USDA to fund E. coli research in fresh produce
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.
Baroda Farms opens lab for artichoke research
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.
Despite May's heat wave, Northwest cherry crop looks great
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."
TexaSweet names marketing coordinator
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 partners with Dannon for summer promotion
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 launches new 'Eat Smart' salad line
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.
Senate passes AgJOBS language, but immigration reform remains uncertain
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.
Florida blueberries headed for eastern Canada
"Florida blueberries" may have an unfamiliar ring for many. The popular fruit is commonly associated with Michigan, New Jersey and other northern states, with the bulk of off-season supplies coming from South American countries.
River Ranch names Tom Bramers new sales manager
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.
FAR EASTERN PERSPECTIVE: Trip to Thailand sheds light on a wildly different culture
BANGKOK, THAILAND -- The epic 21-hour flight to Bangkok notwithstanding, the trip to Thailand was an incredible experience and opened my eyes in many ways. Never having been to Asia, I knew not what to expect, but was filled with excitement and apprehension based on second-hand anecdotes and some Internet research.