California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: California Fresh Fruit Magazine

  • Research Gives Possible Answers to Increase Pollinator Populations on Farms

    Many living creatures live in soil. Though their sizes range from microscopic soil microbes to larger animals like gopher turtles, they all call soil their “home.” Included in these ground-dwelling species are bees – vital in the pollination cycle of about 90% of plant life.

    Rebecca Lybrand and her team at Oregon State University are studying the interaction between the bees and soil in agricultural settings.

    According to the recently-published paper, bees contribute $15 billion to crop value annually. They pollinate about three-quarters of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts within the United States alone. Declines in honeybee colonies are a critical threat to agriculture and the global food supply.

    “Growers who are interested in attracting alternative pollinators, such as wild bees, face a major challenge,” says Lybrand. “There are not many studies about what habitats are best for these wild bees.”

    Pollinators are widely affected by human land use. Creating buildings, parking lots and other “anthropogenic changes” disrupt the natural habitats of animals and plants. Agricultural disturbance also affects bee communities. Interestingly, above-ground bee species are nine times more affected by agricultural intensification than ground-dwelling species.

    In some cases, growers have been able to build “bee beds” in their farm setting. In the 1950s, they started to design moist, salty soil areas to attract ground-nesting bees that helped increase alfalfa yields in Washington state.

    Lybrand’s study looked at physical and chemical properties of soils collected from active bee and sand nest wasp sites in the Willamette Valley of western Oregon. They compared soil properties among seven farm sites to identify similarities and differences.

    The Willamette Valley has wet winters with warm, hot summers. The team first found agricultural sites that contained ground-nesting bees. They collaborated with farmers who observed ground-nesting bee activity around their fields.

    The nests are only identified by rather small holes (only 3-5mm). The team only collected data if they observed bees entering the nest. Nests and holes can remain even after the bees leave. At the study site, they specified the type of bee to the family level (i.e. “bee” versus “genus” and “species”.) But they also collected some bees to bring back to the lab for further identification.

    The data the team collected in the field included soil temperature, pH, and soil texture. They also collected soil samples to bring back to the lab for analysis.

    Findings from the study included that active nesting sites were present in locations with little to no rock cover and low vegetation. Nesting sites were found in areas with low organic matter coverage. The slope of the land didn’t seem to have any influence, nor did a north/south-facing aspect.

    “One of our observations confirmed that active emergence holes remained open throughout the year,” says Lybrand. “They didn’t swell shut during the wetter, cooler seasons – despite having clay in the soils that might cause shrinking and swelling.”

    An interesting finding from the research is that the team found lipids in the soil nest linings. The lipids may provide a type of waterproofing for the nests and their inhabitants.

    “Because the large majority of wild bee species nest in the soil, studies about how to best attract them to farms are important,” says Lybrand. “Soil scientists and entomologists can partner with growers to identify soil habitats that support and attract more of these pollinators to agricultural lands. Improving our understanding of the connections between agriculture and the soils that bees, crops, and living organisms rely on to survive is important. Our research also provided a framework for studying ground-nesting organisms – an area of soil science that is underrepresented.”

    Looking to the future, Lybrand says, “future research should also integrate methods that identify bees and/or wasps to the species level. That would allow for interpretations of the results from an ecological point of view. Another question to follow up on could be the nature and purpose of the lipids found in the soil nest linings, to confirm their actual role.”

    This research was published in Soil Science Society of America Journal. Funding for this project came from an Agricultural Research Foundation grant via Oregon State University.

    American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America, Crop Science Society of America: Collectively, these Societies represent more than 12,000 individual members around the world. The scientists’ memberships build collaborating partnerships in the agronomy, crops, and soils science fields for the advancement of knowledge.

  • New Study Reveals Blueberry Growers Strengthen U.S. Economy by the Billions

    Growers of U.S. highbush blueberries generate more than $4.7 billion in annual economic impact, translating to more than $12.7 million flowing into the U.S. economy every day of the year.

    “The U.S. highbush blueberry industry – including 12,739 blueberry farms – is a powerful financial force,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC). “Behind every farm are growers who not only tend a truly remarkable superfruit, but also stimulate business activity, create thousands of jobs and contribute mightily to the economy.”

