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." Growers were given a respite in the latter part of the week of May 15 as temperatures cooled off and became more

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. "Consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables is increasing in the United States, highlighting the importance of scientific research that enhances safe growing practices," Mr. Johanns said in a statement. "This research will help to ensure that our farmers can

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 "TexaSweet promotes Texas citrus as an important part of a healthy lifestyle. I am very excited to be a part of a company who has such a refreshing vision," Ms

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. Demos featuring smoothies made with Del Monte fresh-cut

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. The salads are the first in a new line of products by Apio, called Eat Smart Solutions. This new category will

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. By a vote of 62 to 36, the Senate approved the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2006 on May 25 that would secure agriculture workers by