California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Ag Legislation

  • Blueberry Industry’s Kasey Cronquist Named NAMA Ag Association Leader of the Year

    Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC), has been named the National Agri-Marketing Association’s (NAMA) Ag Association Leader of the Year for 2022. Cronquist was recognized at an awards ceremony April 7 at the 2022 Agri-Marketing Conference in Kansas City.

    The award, one of NAMA’s highest honors, recognizes outstanding leadership, achievement and excellence among senior executives who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry in their roles with associations or commodity organizations.

    “With more than 15 years’ experience with government, association, and non-profits, Kasey was named president of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council in 2019. It was the perfect place and time,” said Jenny Pickett, NAMA CEO. “Long-term, strategic vision is Kasey’s strength. And while the industry was riding high, new challenges demanded a bold, new vision to ensure continued growth.”

    Soon after taking the helm in 2019, Cronquist led the organization through a strategic refresh, followed by development of a new strategic plan, with a refined vision, mission and plan to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. Cronquist recognized the importance of fostering greater collaboration among all industry stakeholders and the need to unite to address challenges and opportunities that will take USHBC programs to the next level. The industry’s support of the changes and vision for the future were reflected in the results of the 2021 referendum. Of those who voted, 84% of producers and importers, who also represent 93% of the volume of highbush blueberries grown, were in favor of continuing the program. This represents a 10% increase in producers and importers (and 13% more volume), of those who voted in favor of USHBC in 2016.

    In 2020, USHBC launched a new overarching brand theme of Inspiring Possibilities for the industry, as well as Grab a Boost of Blue as a motivating call-to-action for consumers. Additionally, the USA Blueberriesexport brand was created to raise awareness of the quality and food safety assurance of U.S. grown blueberries. In June 2020, Cronquist initiated “The Business of Blueberries,” an industry podcast currently surpassing 35,000 downloads.

    In his short time with the organization, Cronquist has built a staff of longtime ag experts to execute the organization’s strategic plan; expanded the NABC and USHBC’s programs through voluntary funding; and led the USHBC through pandemic challenges, including labor and supply chain issues.

    “Kasey has made a tremendous impact helping the blueberry industry thrive and leading the USHBC into an exciting and successful future,” said USHBC Chair Shelly Hartmann. “His efforts have impressed blueberry growers, marketers, exporters and industry allies alike, and have become the guiding force in making blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.”

    Cronquist is also the president of the North American Blueberry Council; a member of the United Fresh Governmental Affairs Council and the International Blueberry Organization (IBO); He was previously the CEO and ambassador of the California Cut Flower Commission.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org.

  • Grower-Shipper Interests Are Intertwined During These Volatile Times

    Pre-Season ground prep work was completed in late-2021, first-turn plantings have been well under way since November, and harvesting of early Cole crops have begun in earnest.

    For Tri-County vegetable growers their cycle of implementing their standard cultural practices for the 2022 growing season has been under way since late-2021. The standard fundamentals of “blocking and tackling” to successful growing will evolve seasonally, ranging from pest management practices and field labor time management to updated food safety requirements, to highlight a few.

    For the upcoming 2022 growing season, however, costing standards will be taking a dramatic upturn. Unlike prior pre-pandemic seasons, the 2022 season backdrop is a continued convergence of worsening supply chain hurdles and inflationary input cost increases.

    Unlike this time last season, the uncertainty of whether the cost increases would be transitory or persist and continue to increase is now self-evident. As reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics, the benchmark for measuring national cost increases, the CPI-U, has increased to 7.9 percent over the prior 12 months.

    The current events unfolding in Ukraine only exacerbate the already-challenging supply-chain situation. For growers, predicting what some of their direct input growing costs, such as seasonal fertilizer requirements or any petroleum-based by-products, is proving to be “best-guess work,” even for as short a period as three to four months in advance.

    The old local adage of “What’s good for the shipper is good for the grower” is generally still true. Because the grower-shipper interests are intertwined, namely partnering to supplying the highest quality, healthiest and safest vegetables at a competitive value proposition.

    Many of the aforementioned grower-shipper relationships are deep-rooted and have covered the course of generations in some instances. The foundations of these relationships have been based on trust, mutual respect, and business execution in good years, in which both realize profitability in order sustain their respective operations. To this end, with the intent to ensure growers’ direct inflationary growing costs as well as packing and manufacturing shipper and processing costs are “passed through” to the buying community via finished fair price increases.

    The growing community applauds the unusual yet vital measure the shipper and processing community has taken with this action. The grower community could no longer absorb the steep inflationary cost increases on top of the annual margin compression driven by input costs outpacing general contract price increases of the past decade. These actions will make the old adage shift to “What’s good for the grower is good for the shipper AND processor.”

