Sustainability is not just a “feel good” movement but a process that can lead to increased and more profits. At least that was one of the overarching viewpoints that came out of an educational session on the topic at the Produce Marketing Association convention during the workshop day on Friday, Oct. 26.

“The first essential component of social justice is adequate food for all mankind.” — Norman Borlaug, Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech

The Washington state Department of Agriculture has awarded the Pear Bureau Northwest $75,000 in specialty crop grant funding to promote USA Pears in conjunction with the children’s entertainment brand, “LazyTown.” The project will be tailored to retail partners and schools with live events and co-branded materials.

The grant award will enable Pear Bureau Northwest to engage in an exciting promotion with “LazyTown,” which motivates children to make healthy lifestyle choices, such as keeping active and eating fruits and vegetables to gain energy.

It has been said that one third of Americans would rather give up sex than their mobile phone.

McAllen, TX-based Val Verde Vegetable Co., which was gearing up for the start of its 2012-13 greens season in mid-to-late October, announced the hiring of CLYDE WATSON JR. as its greens harvest supervisor.

Whether it was the always-popular California location, the truncated format or normal growth is hard to say, but the 2012 edition of the Produce Marketing Association’s annual meeting, Fresh Summit, attracted what was announced as a record crowd of more than 20,000 attendees.