California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: CPB

  • California Prune Board Elevates Industry’s Sustainability Impact for Earth Month

    This Earth Month, the California Prune Board (CPB) is demonstrating the legacy of the Golden State’s prune-growing families and their unique stories and experiences with an educational marketing campaign. California is the leading producer of premium prunes and CPB represents the hard-working farmers who grow 99% of the nation’s supply and nearly 40% of the world’s supply of prunes. Throughout April, CPB will highlight how sustainable farming practices not only produce premium prunes but also protect California’s rich ecosystem, ensure access to nutritious foods and support the economic viability of the prune farming communities.

    “Sustainability isn’t a new idea for California’s prune growers,” says Kiaran Locy, Director of Brand & Industry Communications at CPB. “Growers and handlers have been producing prunes in the state for over 150 years, and through strategic planning as a unified industry we intend to continue well into the next century through continuous improvement.”

    Across channels – from informative website assets, engaging social media content and educational newsletters for healthcare professionals – CPB aims to cultivate connections about the agricultural practices and craft behind the hands that produced the world’s best, safest, and most flavorful prunes.

    “Navigating the changing environment of supply chains, market dynamics, technology and innovation all while benefiting farming communities and consumers is no small task,” added Locy. “Our recent consumer research shows that consumers love the natural sweetness and rich flavor of California Prunes, and we are celebrating the people who commit their livelihoods to growing this healthy food knowing it starts with the health of the orchards.”

    To help shoppers who are looking for delicious, healthy ideas, CPB’s digital platforms regularly feature recipes and snack ideas, and this month special spotlights will feature grower stories about sustainable practices to produce the world’s best prunes. CPB’s Prunes. For life. newsletter for healthcare professionals, including registered dietitians and health influencers, will spotlight how sustainable growing and drying practices concentrate nutrients for optimal health benefits and position them as a delicious, nutrient-rich and eco-conscious whole food.

    California Prunes’ Sustainability Story

    The California Prune industry’s sustainability efforts focus on people, the planet and prosperity. With 600 prune growing families, many of them multi-generational,

    the industry plays a key role in the state’s agricultural landscape, investing millions in sustainable practices to preserve environmental resources, support local communities and maintain the industry for future generations.

    People: California prune growers prioritize fair wages, worker safety and community wellness, ensuring that the people behind the product thrive. From small family farms to large-scale operations, growers take pride in fostering a safe and healthy work environment while delivering high-quality prunes that meet the highest food safety standards and support nutrition security.

    Planet: The California Prune industry employs practices like Integrated Pest Management, renewable energy and micro-irrigation systems, reducing water usage by 35% over the past three decades. These practices protect California’s unique ecosystem and preserve vital resources for future generations.

    Prosperity: Generating over $717 million annually for California, the California Prune industry supports both business resilience and growth. Sustainable practices help ensure long-term economic stability, providing well-paying jobs and contributing to the state’s agricultural strength.

    With the help of research and tools funded by CPB, growers and processors are learning, adapting, and improving their craft to ensure they are conserving natural resources and sustaining the future of the prune industry for generations to come. Through CPB’s Life Cycle Assessment and ongoing research, the industry continues to improve how prunes are grown, dried and delivered.

    For more information about California Prunes and the sustainable practices behind them, visit CaliforniaPrunes.org.   

    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 leading producer of premium prunes with orchards across 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.

  • California Prune Board Announces 2022-2024 Officers and Board Members

    The California Prune Board (CPB) has officially seated its 22-member board and 16 alternates for the 2022-2024 term.  Following certification of the election by the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture, the new board approved the 2022/23 fiscal year programs and budget at its June board meeting. The CPB officers are:

    • Chair: George Sousa Jr., President of Mariani Packing Co., Inc., Vacaville, Calif. (re- elected)
    • Vice Chair: Mike Vereschagin, Vereschagin Farms, Orland, Calif. (newly elected) 
    • Secretary: Dan Bozzo, Triple B Ranch, Gridley, Calif. (re-elected) 
    • Treasurer: Rajeev Davit, Davit Ranches, Yuba City, Calif. (re-elected) 

    “Our values as a Board keep us driven towards quality and continuous improvement and I’m honored to continue serving as Board chairman alongside dedicated individuals who share a vision of creating a world more enthusiastic about California Prunes,” said George Sousa Jr., President, Mariani Packing Co. “Our industry – like all of agriculture today – has its challenges, but the CPB has been around for 70 years, and we believe in the power of our product and the importance of a vital industry for generations to come.” The newly seated board will serve through May 2024.

