As the ever-rising cost of fuel stands to affect the fresh produce industry now and in the future, some industry members aren't waiting for the future to find ways to deal with or compensate for the problem. They're doing it today. Baldor Specialty Foods, a Bronx, NY-based distributor of specialty foods including fresh produce, is known for cutting edge business innovations. The company's customer base includes a wide range of high-end retailers and foodservice operators in the Northeast. Company President Michael Muzyk doesn't take news like high fuel costs lying down. But he tries to find

WASHINGTON -- While a popular consumer magazine is telling shoppers to be discriminating when it comes to spending money on organic products, it singled out certain organic fruits and vegetables as worth the money in order to avoid chemicals found in the conventional counterparts. This prompted the Produce Marketing Association to challenge the report as misleading and to defend the safety of all fresh fruits and vegetables. In a new article, Consumer Reports said that not all organic products are worth the high price. An article in the February 2006 issue indicated that some organic products

WASHINGTON -- Eighteen new produce industry members have been tapped to help advise the U.S. Department of Agriculture on policy issues that can affect how produce companies do business. The 25-member committee attempts to mirror the industry by naming grower-shippers, wholesalers, retailers, trade association members, importers, produce processors, foodservice suppliers, fresh-cut processors, brokers and state departments of agriculture. Twice a year, the members of USDA's Fruit & Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee have the opportunity to voice concerns about USDA policies and hear

Pro*Act, a leading Monterey, CA-based fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry, has appointed Nick Proia as regional director of client services. Mr. Proia has over 20 years experience in the industry, holding sales and management positions in foodservice produce distribution, value-added processing and product development. He has worked closely with Pro*Act Client Services for the past six years as vice president of business development with Royal Foodservice in Atlanta, one of Pro*Act's 43 distribution companies. He is active in industrywide organizations and is a member of the

Florida Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services Charles H. Bronson has received word from top U.S. Department of Agriculture officials that it no longer believes that it is possible to eradicate citrus canker. Officials said that based on USDA's scientific analysis of the potential spread of the disease from the unprecedented 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons, a new management plan must be devised. USDA officials said that the program needs to undertake a new approach that focuses on maintaining bacteria levels low enough to sustain citrus production and protect citrus groves that have

In a joint announcement made Jan. 2, Potandon Produce and Murakami Produce Co. said their new partnership is projected to strengthen the supply base of both companies and expand marketing opportunities. Idaho Falls, ID-based Potandon is the exclusive marketer of "Green Giant Fresh" brand potatoes and onions in North America and for Sunspiced potatoes. The company occupies a position as market share leader in Idaho with over 35,000 dedicated acres and garners 10 percent of market share in the United States. Murakami Produce, located in Ontario, OR, markets onions for more than 40 growers and is