Although the recent downturn in the economy has had a negative impact on its foodservice business, Cutchogue, NY-based Satur Farms has seen an uptick in its retail business.

"We've seen a little shift away from dining establishments, and we've noticed quite an increase in demand in the retail component, and that is exciting," said Paulette Satur, who co-owns the firm with her husband, Eberhard Muller, a world-renowned chef with 30 years of experience, who has served as executive chef at some of New York City's more famous restaurants.

HARTFORD, CT -- While the main aspects of several new projects for the Connecticut Regional Produce Market remain intact and are expected to eventually come to fruition, some aspects have apparently fallen victim to the economic downturn that has hurt all regions of the country, including the state of Connecticut.

The two key projects -- a new facility for one of the wholesale companies at the market and a new farmers market -- are still on track, although they will not be finished as quickly as everyone thought when the original plans were announced a few years ago.

Brooks Tropicals has added the title of president to its chief executive officer, Craig Wheeling, who has served in that role for the past 15 years.

Mr. Wheeling takes over the position previously held by Pal Brooks, who is also the owner of Brooks Tropicals. Mr. Brooks is now chairman of the board. Mr. Wheeling's family has been farming in Miami-Dade County for 100 years, when the city of Miami was only 13 years old.

WASHINGTON -- By a 283-to-142 vote, the House of Representatives passed the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 but only after House Agriculture Committee Republicans tried to send the bill back to committee to make it more farm-friendly.

HR 2749 would require the Food & Drug Administrtation to set strong performance standards, create a food traceback system, inspect facilities more frequently and set new controls for imported foods. FDA would add new authority to access records, levy penalties and collect a dedicated source of funding for food safety.

Going into the mid-summer months, which is typically when Chinese garlic makes its presence known, reflected in the U.S. f.o.b. price, the U.S. garlic market is strong and should remain so for the foreseeable future.

"There is 25-30 percent less garlic in China than there was at this time last year," said John Wang of Canada Garlic Inc. in Toronto.

Maxco Supply Inc. in Parlier, CA, has announced the release of its new micro flute tri-wall container, which it said is stronger, lighter and more eco- friendly than other produce containers.

Another important characteristic of the new tri-wall configuration is the smooth exterior created by using micro flutes.

These micro flutes virtually eliminate flute lines, allowing for cleaner, brighter graphics and printing. This will allow for even better-looking packaging to grab consumers' attention.