  • U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council Seeks Nominees for Importer 2, 3, 4 and Exporter 2, 3, 4 Positions

    The USHBC Industry Relations Committee is seeking nominees to be considered for USHBC Importer #2, #3, & #4, Exporter #2 (Canada), Exporter #3 (Peru), and Exporter #4 (Mexico) positions on the Council. Nominees are being sought for the three-year term, except for Exporter #3 & #4 whose initial term is 2 years, that begins January 1, 2023.

    The committee plans to present a slate of potential nominees to the USHBC Executive Committee for consideration by July 31, 2022. The Council will then make final candidate selections at the next USHBC Meeting. At this meeting, the Council will recommend to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture a final candidate for three importer members and alternates, and three exporter members and alternates, along with two additional candidates for each of these six positions, for consideration by the Secretary for final appointments.

    Blueberry industry members interested in being considered for the USHBC Importer #2, #3, #4 or Exporter #2 (Canada) Member and Alternate positions are asked to complete a USHBC Importer/Exporter Nominee Application and send their completed application to the USHBC via fax at (916) 983-9022 or email to elections@blueberry.org no later than Friday, April 29, 2022.

    The USHBC has adopted a diversity outreach plan to attempt to achieve a diverse representation on the council. USHBC programs and meetings are open to all individuals. The USHBC prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, genetic information, parental status and marital or family status. It is USHBC policy that membership on the council and its committees reflect the diversity of individuals served by its programs. To accomplish this objective, the USHBC will strive to attain representation of growers and other industry participants from diverse backgrounds on the council and USHBC committees. To this end, the USHBC strongly encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to seek nominations to the USHBC and to participate in council and USHBC committee activities.

    Producers and importers of highbush blueberries approved the establishment of the USHBC through a referendum conducted by the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service in 2000. The USHBC was formally established in August 2000. The program is funded by an assessment of $18 per ton on domestic highbush blueberries, and $18 per ton on fresh and processed imported highbush blueberries. Market promotion activities funded through the USHBC began in January 2002.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.org.

  • Researchers Harness the Sun’s Rays to Fight Strawberry Disease

    While not exactly the stuff of sci-fi movies, scientists have developed a “ray gun” that emits a light hazardous to a pestilence that devastates many types of crops. Fumiomi Takeda, a research horticulturalist, and Wojciech Janisiewicz, retired research plant pathologist, from the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Innovative Fruit Production, Improvement, and Protection unit in Kearneysville, WV, led a team that used shortwave ultraviolent light (UV-C) to kill powdery mildew fungus.

    UV-C is a very specific part of the ultraviolet light spectrum. UV-C is produced by the sun but does not reach Earth’s surface because it is absorbed by the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere. That’s a good thing, because UV-C is harmful to humans and plants when exposed to excessive amounts or for a long time.

    “We conducted research to administer UV-C on powdery mildew-infected strawberry plants without causing harmful effects on the plant, such as leaf burn, fruit softening, or color darkening to determine whether it would be a good alternative to controlling powdery mildew with pesticides,” Takeda said.

    On strawberry plants, powdery mildew appears as white powdery spots or fuzzy growth on both sides of leaves and on stems. Moderate to severe infection reduces the ability of leaves to employ photosynthesis – the process that plants use to synthesize foods from carbon dioxide and water. Powdery mildew can kill flowers, harden immature fruit, and reduce fruit quality and marketable yields.

    If not controlled, the disease can cause a significant economic loss, especially to plants grown in greenhouses or high tunnels. In Japan and western Europe, where over 90% of strawberry production is in the greenhouse and under high tunnels, powdery mildew is the primary cause of fruit quality loss.

    UV-C light kills microorganisms (fungi, bacteria, and viruses) and even arthropod pests by damaging their DNA.

    According to Takeda and Janisiewicz, UV-C application is most effective at night because microbes and mites have a natural, light-activated special mechanism for repairing their damaged DNA. When UV-C is used during the day, high doses are needed to kill microbes, but those high doses are damaging to plants. To avoid this problem, they irradiated microbes with UV-C at night.

    “Night-time application of 30-60 seconds allowed for control of powdery mildew, botrytis gray mold, and anthracnose fruit rot causing fungal pathogens at much lower doses for an effective kill and, more importantly, below the threshold that causes damage to the strawberry plants,” Takeda said.

    A severe case of powdery mildew on a zinnia (Photo by Stephen Ausmus).

    In addition to strawberries, USDA scientists have used UV-C light on tomato plants and ornamental crops to control fungal pathogens and arthropod pests, such as greenhouse whitefly, flower thrips, and two-spotted spider mite.