    In addition to the $4.7 billion in total economic impact, which includes several factors related to increased business activity as a result of growing blueberries, a new economic impact study commissioned by the USHBC further reveals:

    • Jobs: U.S. highbush blueberry growers alone create and sustain more than 44,535
      full-time equivalent jobs each year. These jobs are a result of the business activities of growers and the multiplier effect their purchases generate in a variety of farming and nonfarming sectors.It is important to note that this substantial job number does not include the jobs supported by blueberry processors or handlers. We would see even higher numbers if the full blueberry supply chain was considered, but for the purposes of this study, we focused exclusively on the economic impact of highbush blueberry growers, said Cronquist.
    • Labor Income: Nearly $1.8 billion in labor income is generated by the business activities of growers – equating to more than $4.9 million each day. These are dollars going to wages and salaries for new employment, as well as expanded incomes to those already in the labor force for activities such as overtime pay. These dollars are then diffused throughout the U.S. economy as the funds are spent on crucial goods and services such as food, housing, transportation and health care, Cronquist added.

     

    • Indirect Business Taxes: Each year, more than $145 million in indirect business taxes, not including income taxes, are generated by U.S. highbush blueberry growers. These collective indirect business taxes translate to nearly $400,000 per day. To put this in context, the annual tax revenue generated from U.S. highbush blueberry growers is more than the 2019 U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Operations and Support budget ($129 million) or the 2019 U.S. Department of Energy’s Cyber Security, Energy Security and Emergency Resources budget ($96 million).

    “It is clear that blueberry growers play a significant role in strengthening the economic climate of the United States,” said Cronquist. “Their activities are diffused throughout the economy, touching nearly every aspect of life throughout the country.”

    U.S. Highbush Blueberry Growers Stimulate Major Economic Impact in Key Growing States

    In addition to the dramatic national economic influence of highbush blueberry growers, contributions are also significant at the state level in terms of financial influx and jobs created. A breakout of the grower impact in the top eight highbush blueberry states is included here:

     

    State Economic Impact
    (Millions/Annual)    		 Jobs Created
    (Full-time Equivalent/Annual)
    Michigan $530.4 6,600
    Georgia $521.8 4,140
    California $458.6 4,240
    Washington $464.4 4,450
    Oregon $353.5 3,505
    Florida $295.3 2,540
    New Jersey $149.3 1,885
    North Carolina $125.9 990

     

    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.

  • Ouachita Blackberry Receives Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award

    Ouachita blackberry, a 2003 thornless variety from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, received the Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award from the Fruit Breeding Professional Interest Group of the American Society of Horticultural Science.

    The Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award recognizes noteworthy achievements in fruit breeding and highlights a modern fruit introduction that has a significant impact on the industry.

    Division of Agriculture fruit breeder John Clark shows Ouachita blackberries. The Fruit Breeding Professional Interest Group of the American Society of Horticultural Science presented the 2003 release from the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station their 2020 Outstanding Fruit Cultivar Award. (Photo courtesy of John R. Clark)

    The award was presented July 24 during the ASHS Fruit Breeding Professional Interest Group meeting, which was held virtually this year. The award has been presented since 1987 to noteworthy cultivars, according to information on the ASHS website.

    Top Seller

    “Ouachita has been the most important variety from our fruit breeding program,” said John Clark, Distinguished Professor of Horticulture for the Division of Agriculture, and fruit breeder for the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, the division’s research arm.

    Clark said almost 5 million plants have been propagated and sold, based on reports from licensed propagators, who sell the plants to nurseries and commercial fruit farms. An earlier award winner, Navaho, had nearly 2 million plants sold.

    “Plant sales are the strongest reflection of its importance,” Clark said.

    Sales are a good indicator of popularity with growers and consumers, but Ouachita made significant impacts in other ways, particularly because of its good storage and shipping qualities.

    Expanding the Market

    “Ouachita contributed substantially to the establishment of a commercial shipping market blackberry industry in the eastern U.S., especially in the South, in the years following its release in 2003,” Clark said. “It has also been planted in other regions of the U.S., including western, midwestern and northeastern states.”

    “The idea of a shipping industry based largely on southern U.S. production developed because of an increase in imported Mexican blackberries in the 1990s to early 2000s,” Clark said. “Shippers wanted to continue marketing blackberries after the Mexican production season ended in late May.”

    Ouachita proved to be adapted to widely different growing conditions, allowing its use in many different states.

    The first major plantings of Ouachita began in southern Georgia and central Arkansas, Clark said, and expanded to North Carolina, the Midwest and other states as the shipping industry grew. Advances in production technologies, particularly the rotating cross-arm trellis, allowed expansion of blackberry production into regions where the new technologies allowed growers to protect the plants from winter cold in the upper Midwest.

