In 2005, the California cherry crop, statewide, was about 3.5 million packages (18-pound equivalent) for all varieties, according to the 2005 Annual Report of the California Cherry Advisory Board. That was about half of a potential full crop, and it is just about the same as the total volume expected this year, according to the cherry board's manager, Jim Culbertson. "We are hoping for something greater than that, but that remains to be seen," he said. The crop will also run 10 days to two weeks late, due mainly to cool spring weather, with peak Bing production expected during the first two

When someone mentions the name Babe Ruth, we automatically link it to baseball because of the impact he had on the game with his ability to hit home runs. When something has an impact on someone, it often gives him or her a reason for liking it and maybe even wanting it. Perhaps it's specific clothing, an attractive automobile model, a style of furniture or even a particular retail outlet. If something has exciting impact, it will draw the attention of consumers. When you enter a grocery store, are you captivated by something that has impact? When you leave, do you feel good about something in

Carol Moseley Braun, U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa, announced that she will introduce her new "Ambassador Organics" brand at the All Things Organic conference and trade show, May 6-9 at Chicago's McCormick Place. She and company members will be in booth 553. She will also give the keynote address May 9. Ambassador Braun has a long history of appreciation for agriculture and environmental work, reaching back to her childhood summers on her great-grandmother's farm in Alabama. Her appreciation grew into a passion during her tenure as United States Senator and Ambassador to New Zealand

With favorable weather conditions and fairly strong markets, Texas shippers are heading into a heavy shipping period in a pretty good mood. Interviews with shippers of onions, melons and tropicals revealed a lot of optimism. John McClung, president of the Texas Produce Association in Mission, TX, said that it appears to be the beginning of a pretty good season for Texas growers and shippers. While the heavy Texas melon and onion seasons are just getting underway, the reality is that the season has been going for quite some time with pretty good results. In recent years, sourcing from Mexico

Washington State Potato Commission Chairman Randy Mullen and Director of Trade Matt Harris participated in the historic friendship luncheon welcoming China's president, Hu Jintao, held recently in Everett, WA. Respected dignitaries and representatives of major Washington state businesses were also in attendance. The importance of the event was evident to the two state potato commission representatives, as they were seated across from former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. News media from California to Washington, DC, were on hand, and the event was expected to be broadcast to over 1.3

Robert Wegman, a pioneer of one-stop shopping who transformed his family's business into one of the nation's largest private companies, died April 20. He was 87. Mr. Wegman, chairman of Wegmans Food Markets, died at Strong Memorial Hospital, where he was admitted after his health deteriorated in recent days, according to a company statement. The cause of death was not disclosed. "Until recently, Mr. Wegman kept a full schedule working in the office and enjoying his favorite pastime of visiting Wegmans stores," the statement said. In 1950, Mr. Wegman took over as president of the 90-year- old