    ARS collaborated with TRIC Robotics in Newark, DE, to design and test the UV-C application robots at multiple locations, including California, where they have been field tested for over 10 months. The UV-C, non-chemical approach for fungal and pest control has shown so much success that it is on the brink of widespread commercial application.

    “With the development of our autonomous UV-C application in the field, it is not so much a question of whether UV-C light treatments can be applied effectively, but how soon commercial platforms for UV-C application will be available to large and small strawberry growers across the country,” Takeda said. – By Scott Elliott, USDA ARS

  • A Different Way of Celebrating National Nutrition Month

    March is National Nutrition Month. And while we understand that the purpose is to promote enhanced nutrition and improve diets, for the Grower Shipper Association (GSA) this month is about celebrating our food supply and the farmers and farm workers who grow, nurture and harvest the nation’s fruits and vegetables.

    Farming is hard. There are many challenges. But farmers will tell you it is a rewarding profession and they love what they do. Farmers will also acknowledge that it takes many hands. It requires collaboration among farm workers, foreman, irrigators, pest control advisors, food safety experts, among others.

    At GSA, we see our role as providing crucial support and finding solutions on a broader basis to benefit our farmers and farming companies to make their jobs a little easier. Our work with ag employers throughout the pandemic to access masks, rapid tests, quarantined housing for their employees as well as help vaccinate 90% of the farm workers in our region is one example.

    GSA efforts to battle the pest/disease complex commonly referred to as INSV, which causes stunting, wilting and eventual death for leafy greens, is another solution-driving initiative. We created a task force to examine treatment strategies and develop treatment efficacy trials. Lettuce fields are infected by INSV via thrips migrating in from infected host plants in the early spring, which is why GSA is also working with local agencies and communities on weed suppression strategies. Our association remains committed to securing additional funding and resources as well to aid our search for solutions.

    As we navigate uncertainties in our current world, the hard work of farmers and farm workers has provided a sustained and consistent supply of fruits and vegetables to consumers. We have watched with significant pride how our region’s farming community has risen to unforeseen challenges because they understand the importance of what they do.

    So while many will mark National Nutrition Month in more traditional ways, GSA takes a different approach which is to reflect on how lucky we are to have such dedicated farmers and farm workers growing our food. We celebrate you and thank you for every meal.

  • US Ag Exports to Mexico Shatter Records, Including Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Dairy

    In 2021, U.S. agricultural and related product exports to Mexico shattered all-time records, helping to close the agricultural trade gap between the two trading partners. Mexico surpassed Canada as the number two market for U.S. agricultural product exports. The highly integrated and complimentary nature of U.S.–Mexico food and agricultural supply chains ensured that record trade was observed across all product categories. A recovery from 2020 pandemic lockdowns and high global commodity prices helped values, as well as quantity, increase in 2021. This report highlights historical southbound (United States to Mexico) agricultural and related product trade records by value.

    Bilateral Agricultural Trade: U.S.–Mexico bilateral trade in agricultural and related products is more robust than ever, reaching record levels in value and quantity across products and categories. In 2021, bilateral trade totaled $66 billion, with a notable 15 percent trade deficit decline to -$13 billion. U.S. agricultural and related product exports to Mexico increased 42 percent to a record high of $27 billion.

    Top Export Market: In 2021, Mexico became the number one market for U.S. dairy products, poultry meat and products, wheat, distillers’ grains, sugar and sweeteners, milled grains and products, animal fats, rice, eggs and products, and pulses. Mexico is the number two market for U.S. corn, soybeans, soybean meal, food preparations, fresh fruit, processed vegetables, “bakery goods, cereals, and pasta”, condiments and sauces, vegetable oils, chocolate and cocoa products, fresh vegetables, planting seeds, non-alcoholic beverages, processed fruit, live animals, dog and cat food, nursery products and cut flowers, and confectionery.

    Records in Southbound Agricultural Exports: As outlined in the following sections, U.S. exports of consumer oriented (section I), bulk commodities (section II), intermediate (section III), and agricultural related products (section IV) each reached all-time value,, with many subcategories and products attaining the same.

    I. Consumer Oriented ($10.8 billion)

    Dairy Products ($1.8 billion): The United States is Mexico’s number one supplier of most of its dairy commodity imports. Mexico consistently is a reliable, high-value trading partner for the U.S. dairy industry. In 2021, U.S. dairy exports to Mexico reached an all-time high by volume, which in the case of cheese, beat out the volume record previously set in 2020. U.S. cheese exports (usually of high quality; using 100 percent milk, for example) are crucial to Mexico’s retail, processing, and HRI sectors because domestic production can only meet 66 percent of national demand. In 2020, dairy commodities started to become more expensive and retained that increased value into 2021, helping to set notable value records for U.S. skim milk powder ($962 million), cheese ($262 million), ice cream ($58 million), and others.

