Bland Farms, a sweet onion category leader, appointed Bryce Edmonson the company’s new chief executive officer, effective Jan. 13. Mr. Edmonson brings more than 25 years of industry experience to the nationally recognized sweet onion company and replaces Bruce Peterson, who has served as interim CEO since July 1, 2011. Mr. Peterson will remain on the Bland Farms board of advisors.

Crown Jewels Produce LLC in Fresno, CA, will be featured on the Discovery Channel's "American Farmer" broadcast that will air initially on Tuesday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 a.m. Eastern Standard and Pacific Standard Time, according to a press release from Crown Jewels dated Nov. 30. There will be subsequent airings as well, but dates and times have not yet been specified.

"Crown Jewels was selected by 'American Farmer' to present the bounty of California agriculture and educate consumers across America on where our produce is grown," the release stated.

Customized Brokers, the customs brokerage division of Crowley Marine Corp. in Miami, FL, caters heavily to the clearance of fruits and vegetables coming into the United States.

Nelly Yunta, vice president of U.S. imports, customs brokerage and consulting for the company, said that it is able to clear anything that is imported into the United States.

In the midst of holiday demand, Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA, is shipping a full line of onions now.

The 2012 onion season has kicked into high gear with shipments of organics, sweets and hybrids from Sweet Clover Produce of Walla Walla, WA.

Allison Moore has been named director of legislative and regulatory affairs for the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, effective Dec. 7.

"Allison increasingly has helped set the tone for FPAA in its in regulatory and legislative issues," Lance Jungmeyer, president of FPAA, said in a press release. "In this role, she will continue to expand her knowledge and activity in these areas."

Donnie Blanton, a veteran of the California produce industry, died unexpectedly in his sleep Dec. 2 at the age of 46. The cause of death was not disclosed.