    Ouachita has also been planted in western states, particularly in California, he said.

    This expansion of the U.S. blackberry shipping markets was possible because of Ouachita’s potential for long-distance shipping, Clark said. “The specific traits of importance were retention of berry firmness, low leakage of berries, and reduced reversion (reddening of drupelets after harvest) compared to other cultivar choices at the time,” he said.

    “Ouachita has also been very popular with local-market growers,” Clark said. “This is a substantial use for this variety, especially in Arkansas.”

    Another part of Ouachita’s appeal to growers is its proven resistance to double blossom/rosette, a devastating disease that once made commercial blackberry production virtually prohibitive in the South, Clark said.

    In its 17th year of production, Ouachita continues to be popular with growers, Clark said. Its third-strongest year for sales was the 2018-2019 planting season.

    Ouachita has also been licensed for sale in Japan, several South American countries, Australia, South Africa and Europe, bolstering the Division of Agriculture’s boast that its blackberries are grown on every continent but Antarctica.

    Fruitful Program

    The Division of Agriculture fruit breeding program has released 15 floricane-fruiting blackberry varieties and five primocane-fruiting varieties since the program’s inception in 1964. Clark said he and colleague Margaret Worthington, assistant professor and fruit breeder, continue to breed for improvements in sweetness, flavor and storage and shipping qualities.

    Worthington is leading genetic research to develop innovations in plant form, shape and size that may offer advantages to growers, Clark said.

    The latest variety from the blackberry breeding program was Ponca, released late last year and just entering the markets now, Clark said. “Ponca has superior flavor traits and good storage and shipping qualities,” Clark said.

    He describes Ponca’s unique qualities in a video: https://youtu.be/DJKLtYYBpIs

    Ouachita is the second blackberry and third fruit from the Arkansas fruit breeding program to receive the award, Clark said. The first Arkansas blackberry to receive the award was Navaho, released in 1989. Cardinal strawberry, released by the division in 1974, also received the ASHS award.

    To learn more about the Division of Agriculture Research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on Twitter at @ArkAgResearch and Instagram at ArkAgResearch. — By Fred Miller, University of Arkansas

    About the Division of Agriculture

    The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.

    The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.

    The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

  • Farmworker Pandemic Safety Campaign Launched

    The California Farmworker Foundation has launched a new campaign, La Seguridad Empieza con Usted, which translates to Safety Starts with You, to help the farmworker community stay safe through the pandemic by providing encouragement for best practices and information on additional resources. The campaign will reach farmworkers in the greater Bakersfield and Fresno growing regions.

    Advertisements on Spanish-language radio will encourage farmworkers to visit the foundation Facebook page for ways to stay safe during the pandemic. On the foundation Facebook page are messages that encourage safe practices during a pandemic, dispel myths about the pandemic, and provide tips for increased safety measures in daily life. These messages will continue throughout the campaign.

    “The health of farmworkers and their families is just as essential as their work to keep the world fed,” said Hernan Hernandez, California Farmworker Foundation executive director. “Farming operations have adopted safety procedures to keep workers safe on the job. This campaign provides our communities with more Spanish-language information and resources about the pandemic, including the dispelling of COVID-19 myths, to better educate everyone on the need to make safe choices in their personal lives.”

    This campaign is an expansion of work that the foundation has already been doing to keep the community safe during the pandemic, including distributing PPE, combatting food insecurity, and providing virtual medical consultations. The foundation has a free hotline for farmworkers to call seeking additional information on ways to stay safe during the pandemic. The number is 661-446-4077.

    The farmworker safety campaign is supported by the California Fresh Fruit Association and California Table Grape Commission.

  • China Market Opportunities for California Nectarines

    On March 4, 2020, China announced market access for fresh U.S. nectarines as part of the U.S.-China Economic and Trade Agreement (ETA). This report briefly mentions the market access conditions for U.S. nectarines, discusses several key factors of China’s nectarine market (including import competition), and offers market-entry recommendations to consider when exporting fresh U.S. nectarines to China.

