N.J. agriculture secretary tours community farmers markets
New Jersey Agriculture Secretary Charles M. Kuperus recently sampled some of New Jersey's bounty at farmers markets in Englewood, West Orange and Middlesex Borough during a farmers market tour.
At the Englewood Farmers Market located near the downtown area, Mr. Kuperus was joined by local legislators, Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Gordon M. Johnson.
RFID not the 'budget buster' originally predicted
The cost of entering the radio frequency identification game may be much less than first anticipated, according to research by a logistics publication.
In Logistics recently published a story reporting that cost of initial compliance may be as little as $15,000 for some firms and stretch only as high as $400,000 for even the largest vendors. That is a far cry from the early estimates that put cost estimates for the larger companies at well over $1 million.
Three cheers for Rosemont's new marketing coordinator
How is this as a combination for the perfect employee: educated, motivated, dedicated, kind, hardworking, talented and beautiful. The entire package is exactly what Rosemont Farms Corp. in Boca Raton, FL, got when it hired 25-year-old Lacie Randall as its new marketing coordinator in July. But there are even more pleasant surprises. Ms. Randall is also a cheerleader for the National Football League's Miami Dolphins. And if you're not a fan yet, one chat with this outgoing and dynamic gal will have you changing your team colors.
Apple Jacks ad campaign disparages apples, should be pulled, say groups
As a mother and an advocate against junk food marketing, Margo Wootan said she could not believe an ad campaign that pitched Apple Jacks cereal by telling kids that apples were sour and not as tasty as the sugary breakfast cereal.
As a result, the Center for Science in the Public Interest and the Produce for Better Health Foundation joined forces in asking Kellogg to discontinue its television, web and print advertising campaign and to adopt a better policy for marketing foods to children.
Winn-Dixie moving ahead on bankruptcy issues
Winn-Dixie, the Florida retailer that filed for bankruptcy protection in February, is working through that process as it has come to terms with some of its major vendors and announced the sale of some of its stores.
Johnson O'Hare expands operations into eastern and central Pennsylvania
Johnson O'Hare, a leading full-service produce sales and marketing organization in New England and metropolitan New York, announced the expansion of its produce operations into eastern and central Pennsylvania.
The new organization, JO'H Produce PA, will be headquartered in Conshohocken, PA. Terri Lowden, vice president of JO'H Produce PA, will lead a team that will cover headquarters and retail in the Philadelphia and Harrisburg markets.
In addition, the company has added to its staff to facilitate the expansion.
DRC urges caution in shipping to Montreal and Toronto
In mid-July, the Canadian-based Dispute Resolution Corp. took the unusual step of issuing what it called a "Red Alert," advising its members to be "especially careful about selling into eastern Canada.
The alert said, in part: "Based on reports we have received in recent weeks, we believe there has been an upsurge in fraudulent produce buying by unscrupulous individuals in Quebec and Ontario, most notably in Montreal and Toronto.
New snack line taps into the power of produce
NEW YORK -- Obesity awareness, the health and nutrition movement, the new USDA MyPyramid Plan and a restructured understanding of the importance of regular exercise and physical activity are all having a dramatic impact on how American consumers spends their time and money.
They have also inspired innovative food producers to tap into the movement by introducing products that promise good nutrition.
RCMA fundraiser brings holiday thoughts
Although it's mid-summer, several Florida agricultural organizations already are working on their Christmas cards through an annual fundraiser for RCMA, the rural child care and education provider.
Children from RCMA centers statewide drew colorful, unique Christmas scenes that are being converted into holiday greeting cards to raise money for the non-profit organization, which cares for more than 6,200 children of migrant farm workers and rural, low-income families statewide.
Distributors meet at Drumthwacket for Jersey Fresh breakfast
PRINCETON, NJ -- About 50 people gathered here Friday morning, July 29 to hear New Jersey's governor and secretary of agriculture thank the attendees for their ongoing support of the state's fresh produce industry and to offer a brief update on the 2005 Jersey Fresh promotional campaign.