    “California Prune growers and handlers have proven to be resilient, strategic, and disciplined in producing a premium fruit that is enjoyed domestically and in export markets around the world,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director, California Prune Board. “Alongside our industry stakeholders, we are dedicated to helping the trade and consumers alike discover the many wonders that California Prunes offer – from health and nutrition benefits, exceptional taste, premium quality, unmatched versatility – and so much more.”

    The board will focus on advancing the key CPB priority areas that have been determined with input from numerous industry members and the executive committee. Focus areas include:

    • Nutrition research
    • Trade policy and market support
    • Industry unification
    • Production research
    • Expanding global visibility for California Prunes

    CPB membership is composed of 22-member board seats that are elected by the industry, organized by seven districts and a non-industry public member. The CPB officers are selected by the newly seated board members for their leadership roles.

    California is the world’s largest producer of prunes providing about 40 percent of the world’s supply and more than 90% of the U.S. supply. Today, there are more than 36,000 bearing acres of California Prune orchards producing an average of 80,000 tons each year. Consistency in production, driven by rigorous agricultural standards, and superior taste is keeping the demand for prunes from California strong in over 60 countries.

    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.

  • 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.

  • CA Prune Board Advances Study of Prunes and Bone Health

    The California Prune Board (CPB) is leading the way in investigating a connection between prunes and favorable bone through a growing body of evidence spanning two decades. Building on this remarkable and extensive research, the organization is announcing recently published scientific data supporting the role prunes may play in optimal bone health, while previewing a pipeline of clinical trials currently underway.

    “The science has shown us that something unique is going on with prunes, as we’ve uncovered some remarkable connections to bone health,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director, California Prune Board. “With every study we learn something more compelling further piquing our curiosity. Our research program has more to explore, and we’re excited to see where this takes us in terms of learning more about the benefits of prunes for bone health.”

    RECENTLY PUBLISHED HIGHLIGHTS

    In a recent review paper published in Advances in Nutrition titled, “The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways to Improve Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women,” researchers from Pennsylvania State University examined the relationship between prune consumption, oxidative stress, inflammation, and favorable bone health outcomes, summarizing the results of preclinical and clinical trials. They reported that the bone-protective effects of prunes found in postmenopausal women appear to be connected to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity that prunes stimulate within the body. Moreover, the authors also suggested that prunes’ favorable effect on bone may be partially explained by changes in the gut microbiota that can come from regular prune consumption.

    Additionally, in a USDA-funded clinical trial recently published in Nutrients, titled “The Short-term Effects of Prunes in Improving Bone in Men,” investigators from Florida State University sought to test the effect of daily prune consumption on bone metabolism in 35 men over the age of 50 who had some bone loss. The early findings showed a reduction in osteocalcin, a biomarker of bone turnover, and an increase in what’s known as the OPG:RANKL ratio, indicating prunes may have a positive effect on bone status after just three months of eating this whole fruit daily. These preliminary findings are a subset of a larger study with results that have not yet been published but are anticipated in the next 12-18 months.

    “As a researcher it’s exciting to see a positive change in bone turnover in these men from prune consumption after a relatively short period of time. We anticipate even more favorable results in bone status once the men have completed a full year of eating prunes every day,” said Principal Investigator Bahram Arjmandi, PhD, RDN, Professor and Director, Center for Advancing Exercise and Nutrition Research on Aging, Florida State University.

    RESEARCH UNDERWAY

    In addition to this recently published data, the following nutrition studies from highly credentialed research institutions are currently in progress and working toward completion or journal publication:

    Randomized Controlled Trial of Dietary Supplementation with Prunes on Bone Density, Bone Geometry, and Bone Strength in Postmenopausal Women

    Principal Investigator: Mary Jane De Souza, PhD – Pennsylvania State University

    With a cohort of over 200 postmenopausal women, this is the largest clinical trial to date to investigate the effect of prunes on bone status as a non-pharmaceutical plant-based strategy to combat bone breakdown.