    Pork and Pork Products ($1.7 billion): Pork exports to Mexico reached record values and volumes across fresh, chilled, and frozen cuts, including edible offal ($158 million). Hams and cuts ($465 million) for processing reached a record high in 2020, although slightly decreasing in 2021. Pork is the second most consumed source of animal protein in Mexico. Domestic production does not satisfy national demand, and imports are required to fill in the gap. Mexico’s pork consumption increased as people resumed activities outside the home, and also from learning ways to incorporate pork in home cooking. U.S. pork products offer diverse price points across incomes and socioeconomic strata. The hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector, for example, draws from high quality cuts for use in premium dishes.

    Fresh and Processed Fruits and Vegetables ($1.7 billion): In 2021, U.S. exports of fresh fruit ($748 million) and fresh vegetables ($234 million) to Mexico reached record levels. Record processed vegetable trade was driven by quantity and value increases in frozen potato products ($261 million), reflective of a reopening of the HRI sector after a challenging 2020. Strong U.S. apple ($349 million) exports led growth in the fresh fruit sector. Orange and tangerine exports ($29 million), driven by high demand for products containing vitamin C during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small, but mighty, U.S. cherry ($16 million) exports to Mexico increased an impressive 235 percent from 2020.

    Processed Foods and Juices ($1.7 billion): Mexico’s food retailers and industrial food processors continue to see strong demand for retail-ready and processed products. The Mexican food processing sector continues to see exponential growth due to product affordability and high consumer demand for Mexican comfort foods. These market forces resulted in a record $770 million of U.S. food-preparation exports to Mexico’s food processors in 2021. Other notable U.S. record exports for U.S.-origin processed products included bakery goods, cereals, and pasta ($395 million), condiments and sauces ($321 million), non-alcoholic beverages ($212 million), and fruit and vegetable juices ($73 million).

    Poultry Meat and Products (excluding eggs) ($1.3 billion): Mexico depends heavily on poultry imports to satisfy domestic demand. In 2020 and 2021, the United States supplied close to 95 percent of Mexico’s poultry meat and product imports, achieving records in both quantity and value, with chicken cuts ($529 million) as a standout. In 2021, U.S. turkey ($32 million), geese ($49 thousand), and guinea fowl meat reached value records, even though those quantities were considerably smaller compared to chicken meat.

    Eggs and Products ($215 million): U.S. egg and product ($215 million) exports to Mexico reached their record due to elevated prices driven by worldwide demand. The United States is the main provider of chicken genetics and breeders to Mexico, achieving records during 2019–2021, culminating in $161 million in 2021. U.S. suppliers of shell eggs to Mexico satisfies demand along Mexican border states, while domestic production satisfies demand in the rest of the country.

    Organics ($200 million): Record growth in the category is driven by both retail and HRI demand for fresh organic fruit (apples, grapes, pears, peaches, and others), as well as lettuce and spinach. Baby food and other organic processed products also saw significant growth. Higher- income consumers in Mexico are willing to pay a premium for USDA organic products with the hopes of attaining higher health and food safety benefits – a trend the pandemic has bolstered.

    Beef and Beef Products: In 2021, very few U.S. beef product exports to Mexico reached a record high either by volume or value. However, shipments of beef for ground meat and processing ($509 million) that could include edible offal ($57.5 million), trimmings, cheek meat, and other cuts were the most notable categories that reached record highs. The reopening of the HRI sector is helping to drive demand along with increased household consumption, which prefers more affordable cuts and products, such as ground beef or variety meats.

    II. Bulk Commodities ($9.8 billion)

    Corn ($4.7 billion): In 2021, record U.S. corn exports ($4.7 billion) to Mexico were composed mostly of no. 2 corn ($4.4 billion) and white corn ($226 million). However, 2017 volumes maintain the record, reaching 16.7 million metric tons (MMT) versus 16 MMT in 2021. The value record reflects skyrocketing international corn prices, which substantially increased in 2021 to the highest levels in 12 years.

    Soybeans ($2.7 billion): Record U.S. soybean exports to Mexico were seen in 2021, due to the substantial price increase registered through the second half of 2021. Volume growth was also due to pandemic-related lockups, which encouraged Mexican households to cook more at home and consume more soybean oil.

    Wheat ($1.3 billion): Record high U.S. wheat exports ($1.3 billion) to Mexico were achieved, led by U.S. non-durum wheat ($1.2 billion) exports. Volume trade was modest, reflecting higher international wheat prices that same year. Large volumes of U.S. wheat exports were driven by increased household consumption of bread, cookies, and cakes due to the pandemic-related lockups and partial shutdowns. Mexico remains a highly price sensitive market, including for wheat imports.

