California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Non-Video

  • CA Prune Board Sees High-Quality Fruit in Short Crop Year

    The California Prune harvest wrapped up on schedule this year and growers have worked through the challenges of wildfires and market disruptions caused by the pandemic to harvest premium quality fruit consisting of an optimum range of sizes,setting up excellent opportunities to market the sweet, larger prunes for which California is famous. With early industry projections of a short crop, growers and handlers can now estimate production of 45,000 metric tons (50,000 short tons) of California Prunes, a decrease of 37% from the previous year.  Combined with the carry-in from 2019, handlers should have sufficient supply for the new selling season.

    As markets globally adjust to a “new normal” the California Prune industry remains focused on maintaining balance of supply and demand and reliably delivering the premium fruit that the world expects. Prune growers in California play an essential role in producing a premium product that offers health benefits, great taste, versatility, and shelf stability, all vital to what consumers desire in the current environment.

    Data reported to growers and handlers at the recent conclusion of the 2019 crop year (July 31, 2020) underscored consumer desire for California’s best-in-class prunes, as shipments to export markets jumped 17% and domestic shipments improved by 12%, as compared to the previous year.

    “While the pandemic has fueled consumers’ focus on healthy foods, the California Prune industry regularly promotes the nutritional profile and invests in nutrition research that elevates the health benefits of prunes,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director of the California Prune Board. “We are grateful that so many consumers have chosen California Prunes during this time. We plan on doing everything we can to earn and keep their trust.”

    California is the largest producer of prunes, producing about 40 percent of the world’s supply, bringing quality prunes to market from 40,000 acres concentrated in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    Created in 1952, The California Prune Board aims to amplify the premium positioning and top-of-mind awareness of California Prunes through advertising, public relations, promotion, nutrition research, production research, and issues management. The California Prune Board represents approximately 800 prune growers and 28 prune, juice, and ingredient handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

  • Automation Helps Solve Specialty Crop Challenges

    With support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Multistate Research Fund, researchers at 17 land-grant universities are working together to develop automated systems that work well for labor-intensive specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery plants. A multi-state collaborative approach lifts the burden of research and development from a single specialty crop sector and spurs major advances.

    Automation is helping the specialty crop industry overcome labor shortages, fine-tune management decisions, conserve resources and meet growing demand. Consistent with the USDA Agriculture Innovation Agenda, advances in technology for growing, harvesting, handling, and processing are generating significant savings for growers and consumers, while improving sustainability.

    University of Florida scientists developed a robot that counts and maps the fruit on citrus trees, and University of California-Davis researchers developed fruit-picking carts with instruments that map orchard fruits. These automated devices have helped farmers see if and where production issues arise, so they can make targeted, effective management decisions. Accurate yield estimates are also important for programming harvest machines and making marketing decisions.

    Automated disease detection and management technologies could mitigate crop losses. For example, Iowa State University scientists are guiding the manufacturing of technology that reduces pesticide drift. Washington State University scientists developed drones to deter birds that eat and damage fruit crops. And, handheld devices designed by University of Hawaii researchers give coffee growers an inexpensive way to spot leaf water stress and optimize irrigation.

    To overcome labor shortages and cut labor costs, Washington State University scientists designed a robotic twining machine for hops, and University of Georgia researchers are perfecting affordable automated technologies for efficient blueberry harvest. A new pruning method recommended by Pennsylvania State University Extension could cut pruning time by 42% and save $136 per acre. Automation can also make labor less dangerous. For example, a harvest-assist device designed at Penn State eliminated ladder falls and reduced the time apple pickers spent in awkward, dangerous postures from 65% to 43% of picking time.

    Automation won’t soon replace the keen eye of talented growers, but these technologies will reduce costs, improve quality, and ensure consumer satisfaction, while eliminating some on-farm health risks, increasing efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts.

    Learn more about this USDA-NIFA funded project: W2009: Integrated Systems Research and Development in Automation and Sensor for Sustainability of Specialty Crops(link is external) (2013-2018). Learn more about NIFA Impacts.

