U.S. Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $1.2 million to a collaborative research effort to identify sources and risk factors of E. coli O157:H7 contamination in fresh produce. The funds will also be used to inform growers about strategies to prevent preharvest contamination.

TexaSweet Citrus Marketing Inc. in Mission, TX, has added Jessica Anais Martinez as its new marketing coordinator. She will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of marketing programs to help promote the Texas citrus industry.

Ms. Martinez has been working in the communications industry for over two years, including stints with GX Communications in Austin, TX, and the Spanish Red Cross in Barcelona, Spain

Del Monte Fresh Produce, a leading distributor of fresh-cut fruit, is partnering with the yogurt giant Dannon Co. Inc. to launch the "Summer Smoothie" promotion.

For a limited time, consumers can obtain one of over 2 million instant redeemable coupons found on Del Monte fresh-cut fruit items, including pineapple chunks, cut melons and party trays. The coupon will feature $1 off the purchase of two quarts of select Dannon yogurt products. The coupons will be available in participating retail stores and will run through the month of June.

Apio Inc.'s line of fresh-cut vegetables, including bagged vegetables and vegetable party trays, has been expanded with the introduction of five new items branded under the "Eat Smart" name. Each item includes a single serving of vegetables, toppings and dressing.

Packaged by Apio Inc., a leading supplier of fresh-cut vegetable products, the new salads come in five flavorful blends: Santa Maria-style Broccoli Salad, Asian Affair, Broccoli Delight, Veggie Waldorf and Carrot Crunch.

WASHINGTON -- The border could be shut down, making it difficult to maintain the estimated 1 million undocumented agriculture workers in the country, or foreign workers could earn a chance to become U.S. citizens, depending on the immigration reform bill that survives Congress.

"There are two polar opposite approaches to immigration reform before Congress now," said Robert Guenther of the United Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Association in Washington.

River Ranch Fresh Foods LLC in Salinas, CA, has promoted Tom Bramers to sales manager.

He has been with River Ranch for 11 years and was previously leaf lettuce commodity manager. In his new position, he will manage the 10-person sales staff and oversee day-to-day sales functions, emphasiszing commodity markets and customer relationships.