California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Ag Legislation

  • CA Avocado Commission State of the Industry Report Available

    To provide the California Avocado Commission (CAC) and the growers it serves with a better perspective on the health of the California avocado industry, CAC retained the Tootelian Company to conduct a member survey. Summary findings from the report are now available on the California avocado grower website.

    The survey was sent to all CAC members in August 2021. The 77-page report includes detailed findings concerning:

    • Farm acreage
    • Pounds harvested and crop values by district and acreage
    • Overall farm income, expenses and net margin
    • Farm income, expenses and net margin by district and acreage
    • Water sources
    • Overall irrigation costs
    • Irrigation costs by water source, district and acreage
    • Perceived threats to future profitability

    Highlights from the survey are as follows:

    • Across all districts, bearing acres comprised about 80% of total acres.
    • From 2018 – 2020, the average number of pounds harvested per bearing acre declined at a rate of -2.4% per year.
    • During this same time frame, the average crop value per bearing acre rose at a rate of 0.8% per year. When examined by the acreage of the operation, the annual growth rates in crop values per bearing acre (2018-2020) were 6.7% for farms with 10 acres or less, 2.3% for farms with 11 – 50 acres and -1.4% for those with 51 acres or more.
    • The three-year average for total expenses as a percent of gross income was 93.7% with an average net margin of 6.3%.
    • Average gross income was 2.7% per year with expenses growing at a 4.4% rate annually.
    • Respondents indicated they did not change their water sources much from 2018 – 2020 with District 1 and District 2 relying primarily on water agencies, District 4 utilizing mutual water companies and Districts 3 and 5 relying mainly on wells/surface water on the property.
    • Overall irrigation costs per dollar of crop value dropped from 18.9% in 2018 to 15.9% in 2020, with irrigation costs as a percent of total expenses dropping from 20.2% in 2018 to 15.3% in 2020.
    • The highest average irrigation costs per acre in 2020 were associated with mutual water companies ($1,389/acre) and water agencies ($1,157/acre) and lowest when growers combined well/surface water with water agencies ($698/acre) and wells/surface water with mutual water companies ($555/acre).
    • Respondents indicated the most serious threats to future profitability are water costs, costs of complying with government regulations and labor costs.
    • Other factors identified as threats to profitability included availability of water, imported avocados and environmental regulations.

    Findings from the survey will be used to help the Commission explore potential opportunities to address growers’ most pressing challenges.

  • Black Beans Help Fix Insulin Resistance and Gut Bacteria Balance

    USDA ARS — Adding cooked black beans to a high-fat diet improved sensitivity to insulin and other measures often related to diabetes and restored gut bacteria balance in obese mice, according to a USDA Agricultural Research Service study.

    As little as the mouse-size equivalent of a single serving a day of black beans—about a half cup for a human—lowered insulin resistance 87 percent in obese mice compared to obese mice eating the same high-fat diet without the black beans. Insulin resistance is when a body’s response to the hormone insulin is impaired so glucose in the blood cannot be used for energy, resulting in high blood sugar, a factor often leading to diabetes.

    Mice on the high-fat plus black beans diet also decreased low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol, 28 percent and triglyceride levels 37 percent compared to mice eating the high-fat diet without black beans. These are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

    Other diabetes-related biomarkers such as the levels of leptin, glucagon, and a group of inflammatory biochemicals were all significantly better in the mice on the high-fat plus black beans diet.

    The researchers also found that adding black beans to the high fat diet restored the balance of healthier bacteria in the gut, particularly decreasing the ratio of Firmicutes bacteria to Bacteroidetes bacteria in the gut by 64 percent compared to mice on the high fat diet without black beans  and mice on a low fat diet. High ratios of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes are associated with obesity. Intestinal bacteria associated with inflammation such as Blautia and Clostridium all were significantly reduced in mice fed the high fat plus black beans diet compared to mice on the high fat diet without beans.

    “This research suggests that eating even a small amount of black beans can have multiple health benefits,” said ARS research chemist Wallace Yokoyama with the Healthy Processed Foods Research Unit of the Western Regional Research Center in Albany, California. Yokoyama led the study, which was published in the scientific journal Foods.

