Kevin Moffitt, president and chief executive officer of the Pear Bureau Northwest in Milwaukie, OR, does not anticipate that rainy conditions in Oregon will create any undue delays in harvesting of the state's pear crop.

"The recent rain may cause some delay, maybe one day," he told The Produce News Aug. 31.

HOCKESSIN, DE -- The Produce for Better Health Foundation is applauds the launch of the Lunchbox Winners Produce Program by Safeway Inc., one of the nation's larger supermarket chains.

WASHINGTON — The timing could not be better for the United Fresh Produce Association's Washington Public Policy Conference. Congress will be making decisions on childhood nutrition and food safety bills when United Fresh holds its conference, here, Sept. 14-16.

The crunch of Jazz apples has been heard across the continent this summer, loudest of all in Dallas and Portland, OR.

Throughout August, street teams driving Jazz apple-themed sport-utility vehicles engaged with consumers at more than 60 events staged in retail outlets, parks and other venues.

As shoppers stocked up for the last picnics of the season and prepared to pack the first back-to-school lunches, Jazz apples proved an irresistible temptation, according to David Nelley, apple and pear category director for the Vancouver, BC-based Oppenheimer Group.

Florida Agriculture & Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson announced Sept. 1 that eradication has been declared in the Mediterranean fruit fly outbreak in Palm Beach County.

Regulations have been lifted, and fruit movement is no longer prohibited. Eradication is achieved when three life cycles of the Medfly (approximately 60 days) have passed without finding another wild Medfly.

Delta, BC-based Houweling's Hot House Group has appointed Brian Beggs chief marketing officer and Craig Laker director of sales and marketing. Both men will join the organization effective Sept. 7.