New York state government is sending a strong message to consumers in the Empire State, encouraging them to take advantage of the Empire State’s rich agricultural heritage and bounty. The message: buy local.

Fresh Valley Foods Corp., based in Haverhill, MA, announced it has entered into a retail brokerage partnership with A.J. Letizio Sales & Marketing Inc., based in Windham, NH. Under this new agreement, A.J. Letizio will become Fresh Valley Food's exclusive retail broker in New England and New York for the processor's full line of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables.

The California pear is coming at least 11 days early, according to marketing consultant Dave Parker of Rivermaid Trading Co.

“In addition, the crop looks to be really high-quality and great-eating,” added Ken Carter, marketing director for Rivermaid. “The timing and quality give retailers a huge opportunity in fresh pear sales.”

WASHINGTON — The Food & Drug Administration must issue final produce safety and preventive controls regulations no later than June 2015, and propose other key food-safety regulations by Nov. 20, 2013, according to a court order handed down by a federal judge after two consumer groups sued FDA over its delay in releasing FDA Food Safety Modernization Act rules.

California Endive Farms has launched a new website as it enters its 30th season of endive production in California.

After adopting a new name and logo last October, the company recently revamped its website, giving it a stronger educational focus with improved visuals that showcase the unique two-stage endive production process as well as the culinary versatility of the company's red and white endives.

Produce for Kids has named Trish James as its vice president. James will be leading the strategic development and creative positioning associated with future Produce for Kids brand development. She will also be responsible for consumer outreach, in-store campaigns and managing day-to-day organizational operations.

With a background in grocery retail at ACME Markets and most recently on the commodity side of the industry, James has a proven, successful track record of creating and executing in-store programs that increase the sale of fresh produce.