Backtracking with Fresh & Easy and other headlines

Even before pundits have had a chance to pile on Tesco's admission that it "got it wrong" in the U.S. with consumer research for the Fresh & Easy concept, company officials say remarks were taken out of context. Sorry, Jim. No gloating allowed. From a story from The Packer.

Wonnacott insists Mason was speaking more to the downward spiral of the economy over the past eight months.“Basically, the research this story is referring to was done several years ago,” Wonnacott said. “No one could’ve known then what the economy was going to look like today. What Tim was saying is that the times and economic conditions have changed. And (Fresh & Easy is) making changes based on what’s happening now.“In this economic environment, consumers are more conscious of price.”

ISU researcher develops speedier test for salmonella Des Moines Register

Lawmakers new approach to immigration changes From AP
Latino lawmakers and advocates are taking a new approach to the push for changes in U.S. immigration policy, making a humanitarian appeal to Americans to support fellow citizens who have relatives living in fear of detention and deportation.

Truck rates to fall through the second quarter TrafficWorld

Senate takes aim at cross border trucking TrafficWorld
Language in the 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act released Feb. 23 would eliminate the controversial program, which since 2007 has allowed a small number of Mexican trucking companies to operate in the United States beyond the 20-mile border commercial zone.

Avocado market shouldn't spike despite shortage Coverage from The Packer and Andy Nelson

Shippers and officials are split on whether Mexico can pick up all of the slack caused by an expected small California avocado crop.But they agree prices won't go through the roof. Markets in late February were steady, following a very strong Super Bowl pull and the typical lull that follows, said Ross Wileman, vice president of sales and marketing for Mission Produce Inc., Oxnard, Calif.

Costa Rica tomatoes bound for the U.S. market Coverage from The Packer

California still in drought MercuryNews.com Recent rains don't help enough


New regs sting growers who seek to ban bees MercuryNews.com
After nearly two years of negotiations, threats of lawsuits and expensive efforts to net trees to keep bees from blossoms, the Department of Food and Agriculture said growers would be able to voluntarily register to receive a list of nearby hive owners and offer beekeepers another location. But nothing forces beekeepers to move. The news stung seedless tangerine growers. "It's bitterly disappointing," said Joel Nelson, president of the trade group California Citrus Mutual. California agriculture officials proposed new regulations Wednesday that call for beekeepers and seedless tangerine growers to work out disputes on their own over where the insects can be in relation to citrus groves.

Federal water supply may be cut off in California MSNBC
The Western Growers Association says as of December 2008, the drought has cost California's agriculture industry more than $308 million. Local city leaders say the Central Coast water supply is OK, but across the state it is a different story.

What to do with banks Seeking Alpha

Turf war over climate change looms in House panels NYT

Fresh Del Monte profit hit by charges Justfood.com

Net sales in the company's banana division for the quarter increased 18% to $365.8m during the quarter boosted by increased selling prices in its North America, Asia-Pacific and Middle East regions.The company's prepared foods division saw net sales decrease 29% to $93.6m for the fourth quarter.

GOP finds little common ground with Obama LA Times