Maxco Packaging, located in Parlier, CA, announced that it has completed negotiations with Steve Jewell, president of Green Valley Packaging in Watsonville, CA, on a deal that will bring Mr. Jewell to Maxco as director of sales for the coastal region, a newly created position within Maxco. Green Valley Packaging is a packaging distribution corporation that supplies a complete line of packaging primarily to strawberry grower-shippers throughout California as well as major vegetable companies on the central coast. Mr. Jewell will maintain the Watsonville offices and staff with plans of expansion

Keith Frosceno, who recently left the W. Newell & Co. in Champaign, IL, after about one year of service, joined Price Chopper in Albany, NY, July 31. For many years Mr. Frosceno was vice president of produce and floral at Bozzuto's Inc. in Cheshire, CT. At his new company his title is senior category manager -- a new position -- and he told The Produce News, "I'll be involved in the produce procurement side of the business." Asked why he decided to move back East, Mr. Frosceno replied, "The opportunity to work for Price Chopper was very good. It's just a fantastic company I've always admired.

By now most people have heard of the bird flu that has spread across Southeast Asia and parts of Europe and the doomsday scenarios that the media have reported that could take place should the Influenza A/H5N1 virus become capable of being transmitted from human to human. While no one can predict with 100 percent certainty if and when such an event might happen, experts believe that it is only a matter of time before a flu pandemic will occur. If it did, how would it affect people and businesses? What steps should businesses take to prepare for this -- or any other unforeseen disasters for

Potato industry veteran Bob Meek has joined Wada Farms Marketing Group as the operation's new chief executive officer. Prior to his recent move to the Wada office in Idaho Falls, ID, Mr. Meek held the positions of vice president of potatoes and onions and of vice president of sales for tomatoes, avocados and vegetables with Del Monte Fresh Produce in Coral Gables, FL. Wada Farms Marketing Group handles all sales and distribution for Wada Farms as well as Dole potato and onion products, which had been handled by Profresh LLC before that company merged with the Wada Farms group in early 2006. "I

SAN MARTIN, CA -- Though the Christopher family has been farming in California since the 1880s, today's Christopher Ranch has grown to a position of prominence through the expertise of third-generation family member Don Christopher. The company is celebrating 50 years in business, and at its annual dinner July 28 at the CordeValle resort, here, it marked the milestone. In 1955, third-generation brothers Don and Art Christopher bought property in Gilroy, CA, and in 1956, A&D Christopher Ranch was founded. Don Christopher's expertise has helped the ranch grow from 10 acres of garlic to taking a

WASHINGTON -- Without an agriculture trade deal in hand, some policy leaders are beginning to talk on Capitol Hill about simply extending the current farm bill for a few years rather than writing a new one. "Any extension of the current farm bill will likely include a continuation of existing programs, but it also means a delay for introducing new program ideas for the next farm bill," said Ray Gilmer, director of public affairs for the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association. "The uncertainty caused by the apparent failure of the [World Trade Organization] agricultural negotiations gives