As avocado consumption continues to increase in the United States, West Pak Avocado Inc., a grower, packer and shipper headquartered in Murrieta, CA, continues to look at ways to enlarge its U.S. footprint.

The United Fresh Produce Association has announced the slate of new officers and directors nominated to serve on its board of directors, effective April 29 at its meeting in White Sulphur Springs, WV.

Ascending to chairman of the board is Brian W. Kocher, interim chief executive officer of Chiquita in Charlotte, NC. Kocher currently serves as chairman-elect of the United Fresh board.

Nominated as chairman-elect is Tony Freytag, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Crunch Pak Sliced Apples in Cashmere, WA.

While the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported no major losses or damage to crops this winter, many companies based in Pompano Beach, FL, sited that the brutal cold temperatures experienced throughout much of the Northeast in January and February did have an impact on business.

After a successful program launch at the Southeast Produce Council’s Southern Exposure event in late February, Nature Fresh Farms is taking the eat brighter! message to local schools.

The Eastern Produce Council and its Women’s Leadership Committee are offering an opportunity for the industry to become involved in hunger relief at the Community FoodBank of New Jersey in Hillside on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 from 6-8 p.m.

WASHINGTON — The popular magazine Consumer Reports released a new shoppers’ guide March 19 that ranks the pesticide residues on 48 fruits and vegetables, but the latest list is misleading to consumers because both organic and conventional produce are safe, according to the Alliance for Food & Farming.