    This research supports the “value-added innovation” theme outlined in the USDA Science Blueprint and moves us closer to meeting the goals outlined in USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda. Learn more about The Hatch Act of 1887 (NIFA’s Multistate Research Fund).

    Advances in technology, automation, and remote sensing is a cross-cutting, macro movement in science impacting agriculture outlined in the USDA Science Blueprint (PDF, 2.6 MB). The Science Blueprint guides USDA’s science priorities for the next 5 years, building from past success. Relative to other crops, many specialty crops are more dependent on agricultural labor for production, harvesting, and processing. This is part of a blog series that highlights research investments to advance automation and mechanization for specialty crops. — By Sara Delheimer, NIFA-funded Multistate Research Fund Impacts Program

  • California Avocado Commission Virtual Field Day, Sept. 17

    On September 17th from 3:30pm – 5:00pm the California Avocado Commission will host a virtual field day concerning Avocado Branch Canker disease that will consist of two 30-minute presentations by Dr. Themis Michailides, University of California Kearney Agricultural Center and Dr. Liz Dann, University of Queensland, followed by a question-and-answer session. Registration for the virtual event is now open.

    Dr. Themis Michailides, Professor of Plant Pathology, is one of the world’s leading experts on this group of fungi. He has been working on a CAC-funded project since October 2018 to determine exactly what pathogens cause avocado brank canker in California, the extent of their presence in California avocado groves and how they can be managed. He will present his research results to date and discuss why he believes this group of pathogens has become problematic in recent years.

    Dr. Liz Dann is a Principal Research Fellow with the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation at the University of Queensland, Australia. She has worked extensively on avocado diseases in Australia and has recently started studying the role of the Botryoshpaeriaceae in flower blight of avocados in Australia. She will share her knowledge of these pathogens with growers and the impacts they have on avocado production in Australia.

    Date: September 17, 2020
    Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
    Location: Online Webinar

  • USDA Assists Farmers, Ranchers & Communities Affected by Western Wildfires

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of assistance for residents and agricultural producers affected by recent wildfires.

    As of today, wildfires have burned nearly 6.9 million acres across 11 states. More than 31,000 personnel from the local, state and federal levels are working to contain 61 large fires. The USDA Forest Service has more than 7,800 personnel committed to firefighting efforts along with airtankers, helicopters, and other air and ground firefighting resources.

    Food waivers and flexibilities

    On August 27, 2020, USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) approved California’s waiver request to allow for the purchase of hot foods with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in select counties. As many California residents are not able to store food or access cooking facilities, households in those counties can purchase hot foods with SNAP benefits through September 23, 2020.

    On September 3, 2020, FNS also approved California’s request to issue automatic mass replacements of SNAP benefits to impacted households. This waiver allows households in certain counties and zip codes to receive replacement of 50% of their August SNAP benefits as a result of wildfires and power outages that began on August 17, 2020. For more information on either of these actions, contact the California Department of Social Services.

    Helping producers weather financial impacts of disasters

    When major disasters strike, USDA has an emergency loan program that provides eligible farmers low-interest loans to help them recover from production and physical losses. This program is triggered when a natural disaster is designated by the Secretary of Agriculture or a natural disaster or emergency is declared by the President under the Stafford Act. USDA also offers additional programs tailored to the needs of specific agricultural sectors to help producers weather the financial impacts of major disasters and rebuild their operations.

    Livestock owners and contract growers who experience above normal livestock deaths due to specific weather events, as well as to disease or animal attacks, may qualify for assistance under USDA’s Livestock Indemnity Program.

    Livestock producers who have suffered grazing losses due to a qualifying drought condition or fire on federally-managed land during the normal grazing period for a county may qualify for help through USDA’s Livestock Forage Disaster Program. Producers of non-insurable crops who suffer crop losses, lower yields or are prevented from planting agricultural commodities may be eligible for assistance under USDA’s Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program.

