In an initiative that dates back to 2003, Watsonville, CA-based Driscoll Strawberry Associates expects to have all its growers meet EurepGap certification by the end of 2005, regardless of the region in which they operate. The company contracts with independent berry growers worldwide. More than 1,400 independent third-party audits of Driscoll growers have been conducted in 2005, said David Wright, a spokesman for the company. Driscoll audits all its growers annually and also conducts spot-check audits. The annual audits include ranches, harvest crews, coolers, irrigation water microbial

PHILADELPHIA -- "The produce building will begin about here." It was an extraordinary bus tour. The "street beneath the wheels of the big bus was the now-unused runway of Philadelphia's abandoned navy yard. The brambles to the right will be converted into the world's most modern fresh produce market before 2008. Sonny DiCrecchio, executive director of the Philadelphia Regional Produce Market, was the tour guide. Aboard the bus were Philadelphia's produce merchants. The first tour stop early on the afternoon of Sept. 22 was a press conference, held in a more accessible and scenic part of the

Continuing its restructuring and downsizing, the Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. Inc., based in Montvale, NJ, ended its employment relationship with Ken Green, vice president of produce merchandising, as well as a number of other people at that level, on Monday, Sept. 26. Reached by The Produce News on Wednesday, Sept. 28, Mr. Green confirmed that he and A&P had "parted company on Monday after 40 years" with the firm. A&P declined to comment. Mr. Green said that he also was not at liberty to discuss the situation according to the terms of his severance agreement. The Produce News learned that

The "retreat" (my name for it) at the Pro Institute held Sept. 18-21 in Volcano, CA, was both peaceful and exhilarating. There were no TVs, no telephones, no radios and no newspapers at the 100-year-old St. George Hotel. No one had cell phone recepti on either except for magical William from Passion Flowers, who somehow could call Colombia. I was not jealous. I loved the serenity of this historic place -- the buildings of the town have been maintained or restored to their original 19th century gl ory and gorgeous gardens abound. Best of all, our three days there brought together a group of

SALINAS, CA -- Dole Fresh Vegetables, a division of Dole Food Co. Inc., announced that it is cooperating with the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and the Minnesota and California departments of health regarding an investigation of an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7, between Sept. 13, and Sept. 19, in the Minneapolis/St Paul area of Minnesota. The three varieties in question are Classic Romaine, American Blend and Greener Selection, all with a best-if- used-by date of Sept. 23, 2005, and a production code beginning "B250" stamped on the package. The best-if-use-by code date can be located in the

The Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association based in Maitland and Western Growers Association in Irvine, CA, announced Sept. 28 that they have entered into a memorandum of understanding that will increase cooperation, collaboration and the sharing of some member services between their organizations. "Western Growers is proud that this strategic partnership with Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association will lead to greater access to important shared member services," said Tom Nassif, president and CEO of WGA. "It strengthens an already outstanding relationship between our two associations that have