    Other Bulk Commodities ($157 million): This record is driven mostly by the higher value for peanuts, which went mostly toward consumption as snacks. The reopening of the HRI sector, retail sales, and food processing made this category and oilseeds (excluding soybean) reach record levels ($23 million).

    Rice: Milled rice ($16 million) reached a record due to more competitive prices compared with South American exporters, mainly from Uruguay.

    III. Intermediate ($4.9 billion)

    Distillers Grains ($634 million): In 2021, U.S. distillers grains exports to Mexico reached a record, in value and quantity due to the stronger demand of the robust animal feed and livestock industries in Mexico. Distillers grains are a co-product of corn-based ethanol production that are used mainly as an animal feed protein supplement. Distillers grains have been increasingly used as a substitute for oilseed meal (mainly soybean meal) in feed concentrate formulas.

    Milled Grains and Products: Mexican brewers’ purchases of U.S. malt ($230 million) drove U.S. exports to a record high on pent up demand after the industry shut down during 2020 pandemic-related lockdowns. U.S. corn starch ($51 million) exports for food processing (as an ingredient for mayonnaise and beers, for example) saw price increases, which drove this product to record highs.

    Animal Fats: In 2021, U.S. lard ($117 million) and edible tallow ($139 million) exports to Mexico reached record highs as Mexico’s food processing activities and agricultural sector recovers in the post-pandemic era. Demand for lard and edible tallow, especially from pork, has increased to satisfy domestic demand in household cooking, industrial foods processing, and informal mom-and-pop cooking. Meat processing and charcuterie depend on lard and edible tallow imports to satisfy domestic demand, as consumption increases and novelty products surge in the retail sector, high quality raw materials are needed for those processes.

    Live Animals ($188 million): In 2021, U.S. live animal exports to Mexico reached value records for bovine breeding purposes. Mexico greatly benefits from high-quality genetics from the United States, investing in male and female breeders, depending on the sector. The dairy sector tends to invest more in females, obtaining stronger and more productive calves. The beef sector tends to invest more in males, improving yields and carcass weights for slaughter. Later, the U.S. feedlots indirectly benefit from steers and heifers from Mexico that are exported back as healthy, well-adapted cattle that perform very well in feedlots. In 2021, U.S. live cattle exports to Mexico for immediate slaughter set a record high, breaking the previous record set in 2020.

    Essential Oils ($183 million): For use mainly in the perfume and cosmetics industry, food industry (i.e. food conservation or for cooking), in the pharmaceutical industry, and for individual consumption (aromatherapy and other uses at home). The Mexican states with the biggest purchases of essential oils are Mexico City, State of Mexico, Morelos, Baja California and Nuevo León.

    Hides & Skins: Exports to Mexico of some pre-tanned bovine raw hides and goat skins in value, specifically, whole cattle hides and skins (in quantity and value). Bolstering the Mexican automotive industry, which is the main destination for U.S. hides and skins to Mexico, strengthening the apparel sector, and diversifying the market to other clients (furniture and garments) have proven to be a smart strategy to allocate U.S. hides and skins in Mexico. — By the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Mexico

    IV. Agricultural Related Products ($1.1 billion)

  • US Ag Exports to Mexico Shatter Records, Including Fresh Fruits, Vegetables & Dairy

    In 2021, U.S. agricultural and related product exports to Mexico shattered all-time records, helping to close the agricultural trade gap between the two trading partners. Mexico surpassed Canada as the number two market for U.S. agricultural product exports. The highly integrated and complimentary nature of U.S.–Mexico food and agricultural supply chains ensured that record trade was observed across all product categories. A recovery from 2020 pandemic lockdowns and high global commodity prices helped values, as well as quantity, increase in 2021. This report highlights historical southbound (United States to Mexico) agricultural and related product trade records by value.

    Bilateral Agricultural Trade: U.S.–Mexico bilateral trade in agricultural and related products is more robust than ever, reaching record levels in value and quantity across products and categories. In 2021, bilateral trade totaled $66 billion, with a notable 15 percent trade deficit decline to -$13 billion. U.S. agricultural and related product exports to Mexico increased 42 percent to a record high of $27 billion.

    Top Export Market: In 2021, Mexico became the number one market for U.S. dairy products, poultry meat and products, wheat, distillers’ grains, sugar and sweeteners, milled grains and products, animal fats, rice, eggs and products, and pulses. Mexico is the number two market for U.S. corn, soybeans, soybean meal, food preparations, fresh fruit, processed vegetables, “bakery goods, cereals, and pasta”, condiments and sauces, vegetable oils, chocolate and cocoa products, fresh vegetables, planting seeds, non-alcoholic beverages, processed fruit, live animals, dog and cat food, nursery products and cut flowers, and confectionery.