    Product Description & Access Overview

    On March 4, 2020, in accordance with the U.S.-China Economic and Trade Agreement (ETA), China granted official market access for U.S. fresh nectarines from designated counties in California (specifically Fresno, Tulare, Kern, Kings and Madera counties). California nectarines account for 95 percent of U.S. production. The harvest season for U.S. nectarines runs from mid-summer to mid-autumn, partially overlapping with Chinese domestic supply, which runs from May to October. Read the full report from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service HERE

  • California Prune Growers Suffer the Brunt

    California prune growers forced economically to make a 23% reduction in crop deliveries have also suffered a 28% reduction in price. This hardship comes in spite of a number of positive factors for the industry including $50 million in USDA purchases of prunes and positive results from trade mitigation offsets and industry promotion efforts in Japan and elsewhere. Growers reviewed the daunting double hit to grower returns from a number of factors including the disruption to trade caused by the coronavirus pandemic at the 52nd annual membership meeting of the Prune Bargaining Association (PBA) held on Thursday last week by conference call/video conference.

    Average grower returns for a number of growers will fall by more than $500 per ton from the previous crop year according to data presented by PBA General Manager Greg Thompson. “Growers are to be commended for the tremendous efforts they have made to match production with demand,” explained Thompson. “Growers were told they would be paid little or nothing for smaller prunes, so they increased their efforts to prune, thin, and then screen out fruit at harvest, bringing the crop down from an estimated 110,000 tons to 85,000 tons.” As background, according to the University of California, growers have an investment of nearly $18,000 per acre (not including land) to establish a prune orchard. Growers spend an additional $4,194 per acre each year to produce and deliver the crop. “The extra effort made this past year by growers increases expenses and reduces yields,” explains Thompson. “It is truly a double whammy to have grower prices fall so precipitously.”

    The brutal cut to grower prices comes in the face of many positives for the industry. Imports of cheaper but poorer quality prunes are down 76% for the first 5 months of year, while domestic shipments of California prunes are up 13%. USDA programs in response to unfair and retaliatory tariffs and trade barriers, and needy family feeding programs, have helped offset losses in overseas markets and gain back market share. Shipments to Japan, a key market for California prunes, are up 14% over the previous year. Over the past 3 years, the USDA has purchased nearly $50 million of prunes for needy families, school lunch, and other feeding programs.

    One of the biggest positives for the California prune growers comes from a united industry working together to promote health and wellness through nutrition research. “Everbody wants to make a health claim these days,” explains Ranvir Singh, PBA President. “But prunes are the tried and true healthy and completely natural food. There is so much more to the health benefits of eating prunes than anyone first imagined.” Scientific research is revealing more and more about the importance of gut health to overall health. Prunes have been shown to have a positive impact on both gut health and bone health, among other bonuses. “The benefits of micro-nutrients, boron, potassium, fiber and an apparent anti- inflammation benefit in gut make prunes a truly remarkable food,” remarks Singh.

    The Prune Bargaining Association was formed in 1968 as a grower-owned cooperative to improve the economy of the California prune industry, encourage the production of a quality product and provide a forum for growers to exchange ideas regarding the industry. The PBA establishes the industry’s raw product price for prunes. 

  • Recurrent Selection with Glufosinate at Low Rates Reduces Italian Ryegrass Resistance

    Italian ryegrass is a major weed in orchards, vineyards, field crops, and fallow fields of California (Figure 1). Several different herbicides are used to control ryegrass and had been effective in reducing infestations until resistance evolved in many populations following repeated use of the herbicides. To date, resistance to glyphosate, paraquat, and some ACCase and ALS inhibitors has been confirmed in ryegrass infestations across the agricultural landscape of California. To make matters worse, resistance to multiple postemergence herbicides with different modes of action has been confirmed within the same orchard, vineyard, or field in some areas. Consequently, management of Italian ryegrass in California annual and perennial cropping systems has become a major challenge.

    Figure 1. High infestation of Italian ryegrass in a peach orchard (photo credit: Maor Matzrafi).

    Glufosinate is an alternative non-selective postemergence herbicide that can still be used to control herbicide-susceptible and most herbicide-resistant Italian ryegrass in California as only two populations with resistance to glufosinate have been documented to date. However, the higher cost of glufosinate relative to other herbicides may drive farmers to apply glufosinate at reduced rates as has occurred in other cropping systems, such as the Australian wheat belt, with other herbicides. The lower rates and other drivers such as herbicide applications at non-optimal weed size, inappropriate weather conditions, and insufficient spray coverage may result in sublethal rate selection of ryegrass by glufosinate.

