The latest issue in the seemingly unending list of bad news for Florida's once $9 billion-dollar-a-year citrus industry is that about 90 percent of the state's nurseries that grow and nurture young citrus trees may have to close their businesses.

Global Horizons, a supplier of foreign guest workers, has sued a Delano, CA-based blueberry grower and two labor contractors, claiming that the use of illegal immigrants has resulted in unfair competition.

FRESNO, CA -- A group of Canadian retailers and some representatives from a Canadian foodservice supplier visited California in early August as guests of the California Tomato Commission on a trade mission to learn more about the California tomato industry and establish or strengthen relationships with some California growers and shippers.

CHICAGO -- National apple production looks to be 6 percent lower than last year and 1 percent lower than the five-year average, according to figures released by the U.S. Apple Association at its annual Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference, held here Aug. 17-18.

GATINEAU, QC -- Over 400 members, partners and guests of the Quebec Produce Marketing Association descended on the Hilton Lac Leamy, here, for the association's 59th annual convention Aug. 17-19.

Doug Nelson recently joined Carol Stream, IL-based Blue Book Services as manager of special services. He will lead a team of industry-experienced trading and collection assistance professionals for the firm.

Mr. Nelson most recently worked as a lawyer specializing in commercial litigation in Chicago. In addition to his legal experience, he worked as a Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act marketing specialist for over two years. Mr. Nelson earned his bachelor's degree from Michigan State University and his law degree from Chicago's Loyola University School of Law.