Immigration, COOL and farm bill top priorities for United
WASHINGTON Money is always tight for specialty crops, but attendees of United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association's Washington Public Policy Conference, here, heard news that the budget for agriculture got even tighter as Congress responded to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
More than 275 members of the produce industry representing more than 30 states signed up for the Sept. 13-16 conference, which provided an opportunity to hear from elected leaders and lobby congressional staff on hot-button issues.
State lets Ralph's Grocery off the hook on false ads
The California Department of Food & Agriculture announced Sept. 13 that no further action would be taken against Ralph's Grocery Co. for violations involving the grocery chains alleged false advertising of Mexican-grown grapes as Californian-grown grapes.
Green leaf lettuce and tomatoes play starring role in McDonald's new sandwich line
When launching its new line of premium chicken sandwiches in early August, fast-food restaurant giant McDonald's Corp. made sure that consumers will be getting high-quality produce in every bite.
The new sandwich line, which includes the Classic, Ranch BLT and Club, all contain tomatoes and green leaf lettuce, which the company has promoted in recent press releases.
NAM kicks off Retail Display Contest
National Apple Month has kicked off its 2005 Retail Display Contest with a new national focus that should help supermarkets across the country boost apple sales and keep apples top of mind for consumers throughout the year.
This year's contest began Sept. 1 and will run through November, according to NAM Director Kay Rentzel. It is open to all retailers in the United States as well as all military commissaries in this country and abroad.
Guatemalan exporter serves Texas retailer via direct deal
Baby Fresh of Guatemala is enjoying robust sales through a direct deal in shipping prepackaged baby vegetables to the Central Market chain, which is owned by H.E. Butt Grocery Co., headquartered in San Antonio, TX.
Baby Fresh owner Antonio Maldonado told The Produce News Sept. 7 that his sales are strong in the upscale six-store Texas chain, which has locations in Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Plano and Dallas.
'Dynamic duo' continue family tradition at Cascade Crest Organics
From the time he was 14, Kevin Stennes knew he wanted to make his living working on the family farm. So did his younger brother Mark well, younger by nine minutes that is. Like many identical twins, the 23-year-old brothers have many things in common besides looks, including the same hobbies and even the same careers.
In wake of Katrina, bananas still reeling and transportation in high demand
Dole banana containers made the television networks' national broadcasts in the days following Hurricane Katrina, as cameramen panned piles of rubble in Gulfport, MS. There, amid the crushed chaos of Gulfport, the familiar red logo could be seen on containers that were twisted and washed into huge piles of debris.
San Luis Valley pares back more acreage, anticipates solid crop
MONTE VISTA, CO With its potato acreage at 58,100 this fall season, Colorado's San Luis Valley has pared its planted ground by nearly 20,000 acres in the last decade.
In 1996, Colorados fall crop acreage was at 77,800, but it declined to 76,900 the next season. In 1998 it dropped again to 75,700 acres, but bounced up slightly to 77,000 acres in 1999.
Smaller Washington apple crop being met with enthusiasm
By Aug. 30, the 103.2 million-box Washington apple crop of 2004, one of the larger on record, was down to 1.6 million boxes remaining in storage, and projections are for a 7 percent reduction in the fresh crop size this season.
The smaller crop of 95 million boxes, which might yet be reduced depending on fruit size as the season continues, is being described by industry members as welcome news.
Invoices now routinely include fuel surcharges
"I don't know of anybody not getting a fuel surcharge," said David Lund of Allen Lund Co. Inc. in Los Angeles, putting a definite emphasis on the word not.
It might be listed as a surcharge or it is in the rate they quote but they are getting it, he added. More and more, our carriers are demanding a fuel surcharge as a separate line item.
And even with the surcharge, Mr. Lund said that trucks are tight and many drivers arent willing to haul product because they are not making any money.