It is an inescapable irony that in the state of California, with unemployment at 9.2 percent (higher than all but two other states in the nation according to the latest figures from the Bureau of Labor Statistics), agricultural employees should be faced with a labor shortage.

Sun World International LLC, a leading grower, marketer and breeder of premium varieties of fruits and vegetables, announced plans to leverage its people, natural resources and proprietary brands behind what the Bakersfield, CA-based company calls a "world-class" business strategy defined and evaluated by its customers.

The strategy, which includes an expansion of staff expertise and production, will be driven by the organization's core values: executional excellence, innovation, authenticity, collaboration and teamwork, according to a company press release.

The Rocky Ford Cantaloupe Association is working on parallel tracks to increase acreage dedicated to the signature fruit while at the same time providing consumers with continued assurances that cantaloupes are safe to consume and enjoy this summer.

Del Monte Fresh Produce announced its second of four weekly aspiring chef winners of its "Find Your Inner Chef" online contest.

Karen Gulkin from Greeley, CO, will have the opportunity to move on to the Cook Off Challenge event that will be held in Miami.

The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement has launched a special section of its website to update industry on the Food Safety Modernization Act as it pertains to leafy greens. The new section can be accessed via the homepage of the LGMA at www.lgma.ca.gov.  

Axiall Corp., a new Atlanta-based company created by the merger of Georgia Gulf and PPG Industries in January, provides a safe, simple and cost-effective water treatment option for food packing and fresh-cut industries through its Accu-Tab tablet chlorination system.