VISALIA, CA -- Extensive consumer research undertaken by the California Tree Fruit Agreement over the past year has revealed some enlightening facts about consumer preferences regarding peaches, plums and nectarines, according to CTFA President Blair Richardson. Speaking at the group's annual grower dinner and town hall meeting held here Tuesday, Dec. 6, Mr. Richardson summarized the findings by saying, "What it all boils down to, it is all about choice." There is no one size or color or degree of firmness or softness "that is perfect for everyone," he said. In conducting the research, the

NEWARK, DE -- Twenty-four food and agricultural marketing students and their faculty advisors representing six colleges learned the depth and breadth of produce industry career options at Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit International Convention & Exposition, held Nov. 4-8 in Atlanta. The students were chosen to participate in The Pack Family/ PMA Career Pathways Fund, a program designed to develop leaders in the fresh fruit and vegetable industry. Students made discoveries during Fresh Summit that enriched their classroom knowledge by meeting with seasoned professionals

Early in November, the Food & Drug Administration sent a warning letter to lettuce producers in the Salinas Valley expressing concern over foodborne illnesses and outbreaks associated with lettuce. Since the FDA letter, there has been an article in The Wall Street Journal titled "When Eating Your Vegetables Makes You Sick." And an article in The Los Angeles Times in late November quoted a Los Angeles County Department of Health official as saying that lettuce was the likely culprit in a number of Hepatitis A outbreaks in his county. While he could not identify the actual lettuce involved, he

OSO Sweet onions and Ronald McDonald House Charities are asking retailers and consumers to "Share the Love," a unique venture designed to raise awareness and funds for Ronald McDonald House, which provides housing and support for families while their children are receiving medical treatment for life-threatening diseases worldwide. From January through early February, consumers in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles will be able to submit recipes on entry forms available at in-store displays and on-line at www.sweetonionsource.com for their favorite dishes made with OSO Sweet onions

WASHINGTON -- Before 2002, studies showed that Americans' daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was on the decline, but a new report shows a shift in eating patterns as more Americans are eating fruits and vegetables. The report found a rise in overall fruit and vegetable consumption for the first time in 15 years, with a combined increase of 1 percent in annual eating per capita between 2002 and 2004. The 2004 data used in the new State of the Plate report do not include the media blitz from the revamped Food Pyramid or the expanded Dietary Guidelines, so the Produce for Better Health

BC Hot House Foods Inc. in Surrey, British Columbia, has announced the appointment of Brian Beggs as president. With the concurrence and support of the board of directors, Al Vangelos, acting president and chief executive officer of BC Hot House Foods, announced the appointment of Mr. Beggs as president effective Dec. 15. "Both the board of directors and I recognize the many valuable contributions and excellent job that Brian has done over the past two years for BC Hot House and feel that he is ideally suited to lead our large grower-based organization during this period of significant