    To evaluate the potential for low glufosinate rates to select for reduced susceptibility to the herbicide, and to determine if selected populations are cross-resistant to herbicides with other modes of action as has been observed in a few studies, we conducted a greenhouse study using a herbicide-susceptible parent population originally collected from a vineyard in Sonoma County. Plants were grown in the greenhouse to the 3-4 leaf stage and treated with low glufosinate rates for three generations. For the first round of selection, plants were treated with glufosinate at 1/8X, 1/4X, and 1/2X of the labelled field rate (984 g ai ha-1). Surviving plants were grown to reproductive maturity and allowed to cross-pollinate. Seeds were harvested from all plants, pooled, germinated, and plants grown in the greenhouse for the next round of selection at slightly higher rates (1/2X, 3/4X, and 1X). For the third round of selection, plants were treated at 3/4X, 1X, and 1.25X of the labelled field rate.

    Results showed that susceptibility to glufosinate was reduced in offspring in comparison with the susceptible parent population following only three generations of selection (Figure 2). Comparing the susceptible parent population with the offspring from the second and third selection cycle, the percentage of surviving plants increased to values of LD50 (1.31 and 1.16, respectively) and LD90 (1.36 and 1.26, respectively).

    Figure 2. Dose-response of the Italian ryegrass susceptible parent population (P0) and three successive generations (P1, P2, P3) of offspring following selection with low glufosinate rates in the greenhouse. Lines are the predicted values for percent survival. Red arrow indicates the labelled field rate (984 g ai h-1). Adapted from Matzrafi et al., 2020 (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.04.182733v1).

    When treated with alternative postemergence herbicides (glyphosate, paraquat, or sethoxydim), no plants of either the parental or successive offspring populations survived treatment with 0.75X or higher rates of these herbicides (see Matzrafi et al., 2020 (https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.07.04.182733v1).

    The magnitude of increases in resistance levels over three generations of recurrent low-rate glufosinate selection observed is relatively low compared with higher levels of resistance observed in response to low-rate selection with other herbicides (three-fold and greater). However, under field conditions, even low levels of resistance within weed populations may reduce control. This study shows that repeated selection with glufosinate at low rates can reduce the susceptibility of Italian ryegrass populations to glufosinate, and points to the importance of incorporating a diversity of approaches, both chemical and non-chemical, in the management of ryegrass in annual and perennial cropping systems of California. – By Marie Jasieniuk & Maor Matzrafi, UC Weed Science

     

     

  • CA Specialty Crop Representatives Appointed as USDA/USTR Ag Trade Advisors

    On July 17th, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer announced the appointment of 25 new members to serve on seven agricultural trade advisory committees, including some of our friends in California. This will bring a greater voice and trade opportunities for specialty crop growers in California.

    The Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee is comprised of senior representatives from across the U.S. agricultural community who provide advice to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative on trade policy matters including the operation of existing trade agreements and the negotiation of new agreements. Members of the six Agricultural Technical Advisory Committees (ATACs) provide technical advice and guidance from the perspective of their specific product sectors.

    The newly appointed advisors will serve until 2024. Each committee will be supplemented by additional appointments over the next four years. Applications are encouraged at any time. A complete list of committee members and application information is available at www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-advisory-committees.

    Following is a list of the new advisors, by committee:

    Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee
    Constance Cullman, American Feed Industry Association
    David Puglia, Western Growers
    David Salmonsen, American Farm Bureau Federation

    ATAC for Trade in Animals and Animal Products
    Robert DeHaan, National Fisheries Institute
    Mallory Gaines, American Feed Industry Association
    David Herring, Hog Slat Inc./TDM Farms
    James Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation
    Maria Zieba, National Pork Producers Council

    ATAC for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables
    William Callis, U.S. Apple Export Council
    Casey Creamer, California Citrus Mutual
    Jodi Devaurs, California Table Grape Commission 
    Jonathan Maberry, Washington Red Raspberry Commission
    Caroline Stringer, California Fresh Fruit Association

    ATAC for Trade in Grains, Feed, Oilseeds and Planting Seeds
    Peter Bachmann, USA Rice Federation
    William Gordon, American Soybean Association
    Derek Haigwood, D.I.D. Farms
    Patrick Hayden, North American Export Grain Association
    Dalton Henry, U.S. Wheat Associates
    Edward Hubbard, Renewable Fuels Association
    Tina Lyons, Double River Forwarding, LLC

    ATAC for Trade in Processed Foods
    Kevin Latner, National Industrial Hemp Council
    Richard (Denton) McLane, McLane Global Trading
    Max Moncaster, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture
    Bernadette Wiltz, Southern United States Trade Association

    ATAC for Trade in Sweeteners and Sweetener Products
    (No new members.)

