The Fresh Produce & Floral Council has begun a new apprentice program designed to train and develop the next generation of leaders in the fresh produce and floral industry. The nine-month program, commencing in May and concluding at the FPFC's 2015 Dinner Dance, will include tours, seminars and panel discussions.

"Developing the next generation of industry leaders is a priority for the board," FPFC President Carissa Mace said in a press release. "We've been discussing different avenues toward that goal and the apprenticeship program is what has evolved."

Potato grower Roger Christensen, who for several years sold spuds for Skyline Potato Co., recently formed Maverick Potato Co. with Michael Kruse and will begin shipping from the Center Co-op/Apex facility in downtown Center, CO.

For 30 years, J.B. Cutsinger of International Citrus & Produce in Burlingame, CA, has been procuring top-notch citrus and other produce from around the world, including its Texas deal with oranges and grapefruit from the Rio Grande Valley, which will increase in volume this season. Since 2005, his son, Jim Cutsinger, has been on board and hopes to carry on the family tradition for at least another 30 years.

Quail H Farms LLC, has added Larelle Miller to its sales team.

Miller joins Quail H Farms as the company’s sales manager and will be directing the sales and marketing efforts of its sweet potato, squash and carrot produce divisions.

The company video shows a potential sixth generation playing in a yard belonging to the Garber family.

Their future appears to be in good hands, after the first five generations have grown grains and vegetables in South Louisiana since 1881. Sweet potatoes and rice are the featured commodities on the 5,000-acre farm operated by Garber Farms, located in Lota, LA.

WASHINGTON -- Rep. Jeff Denham (R-CA) predicted a five-year farm bill would be in conference this month despite delays caused by the government shutdown.

Denham was the only lawmaker to appear at the Oct. 2 closing day of United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference, a session that was scheduled to end at 2 p.m. but ended at 10 a.m.