    The Effects of 12-months of Prune Consumption on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Turnover Markers in Korean Postmenopausal Women with Osteopenia

    Principal Investigator: Peter Clifton, PhD – University of South Australia

    Co- Principal Investigator: Yoona Kim, PhD, RD, Gyeongsang National University, Korea

    This clinical trial in South Korea is the first study outside of the United States to investigate the bone protective benefits of daily consumption of prunes in Korean osteopenic postmenopausal women.

    The Impact of Consuming California Prunes on Bone Health of Young Women Using Hormonal Contraceptives

    Principal Investigator: Shirin Hooshmand, PhD, RD – San Diego State University

    The study is investigating the impact of prune consumption on bone formation and in preventing or slowing bone loss in young women 18-25 years old taking hormonal contraceptives.

    “Bone health, whether optimizing bone formation early in life or preventing bone loss in adulthood, is critical at all life stages given that the human skeleton is dynamic, undergoing a continuous cycle of building and breaking down bone,” said Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD, Nutrition Advisor, California Prune Board. “We are aiming to better understand the role of prunes in this cycle that is strongly correlated to gut health, inflammation, and oxidative states within the body.”

    While it remains unclear what bioactive compounds in prunes are responsible for the beneficial effects on bone, the prune-positive bone health story may be partially due to the array of vitamins and minerals in California Prunes known to influence bone status, namely boron, potassium, copper and vitamin K. Prunes are also rich in phenolic compounds, which research suggests may inhibit bone breakdown and stimulate bone formation. Key future directions to bridge the gap in the areas of bone and the gut-bone axis are on the research horizon.

    CREATING A VISION FOR THE FUTURE 

    Advancing bone-focused nutrition research and expanding the connection to the gut-bone axis, while also exploring clinical trials in various life stages and international populations is at the heart of the California Prune Board’s strategic vision for continued research into the next decade.

    The integrity of the California Prune Board’s nutrition research program is demonstrated by the renowned research and academic institutions with whom it has partnered and the rigorous process that ensures credible research decisions.

    A top-caliber nutrition research advisory panel, led by Mary Jo Feeney, MS, RDN, FADA, FAND, helps to guide these California Prune nutrition research efforts. The panel is comprised of highly experienced researchers and nutrition experts from academic institutions, including Tufts University, Cleveland Clinic, Pennsylvania State University, University of Minnesota, and San Diego State University. This independent advisory panel provides vision and oversight of the nutrition research program and ensures scientific rigor for every project that explores the nutritional and health benefits of California Prunes.

    The California Prune Board is deeply committed to the scientific rigor of nutrition research. For more details on previously published research, visit: https://californiaprunes.org/healthy-living/benefits-of-prunes/additional-research/

    REFERENCES

    Damani JJ, De Souza MJ, VanEvery HL, Strock NCA, Rogers CJ. The Role of Prunes in Modulating Inflammatory Pathways to Improve Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women. Adv Nutr. 2022 Jan 3:nmab162. Epub ahead of print.

    George KS, Munoz J, Ormsbee LT, Akhavan NS, Foley EM, Siebert SC, Kim JS, Hickner RC, Arjmandi BH. The Short-Term Effect of Prunes in Improving Bone in Men. Nutrients. 2022 Jan 10;14(2):276.

    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.

  • CA Prune Board Addresses Non-Tariff Barriers for Nuts & Dried Fruit

    As the world leader in prune exports, the California Prune Board is preemptively addressing issues that affect the trade of dried fruits and nuts with a three-year project focused on preserving the use of sulfuryl fluoride. With the support of the Foreign Agriculture Services arm of USDA, the California Prune Board (CPB) has secured funding to lead a Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program titled “Preserving sulfuryl fluoride for dried fruit exports to the European Union.”

    “This project hits on all the major non-tariff barriers,” says Gary Obenauf, CPB Production Research Coordinator and lead on the TASC project. “Exports of nuts and dried fruits require reliable measures that ensure consumers around the world are receiving a safe product and this project is paramount in gathering the information needed, enabling California Prunes and other commodities to retain and expand export markets.”

    While the project specifically investigates the voids in residue data associated with the use of sulfuryl fluoride for treating U.S. dried fruit and tree nuts, the research ultimately addresses the stringent criteria to limit emissions for continued and optimal sulfuryl fluoride use in all export markets for a variety of commodities. The study is being conducted by top experts in their fields from Stanford, Yale, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), University of California, and DFA of California.