    ATAC for Trade in Tobacco, Cotton and Peanuts
    Karl Zimmer, Premium Peanut

    Jodi Devaurs

    Regarding the news, Kathleen Nave from the California Table Grape Commission report, “The appointment of Jodi Devaurs, California Table Grape Commission trade policy director, to ATAC where she will serve as a trade advisor to USDA and USTR is important for the California table grape industry and represents an expansion of its direct involvement in trade matters of import.”

    Dave Puglia

    David Puglia from Western Growers shared, “I am honored to be appointed to the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee. International markets are vital to the growth of the fresh produce industry, accounting for more than $23 billion in fruit, vegetable and tree nut sales in 2019. However, tariff and non-tariff barriers continue to restrict access to key export destinations. I look forward to working with USDA, USTR and my committee colleagues to help formulate durable trade policies that benefit our domestic growers.”

    Casey Creamer

    Casey Creamer from California Citrus Mutual stated, “I’m looking forward to continuing California Citrus Mutual’s service to this important advisory committee.  Trade issues have significantly impacted the citrus industry over the years and I’m glad to make sure our growers have a seat at this important table.”

    Caroline Stringer

    President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, Ian LeMay said, “We appreciate Secretary Perdue’s appointment of Caroline Stringer to the ATAC for fruits and vegetables and look forward to her continuing the long history of representation for CFFA and California agriculture on this important advisory group.”

    Congress established the advisory committee system in 1974 to ensure a private-sector voice in establishing U.S. agricultural trade policy objectives to reflect U.S. commercial and economic interests. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Office of the U.S. Trade Representative jointly manage the committees. 

  • USDA Outlines Opportunities for US Fresh Blueberries in China

    U.S. fresh blueberries was one of several U.S. agricultural products that received new or expanded access under the U.S.-China Economic and Trade Agreement, which was signed on January 15, 2020. This report briefly outlines the market conditions, access regulations, and market entry recommendations for U.S. blueberry exporters. Since consumers have become much more familiar with blueberries recently, exporters are encouraged to take note of consumer expectations for size, color, and brix content. Smaller packages of about 125g are considered the most convenient to purchase, and appropriately sized, for Chinese consumers. 

    Product Description and Access Overview

    Blueberries are not a traditionally consumed fruit in China, however a higher standard of living and an increased awareness of the health benefits from consuming fruit, have led more consumers to seek out new fruits, such as blueberries. Consumers tend to consume blueberries fresh, however they are also consumed in dried snack foods, such as a snack mixture of other dried fruits and tree nuts, or as a standalone snack product. Blueberries are also increasingly being processed into purees and other concentrates for use in processed dairy products, beverages, and yogurts. Chile and Peru are the largest fresh blueberry exporters to China. Fresh blueberries for direct consumption are cultivated based on their brix level (sugar content) and skin composition. Chinese consumers tend to prefer larger blueberries with relatively higher brix levels; a good appearance, firm texture, and longer shelf-life.

    According to a May 21, 2020 U.S. Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) announcement, APHIS and China’s General Administration of Customs (GACC) signed a work plan in May 2020 outlining measures U.S. producers must undertake to export blueberries to China. Fresh blueberries from Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, and North Carolina may be exported to China after treatment. In addition, blueberries from California, Washington, and Oregon to China may be exported “using a systems approach.”

    Domestic Market Overview

    More than 70 percent of domestically produced blueberries in China are consumed fresh. Until 2011, blueberries were traditionally supplied to high-end markets due to lower domestic production and limited imports. As consumer awareness increased and domestic production grew, prices became more affordable for the middle-class. June and July are the peak harvest season for domestic blueberries. Retail prices of domestic blueberries were about $4.00/kg in June and July 2019 and reached a low of $2.00/kg in late July 2019.

    In 2012, China opened its market to imported blueberries from several countries, including Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, Canada, and Peru. Chile and Peru account for over 99 percent of the import market due to free trade agreements and opposite harvest seasons. Blueberries from these two countries are not assessed tariffs compared to the 30 percent most-favored nation (MFN) rate. All other exporters pay the MFN import tariff rate. The peak import sales season is January and February, because these months are the off-season for domestic production and there is strong demand for fresh fruit during China’s Spring Festival holiday period.

    Competitors to U.S. Fresh Blueberries in China

    Chile and Peru are the leading blueberry exporters to China. Because South American producers have a different harvest season for fresh blueberries, Chinese domestic blueberries primarily compete directly with U.S. blueberries due to having similar harvest seasons. In September and October, domestic blueberries are nearing the end of the season and quality drops sharply, while South American blueberry quality is also at the low end. Blueberries are also now being exported from British Colombia, Canada, but production is low and cannot satisfy market demand. The future market is moving toward higher quality imported blueberries with stable supply and a sweet taste.

