WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced recently plans to purchase up to 6 million pounds of dried fig pieces to be donated to child nutrition and other domestic food assistance programs.

In fiscal year 2005, which ended Sept. 30, USDA purchased 5 million pounds of figs. USDA purchased nearly 4.9 million pounds of figs in FY04 and 3.7 million pounds of figs in FY03.

MAITLAND, FL -- Thanks to the efforts of Florida's congressional delegation, the state's agricultural producers will receive at least $200 million to assist in post-hurricane cleanup and conservation efforts, Florida Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson announced at the end of December.

Money to fund the disaster relief package will generally come from Section 32 dollars. USDA's Section 32 program earmarks a portion of customs receipts to aid the farm sector.

The Produce News has moved to a new office in Oradell, NJ, just a short distance from our previous office.

The new address is 800 Kinderkamack Road, Suite 100, Oradell, NJ 07649.

Our new telephone number is 201-986-7990, and our new fax number is 201-986-7996.

All of our e-mail addresses remain the same, including the general editorial address: [email protected].

CHESHIRE, CT -- The Private Label Manufacturers Association capped a year of unprecedented acclaim for store brands by honoring some of the country's better private-label programs and products at its annual trade show held in Chicago this past November.

Justin Robinson, who is featured in the California Giant advertising and marketing campaign for 2006, has won the Cyclocross National Championship held earlier this month in snowy New England.

Far from the California sunshine, Mr. Robinson was able to overcome the freezing elements and bring home the championship for the second year in a row for California Giant Berry Farms. The company said that it is extremely proud of the team at this most recent event with three of the members standing on the podium wearing the Cal Giant colors.

SALINAS, CA -- Fresh produce industry leaders representing all the major trade associations congregated here Dec. 13 for a forum on assuring a safe supply of lettuce for consumers as well as retail and foodservice buyers with an eye toward eliminating any incidence of foodborne illness associated with California lettuce.