    “We also tested if supplementing the high fat diet with individual components from black beans would have the same beneficial impacts on the obese mice and didn’t find the same effects at all. It was only adding whole black beans, and cooked whole beans at that, which had the benefits,” Yokoyama said.

    Perhaps the most interesting scientific information coming from this study, according to Yokoyama, is data to begin determining just how black beans improve insulin resistance. It appears that black beans may inhibit the JNK/c-Jun pathway, a key metabolic pathway that has many but not necessarily well-defined functions including regulating inflammatory responses. Chronic inflammation is believed to be the basis for insulin resistance and other metabolic diseases.

    Black beans, or more precisely black turtle beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), are generally low in fat and high in fiber and protein. They are popular in Latin American, Mexican and Caribbean cuisines as well as in Cajun and Creole cooking. Like all common beans, black beans are native to the Americas. Today, they have been introduced around the world to become known as frijoles negros or poroto negro in Spanish, feijão preto in Portuguese, and karuppu kaaramani and kala ghevada in various regional cuisines of India.

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $17 of economic impact.

  • New Economic Analysis Underscores Impact of Pandemic on Farmers, Agriculture

    We have all felt the seismic shift from the pandemic and its impact on our lives and livelihoods. Throughout the pandemic farmers and farm workers have worked diligently and continually to deliver healthy and safe fruits and vegetables to consumers. But the pandemic further exposed the tight margins of farming and the intense cost pressures being faced in agriculture today.

    The Grower Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) commissioned a new analysis by economists to examine the cost impacts of the pandemic as well as other factors, such as supply chain issues, which are putting pressure on agriculture’s ability to sustain food production in the region.

    The mission of GSA is advancing families, food and farming in Central California. These types of analyses are an important way to assess vulnerabilities associated with increasing costs as well as identify potential areas where better solutions may be necessary to advance our mission. It also allows GSA to assess their role in supporting members and ag employees by relieving or alleviating economic burden through solution-driven work.

    This analysis provides a short and long-run outlook and focuses on current, continuing and impending cost pressures within a landscape of the economic fundamentals of supply and demand. While there are numerous crops produced in our region, the economists determined their analysis would focus on one crop specifically in order to appropriately identify industry cost pressures. Therefore the analysis examines the per carton costs of growing and shipping iceberg lettuce.

    The economists determined the total cost to produce a carton of iceberg lettuce is over $17 per carton. The average baseline production budget for Salinas Valley iceberg lettuce shows typical costs to grow, harvest, and pack is around $15 per carton. According to the analysis, the estimated increase in direct lettuce production costs identified is $2.12 per carton. This includes a $0.68 increase to growing costs and a $1.44 increase for harvest, packing, and cooling costs including a $0.67 increase due to operational changes related to COVID-19.

    At an average price of $15 to $17 per carton, grower-shippers are not able to cover production costs. The economists state that an increase of $2.12 per carton with 24 heads of lettuce may seem immaterial from the consumer perspective – this would work out to $0.09 per head. However, they point out that this change is quite significant for farmers and shippers.

    These findings are sobering and reinforce GSA’s commitment to support our mission through results oriented efforts. As an example, GSA’s work to protect employees from the spread of COVID-19 included the creation of a model quarantined housing program as well as a mass vaccination program responsible for having immunized a majority of the farm workers in the region. While the primary objective of this effort was to keep farm workers and their families healthy, the development and operation of this vaccination program, in partnership with Clinica De Salud Del Valle De Salinas, also likely lowered the economic burden of COVID-19 on ag employers since it allowed the region to continue consistently harvesting and shipping produce.

    As we address the economists’ findings, GSA and the farmers and farming companies we represent understand their responsibility to grow safe food, protect farm workers, nurture and sustain our farms and the environment around them and be good neighbors and stewards of our communities where we live and work. We acknowledge that thoughtful, outcome-oriented regulations can provide necessary baseline uniformity that govern practices in the workplace including environmental and food and worker safety protections that benefit our community and consumers. However, when new regulations or legislation that impacts agriculture are being considered, farmers should have a seat at the table and cost impacts should be discussed and evaluated, especially in light of the profit margins identified in this analysis.

