The Kroger Co. contributed $3.2 million to the USO in 2013.The funds were raised through the company's Honoring Our Heroes sales event in May and customer contributions collected at check stands through the summer and fall.

Four months of near-to-above-average rainfall has brought desperately needed drought relief to the Lone Star State, but Texas voters took a stand at the polls Nov. 5 that should eventually provide even more benefit.

Texas voters approved a proposition that will let the state dip into its "rainy day fund" to the tune of some $2 billion, amending the state constitution to fund future water planning projects, primarily through low-cost loans.

The Western Growers Association has gathered in Honolulu this week for its 88th Annual Meeting. Being held at the Sheraton Waikiki, it runs through Wednesday, Nov. 13. On Monday, Bruce Taylor of Taylor Farms was elected chairman of the board for the next 12 months. Early highlights have included a discussion of politics by California Rep. Darrell Issa at the Political Action Committee luncheon.

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D’Arrigo Bros. Co. of California, Mission Produce, Grimmway Farms and Rainier Fruit Co. have all made significant sustainability improvements that have strengthened the companies, their products and decreased their consumption of natural resources.

The National Mango Board will host a virtual industry outreach meeting via webinar on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 4 p.m. (EST). During the webinar, NMB staff will navigate through the industry section of mango.org, highlighting the various resources and tools available to better support mango industry members and grow the mango business.

As a California-based year-round supplier of avocados, Calavo Growers Inc. in Santa Paula, CA, as with many California avocado companies, relies heavily on imported fruit to meet the growing demand from its customers, particularly during times of the year when domestically produced avocados are out of season or in light supply.