    “Global trade interest in eliminating greenhouse gas emissions is growing, and we’re getting asked about sulfuryl fluoride use in several markets,” stated Spencer Walse, a research chemist for ARS. “This project provides an opportunity to continue sulfuryl fluoride use globally and preserves the quality of products while maintaining food safety and security. If we don’t protect the use of sulfuryl fluoride, the ability to export to various countries, including the EU, diminishes.”

    With new use patterns that need to be reflected globally, efficacy data is generated for market access into new export opportunities. Many countries, including India and Australia, require residue data to accompany the efficacy data to ensure consumer safety.

    “We studied methyl bromide decades ago and found the use patterns didn’t apply, so we had to adapt for sulfuryl fluoride,” added Obenauf. “This project allows us to update regulatory use patterns which have evolved since we started this work.”

    Phytosanitary techniques are vital to the export industry. The benefits of updating regulatory information through this research and gaining data on sulfuryl fluoride scrubbing extend far past the dried fruit and nut industries and will allow continued use of the gas globally.

    California is the world’s largest producer of prunes providing approximately 40 percent of the world’s supply and over 90 percent of the U.S. supply. Today, there are more than 40,000 bearing acres of California Prune orchards concentrated in the Sacramento and San Joaquin Valleys.

  • CA Prune Board Authorized to Continue for Another Five Years

    Following a successful public hearing, the California Prune Board (CPB) has been authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to continue for another five years through July 31, 2025 – without the need for an industry referendum. At the hearing, prune growers and processors voiced unanimous support for the CPB, along with sharing numerous examples of the board’s favorable results on behalf of the California Prune industry.

    “The CPB continuation is a major win for California Prune growers, processors and handlers,” said Joe Turkovich, California Prune grower and Chairman of the California Prune Board. “The board’s work is vitally important to the success of the prune industry. It has carefully considered strategic priorities that will continue building industry momentum for the next five years and beyond.”

    California Prune Board: Delivering Leadership and Value
    The hearing comes amid industry headwinds facing California agriculture in general, such as rising labor costs and increasing regulations. Additionally, the California Prune industry has specific challenges including a global market driven by low prices and smaller, inferior quality imported fruit.

    “We have navigated through many challenges and are currently addressing others – such as tariffs that create major impediments to growing markets – all while knowing there are many challenges around the corner. Yet, we believe in the values the industry has together set forth,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director of the California Prune Board. “Our board and committee members are dedicated to the industry’s success and bring integrity and unique perspective to each discussion. The CPB team around the world is both humbled and proud to join them for the hard work that lies ahead.”

    Together, we have achieved much as a board and as an industry, added Zea, citing examples such as:

    • Securing more than $50 million in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) purchases of California Prunes during a three-year timeframe (2017 – 2019) for school nutrition programs and food banks
    • Dedicating more than $1.25 million during the past three years to nutrition research to scientifically validate the remarkable health benefits of California Prunes for gut and bone health, as well as
      overall wellness
    • Investing more than $1.3 million during the past three years to crop production research, including important findings and advancements related to mechanical pruning, rootstock anchorage, new varietal development, and pest and disease control
    • Securing $11.4 million in federal grant funding for export programs, while partnering with the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) each year to defend, grow and develop international markets
    • Being recognized by FAS as “highly effective” in CPB proposal quality, strategic execution, and financial and regulatory compliance
    • Developing an extensively researched, thoroughly vetted new California Prunes brand to unite the global industry under a cohesive banner to communicate the one-of-a-kind premium nature of California Prunes

    California Prune Board: Building on the Momentum, Advancing Priorities
    With input from numerous industry members and under the leadership of the CPB executive committee, the board has outlined key priority areas to rally the industry’s efforts. Focus areas include:

    • Nutrition research
    • Trade policy and market support
    • Industry unification
    • Production research
    • Global visibility expansion for California Prunes

    “We have listened intently to California Prune growers and handlers to identify these priority areas that will inform our focus, guide our decisions, and ultimately, make a positive and sustained difference for the global California Prune industry,” said Zea.

    California is the world’s largest producer of prunes providing about 40 percent of the world’s supply and more than 90% of the U.S. supply. Today, there are more than 40,000 bearing acres of California Prune orchards 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, crop management and sustainability 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.