WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced up to $31.5 million in grants are available to test new ways to make fruits and vegetables more affordable to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants.

News of the program launch drew immediate praise by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and the United Fresh Produce Association.

Avocados from Mexico will be sharing the love at the upcoming Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit Convention & Exposition Oct. 17-19 in Anaheim, CA.

Bernard Joseph Imming, the former president and chief executive officer of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association, which is now known as the United Fresh Produce Association, died Sept. 23 at the age of 94.

Steven Mayer has joined Schnuck Markets Inc. as vice president of produce and floral reporting to Chief Merchant Steve Harper.

“We have definitely been processing a lot of kale since this trend began, and this fall we’ll be processing organic kale,” John Gates, president of Lancaster Foods LLC in Jessup, MD, told The Produce News. “People see the health benefits, and the media continues to promote it strongly. When an old-turned-new item comes into high demand, we just ride the wave.”

He pointed out that besides cooking it and enjoying kale chips, a lot of kale is being used in popular health smoothies.

Eric Nagelberg of Panorama Produce in Mamaroneck, NY, said the firm’s mango business continues to grow steadily.

“Each year we grow, which is a great because it is a very important crop for us,” said Nagelberg, a son of one of Panorama Produce’s founders.

Jeff (Eric’s dad) and Rick Nagelberg started Panorama Produce more than 30 years ago. Mangos have grown into one of the firm’s top items. Initially, the company brokered mangos 12 years ago, but now Panorama has become an importer, bringing in mangos from many different production regions on a 12-month basis.