VANCOUVER, BC -- Two of British Columbia's leading produce companies announced in early December an alliance designed to better serve customers across the country in eastern Canada.

While The Oppenheimer Group's archives record transactions with B.C. Tree Fruits Ltd. in Kelowna, BC, dating as far back as the 1930s, more recently the two organizations have been visible partners delivering B.C.-grown apples together to various U.S. markets. Beginning Dec. 1, the relationship took on a new dimension, in the form of a shared staff member.

Kevin Andrew, who has been with Sun World Inc. for 26 years, including the last half dozen as chief operating officer, recently left the organization to take a similar position with Columbine Vineyards, one of the older California grape producers and shippers.

The Texas Department of Agriculture recently announced $1.8 million worth of federal grants that will fund 17 projects that promote and develop Texas- grown specialty crops, including projects that will further food-safety efforts in the state and assist burgeoning industries.

Funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, the grants are an investment in Texas agriculture and will help grow the industry, according to Texas Commissioner of Agriculture Todd Staples.

Marco DiMare, 41, who was in charge of The DiMare Co.'s citrus operations in Indio, CA, was killed the evening off Dec. 1 in the California desert after his car was hit head-on by a stolen and speeding catering truck.

Mr. DiMare was the son of Thomas DiMare, who has headed the family firm's California operation for many years. The DiMare Co. was established in 1931 on the Boston wholesale market and now has operations from coast to coast.

WASHINGTON -- The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act by a vote of 264 to 157 the afternoon of Dec. 2, clearing the way for the government to increase the availability of fruits and vegetables in schools servicing more than 31 million children.