    Helping operations recover after disasters

    USDA can also provide financial resources through its Environmental Quality Incentives Program to help with immediate needs and long-term support to help recover from natural disasters and conserve water resources. Assistance may also be available for emergency animal mortality disposal from natural disasters and other causes.

    Farmers and ranchers needing to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters can apply for assistance through USDA’s Emergency Conservation Program. USDA also has assistance available for eligible private forest landowners who need to restore forestland damaged by natural disasters through the Emergency Forest Restoration Program. USDA’s Emergency Watershed Protection Program can also help relieve imminent threats to life and property caused by fires and other natural disasters that impair a watershed. Orchardists and nursery tree growers may be eligible for assistance through USDA’s Tree Assistance Program to help replant or rehabilitate eligible trees, bushes and vines damaged by natural disasters.

    Producers with coverage through the Risk Management Agency (RMA) administered federal crop insurance program should contact their crop insurance agent for issues in filing claims. Those who purchased crop insurance will be paid for covered losses. Producers should report crop damage within 72 hours of discovering damage and follow up in writing within 15 days. The Approved Insurance Providers (AIP), loss adjusters and agents are experienced and well trained in handling these types of events. As part of its commitment to delivering excellent customer service, RMA is working closely with AIPs that sell and service crop insurance policies to ensure enough loss adjusters will be available to process claims in the affected areas as quickly as possible. Visit the RMA website for more details.

    Helping with the long-term recovery of rural communities

    USDA Rural Development has more than 50 programs available to rural and tribal communities for the rebuild, repair or modernization of rural infrastructure including drinking and waste water systems, solid waste management, electric infrastructure, and essential community facilities such as public safety stations, health care centers and hospitals, and educational facilities. Visit theUSDA Rural Development website for more information on specific programs.

    Visit USDA’s disaster resources website to learn more about USDA disaster preparedness and response. For more information on USDA disaster assistance programs, contact your local USDA Service Center.

  • Automation Helps Solve Specialty Crop Challenges

    With support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Multistate Research Fund, researchers at 17 land-grant universities are working together to develop automated systems that work well for labor-intensive specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery plants. A multi-state collaborative approach lifts the burden of research and development from a single specialty crop sector and spurs major advances.

    Automation is helping the specialty crop industry overcome labor shortages, fine-tune management decisions, conserve resources and meet growing demand. Consistent with the USDA Agriculture Innovation Agenda, advances in technology for growing, harvesting, handling, and processing are generating significant savings for growers and consumers, while improving sustainability.

    University of Florida scientists developed a robot that counts and maps the fruit on citrus trees, and University of California-Davis researchers developed fruit-picking carts with instruments that map orchard fruits. These automated devices have helped farmers see if and where production issues arise, so they can make targeted, effective management decisions. Accurate yield estimates are also important for programming harvest machines and making marketing decisions.

    Automated disease detection and management technologies could mitigate crop losses. For example, Iowa State University scientists are guiding the manufacturing of technology that reduces pesticide drift. Washington State University scientists developed drones to deter birds that eat and damage fruit crops. And, handheld devices designed by University of Hawaii researchers give coffee growers an inexpensive way to spot leaf water stress and optimize irrigation.

    To overcome labor shortages and cut labor costs, Washington State University scientists designed a robotic twining machine for hops, and University of Georgia researchers are perfecting affordable automated technologies for efficient blueberry harvest. A new pruning method recommended by Pennsylvania State University Extension could cut pruning time by 42% and save $136 per acre. Automation can also make labor less dangerous. For example, a harvest-assist device designed at Penn State eliminated ladder falls and reduced the time apple pickers spent in awkward, dangerous postures from 65% to 43% of picking time.

    Automation won’t soon replace the keen eye of talented growers, but these technologies will reduce costs, improve quality, and ensure consumer satisfaction, while eliminating some on-farm health risks, increasing efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts.

