On Nov. 4 in the nation's capital, a group of academics got together and discussed whether Wal-Mart has a positive or negative impact on America and the local economies of the towns it enters.

That has been a much-debated topic in city council chambers and county supervisor offices throughout the country. What made this conference unique is that Wal-Mart itself sponsored it and set it up to be as unbiased as possible.

ATLANTA -- Sal Vacca of A.J. Trucco seemed to speak for everyone assembled at the garlic industry's Nov. 6 breakfast at the PMA Fresh Summit when he referred to Chinese garlic as "a thorn in our heart."

Others in attendance at the breakfast echoed Mr. Vacca's lament, and few expressed hope of stemming the tide of Chinese garlic imports that continue to plague U.S. grower- shippers as well as those in Mexico.

As Pink Lady America continues to build on its success as the only apple variety approved by the American Heart Association Food Certification Program, Pink Lady Marketing Director Alan Taylor said, "We're very much interested in branding this product."

The unique characteristics of the apple include a striking pink skin, complex tart-sweet flavor and the ability to maintain a white flesh longer when cut, Mr. Taylor noted, and those attributes make branding a logical move.

"Never in the history of the [California citrus] industry have we been so united," said Philip LoBue, president of LoBue Bros. Inc., a citrus packinghouse in Lindsay, CA, who was elected chairman of the board of directors of California Citrus Mutual at the organization's recent annual meeting.

Stan Pohmer, founder and chief executive officer of Pohmer Consulting Group, received the 2005 Floral Marketer of the Year Award during the Nov. 6 breakfast general session at the Produce Marketing Association's 2005 Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition in Atlanta.

This marks the 25th annual presentation of the award recognizing an outstanding individual who has served the mass-market floral industry with dedication and distinction.

ATLANTA -- With President Bush's signature, which is expected shortly, the start date of mandatory country-of- origin labeling for produce will be officially extended to Sept. 30, 2008.