The Colorado Potato Administrative Committee in Monte Vista, CO, announced March 8 that it has filled its top position after an extensive search. Jim Ehrlich, 49, a local regional manager for Coors Beer for the past 10 years, was selected from several applicants. The job has been vacant since former Director Chris Voigt left last year to head the Washington State Potato Commission. Mr. Ehrlich brings extensive agriculture experience to this new position, where he will be running the 200-plus member organization, heading legislative, grower/issue relations and administrative programs. His

If raw figures weren't enough, a clear signal that organic produce is on the rise is a revelation by the nation's largest retailer that it will be doubling the offerings in its "organic cluster" stores. Ron McCormick, vice president and divisional merchandise manager for produce and floral for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. in Bentonville, AR, told The Produce News that in the week following Easter (April 16), the retailer will be significantly increasing the SKUs in its organic produce sections. Mr. McCormick explained that Wal-Mart internally organizes its stores by clusters, which groups stores with

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL -- Participants of two recent field tours had an opportunity to visit two of Florida's premier grower-shippers, where they saw produce growing in the fields and under glass, watched packinglines in action and heard about the latest advances in celery research. The all-day field tours held March 3 were part of the Southeast Produce Council's annual conference and expo, held here March 2-4. After leaving around 7:30 a.m. from the conference headquarters hotel, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, the two busloads traveled to Pero Vegetable Co., which began in 1908 and is

Plant City, FL-based William Manis Co. announced the opening of a Vero Beach sales office. Lloyd Rosen, vice president of the firm, told The Produce News that it has been put in place to function as a sales arm to help the company in its future strategies. Newly hired sales associate Gary Parris, a veteran in the produce industry, will head the office. "Gary has worked in the trade for about 25 years, primarily in citrus and watermelon sales," said Mr. Rosen. "He has held management positions in sales and in packinghouse operations. His experience extends to the international trade relative to

The California Tree Fruit Agreement in Reedley, CA, which represents growers of California peaches, nectarines and plums, has learned that the Australian government will "try to fast track opening Australia to our fruits," Dale Janzen, field director for the CTFA, told The Produce News March 8. That news comes on the heels of an announcement earlier this year that China had opened its doors to California plums. According to Gordon Smith, export manager of the agreement, the industry has been working with Australia for several years in an effort to gain access to the Australian market for

The Vidalia, GA-based Vidalia Onion Committee decided it was time that the famous onions it promotes had a recognizable image. "Consumers know the value of a Vidalia, and they're looking for us by name in stores," said VOC Executive Director Wendy Brannen. "But for several years now, we've had bits and pieces of old marketing campaigns left floating around the country." So with the help of McIntyre Marketing Inc., a new logo was designed, and it will accompany all VOC materials. Individual growers and handlers will continue using their own company logos and images, which clearly identify their