About 15 years ago, when Mexican avocados began to gain partial entry to the U.S. marketplace, the only groves and packingsheds eligible to export were those located in the west-central state of Michoacán.

Access to the United States has increased to all 50 states, but the point of origin still must only be groves and packing plants in Michoacán. While Michoacán is the largest producing area for Mexican avocados, it is not the only area.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry put a smile on the faces of everyone on both sides of the table at the Syrian peace talks at the U.S. Ambassador's home in Paris Jan. 13 when he presented Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov with two large "Famous Idaho Potatoes."

Just as the meeting was about to get down to serious discussions over a tense situation, Kerry lightened the atmosphere with the gift, inviting reporters into the room to record the moment.

Eric and Ryan Jensen, the owners of the defunct Jensen Farms in Holly, CO, have asked that a federal judge sentence them to probation. The company produced cantaloupes that were tainted with Listeria in 2011. During the outbreak, 33 people died and another 147 were sickened in the United States.

Last October, the Jensens pleaded guilty to six counts of introducing adulterated food into interstate commerce. Each of the brothers may each face up to one-year prison sentences and a fine of $250,000 per charge.

The start of 2014 is particularly reflective for Ready Pac Foods Inc. because it marks the company’s 45th anniversary of providing innovative fresh-cut produce solutions to customers across the country.

The U.S. Cyclocross National Championship cycling races were held in early January at Valmont Bike Park in Boulder, CO, shortly after a snowstorm, strong winds and partial snowmelt that resulted in the perfect combination of cold snowy mud. However, the California Giant Cycling team persevered and brought home a major win.

Naples, FL-based Oakes Farms Inc. recently added ANTHONY HIGH to its team.

High joined the company last year and is the director of operations, handling a full line of products. Prior to joining Oakes Farms, High owned Old Naples Produce Co., also based in Naples.