For what it believes is the first time ever, Chiquita Brands International has launched a consumer rewards and loyalty program in the retail produce department.

WASHINGTON -- There were no takers for a bill that would have compensated the tomato industry for the damage caused during this summer's devastating Salmonella outbreak.

In June, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration issued a nationwide warning that tomatoes were the possible source of a Salmonella outbreak that had sickened more than 1,000 people. The FDA later switched its focus to hot peppers and told consumers to resume eating all tomatoes in the U.S. market.

Now in its third season of operation, the innovative Internet-based tracking program TraceProduce.com is meeting with enthusiastic support by new clients who have come on board this year.

Professionals in every corner of the produce industry are responding aggressively to the locally grown movement with increasing awareness of its effects on business today.

No one needs a reminder about the power of consumer trends and how they can change the culture of a country. The fuel propelling the locally grown movement clears up any confusion about why it is strong and growing.

Jacqueline B?hmer, the new marketing director for the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association, has taken bold steps to revamp the organization's marketing program. Qualitative and quantitative consumer studies conducted in August provided detailed insights that will be used to guide promotional activities.

The Iceberg lettuce identified as the most possible source of a multi-state E. coli outbreak in the Midwest came from California, but Michigan authorities say it is still unknown where the contamination originated.

The heads of lettuce supplied to Detroit-based Aunt Mid's Produce Co. for washing, cutting and bagging during the outbreak were identified as California lettuce, said Jennifer Horton, spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Agriculture. "We still don't know at which point it was contaminated," she said.