    Records in Southbound Agricultural Exports: As outlined in the following sections, U.S. exports of consumer oriented (section I), bulk commodities (section II), intermediate (section III), and agricultural related products (section IV) each reached all-time value,, with many subcategories and products attaining the same.

    I. Consumer Oriented ($10.8 billion)

    Dairy Products ($1.8 billion): The United States is Mexico’s number one supplier of most of its dairy commodity imports. Mexico consistently is a reliable, high-value trading partner for the U.S. dairy industry. In 2021, U.S. dairy exports to Mexico reached an all-time high by volume, which in the case of cheese, beat out the volume record previously set in 2020. U.S. cheese exports (usually of high quality; using 100 percent milk, for example) are crucial to Mexico’s retail, processing, and HRI sectors because domestic production can only meet 66 percent of national demand. In 2020, dairy commodities started to become more expensive and retained that increased value into 2021, helping to set notable value records for U.S. skim milk powder ($962 million), cheese ($262 million), ice cream ($58 million), and others.

    Pork and Pork Products ($1.7 billion): Pork exports to Mexico reached record values and volumes across fresh, chilled, and frozen cuts, including edible offal ($158 million). Hams and cuts ($465 million) for processing reached a record high in 2020, although slightly decreasing in 2021. Pork is the second most consumed source of animal protein in Mexico. Domestic production does not satisfy national demand, and imports are required to fill in the gap. Mexico’s pork consumption increased as people resumed activities outside the home, and also from learning ways to incorporate pork in home cooking. U.S. pork products offer diverse price points across incomes and socioeconomic strata. The hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector, for example, draws from high quality cuts for use in premium dishes.

    Fresh and Processed Fruits and Vegetables ($1.7 billion): In 2021, U.S. exports of fresh fruit ($748 million) and fresh vegetables ($234 million) to Mexico reached record levels. Record processed vegetable trade was driven by quantity and value increases in frozen potato products ($261 million), reflective of a reopening of the HRI sector after a challenging 2020. Strong U.S. apple ($349 million) exports led growth in the fresh fruit sector. Orange and tangerine exports ($29 million), driven by high demand for products containing vitamin C during the COVID-19 pandemic. Small, but mighty, U.S. cherry ($16 million) exports to Mexico increased an impressive 235 percent from 2020.

    Processed Foods and Juices ($1.7 billion): Mexico’s food retailers and industrial food processors continue to see strong demand for retail-ready and processed products. The Mexican food processing sector continues to see exponential growth due to product affordability and high consumer demand for Mexican comfort foods. These market forces resulted in a record $770 million of U.S. food-preparation exports to Mexico’s food processors in 2021. Other notable U.S. record exports for U.S.-origin processed products included bakery goods, cereals, and pasta ($395 million), condiments and sauces ($321 million), non-alcoholic beverages ($212 million), and fruit and vegetable juices ($73 million).

    Poultry Meat and Products (excluding eggs) ($1.3 billion): Mexico depends heavily on poultry imports to satisfy domestic demand. In 2020 and 2021, the United States supplied close to 95 percent of Mexico’s poultry meat and product imports, achieving records in both quantity and value, with chicken cuts ($529 million) as a standout. In 2021, U.S. turkey ($32 million), geese ($49 thousand), and guinea fowl meat reached value records, even though those quantities were considerably smaller compared to chicken meat.

    Eggs and Products ($215 million): U.S. egg and product ($215 million) exports to Mexico reached their record due to elevated prices driven by worldwide demand. The United States is the main provider of chicken genetics and breeders to Mexico, achieving records during 2019–2021, culminating in $161 million in 2021. U.S. suppliers of shell eggs to Mexico satisfies demand along Mexican border states, while domestic production satisfies demand in the rest of the country.

    Organics ($200 million): Record growth in the category is driven by both retail and HRI demand for fresh organic fruit (apples, grapes, pears, peaches, and others), as well as lettuce and spinach. Baby food and other organic processed products also saw significant growth. Higher- income consumers in Mexico are willing to pay a premium for USDA organic products with the hopes of attaining higher health and food safety benefits – a trend the pandemic has bolstered.

    Beef and Beef Products: In 2021, very few U.S. beef product exports to Mexico reached a record high either by volume or value. However, shipments of beef for ground meat and processing ($509 million) that could include edible offal ($57.5 million), trimmings, cheek meat, and other cuts were the most notable categories that reached record highs. The reopening of the HRI sector is helping to drive demand along with increased household consumption, which prefers more affordable cuts and products, such as ground beef or variety meats.

