Columbine Vineyards Welcomes New Director Of Human Resources

January 19, 2016 Columbine Vineyards

Columbine Vineyards is proud to announce that Renee Massey has joined the Human Resources Department as the Director of Human Resources. Columbine Vineyards is a fourth generation family-owned and operated table grape grower, packer, and shipper located in the heart of California’s San Joaquin Valley.

NSF International Acquires DNA-Based Testing Laboratory AuthenTechnologies

January 18, 2016 NSF International

NSF International has acquired AuthenTechnologies®, which provides next-generation DNA-based species identification services that improve the authenticity, safety and quality of natural products, including dietary supplements, foods and other consumer products. With this acquisition, NSF International's dietary supplement and food industry clients now have access to the most advanced DNA testing technology available.  This technology allows for the definitive determination of the authenticity of raw materials, providing retailers and manufacturers the best method for reducing the risk of mislabeling products.  This also assures the highest quality and safety for consumers of seafood and other natural products.

Scientists, Watermen Partner On Study To Preserve MD Oyster Industry

Most scientific studies focus entirely on pure or applied research that is sometimes difficult for nonscientists to understand. A new one, led by Horn Point Lab in Cambridge, will take a different tack.

WA Governor Helps Launch Second Phase Of Shellfish Initiative

January 18, 2016 Phuong Le, Associated Press

Gov. Jay Inslee on Friday renewed the state's commitment to protecting Washington's lucrative shellfish resources. Inslee joined federal, tribal and other leaders at the National Fish & Oyster Co. in Olympia to launch the second phase of the Washington Shellfish Initiative, which former Gov. Chris Gregoire initiated in 2011.

US Deploys Newly Minted Bird Flu Plan To Protect Humans, Poultry

U.S. farm and health officials are racing to assess the threat that a type of bird flu never before seen in the country poses to humans and poultry, employing emergency plans drawn up in the wake of a devastating outbreak in birds last year. The federal government sprang into action on Friday after confirmation overnight that the virus had hit an Indiana turkey farm, alerting other states to the danger and putting workers who might have been exposed to the virus under surveillance.