All of Safeway's nearly 1,800 stores will be converted to the chain's Lifestyle format by the end of 2009, Safeway Chief Executive Officer Steve Burd promised at the annual shareholders meeting held May 25.

Lompoc, CA-based Baroda Farms recently completed a 4,200- square-foot laboratory for artichoke research and plant tissue culturing.

Baroda Farms -- a leading perennial artichoke developer in the United States -- has been growing quality produce, including artichokes, on the Central Coast for more than 20 years. Among the artichokes it has brought to market are Big Heart, Lyon, Feisole and Campania.

Twenty-five researchers and growers met May 18 at the Cherry Institute meeting in Yakima, WA, to find out how the May 15 heat wave and record-setting temperatures would affect the 2006 Northwest cherry crop.

"The consensus is that four days of heat is nothing but good," stated Washington State Fruit Commission President and Northwest Cherry Growers Program Manager B.J. Thurlby. "Everyone is feeling good about sizing. Barring any weather circumstances, we'll have a great year."

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.