J.R. (Jack) Simplot, a pioneer of the Idaho potato industry, founder of the J.R. Simplot Co. and one of the 100 wealthiest Americans, died of natural causes May 25 at his home in Boise, ID. He was 99.

"Former [Idaho] Gov. Phil Batt, who knew [Mr.] Simplot well, said he was among the most important figures in the state's history," stated an obituary in the Idaho Statesman. The article quoted Mr. Batt as saying, "I think [Mr. Simplot] did more to build Idaho than any other one person."

A strategic alliance forged by two industry veterans will seek to advance tracking and traceability of fresh produce items.

Anthony Totta, founder of the produce consultancy Grow My Profits, has teamed with agronomist Helmut Leili, who now carries the title of business intelligence consultant, track and trace specialist for Grow My Profits, which is based in Kansas City, MO.

Grow My Profits is offering private consulting services on tracking and traceability. In addition, beginning early this summer, the firm will begin a series of related industry seminars.

LAS VEGAS, NV -- With more than 1,000 acres planted in its trademark SCS- certified, pesticide-free white, red, yellow and sweet onions, Peri & Sons has begun shipping product from a new, multi-million-dollar packing facility just outside Firebaugh, CA.

The shipment represents a sizable investment for Yerington, NV-based Peri & Sons, which grows onions on more than 2,000 acres in its home state and will now offer its customers a longer supply of its own product.

Dean Davis was tired of watching farmers get short money for their efforts. He also was tired of eating taste-challenged fresh produce that results from farmers harvesting their product too soon in order to meet market demands.

A lifelong farmer and now retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mr. Davis decided to do something about his concerns. The result is FromTheFarm.com, an on-line store that brings farmers and consumers together.

The Mushroom Council is the latest fresh-produce industry group to partner with Weight Watchers.

There will be a variety of national promotions surrounding mushrooms being tagged as Weight Watcher's Pick of the Season from July through September. The National Watermelon Promotion Board has twice worked with Weight Watchers, enjoying the status of Weight Watchers Pick of the Season.

WASHINGTON -- Another attempt to secure legal farm workers for labor- starved producers failed May 20 when the Senate struck down an H-2A overhaul that was attached to the emergency war-spending bill.

On May 15, the Senate Appropriations Committee agreed by a 17-12 vote to attach the agriculture worker language to an emergency spending bill requested by the Bush administration to pay for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.