WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to expand the fresh-cut apple pilot program to more states and test baby carrots after working out the kinks of its successful pilot project.

From March 27 to June 30, USDA worked with vendors who helped deliver fresh-cut apple slices to kids in school districts in California, Michigan, North Carolina, New York and Pennsylvania. USDA purchased more than 3 million pounds of fresh-cut apple slices in two-ounce bags in an attempt to boost fresh fruit consumption with more convenient packages.

Industry leaders, key politicians and American heroes are among those scheduled to address the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association's 66th annual convention Sept. 27-29 in Palm Beach, FL.

Salinas, CA -- Knobeloch Jenkins Associates LLC announced Sept. 25 the formation of a collaborative strategic partnership with Bancroft Partners LLC, a San Francisco-based financial advisory firm, serving companies, entrepreneurs and investors.

LOS ANGELES -- Gourmet Trading Co. announced the third week in September that the purple asparagus season in Peru has started. Both 11- pound and five-pound boxes are available and ready for promotion in the retail and foodservice sectors.

Domex Superfresh Growers, based in Yakima, WA, will be unveiling two new product packaging options at this year's Produce Marketing Association convention and trade show, Oct. 2-5 in Anaheim, CA.

The company will exhibit at booth No. 3473. With thousands of acres of the hugely popular Honeycrisp apple coming into production, Domex has created a high-graphic Euro box dedicated to marketing the variety.

Salinas, CA -- River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC recently expanded its senior management team to include two industry veterans, one in the area of sales and marketing and the other in the area of agricultural operations.