CTFA contemplates eliminating mandatory inspections
REEDLEY, CA -- A subcommittee of the California Plum Marketing Board, the Peach Commodity Committee and the Nectarine Administrative Committee, all of which are administered by the California Tree Fruit Agreement, here, are contemplating a recommendation to eliminate mandatory grade and quality inspections, according to CTFA President Blair Richardson.
"This is one of the most significant things this industry has considered in many, many years," Mr. Richardson told The Produce News Monday, Sept. 19.
Secretary of ag visit highlights FFVA convention
ORLANDO, FL -- An already strong gathering of the Florida fruit and vegetable industry took on an even greater buzz as the top U.S. agriculture official paid a visit to the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association convention, praising the hardworking members of the industry for their dedication and offering to be a sounding board for their concerns about the future of Florida agriculture.
Armond Lombardi joins Ben B. Schwartz & Sons
Ben B. Schwartz & Sons Inc. on the Detroit Union Produce Terminal has announced the addition of Armond Lonbardi to its staff, effective Sept. 13.
Mr. Lombardi, 23, is joining the sales team at Ben B. Schwartz & Sons, and will also do some buying for the company, which handles a full line of commodities and was established in 1906.
Pink Lady introduces new marketing model at industry meeting
Yakima, WA-based Pink Lady America is offering a marketing model new to the apple industry to the marketers of the "Pink Lady" brand apple.
Called market segmentation, the plan was introduced recently to licensees of Pink Lady America.
Upper Lakes Foods joins Pro*Act
Monterey, CA-based Pro*Act, a leading fresh produce supplier to the foodservice industry, has announced that Upper Lakes Foods Inc. in Cloquet, MN, has become the latest perishable specialist to join the company's growing distributor ranks.
Boston Market Terminal blueprints double size of produce market
EVERETT, MA Planning is underway to double the size of the Boston Market Terminal, here, in a $10.5 million building project.
The board of directors of the BMT convened Sept. 13 to review blueprints to expand this market, which opened in April 1969.
San Antonio Orchard Co. affiliates with Sunkist for citrus sales
SHERMAN OAKS, CA -- San Antonio Orchard Co. LLC, after an absence of four years, will rejoin Sunkist Growers for sales of its citrus packed in Porterville, CA, at the start of the 2005-06 season. The announcement was made jointly by Sunkist and San Antoni o's owners, the W.H. Latimer Trust, following unanimous approval by the Sunkist board of directors at its September meeting.
PMA begins filming informational DVD on RFID systems
SALINAS, CA The Produce Marketing Association launched production of an informational film on Sept. 16 at NewStar Fresh Foods, here, about the benefits of using radio frequency identification.
The filming continued the following day, one of several stops used in what will result in about a half-hour-long instructional DVD. On Sept. 17, PMA continued at NewStar's cooler.
Further filming will include other locations in California, as well as Dallas, New Jersey and PMAs headquarters in Delaware, spread over seven or eight days of shooting.
FKI Logistex appoints Clucas president of Manufacturing Systems North America
FKI Logistex in St. Louis has announced that Ted Clucas has been appointed president of FKI Logistex Manufacturing Systems North America. He succeeds Dave Baker, who will assume the role of chief financial officer for the division.
Mr. Clucas has been with FKI Logistex for 17 years, most recently as vice president of systems engineering and operations. Prior positions with the company include director of systems operations, project manager and engineering supervisor. He holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Missouri at Rolla.
USDA appoints Del Tinsley to lead its Rural Development in Wyoming
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns has announced the appointment of Del Tinsley as Wyoming state director for USDA Rural Development.
"Del Tinsley has a long and positive record in Wyoming as a businessman and publisher. He brings to USDA Rural Development an in-depth knowledge of Wyoming agriculture. I'm pleased he is joining President Bushs leadership team," said Mr. Johanns.
Mr. Tinsley has served as president of the Wyoming Realtors Land Institute and the Wyoming Board of Agriculture.