WASHINGTON -- Fruit and vegetable producers urged a congressional panel April 25 to maintain funding for key specialty crop programs just weeks before the full House Agriculture Committee is expected to mark up the 2013 farm bill.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas (R-OK) is said to be planning a May 15 markup of the 2013 farm bill, using as a starting point the 2012 farm bill legislation that never reached the House floor.

CERRITOS, CA -- Celebrity chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Sue Feniger, who bill themselves as the "Too Hot Tamales," were a big draw at the Fresh Produce & Floral Council's April 24 luncheon meeting, held here.

Columbia Marketing International, a leader in the worldwide distribution of premium quality apples, pears and cherries, announced that Bob Mast, vice president of marketing of CMI, was promoted to president.

Mr. Mast assumed the position immediately and will continue to work on limited marketing projects as CMI posts and fills the vice president of marketing position.

MT. VERNON, NY — The Foodtown store in the city of Mt. Vernon, NY, has experienced strong growth following a six-month renovation and remodeling, which increased the size of both the store and the produce department, providing more room to showcase the exceptional variety of fresh produce items offered to its shoppers.

Commerce City, CO — For decades Ringer & Son Brokerage has provided fresh fruit and vegetables from other growing areas to buyers in the Rocky Mountain region and — during Colorado’s growing season — moved an assortment of produce from this state to retailers in other areas as well.

That service continues, although with consolidation on both the grower and buyer end of the equation, the longstanding broker now works more with smaller distributors than with big chains, according to Ringer President Joshua Johnson.

“When was the last time you said ‘wow’ when you saw a fresh produce item?” Michael Muzyk, president of Baldor Specialty Foods in the Bronx, NY, proposed to The Produce News.

“It’s not just about new, unique or special packaging today — it’s as much about customer service. The difference between Baldor today and Baldor 15 years ago is that we now have tentacles that reach around the world. And we have a strong infrastructure and outstanding capacity to handle all categories of fresh produce.”