Back in the office - The Nov. 17 Packer

Back in the office today, with much to come from my Costa Rica visit. Just getting settled into my third story perch here at 10901 West 84th Terrace in Lenexa. Besides reviewing and deleting email messags (! System Administrator: Your mailbox is over its size limit.), I take a look at the Nov. 17 issue of The Packer. Some selected highlights:

Page 1
Washington produces record apple crop - Pamla Reimenschneider
U.S. Apple estimates U.S. fresh holdings as of Nov. 1 totaled 114 million bushels, up from 101 million bushels last year and 99 million two years ago. Washington fresh holdings were 94 million bushels, up from 81 million last year. Pamela gets reaction from Keith Mathews, Loren Queen, Roger Pepperl, Ken Severn and Nancy Foster.

Page 1 art - Pic by me of Alberto Bonilla of B & C Exportadores in Costa Rica looking at the firm's chayote crop.

page 1 art - Pic by Greg Johnson of Western Growers officials from the association's annual meeting in La Quinta, Calif.

Romaine investigated in Ontario outbreak - David Mitchell
Public health officials in Ontario are investigating whether an E. coli oubreak is linked to romaine lettuce. David interviews Ontario health officials, the CDC, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and more.

Initial United Fresh consumer survey suggests safety concerns - David Mitchell
David looks at the United Fresh Issues Scan report from United, noting the startling statistic that showsreveals 32% of consumers are very concerned or extremely concerned about the safety of fresh produce. David interviews Amy Philpott and reviews highlights of United's Issues Scan report, which United says will be issued annually.



Page 2
J. Marchini offers specialties for winter - Don Schrack

Taylor Ann offers snacking apple

Tradewatch

Murphy scholarship applicants sought

Page 3

Prepacked produce confessions - Pamela Riemenschneider
Pamela is back from maternity leave and this "Aisle Wandering" column is a funny and self revealing piece about the new mom's appreciation for convenience in fresh produce.

Pack association names president - Brian Frederick
Jerry Welcome is the new president of the Reusable Packaging Association

California Giant starts retailer training effort - David Mitchell

Produce First! to use event to promote produce on menus - Brian Federick

Retailer chain picks up two locatoins - Ashley Bentley

Sysco links restaurants to producers - Jody Shee
Interesting read about Sysco Corp. effort to link locally grown produce to restaurants in their region


Page 4

Western Growers discusses sustainability topics - Greg Johnson

Growers receive leadership honors


Page 5

Industry leaders plan meeting with FDA, CDC - David Mitchell

Produce safety center awards first grants - Don Schrack

Mexican buyers visit California exporters - Jose Escobedo

Taiwanese longans prepare for U.S. entry - Andy Nelson



Edit page

Ample apples, ample opportunity - Editorial

Industry thinks economy will bounce back in 2009 - Dan Galbraith
Good, timely data on industry perceptions of how recession could impact business


Lessons from produce carry over into everyday life - David Mitchell
David Mitchell's farewell column talks in part about his appreciation for the industry sources who help make the job of reporting about fresh produce easier. We're sad to see David go, though not begrudging his new opportunity. David's coverage of the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak was incredible and an enduring example of great journalism at The Packer.

B1 Crops and Markets

California water woes threaten produce - Don Schrack

California gold kiwifruit enjoys strong demand - Andy Nelson

Premier Citrus Packers LLC adds deal, expands volume - Doug Ohlemeier

Handling and Distribution - B4

Less is more for Smurfit-Stone pack line - Dan Galbraith

Wal-Mart leaves produce out of Packaging Scoreboard for now - Dan Galbraith



Special sections

Florida citrus - Doug Ohlemeier

Chilean produce - Jose Escobedo

California Winter Desert Vegetables - Don Schrack