With its specialty tomato offerings continuing to expand each season, Mastronardi Produce, based in Kingsville, ON, has begun delivering the European sensation Kumato tomato variety to retailers across North America.

The bad news is that everyone is nervous about the national economy. The good news is that organic shoppers are generally remaining loyal to their pocketbooks, principles and products.

Andrew J. Pandol, crew supervisor at family-owned Pandol Bros. Inc. in Delano, CA, has a deep dedication to farm and family that is clearly evident.

As the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement begins its third year of operation, it is making a major push to help the produce-buying trade better understand its programs.

More important, the agreement is working to demonstrate that mandatory government inspections required by all members are the only truly independent farm audit a produce buyer needs.

Last year's West Side melon deal in California came in at 20.5 million 40- pound cartons. Jerry Munson, manager of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, said that the board anticipates a comparable year in 2009.

The 2008 final tally of 20.5 million 40-pound cartons was considerably higher than the projected 20 million 40-pound cartons and slightly higher than 21.4 million cartons generated in the West Side deal in 2007. How long the season goes past mid-September determines the final total, Mr. Munson said.

Lack of water and an off-market last year combined to produce what is expected to be a bit less California onion acreage this year, but there has not been enough of a decrease to significantly alter the market, according to grower-shippers.

"We've been up and running since June 1," said Mike Smythe, who is in charge of sales for the Telesis Onion Co. Inc. in Five Points, CA. "The quality looks good, the size looks good, but acreage is down a little bit. Other than that, everything is status quo."