As the Red River Valley red potato industry rolled toward 2010, prices were down dramatically from the pervious year's strong market.

In light of a crop volume that was down 15 percent from 2008-09, there was a sense of frustration on the part of the Red River Valley industry. The feeling was that no matter how well the crop was managed, there was downward market pressure from a huge overabundance of russet potatoes coming from other areas.

The Southeast Produce Council announced Jan. 5 that Peter F. Pero III of Pero Family Farms will receive its 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award this March.

Mr. Pero will be honored during the council's annual retail and foodservice conference and exposition, scheduled for March 4-6 in Tampa, FL. The award will be presented Saturday, March 6, at the keynote luncheon.

The year 2009 has been "a historic year in the garlic industry" with a demand-exceeds-supply situation that has pushed prices for both domestic and imported product to higher levels than anyone has seen in a long time, according to Jim Provost, president of I Love Produce, a grower, importer and marketer of fresh garlic, ginger and specialty produce based in West Grove, PA.

Tom Nassif, president and chief executive officer of Western Growers Association, announced Jan. 7 that Henry (Hank) Giclas III was promoted to senior vice president of science and technology, strategic planning, effective Jan. 1.

"Hank began his career with Western Growers in 1990 as Arizona's director of legislative and regulatory affairs with an emphasis on pesticides and pesticide related issues," Mr. Nassif said in a press release.

WASHINGTON -- All eyes have been on Congress during the heated health- care reform debate in recent months, but the produce industry will likely have a full plate in 2010 as a variety of issues in Washington may shape future regulations for businesses.

"I think it will be a full agenda for 2010," Robert Guenther, senior vice president of public policy at the United Fresh Produce Association, told The Produce News. Even though it's an election year, "I don't see them slowing down."

NOGALES, AZ -- The Fresh Produce Association of the America's board of directors has organized a search committee to oversee the task of finding a candidate to fill the president's position for the association.

The initial committee members are Chris Ciruli of Ciruli Brothers and current FPAA chairman, Jaime Chamberlainof JC Distributing and current FPAA chairman-elect, Alejandro Canelos of Apache Produce Imports LLC, Martin Ley of Del Campo Supreme, Matt Mandel of SunFed, Miky Suarez of MAS Melons & Grapes and Kip Martin of Coogan & Martin P.C.