    Learn more about this USDA-NIFA funded project: W2009: Integrated Systems Research and Development in Automation and Sensor for Sustainability of Specialty Crops(link is external) (2013-2018). Learn more about NIFA Impacts.

    This research supports the “value-added innovation” theme outlined in the USDA Science Blueprint and moves us closer to meeting the goals outlined in USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda. Learn more about The Hatch Act of 1887 (NIFA’s Multistate Research Fund).

    Advances in technology, automation, and remote sensing is a cross-cutting, macro movement in science impacting agriculture outlined in the USDA Science Blueprint (PDF, 2.6 MB). The Science Blueprint guides USDA’s science priorities for the next 5 years, building from past success. Relative to other crops, many specialty crops are more dependent on agricultural labor for production, harvesting, and processing. This is part of a blog series that highlights research investments to advance automation and mechanization for specialty crops. — By Sara Delheimer, NIFA-funded Multistate Research Fund Impacts Program

  • Poor Weather & COVID-19 Hurt Mexican Tomato Industry

    Poor weather conditions during harvest in Sinaloa, the top tomato producing state in Mexico, plus demand and supply chain challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in slightly lower forecasted production and trade in fresh tomatoes. However, spring/summer supplies from central Mexico are expected to meet all demand to the United States for the remainder of the marketing year. Fall/winter tomato producers experienced significant effects from the Covid-19 pandemic, due to reduced demand in both the United States and Mexico from the hotel and restaurant industries shutting down operations for a number of months in the spring and summer, corresponding directly with the harvesting season.

    Production

    Tomatoes are produced in Mexico year-round, with a fall/winter cycle and a spring/summer cycle stretching over 18 months and measured by an agricultural year (AY) from October to March (plus one year). The tomato marketing year is covered from October to September. For purposes of this report, FAS Mexico will refer to the AY in production forecasts in order to capture full tomato production in the country. A full list of Mexican tomato producing states by cycle is provided at the end of this report.

    Protected agriculture continues to become more prevalent throughout the country, particularly for operations and businesses that rely on the export market. Protected agriculture includes greenhouse, shade house and tunnel cultivation systems, and allows for year-round production through strict climatic controls. Protected agriculture systems also enhance yields, saves significant amounts of water, and reduces pesticide use.

    Tomato production for AY 2020 is forecasted at 3.33 million metric tons (MMT) according to the Agrifood and Fisheries Information System (SIAP), three percent lower than the previous agricultural year due to volatile weather in Sinaloa (fall/winter cycle), and reductions to planted area. Cold weather and heavy rains were observed throughout the winter months in Sinaloa, tightening supplies and pressuring prices up through the spring. Contacts in Sinaloa state that due to Covid-19 sanitary restrictions impacting data collection, accurate production data for the state is not yet available. The SIAP production forecast for AY 2021 is 3.47 million MMT, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. AY 2019 production is at 3.44 MMT according to SIAP data, although modifications are expected.

    Tomato planted area for AY 2021 is forecasted at 46,510 hectares (Ha) according to SIAP data three percent higher than AY 2020 and contingent upon improved weather conditions throughout the growing season. Planted area for AY 2020 is estimated at 45,102 Ha, five percent lower compared to AY 2019. This reduction can be attributed to drought damage to some fields in central states, and changes from open field to more efficient protected agriculture growing systems that bring about improve yields. Additionally, uncertainties caused by renegotiation of the U.S. -Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement (please see policy section below) caused many round and Roma producers to plant cucumbers and peppers instead. The Roma tomato is the main variety produced in Mexico, followed by round and cherry. Producer are beginning to increase cultivation of specialty tomatoes, like cherry and grape, based on increased demand from the United States.

    Sinaloa is the largest tomato producing state in Mexico, with fall/winter production only. Production is mainly through open field cultivation, but protected agriculture methods are also increasingly utilized. Sinaloa tomatoes are harvested and supply the U.S. market during the winter months, typically from late December through May, and cross at the Nogales, Arizona border port of entry.

