Rainier Fruit Co., one of Washington's premier apple grower-packer-shippers, has raised the bar in anticipation of its new packingline, known as The Max Line. The state-of-the-art line is expected to become operational around Oct. 10 according to Suzanne Wolter, the company's director of marketing.

WASHINGTON -- United Fresh Produce Association Chairman David Krause, president of Paramount Citrus, kicked off the Oct. 2 opening breakfast at the Washington Public Policy Conference by addressing a burning issue: the future of United Fresh after this year's failed merger with the Produce Marketing Association.

Market Fresh Produce LLC recently promoted Jeff Jones, a 30-year veteran of the produce industry, from director of sales to vice president of supply chain management. He has extensive experience in produce procurement, innovative merchandising and marketing programs. Mr. Jones has worked for leading industry companies, including Publix, Associated Wholesale Grocers, Banta Foods and Martinous Produce Co.

This is a season of redesign and reimaging for Black Gold Farms. "This past season, we took a look at our Black Gold Farms label and designed a new high-impact poly bag," National Director of Sales Glen Reynolds told The Produce News Sept. 17. "The imagery and copy points highlight the benefits of red potatoes as well as tell the Black Gold Farms story in an easy-to-read and attractive layout."

WASHINGTON — Importers of Mexican tomatoes say that the U.S. Department of Commerce's step toward terminating the 16-year suspension agreement, officially announced Oct. 2, will wreak havoc on Mexican grower decisions and leave U.S. retailers without a stable supply of Mexican tomatoes.

The brewing trade dispute was being discussed among attendees of the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference, though United Fresh is not taking a position on the matter.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Oct. 1 the award of more than $100 million in grants to support specialty crop producers that provide fruits, vegetables, nuts and other nutritious foods for millions of healthy American meals each day.

Approximately $55 million of the total will be invested in 56 specialty crop block grants to states that fund748 initiatives across the United States to strengthen markets and expand economic opportunities for local and regional producers.