    Growing blueberry consumption is driving expanded domestic cultivation with production increasing from 14,000 tons in 2012 to 180,000 in 2018. Shandong, Guizhou. and Liaoning provinces are the primary producing areas. Industry experts forecast domestic production could exceed one million tons by 2026, surpassing North America as the world’s top producer. Large fruit producers, including Driscoll’s, Costa, Hortifruit, and SA Berry Fruit have made considerable investments in China to cultivate blueberries and other berry fruits. Domestic producers have begun to invest in different varieties which offer improved aroma and a balance of sweet and tart flavors.

    Regulations

    Producers are expected to adhere to GACC’s phytosanitary import requirements. According to GACC’s May 13, 2020, Number 64, announcement, blueberries must come from packing houses or shippers registered and approved by USDA APHIS. All shipments must be accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate issued by USDA APHIS. Fresh blueberries from California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington are eligible to export to China. All exports, except those from California, Oregon, and Washington will need to be fumigated prior to export to China. Specific import regulations are subject to change. Exporters are encouraged to check with their Chinese importer, and USDA APHIS by reviewing their Phytosanitary Export Database (PExD) to confirm the most current import-export regulations.

    Distribution Channels

    Guangzhou and Shanghai are the predominant fresh fruit import destinations as they have the most efficient customs processes, are situated on popular ocean freight routes, and have well established domestic transport networks. Fresh fruit imports have traditionally been handled by importers and regional distributors, however large retail chains with advanced logistics and transport efficiencies are increasingly seeking to source directly from exporters and importers to eliminate distributor networks. Retail outlets typically use free tastings, gift boxes, colorful displays, and nutritional information to expand sales of fresh fruits.

    Fresh blueberry exporters should also pay attention to how e-commerce platforms are gaining market share and changing the traditional importer-distributor-retailer network. Beginning in 2014, e-commerce platforms started focusing on offering fresh food to consumers. E-commerce fresh product sales grew 42 percent, exceeding $2.9 billion in 2018. Major platforms, such as Tmall, JD, and MissFresh enjoy first- mover advantages on traffic and sales, but there are many other niche platforms, such as Benlai and Chunbo that focus less on volume and more on brand recognition and an improved customer experience. E-commerce contacts reported that the industry has been reluctant to directly import fresh berries due to logistical challenges and cost, although some have air shipped orders to fill the gap when the domestic harvest season ends and South American blueberries have not yet arrived by ocean freight. Most platforms still choose to work with importers or distributors to ensure that products are fresh and reduce their risk for loss of these highly perishable products. Contacts also reported that blueberries, if not cautiously handled in delivery, can result in a very high customer complaint rate, therefore they only seek to source products with a firm texture.

    Industry Outreach and Market Entry Recommendations

    Trade Shows

    Asia Fruit Logistica is the largest Asian fruit industry show. This year, it will be held in Singapore, September 16 to 18, 2020 (it is usually held in Hong Kong, however the organizers moved it to Singapore due to COVID-19). Each year the China Chamber of Commerce of Import & Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce & Animal By-products (CFNA) organizes the International Fruit Conference, which focuses mainly on the China market. In 2020, it is expected to be held sometime in in September to December, pending COVID-19 developments. For more information about the conference, please contact chinafruit@cccfna.org.cn.

    Major Chinese Trade/Industry Associations

    China’s Chamber of Commerce of Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce ,and Animal By- Products (CFNA) is the primary food trade industry association in China. It was established in 1988 under the Ministry of Commerce and with a membership exceeding 6,500 companies. CFNA organizes fruit industry conferences and activities and publishes industry data. They also serve as the primary facilitator between the Chinese government (e.g., GACC) and importers. The key CFNA contact for fresh products is Mr. Lu Kun, lukun@cccfna.org.cn.

    The China Agricultural Wholesale Markets Association (CAWA) is a national association established in 1968 under the Ministry of Commerce. In China, more than 70 percent of agricultural products are distributed through wholesale markets. CAWA has China’s largest 300 wholesale markets as its members, and the largest five wholesale markets in each province. CAWA organizes conferences and national/regional trade shows. The key CAWA contact is Ms. Wang Lijuan at wanglijuan@cawa.org.cn or international@cawa.org.cn.

