Back at work

It was great to connect again with Lorelei DiSogra of United Fresh Produce Association this morning, who relates that the ag appropriations bill signed by President Bush in late December had some good news for expansion of the fruit and vegetable program, notwithstanding more significant gains expected from the pending farm bill. Meanwhile, Lorelei also notes there will be teleconference meetings every day this week with members of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance as industry lobbyists prepare to make their case to House and Senate staff preparing for farm bill conference work.

Also, Lorelei notes Stan Garnett. Child Nutrition Division Director for USDA, is retiring this week. After 37 years with the agency, Garnett is stepping down Jan. 3. Lorelei says Stan's dedication and knowledge of child nutrition issues will be difficult to replace; the USDA has announced that Cindy Long will be Garnett's replacement. We'll try to track down a bio on Long...

More coverage coming relative to fruit and vegetable program....