    While a safe workplace, a healthy environment and safe food are of paramount importance, a strong economy creates important opportunities and support that benefits our communities and should remain a priority as well. In fact, 77% of Bay Area and Central Coast residents agree that agriculture was most or very important to the quality of life and the economy of California in a survey conducted by GSA. This reflects the value of agriculture, including job-creation, support of community initiatives and charities, preservation of green and open spaces and local food production.

    Learn more about the findings from this economic analysis on our new page in the Our Work section of the GSA website. On this page you will find a white paper outlining the findings of the analysis as well as a link to the full report.

  • 2021-22 CA Navel and Mandarin Forecast Down from Initial Estimates

    The California Citrus Mutual Marketing Committee (Committee) estimates that the total Navel orange crop for the 2021-22 season will be down 20% from the previous season’s final utilized, or sold, production. The Committee also estimates that the Mandarin crop will be down as much as 45% from the 2020-2021 season.

    According to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s 2021-22 California Navel Orange Objective Measurement Report, released on September 10, 2021, the initial forecast for the navel orange crop was 70.0 million cartons, down 14% from the previous year’s total utilized production. Additionally, an estimated 4% of last season’s crop was not utilized, meaning it was not picked or sold.

    Now several weeks into 2021-22 season, the Committee anticipates, based on current picking estimates, will be 20% below the prior season’s total utilized production and approximately 24% below the total crop size.

    The drop in production is attributed to the previous season’s heavy crop and extended season. Due to the larger sized crop and other market conditions, fruit remained on the tree far longer than is typical, which negatively affected the current year’s crop size.

    The Committee also estimates that the 2021-22 mandarin crop will be down 45% from the previous season’s exceptionally large crop.

    The current navel and mandarin crops are forecast to go through May and June, respectively.  Consumers can expect favorable size structure and excellent eating quality due to the fruit’s high sugar content.

    “The 2021-22 season is shaping up to be far different than the previous season. Last season, we had a very heavy crop and there were a lot of growers whose fruit was never harvested. Shippers extended the season well into August in an effort to market and sell as much of the crop as possible, but ultimately about 4% was dropped to the ground,” says CCM President/CEO Casey Creamer. “We expect this year’s lighter crop to move more quickly through the market with its high sugar content and excellent eating quality.”

  • What US Food Exporters Need to Know about China’s New Facility Registration Requirements

    Port congestion and unresolved international trade disputes are tough enough, without China’s new facility registration requirements going into effect at the start of 2022 for food export destined for China.  Watch this brief interview with Keith Schneller, Trade Policy Specialist for the Almond Board of California,  as he explains the issue and how FDA is addressing it.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • What US Food Exporters Need to Know about China’s New Facility Registration Requirements

    Port congestion and unresolved international trade disputes are tough enough, without China’s new facility registration requirements going into effect at the start of 2022 for food export destined for China.  Watch this brief interview with Keith Schneller, Trade Policy Specialist for the Almond Board of California,  as he explains the issue and how FDA is addressing it.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Jacob Villagomez Hired as CA Citrus Mutual Director of State Governmental Affairs

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) is proud to announce we have hired Jacob Villagomez as the new Director of State Governmental Affairs. He comes to us from the State Senate, where he previously served as the District Director for Senator Melissa Hurtado.

    In his new role, Jacob will advocate on behalf of California’s citrus growers in the State legislature and within administrative and regulatory agencies.

    “I am extremely excited to add another talented member to the CCM team,” stated President/CEO Casey Creamer. “Jacob’s time as a legislative staffer will add valuable experience and perspective to the organization as we deal with significant concerns related to water, pest management, labor, and the overall cost of doing business in California. As a son of citrus farmers in the Sanger area, he has a vested interest in our success and a strong passion to bring positive change for the industry.”

    Jacob attended California State University, Fresno where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. He is also an alumnus of the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute’s Legislative Scholars program and a graduate of the Fresno County Farm Bureau’s Future Advocates Concerned About Tomorrow (FAACT) program.

    About California Citrus Mutual (CCM)

    CCM is a voluntary, non-profit trade association representing CA citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that impact them most.