    II. Bulk Commodities ($9.8 billion)

    Corn ($4.7 billion): In 2021, record U.S. corn exports ($4.7 billion) to Mexico were composed mostly of no. 2 corn ($4.4 billion) and white corn ($226 million). However, 2017 volumes maintain the record, reaching 16.7 million metric tons (MMT) versus 16 MMT in 2021. The value record reflects skyrocketing international corn prices, which substantially increased in 2021 to the highest levels in 12 years.

    Soybeans ($2.7 billion): Record U.S. soybean exports to Mexico were seen in 2021, due to the substantial price increase registered through the second half of 2021. Volume growth was also due to pandemic-related lockups, which encouraged Mexican households to cook more at home and consume more soybean oil.

    Wheat ($1.3 billion): Record high U.S. wheat exports ($1.3 billion) to Mexico were achieved, led by U.S. non-durum wheat ($1.2 billion) exports. Volume trade was modest, reflecting higher international wheat prices that same year. Large volumes of U.S. wheat exports were driven by increased household consumption of bread, cookies, and cakes due to the pandemic-related lockups and partial shutdowns. Mexico remains a highly price sensitive market, including for wheat imports.

    Other Bulk Commodities ($157 million): This record is driven mostly by the higher value for peanuts, which went mostly toward consumption as snacks. The reopening of the HRI sector, retail sales, and food processing made this category and oilseeds (excluding soybean) reach record levels ($23 million).

    Rice: Milled rice ($16 million) reached a record due to more competitive prices compared with South American exporters, mainly from Uruguay.

    III. Intermediate ($4.9 billion)

    Distillers Grains ($634 million): In 2021, U.S. distillers grains exports to Mexico reached a record, in value and quantity due to the stronger demand of the robust animal feed and livestock industries in Mexico. Distillers grains are a co-product of corn-based ethanol production that are used mainly as an animal feed protein supplement. Distillers grains have been increasingly used as a substitute for oilseed meal (mainly soybean meal) in feed concentrate formulas.

    Milled Grains and Products: Mexican brewers’ purchases of U.S. malt ($230 million) drove U.S. exports to a record high on pent up demand after the industry shut down during 2020 pandemic-related lockdowns. U.S. corn starch ($51 million) exports for food processing (as an ingredient for mayonnaise and beers, for example) saw price increases, which drove this product to record highs.

    Animal Fats: In 2021, U.S. lard ($117 million) and edible tallow ($139 million) exports to Mexico reached record highs as Mexico’s food processing activities and agricultural sector recovers in the post-pandemic era. Demand for lard and edible tallow, especially from pork, has increased to satisfy domestic demand in household cooking, industrial foods processing, and informal mom-and-pop cooking. Meat processing and charcuterie depend on lard and edible tallow imports to satisfy domestic demand, as consumption increases and novelty products surge in the retail sector, high quality raw materials are needed for those processes.

    Live Animals ($188 million): In 2021, U.S. live animal exports to Mexico reached value records for bovine breeding purposes. Mexico greatly benefits from high-quality genetics from the United States, investing in male and female breeders, depending on the sector. The dairy sector tends to invest more in females, obtaining stronger and more productive calves. The beef sector tends to invest more in males, improving yields and carcass weights for slaughter. Later, the U.S. feedlots indirectly benefit from steers and heifers from Mexico that are exported back as healthy, well-adapted cattle that perform very well in feedlots. In 2021, U.S. live cattle exports to Mexico for immediate slaughter set a record high, breaking the previous record set in 2020.

    Essential Oils ($183 million): For use mainly in the perfume and cosmetics industry, food industry (i.e. food conservation or for cooking), in the pharmaceutical industry, and for individual consumption (aromatherapy and other uses at home). The Mexican states with the biggest purchases of essential oils are Mexico City, State of Mexico, Morelos, Baja California and Nuevo León.

    Hides & Skins: Exports to Mexico of some pre-tanned bovine raw hides and goat skins in value, specifically, whole cattle hides and skins (in quantity and value). Bolstering the Mexican automotive industry, which is the main destination for U.S. hides and skins to Mexico, strengthening the apparel sector, and diversifying the market to other clients (furniture and garments) have proven to be a smart strategy to allocate U.S. hides and skins in Mexico. — By the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Mexico

    IV. Agricultural Related Products ($1.1 billion)

  • California Fresh Fruit Association Announces Strategic Food Safety Partnership

    The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) has announced a strategic partnership with George Nikolich Consulting, Inc. The agreement will focus on providing food safety services to Association members and their operations. George Nikolich has been a longtime partner of CFFA and has served the fresh fruit industry for over three decades. As determined by the CFFA Executive Committee in 2019, a focus in food safety has been a top priority area for the Association to take part in and this strategic partnership will provide an opportunity to engage with industry members in a way that has not been done before.