    Market Entry Recommendations

    Attractive size, packaging, and sweet flavored varieties will help U.S. products gain market share in China. To meet market demand, Chile and Peru have been able to provide appropriately sized blueberries, setting the standard for consumer expectations. U.S. blueberries are expected to be in highest demand after June when Chinese production drops and South American products have not yet arrived in the market. In China, blueberries are generally graded into three levels; 12 to 14 millimeters (mm), 14 to 16 mm, and 16 mm or more. Products are typically sold in 125 gram (g) packages. These smaller packages are convenient to purchase and appropriately sized for smaller Chinese families. Exporters may also highlight the size and high sugar content on the package (and to importers during sale discussions). Importers are expected to seek U.S. varieties which are over 12 degrees brix and larger than 16 mm.

    While this report focused on fresh blueberries, food processors are also seeking dried and frozen berry imports for use in dairy beverages, bakery products, and snack foods. Please refer to most recent USDA FAS GAIN China Food Processing Ingredient Report for more information about opportunities for frozen and processed blueberries.

    Additional Considerations

    According to the April 28, 2016 Foreign Non-governmental Organization (FNGO) Management Law, China requires all FNGOs, including agricultural trade and marketing associations, to register before undertaking certain marketing activities (e.g., public gatherings, promotions, trainings, conferences). The requirements include securing a Chinese sponsor organization, and registering a permanent office or filing for a temporary activity permit. This process typically takes up to six months to complete. Certain activities may exempt from this law, and it does not apply to for-profit businesses and governmental organizations. For more information about the Law, see the USDA GAIN report China’s Foreign NGO Management Law: A Review for U.S. Agricultural Trade Associations. — By Christopher Bielecki, USDA Foreign Ag Service

    For more information about this report, please contact:

    Agricultural Trade Office in Beijing

    U.S. Embassy in Beijing
    Phone: (86-10) 8531-3950
    atobeijing@fas.usda.gov

     

  • New Traps Cut Off Citrus Greening Pests from Hiding Places

    Researchers across the nation are struggling to end the scourge of citrus greening disease, also known as huanglongbing. The disease renders citrus fruit inedible and eventually kills entire orchards. In Florida alone, from 2012-2016 the disease caused production losses of $4.4 billion and eliminated about 7,900 jobs.

    With economic impact like that, it’s no wonder that previous citrus greening research and mitigation efforts have mainly focused on commercial production. Now, researchers with the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL, and their collaborators are bringing the citrus greening fight to the suburbs, where citrus trees are popular landscape plantings.

    The Asian citrus psyllid, an insect about the size of an aphid (roughly 1/8 of an inch), carries the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in its salivary glands. As it feeds on citrus leaves, the psyllid transmits the bacterium to the tree. The bacterium then prevents sugars created through photosynthesis from traveling throughout the tree. The result is yellowed leaves, bitter fruit, and eventual tree death.

    Spraying insecticides is not really an option in residential areas because many homeowners either have concerns about insecticides or find it too difficult to adequately treat backyard trees, said ARS research entomologist Joseph Patt.

    “There are virtually no control measures being taken against psyllids in citrus trees growing in residential and commercial landscapes,” he said. “This is important because the psyllid can fly from residential areas to commercial citrus groves. In other words, residential areas provide a kind of refuge for the psyllids because homeowners haven’t had a way to control them in their backyard trees.”

    Leaves of an orange tree infected with Huanglongbing, or citrus greening. The blotchy mottling pattern seen here, along with thickening, are characteristic symptoms of infected leaves.

    Patt and Texas A&M-Kingsville entomologists Andrew Chow and Mamoudou Setamou developed “attract-and-kill” traps to prevent this hide-and-seek, back-and-forth migration of psyllids. The traps, which are hung from citrus trees, are the same color as young citrus foliage and contain a fast-acting insecticide that kills the psyllid. According to Patt, the traps provide an environmentally friendly way for homeowners to help control Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening disease. The insecticide remains in the device and does not spread to the surrounding foliage. The active ingredient is not toxic to mammals or birds and does not persist in the environment.

    Initial testing was completed last year in the Rio Grande region of Texas. “The results are promising,” Patt said. “Deployment of 20 attract-and-kill devices per test tree resulted in a 90-percent decrease in psyllid eggs compared to unprotected test trees. We are currently working on a design for use in commercial citrus. Psyllids invade citrus groves by first landing in the trees growing along the edge of the grove, so we will run tests to determine if devices placed only on border trees are effective in controlling the psyllid throughout the grove.” – by Scott Elliott, USDA-ARS Office of Communications