Dec. 11 - Top headlines

I spent some of last night compiling some shipment numbers of fresh produce commodities from the first week of September to the first week of December. Hopefully, I can complete that work later today and post them.

Meanwhile, here are some top headlines snatched from the Web.

New climate treaty being negotiated Greenhouse gases rise by 70% since 1970, story says. U.N. treaty may be done in a year. But 650 scientists dissent.

Coverage of Great Lakes Fruits and Vegetables Show

Farmer's Best stays with Chep

Tomato industry recovering from salmonella scare but high costs, falling prices challenge growers
Story mentions plan by Florida Tomato Exchange to expand retail sales of field grown tomatoes that have given up space to greenhouse product. Despite supplies that are called 20% lower than a year ago, prices still lag.

Four quarters of declining GDP UCLA forecast says 2 million jobs lost in the next 12 months while deficit estimate is $1.5 trillion. Economist Roubini is quoted "The Fed and the Treasury are taking a massive amount of credit risk, endangering the long-term solvency of the U.S. government."


South Carolina's new immigration regs and Nebraska looking at tougher immigration rules and bad economy causes immigrants to head home.

On obesity: Gene may cause kids to crave junk food and one in three adults in the UK will be obese by 2012.

New Year's Resolutions are coming, such as heading to health club and eating better. But can we afford them? Here are some tips to get it done from American Diabetes Association. And Mother Earth News offers the 33 best foods for healthy living.

FBI probes Central Valley firm for racketeering SK Foods investigation for bribery of buyers of processed tomato products.

On organic: Organic to go reports results and organic demand wilts as economy suffers.

Local food banks feel economic strain..

Brands under pressure from cheaper options Mention of P&G Website to sell direct to consumers.

Packaged food trends in Convenience Store News, including some fresh produce items.

States cut funding to combat disease outbreaks Just what we need...


Cattlemen provide vigorous defense of COOL