Sparta, MI-based Riveridge Produce recently added new staff members to its team as part of its expansion plans.

The California Grape & Tree Fruit League has officially changed its name to the California Fresh Fruit Association, an identity its members believe better defines the broad types of commodities it represents.

The California Fresh Fruit Association will formally present its new name to executive and legislative officials its annual fruit delivery Aug. 12 in Sacramento. And to celebrate this important milestone, an evening reception with government officials and California Fresh Fruit Association members will follow.

Lipman, one of North America’s largest field tomato growers, recently distributed more than 1,200 backpacks filled with school supplies to Immokalee, FL, elementary and middle school students at a community event at the Immokalee Sports Complex.

New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Douglas H. Fisher and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials marked Farmers Market Week on Wednesday, Aug. 6 with a visit to the Bordentown City Farmers Market in Bordentown City, NJ.

Gov. Chris Christie proclaimed Aug. 3-9, 2014 as Farmers Market Week in New Jersey and  U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, likewise, proclaimed the week National Farmers Market Week to remind consumers to visit these markets this summer and fall.

Food Safety Net Services Certification & Audit, based in San Antonio, TX, recently appointed Lori Ernst as its vice president of audit services.

In her new position, Ernst will be responsible for maintaining the integrity of FSNS C&A audit and certification programs, including training of new employees. In addition, she will develop and maintain new programs as well as oversee the FSNS C&A certification body.

As of late July, California Giant Berry Farms in Watsonville, CA, a leading producer and marketer of strawberries and other berries, was in heavy production of strawberries and blackberries out of California and blueberries out of the Pacific Northwest.