    Tomato production in the central Mexican states of San Luis Potosi, Michoacán, Zacatecas and Jalisco have seen increases in recent years, with use of both open field and protected agriculture methods. Supplies from the central region enter the U.S. market in the summer months, after the Sinaloa export window winds down in May, and cross through Texas border ports of entry in Laredo and Pharr.

    The states of Baja California and Baja California Sur are consequential tomato for export producers, with protected agriculture systems widely used to produce Roma tomatoes, and smaller volumes of vine- ripe and specialty tomato varieties, like grape. The region supplies the U.S. west coast through the Otay Mesa, California border port of entry with an export window of May through December.

    Covid-19 Effects on Production

    Mexican tomato producers suffered significant effects due to the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in Sinaloa, where harvest season fell directly within the onset of the pandemic. With the hotel and restaurant industries in both the United States and Mexico shut down by middle of March, demand for businesses that sell to that sector fell nearly 40 percent. Additionally, many operations were forced to lay off laborers, and some employees left harvest early to return to their homes in the country’s southern states, fearful that they would not be able to return during lock down. As a result, some producers in Sinaloa donated tomato supplies to food banks, some used product for cattle feed, and others simply halted harvest.

    Consumption

    31,015 7,262 8,748 349

    The MY (October- September) 2020/21 consumption forecast is 1.60 MMT. MY 2019/20 consumption is estimated at 1.50 MMT due to slightly lower production during the market year and the closure of the hotel and restaurant industries for several months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Annual per capita consumption of tomato 16.8 kilograms per year. Producers prefer to export supplies for higher returns, and remaining supplies are sold on the domestic market. However, consumers are price sensitive purchasers. As protected agriculture production continues to increase, so do prices as compared to open field produced tomatoes.

    Trade

    Tomato trade to the United States is economically significant and makes up nearly 99.7 percent market share of total Mexican exports. Exports in 2019 were valued at approximately USD $2 billion. Tomatoes are by far one of the greatest beneficiaries to Mexican fruit and vegetable trade since the creation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1995, when exports were valued at a mere $406 million.

    Producers have been consistently improving their production technologies to produce high quality exportable supplies year-round. Export volumes are heaviest in the U.S. fall, winter and early spring months, before U.S. supplies come to market in the summer.

    The Post export forecast for MY (October-September) 2020/21 is at 1.87 MMT, two percent higher than previous MY on consistent U.S. demand and ample supplies. The Post export estimate for MY 2019/20 is at 1.80 MMT, with exports to the U.S. forecast at 1.6 MMT, contingent upon the resolution of Covid- 19 demand and supply issues observed in the spring of 2020. Mexico imports a small amount of specialty and organic tomatoes, and sometimes are packaged and re-exported. The Post import forecast for MY 2020/21 is 850 tons, the same level as MY 2019/20, with supplies almost entirely from the United States.

    Policy

    U.S. -Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement

    Mexican fresh tomato trade to the U.S. has been managed and implemented by terms of the U.S. – Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreements since 1996, following an agreement between the two countries to cease a tomato anti-dumping case requested by the Florida Tomato Exchange. The original agreement had been reviewed and renewed every five years since coming into force. However, on November 14, 2018 the Florida Tomato Exchange requested that the U.S. Commerce Department terminate the 2013 Suspension Agreement. On May 7, 2019, the Suspension Agreement was terminated, the antidumping (AD) investigation from 1996 was resumed, and duties were placed on Mexican tomato exports to the United States.

    On September 19, 2019, Commerce and the Mexican tomato growers signed another agreement suspending the ongoing AD investigation on fresh tomatoes from Mexico. The agreement set reference prices for round, Roma, vine, and specialty tomatoes ranging from $0.31 to $0.826 per pound. It also created an inspection mechanism for all round, Roma, and grape tomatoes in bulk (packages weighing more than two pounds), which began on April 4, 2020, and is carried out by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service

    On October 14, the Florida Tomato Exchange filed a request for continuation of the AD investigation of fresh tomatoes from Mexico despite a signed suspension agreement. U.S. trade law permits domestic producers to request a continuation of investigations. On October 21, Commerce issued its final affirmative determinations, with dumping rates range from 3.91 percent to 30.48 percent.

