After months of much anticipation and fanfare, the Great Big Idaho Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey following a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Idaho Gov. C.L. (Butch) Otter in front of the Idaho Capitol Building.

In celebration of its Diamond Anniversary, the Idaho Potato Commission built a larger-than-life version of the

WEATHER

Daytime temperatures in Huron, CA, were expected to remain in the mid-60s through April 6 before climbing into the mid- to upper-70s through April 10. Overnight lows were expected to range in the mid-30s to 40 degrees through April 5 then rise into the upper 40s through April 10.

In Salinas, CA, daytime highs were expected to range in the low to mid-60s through April 6 then nudge into the mid- to upper 60s through April 10.

DEMAND

Andrew Schultz

DiMare Fresh hired ANDREW SCHULTZ as its new vice president of strategic business development in Arlington,

Castellini Co. is recalling Jalapeño peppers after tests by Ohio officials found Salmonella in a case of hot peppers at a retailer, the company announced March 29.

“The potential for contamination was noted after a random test by the Ohio Department of Agriculture in a store in Ohio which revealed the presence of Salmonella in a case of Jalapeño peppers,” said the Newport, KY-based company, adding that it has not received any reports of illnesses.

The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, North America is anticipating a slight decline in grape shipments to North America this year, according to Tom Tjerandsen, North American managing director for the organization.

HALF MOON BAY, CA -- Marko B. Zaninovich, president of Marko B. Zaninovich Inc., d/b/a Sunview Vineyards, and also president of Sunview Marketing international, was the recipient of the California Grape & Tree Fruit League's 2012 Mentor Award.