  • HLB Quarantine Expansion Connects Boundaries in Jurupa Valley and Riverside Areas

    Effective Dec. 6, 2021, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has expanded the Huanglongbing (HLB) quarantine boundaries in Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the Jurupa Valley and Riverside areas to create one quarantine area, connecting parts of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. A map of the boundary expansion can be found below and at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/hlb/regulation.html#maps.

    Additionally, effective Dec. 6, 2021, CDFA is expanding the Asian citrus psyllid bulk citrus quarantine zone 6 in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to reflect the HLB boundary expansion. A map of the proposed new boundaries can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/acp/regulation.html.

    For any questions regarding the regulations or quarantine area, please email Karina Chu at Karina.Chu@cdfa.ca.gov or call 916-274-6300.

  • New Digital Campaign Kick-starts Pomegranate Season, Showcasing POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils as “Insta-Antioxidants”

    POM Wonderful, the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the U.S., is kicking off the 2021 California pomegranate season with its largest digital marketing campaign ever to raise brand awareness and continue to drive category growth. Unveiled in the campaign is new branding for POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils, the No. 1 aril brand in total sales, brand awareness, and velocity in the U.S.

    Previously known as POM POMS, the new branding and packaging coupled with the digital campaign helps to reinforce the connection for consumers that POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils are sourced straight from POM Wonderful pomegranates, making it easy to enjoy pomegranate arils as a snack or to elevate a variety of dishes, especially during the holidays.

    The digital campaign, part of a multi-million-dollar marketing investment, includes >$1MM in new digital marketing. The efforts consist of two brand-new epicurean and antioxidant campaigns, highlighting POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils as the easy way to enjoy pomegranates. With just a snap of a finger, getting antioxidants is easier than ever with POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils. Through the “Insta-Antioxidants” digital campaign, a whole POM Wonderful pomegranate is harvested at peak freshness and quickly transformed into a POM Pomegranate Arils cup, then directly into a kitchen creation, showing the ease with which consumers can enjoy POM Pomegranate Arils.

    “We are thrilled to kick off our 2021 season with new branding supported by our biggest digital marketing campaign, showcasing the ease of enjoying antioxidants with POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils,” said Stacey Anker, director of marketing, POM Wonderful. “With the holidays approaching, we hope to inspire consumers to use POM Arils in their holiday spreads to add the perfect pop of ruby-red color and antioxidant goodness.”

    The POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils epicurean campaign will focus on delicious recipes that include strong pomegranate flavors. From appetizers to desserts and cocktails, consumers will be inspired to use POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils in their favorite dishes this holiday season. New recipes will be posted on the POM Wonderful social media accounts, as well as the POM Wonderful website.

    “As the No 1. arils brand sold nationwide, we are excited to see POM drive category growth and raise consumer awareness for snacking and epicurean uses of fresh pomegranates,” said Adam Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, The Wonderful Company. “With the “Insta-Antioxidant” campaign, we hope to showcase how quickly and easily consumers can enjoy pomegranate arils, while also benefiting from the antioxidant power of POM.”

    The campaign was created by The Wonderful Company’s in-house creative team, Wonderful Agency, and includes digital advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat,”as well as shopper marketing, consumer public relations, new POS materials, and a November FSI.

    About POM Wonderful

    POM Wonderful is the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the United States as well as the worldwide leader in fresh California pomegranates and pomegranate-based products including our 100% pomegranate juices, healthy juice blends, and teas. We grow, handpick, and juice our own pomegranates to ensure the highest quality. POM Wonderful is part of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $5 billion company, which also has other No. 1 brands such as Wonderful® Pistachios, FIJI® Water, Wonderful® Halos®, JUSTIN® Wine, and Teleflora®. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit www.wonderful.com/csr.

  • CDFA Seeking New Grower Representative and Public Member for the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Committee

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing two vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The committee advises the CDFA Secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus specific pest and disease work plan that includes, but is not limited to, outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    Committee member vacancies exists for one grower representative from Fresno County, the member term expires on September 30, 2022, and one public member, the member term expires on September 30, 2025. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a resume by November 15, 2021.

    The members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

    Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention. Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by November 15, 2021 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: David Gutierrez.

    For additional information, contact: David Gutierrez, Branch Chief, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division at (916) 274-6300, or e-mail David.Gutierrez@cdfa.ca.gov. — Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program