Founded in May 2002 by John Shuman of Shuman Produce Inc., a Vidalia onion handler, the Produce for Kids campaign teams suppliers with retailers to raise money for Children's Miracle Network, spread information about the health benefits of consuming fruits and vegetables, and help to sell more produce.

"Aussie citrus is known for its great quality," said Stu Monaghan, DNE sales manager for Australian Citrus. "The growing regions of Australia have benefited from some cool nights throughout the current growing season, so fruit color is coming on, the internal maturity is high and the peel quality is excellent. Each year Aussie Navel oranges are revered as the best citrus in the world, and this year's crop will exemplify those high standards.

Melon shippers in the West Side district of California are hoping for a repeat of last season, when shipments eclipsed the 23 million-carton mark.

Jerry Munson, manager of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, said in early June that the board estimateed that 20 million cantaloupes -- in 40-pound cartons -- will be harvested this year in the West Side deal, but conceded that the deal "usually goes over that."

Southern Specialties Inc. announced that its board of directors has named Gary L. James chief operating officer of the company. The announcement was made by Robert Colescott, president and CEO.

Mr. James, 52, has served as general manager of Southern Specialties since September 2004.

Watsonville, CA-based California Strawberry Commission has hired Rick Tomlinson to the newly created position of director of government affairs.

Effective July 1, Mr. Tomlinson fills a role the industry's board of directors identified -- with the approval of a strategic plan in January -- as timely and of vital importance to the strawberry industry.