    On November 22, 2019 the International Trade Commission (ITC) made its final injury determination, determining that “a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.” Although the affirmative final injury determination was found, the 2019 suspension agreement remains in force.

    AMS Marketing Order for Round Tomatoes

    Since 1955, AMS has implemented a marketing order for fresh round tomatoes produced in Florida. Amended in 1986, the order regulates the quality and package requirements and provides authority for research and promotion of fresh round tomatoes grown in Florida. Per section 8e of the order, imported tomatoes must meet the same or comparable minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements as specified in the order. As a result, imported tomatoes from Mexico are subject to border inspection for the above quality requirements from October 10 through June 15.

    Tariffs

    Mexico typically imports all tomatoes from the United States. Mexico’s most favored nation (MFN) applied tariff rate for tomato (HTS 0702) imports is 10 percent. Countries with tariff-free access to Mexico include the United States, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Bolivia, the European Union, and Japan. There is an applied tariff rate of 28 percent for tomatoes from Colombia. Tomatoes are classified under tariff codes 0702.0001 and 0702.0099.

    Prices

    Tight supplies Roma supplies out of Sinaloa and supply chain complications as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in high prices for both round and Roma prices on the domestic market. — By Rhiannon Elms, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

  • Fall CRB Citrus Webinar Series

    The Citrus Research Board (CRB) in coordination with the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM) is rolling out a new CRB Webinar Series, geared toward citrus growers and industry professionals. 

    The series will kick-off on Tuesday, September 29, 2020, with Dr. Roger Baldwin of UC Davis presenting “Control of Vertebrate Pests in Citrus”. Dr. Roger Baldwin will discuss how to manage vertebrate pests including ground squirrels, pocket gophers, voles and roof rats in citrus orchards. The presentation will cover a variety of IPM management tools including biocontrol, repellents, habitat modification, trapping, rodenticides and burrow fumigants.

    This webinar is currently pending approval for 1-hour of “Other” continuing education units from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) and 1-hour of “IPM” credits from the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA).

    To qualify for continuing education units, please use the following list of instructions:

    1Register and login separately with your own email address

    2Participate in the entire hour webinar session

    3Respond to the polls/knowledge checks as they come up

    4 (If the polls do not work properly on your device, use chat to submit your answers.)

    5Respond to the final survey at the end of the webinar session – please include your name, license number and email address

    Make sure you mark your calendars for the rest of the talks in the series.

    2020 Webinar Series Schedule

    Tuesday, September 29, 2020 

    Topic: Control of Vertebrate Pests in Citrus 

    Speaker: Roger Baldwin, Ph.D., UC Davis

    Continuing Education Units:  

    1-hour of “Other” from CDPR and

    1-hour of “IPM” from CCA are Pending Approval

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR

    DR. BALDWIN’S WEBINAR

    Thursday, October 8, 2020 

    Topic: Asian Citrus Psyllid Detection and IPM Strategies

    Speaker: Monique Rivera, Ph.D., UC Riverside

    Continuing Education Units:  

    CDPR and CCA Hours Pending Approval

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR

    DR. RIVERA’S WEBINAR

    Thursday, October 22, 2020

    Topic: Pre-and Post-Harvest Diseases in Citrus

    Speaker: James Adaskaveg, Ph.D., UC Riverside

    Continuing Education Units:  

    CDPR and CCA Hours Pending Approval

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR

    DR. ADASKAVEG’S WEBINAR

     

    Wednesday, November 4, 2020

    Topic: Citrus Root Health

    Speaker: Ashraf El-kereamy, Ph.D., UC Riverside

    Continuing Education Units:  

    CDPR and CCA Hours Pending Approval

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR

    DR. El-KEREAMY’S WEBINAR

     

    For more information, please contact 

    Petr Kosina, with UC IPM, at pkosina@ucanr.edu

  • Request for Research Proposals to Support and Enhance Honey Bee Health

    Scientific research provides us with the foundation of knowledge we rely on in order to understand honey bee health threats and address them.

