Month: December 2012

Thousands of dockworkers from Baltimore to Houston are threatening to go on strike Sunday over their pay, a move that could throttle an array of key ports and disrupt commerce at a critical juncture for the economy. The looming strike would not affect all cargo. Workers will still handle U.S. mail, military cargo, perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables, and break bulk goods such as cars, wood products and steel, according to a strike-preparations memo from the ILA. …

On Thursday, December 6, 2012, United States Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack appointed/reappointed 30 grower members to serve on the United States Potato Board (USPB) for three-year terms beginning March 1, 2013, and ending February 29, 2016. …

Sunsweet Growers Inc, the nation’s leading marketer of prunes, specialty dried fruit products and fruit juices, announced the promotion of Jeff McLemore to the role of Vice President of North America Marketing. …

Crystal Valley Foods is pleased to announce that commencing January 14, 2013 Crystal Valley will initiate a new Mexican asparagus marketing program. …

The quest to develop a grapefruit hybrid that will not interact with medication has taken a step forward, as researchers pinpoint compounds most responsible for the problem, a University of Florida citrus breeder says. …