolthouse Foundation say there is no connection between the two organizations.

Lettuce, spinach, green onions, cilantro, tomatoes and peppers are all recent headliners thanks to nationwide outbreaks of foodborne illness. The media- induced frenzy related to incidences of E. coli, hepatitis A and Salmonella is driving the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and state health departments to react to outbreaks at lightning speed -- and by the criticisms of some, with the accuracy and reliability of lightning as well.

SUN VALLEY, ID -- Each year, the Idaho Grower Shipper Association convention brings together members of the Idaho potato trade in a relaxed setting that features both social activities as well as educational opportunities and is a highlight of the year for the industry. The event typically sets the stage for the upcoming potato season, as crop forecasts and marketing plans are released.

Peter Sticco, founder of Coast to Coast Produce LLC, headquartered in Cheshire, CT, died Monday, Sept. 1 at his home in Cheshire following what was described as a long illness. He was 55 years old.

Mr. Sticco was born Dec. 31, 1952, in New Haven, CT. He graduated from Notre Dame High School and attended Sacred Heart University.

WASHINGTON -- With Congress and the White House poised to change after November, this year's Washington Public Policy Conference comes at a critical time as Congress and the next administration -- no matter who wins -- are likely to change food-safety regulations.

"Any election year is important, but this one is mega important for the produce industry," said Tom Stenzel, president and chief executive officer of the United Fresh Produce Association, which hosts a Washington lobbying blitz every September.