    Project Apis m. and the National Honey Board are requesting research proposals to support and enhance honey bee health. Proposals will be accepted between September 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Please visit www.ProjectApism.org/rfps to view the full RFP. PAm and NHB supported research projects can be explored in detail at the Bee Health Collective.

    In June, 2016 Project Apis m. (PAm) and the National Honey Board (NHB) announced that PAm would begin administering the NHB Production Research funds. This collaboration has streamlined efforts to support the beekeeping industry, by connecting the NHB research funding opportunities with several other efforts coordinated by PAm. This collaboration allows opportunities to consider a broader spectrum of efforts linked to supporting the industry, to support collaborations and synergy, and harmonize and access deeper resources when necessary for projects that need larger time or money commitments. Merging efforts has also resulted in one less round of work for all of our hardworking bee researchers who write proposals, the scientific reviewers who read them, and selection committees and administrators who see these processes through.

    The National Honey Board (NHB) is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that educates consumers about the benefits and uses of honey and honey products. NHB research, marketing and promotional programs are funded by an assessment on domestic and imported honey and are designed to increase awareness and usage of honey by consumers, the foodservice industry and food manufacturers. For more information please visit www.honey.com.

    Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops. Since 2006, we’ve infused over $8.5 million into honey bee research and $2.9 million into forage programs, resulting in better pollination and increased crop yields for growers, and lower losses and better honey production for beekeepers. We work closely with commercial beekeepers, growers, and top bee scientists in the USA and Canada to fund projects and direct strategic efforts focused on practical solutions. PAm funds studies, offers graduate scholarships to encourage careers in pursuit of science-based solutions to honey bee challenges, and has expanding efforts to put forage on the landscape where bees need it most. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization governed by an eleven-member board of stakeholders representing major national and state industry organizations, and an additional seven-member Science Advisory Board. Learn more at www.ProjectApism.org.

  • Request for Research Proposals to Support and Enhance Honey Bee Health

    Scientific research provides us with the foundation of knowledge we rely on in order to understand honey bee health threats and address them.

    Project Apis m. and the National Honey Board are requesting research proposals to support and enhance honey bee health. Proposals will be accepted between September 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Please visit www.ProjectApism.org/rfps to view the full RFP. PAm and NHB supported research projects can be explored in detail at the Bee Health Collective.

    In June, 2016 Project Apis m. (PAm) and the National Honey Board (NHB) announced that PAm would begin administering the NHB Production Research funds. This collaboration has streamlined efforts to support the beekeeping industry, by connecting the NHB research funding opportunities with several other efforts coordinated by PAm. This collaboration allows opportunities to consider a broader spectrum of efforts linked to supporting the industry, to support collaborations and synergy, and harmonize and access deeper resources when necessary for projects that need larger time or money commitments. Merging efforts has also resulted in one less round of work for all of our hardworking bee researchers who write proposals, the scientific reviewers who read them, and selection committees and administrators who see these processes through.

    The National Honey Board (NHB) is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that educates consumers about the benefits and uses of honey and honey products. NHB research, marketing and promotional programs are funded by an assessment on domestic and imported honey and are designed to increase awareness and usage of honey by consumers, the foodservice industry and food manufacturers. For more information please visit www.honey.com.

    Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops. Since 2006, we’ve infused over $8.5 million into honey bee research and $2.9 million into forage programs, resulting in better pollination and increased crop yields for growers, and lower losses and better honey production for beekeepers. We work closely with commercial beekeepers, growers, and top bee scientists in the USA and Canada to fund projects and direct strategic efforts focused on practical solutions. PAm funds studies, offers graduate scholarships to encourage careers in pursuit of science-based solutions to honey bee challenges, and has expanding efforts to put forage on the landscape where bees need it most. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization governed by an eleven-member board of stakeholders representing major national and state industry organizations, and an additional seven-member Science Advisory Board. Learn more at www.ProjectApism.org.

  • Watermelon Master Classes to Educate, Inform & Inspire

    The first of its kind, the Watermelon Virtual Master Classes were arguably one of the largest pivots of the Spring-Summer season for the communications program of the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB). The challenge was to move an NYC-based freelance summertime media event to online: a virtual version for the at-home world of media and influencers to educate, inform and inspire watermelon content and coverage.

    The reinvention of the media event turned into three separate virtual events with three different topics, three different presenters with three sets of recipe ideas, sending out three different curated boxes of watermelon goodies for the media to enjoy and utilize for their Watermelon Master Classes. The strategies were tri-fold:

    • Lean on “Back to Basics” materials to educate at-home cooks on easy ways to get creative with watermelon
    • Leverage “Use the Whole Watermelon” messaging to encourage use of the rind and juice
    • Develop strong relationships with members of the media and influence their watermelon content for months to come

    NWPB spent weeks pitching media contacts from major publications, in a time when much of the country was in a “shelter in place” order, to offer an at-home, free event to create content and excitement about the sweet summer staple. Additionally NWPB provided education focused on a year-round message to extend the seasonal reach and amplify watermelon’s appeal.

    “We confirmed attendees across the country, rather than have to only host those based in the NYC-area. We sent out custom curated watermelon boxes with a mix of items related to each class and related to our brand: a logoed chef’s apron and a new kitchen knife, a cocktail shaker and food pun spatula, etc. The boxes generated excitement and enthusiasm for the classes, and each one was well attended… with the cameras turned ON!” said Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications.

    Further, the timing of the classes gave many attendees the opportunity to create their own watermelon content this summer, in time for National Watermelon Day and beyond. Several attendees posted on their personal social pages, where media turn into influencers and endorse watermelon recipes, usage ideas and health benefits. In total, NWPB hosted 60 food editors, writers and media dietitians. Their enthusiasm and delight over the events ensures earned media attention for watermelon to come for months.

    “To date, we have nearly 40 social media posts and 15 articles covering these events, which wasn’t even one of the main strategies but it is additional earned content on their personal influencer networks. We look forward to building long lasting partnerships with writers and their publications in the coming year,” said Barlow.

    These were the Watermelon Master Classes:

    ·       Watermelon Wellness with Pam Smith, RDN featuring Salted Watermelon Woju, Watermelon Overnight Oats, Watermelon Poke Salad and a Watermelon Yogurt Smoothie

    ·       The Ultimate Watermelon Workshop with cookbook authors Mark Scarbrough and Bruce Weinstein, creating Thai-inspired Watermelon Rind Salad, Curried Wheatberry Watermelon Salad and Watermelon, and Prosciutto and Mozzarella Skewers

    ·       Summer Sips Watermelon Cocktails with Jordan Catapano from This Girls Walks into a Bar, mixing a Watermelon Rose Sangria, Watermelon Gimlet and a Summer into Fall Cocktail

    Each of the classes incorporated watermelon key messages of health, value, versatility and year-round availability, but also gave attendees the opportunities to ask questions to the hosts or the watermelon experts from NWPB.

    “The engaging questions were rampant throughout all the classes, asking everything from watermelon storage techniques to flavor pairings, or alternative ingredients when you couldn’t find elderflower liqueur or red wheat berries, which effectively made these events much richer than a plain recipe demonstration,” Barlow continued.

    About National Watermelon Promotion Board

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 800 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

    Watermelon packs a nutritious punch, with each serving providing an excellent source of Vitamin C (25%), a source of Vitamins A ( 8%) and B6 (8%), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.