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With the holidays right around the corner, savvy party planners and gift-givers are looking to the wonders of Medjool dates to brighten their yuletide plans.  From deliciously healthy new recipes to gourmet gift baskets, Natural Delights Medjool Dates, the country’s leading Medjool date brand, can be found on everyone’s wish list. …

Organizers from private and public sector port businesses and agencies throughout the tri-state region have scheduled a one-day donation drive to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy.  The collection time is from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17.  The efforts will support several New Jersey charitable and relief organizations, such as the Salvation Army, and the United Way of Monmouth County. …

The Giumarra Companies is pleased to announce the hiring of Gary Caloroso to its avocado and asparagus sales staff. He will serve as Director of Marketing and will be based in Giumarra’s Escondido, Calif. office …

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture has released two new nectarine varieties and a new peach. …

Florida tomato growers for years have been losing an ongoing skirmish with their Mexican counterparts over variety, perceived taste and price. Last year was particularly brutal, with local farmers saying they were lucky to get more than $3.50 or $4 a box, down from a more typical $6 to $8 a box. …