    CFFA President Ian LeMay stated “The Association is excited to partner with George and bring a service to our membership that is of great need. Our shippers and growers work tirelessly throughout the year to produce the freshest and healthiest fruits they can. Having George as a resource will allow them to continue to be proactive in bringing a safe product to markets and consumers homes.”

    George Nikolich of George Nikolich Consulting, Inc., added “I look forward to continuing my support of CFFA goals in translating the latest food safety science and information into effective, practical application for members. Thank you all for your commitment to this project.”

    As the Association’s new fiscal year kicks off, a series of roundtables and webinars have already been scheduled, and more will continue to be added as this strategic partnership continues to evolve. CFFA and George Nikolich Consulting look forward to engaging with the fresh fruit industry through this valuable joint venture.

    The California Fresh Fruit Association is voluntary public policy organization that represents growers, packers, and shippers of the California table grape, blueberry, kiwi, pomegranate, and deciduous tree fruit communities. CFFA serves as a representative for these growers, shippers, and packers, on issues at both the state and federal levels. More information on the Association can be found at www.cafreshfruit.com . 

  • Fresno County Vacancy on Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Committee

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing one vacancy 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.

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

    The Committee member vacancy exists for one grower representative from Fresno County, the member term expires on September 30, 2022. 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 March 31, 2022 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.

  • California Prune Board Honors Women Across Industry

    In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, the California Prune Board reflected on the various women throughout the prune industry who drive continuous growth and improvement for the organization and the consumption of prunes. In critical roles including Growers, Chief Executive Officers, Researchers, and Directors, women across the prune business are shaping the decisions that define an industry.

    “Demand for California Prunes has steadily increased in the past two years and historically women have been the primary purchasers of prunes,” said Kiaran Locy, Director of Brand & Industry Communications. “The truth is prunes are enjoyed by everyone and the women in our industry are tenacious and their insights and expertise are keeping us relevant and moving us forward.”

    These 5 industry leaders within the California Prune industry, provide valuable direction and insight across a variety of professions:

    • LindaKay Abdulian is the President and CEO at National Raisin Company and has worked in the prune business for over 10 years.

    “Agriculture is a tough industry. The people involved are trenchant and as a woman in a dominant man’s world, you prepare for every encounter. The prune industry is no exception. The players are the best in the business, man, or women. You come prepared and you will succeed.”

    • Sandie Mitchell is a California Prune Grower who has been growing prunes for 44 years. She is also an Executive Committee Member for the California Prune Board

    “Women are very quality oriented. When it comes to our families, we only want the best. As a California Prune grower, we have dedicated our farming operation throughout the years to growing a premium product for the consumer.”

    • Sarah Bradley Castro is a Staff Research Associate at UC Davis and has led the prune breeding program since 2008.

     

    “I continue to be inspired by the growing number of women in agriculture and agricultural research. In my working with UC Davis, California Women in Agriculture, and the Prune Board it is clear the innovation and energy women bring to the industry will carry us forward to a successful future.”

    • Natalie Mariani Kling is the Marketing Manager for Mariani premium dried fruit and a Certified Clinical Nutritionist. As a 4th Generation Mariani, she has been working in the prune business since she could walk steadily through the orchards.

    “Working with real, whole food is an honor and a responsibility. Mother Nature is no joke, and we rely on the great women (and men) in our industry who sow their time, expertise, and commitment into growing food that families around the world can enjoy. As a nutritionist, prunes have a special place in my heart. They may be one of superfood’s best kept secrets. Watch out world!”

    • Esther Ritson-Elliott is the Director of International Marketing & Communications with the California Prune Board. She has worked with the organization for over 30 years.

    “Agriculture itself is often perceived as a ‘male’ career, yet figures published in 2017 reveal that more than one third of U.S. farmers are women, and over half of all farms have at least one female decision maker. That equates to 1.2 million female producers making a significant contribution to U.S. agricultural sales, including those working in the prune industry. I make it my mission to share the fruits of their labor, promoting the commitment, passion and contribution of our prune growers and championing their work – male and female alike.”

    Building awareness that drives consumption for California Prunes starts with a premium product and strategic approach. The California Prune industry invests in nutrition and crop research as well as building global markets for the promotion of prunes. California is the world’s largest producer of prunes and supplies over 90% of the prunes in the U.S. and 40% of the world’s production.

    The California Prune Board recognizes the extensive contributions of every woman across the industry and acknowledges the value each of them brings through their individual experiences and perspectives. These leading women in the prune industry will be featured on social media @CaliforniaPrunes on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and on the organization’s U.S. LinkedIn profile and European LinkedIn profile reaching consumers and the trade in honor of International Women’s Day this March.

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    The California Prune Board was established in 1952 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of prunes with orchards across 14 counties in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.