WASHINGTON -- The produce industry may start promoting high-level executive buy-in to accelerate adoption of its Produce Traceability Initiative, one of several issues discussed Feb. 19 during a meeting of the initiative's steering committee. More than 50 members of the steering committee met in Dallas to discuss results of a survey conducted by the Produce Marketing Association and the United Fresh Produce Association in recent months to gauge the produce industry's progress in meeting the milestones for chainwide traceability. "The intent of our meeting was to measure PTI progress, identify

The Southeast Produce Council is expecting strong attendance -- especially from retailers in the Southeast and Northeast -- at its seventh annual Retail & Foodservice Conference & Exposition, set for March 4-6 in Tampa, FL. The conference and expo, known as Southern Exposure 2010, will also see the mix of education sessions, field tours, social events and networking opportunities that have made it consistently one of the premier events in the produce industry. "When I think about total numbers, if you look at exhibitors and attendees, I'm thinking it'll probably come in pretty close to last

SunnyRidge Farm has expanded its product line to include organic blueberries. Product will be sourced from both company-owned farms as well as through contract growers, beginning with Florida production in March and continuing through August. "Our expansion into organic blueberries is a natural complement to our existing product line and continues our company's commitment to innovation within the berry industry," Keith Mixon, president and chief executive officer of SunnyRidge Farm Inc., said in a Feb. 22 press release. "SunnyRidge continues to position itself as a key partner to our customers

The New York Apple Association donated 10,000 McIntosh apples for runners participating in Run for Haiti, a four-mile run and walk to benefit Haiti relief efforts that was held Saturday, Feb. 20, in New York City's Central Park. "Our growers are proud to help benefit this important effort to relieve the heartbreaking conditions in Haiti," Jim Allen, president of the New York Apple Association, said in a press release. Each runner participating in the event received a McIntosh apple. The New York Apple Association has been a sponsor of New York Road Runner events, including the ING New York

PHILADELPHIA --- First lady Michelle Obama delighted customers and employees when she visited The Fresh Grocer at Progress Plaza Friday afternoon, Feb. 19, accompanied by Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. The first lady was in town to outline her "Let's Move" campaign to reduce childhood obesity nationwide. The "Let's Move" campaign focuses on four key points: to give parents the support they need to make better food choices; to provide healthier food in schools; to help kids be more physically active; and to make healthy, affordable food available in every

With early-season shipments of California avocados underway and volume expected to increase in February and March, the California Avocado Commission expects broad availability from April through September and plans for a marketing campaign to support the fruit nationwide. "The heavy rainstorms in California in January were welcomed by most growers because the moisture enhances fruit sizing," Tom Bellamore, president of the commission, said in a Feb. 16 press release. "The forecast for this season's crop is in excess of 470 million pounds with exceptional quality, which means national