New Jersey Department of Agriculture hosts EPC meeting
New Jersey Department of Agriculture hosts EPC meeting
WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ -- New Jersey Secretary of Agriculture Charles M. Kuperus led a delegation of produce specialists to the June 13 meeting of the Eastern Produce Council, updating EPC members on how the state's crops were looking as the 2006 season was ramping up.
In summary, the season for most items started a bit early, quality on the early vegetables has been very good, and the forecast for later vegetables and all fruit items is for continued excellent quality and sizing.
John Rigolizo of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey gave the first crop report at the dinner meeting, saying, "We're on the early side right from the beginning. What I see on the farms is really, really beautiful. We're moving along real quick."
Phil Neary of Sunny Valley International Inc. in Glassboro, NJ, gave the peach report. "The peaches look clean. We've had excellent moisture. Growers have continued to improve their thinning practices," which should produce excellent fruit size this season.
He noted that some new varieties should be on the market this season, and retailers can look forward to improved white and yellow peach varieties for their customers.
"We are tracking for an early start," said Mr. Neary, estimating that peaches should begin in early July with good volume from mid-July right through August and into September. Nectarines should start in mid-July with good volume going through August.
"We're knocking on wood hoping for good weather" from now through the harvest period, he added. "We're thinking that New Jersey can bring you really tasty peaches and nectarines."
Tim Wetherbee of Diamond Blueberry Inc. and chairman of the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council told those in attendance that the state was looking at a crop of about 46 million pounds for 2006.
The blueberry-growing area, centered in the Hammonton area, had experienced a mild winter, and "the blueberry plants came through with no damage," he said. Conditions were "a bit dry earlier this spring, but we've had adequate moisture since then."
He said that some early Weymouths had already started, and that retailers and consumers can look forward to "good sizing on the Dukes," which should start "for sure by the 19th" and on the Bluecrop variety after that.
In a similar promotion to last year, 30-second radio spots are set for the last week of June and all of July, he said.
Secretary Kuperus acknowledged the many growers and shippers from the southern part of the state who were in attendance at the meeting, calling them "the caretakers of New Jersey agriculture." He added, "They're a talented group of growers that make our products special."
The secretary touched on a number of projects at his department, including working with schools "to get rid of junk food and get more produce in." In this regard, "There's no more important thing than to teach our young people about fresh produce. It should be just as cool to peel a banana" as it is to eat a candy bar, he stated.
He also acknowledged all the NJDA staff members in attendance, and told EPC members, "You can be assured that these people are working hard for you."
EPC members heard how the longstanding Jersey Fresh promotional program was being enhanced this year by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and its new advertising agency, CMD & Partners and its president, Gene Cooper.
The audience was shown the series of new commercials that emphasize the freshness and homegrown quality of individualized New Jersey products.
Summing up, Secretary Kuperus said that in making the Jersey deal a successful one for all parties concerned, "It's all of us working together to keep New Jersey thriving."
(For more on the Jersey blueberry deal, see the June 19 issue of The Produce News.)
In summary, the season for most items started a bit early, quality on the early vegetables has been very good, and the forecast for later vegetables and all fruit items is for continued excellent quality and sizing.
John Rigolizo of the Vegetable Growers Association of New Jersey gave the first crop report at the dinner meeting, saying, "We're on the early side right from the beginning. What I see on the farms is really, really beautiful. We're moving along real quick."
Phil Neary of Sunny Valley International Inc. in Glassboro, NJ, gave the peach report. "The peaches look clean. We've had excellent moisture. Growers have continued to improve their thinning practices," which should produce excellent fruit size this season.
He noted that some new varieties should be on the market this season, and retailers can look forward to improved white and yellow peach varieties for their customers.
"We are tracking for an early start," said Mr. Neary, estimating that peaches should begin in early July with good volume from mid-July right through August and into September. Nectarines should start in mid-July with good volume going through August.
"We're knocking on wood hoping for good weather" from now through the harvest period, he added. "We're thinking that New Jersey can bring you really tasty peaches and nectarines."
Tim Wetherbee of Diamond Blueberry Inc. and chairman of the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council told those in attendance that the state was looking at a crop of about 46 million pounds for 2006.
The blueberry-growing area, centered in the Hammonton area, had experienced a mild winter, and "the blueberry plants came through with no damage," he said. Conditions were "a bit dry earlier this spring, but we've had adequate moisture since then."
He said that some early Weymouths had already started, and that retailers and consumers can look forward to "good sizing on the Dukes," which should start "for sure by the 19th" and on the Bluecrop variety after that.
In a similar promotion to last year, 30-second radio spots are set for the last week of June and all of July, he said.
Secretary Kuperus acknowledged the many growers and shippers from the southern part of the state who were in attendance at the meeting, calling them "the caretakers of New Jersey agriculture." He added, "They're a talented group of growers that make our products special."
The secretary touched on a number of projects at his department, including working with schools "to get rid of junk food and get more produce in." In this regard, "There's no more important thing than to teach our young people about fresh produce. It should be just as cool to peel a banana" as it is to eat a candy bar, he stated.
He also acknowledged all the NJDA staff members in attendance, and told EPC members, "You can be assured that these people are working hard for you."
EPC members heard how the longstanding Jersey Fresh promotional program was being enhanced this year by the New Jersey Department of Agriculture and its new advertising agency, CMD & Partners and its president, Gene Cooper.
The audience was shown the series of new commercials that emphasize the freshness and homegrown quality of individualized New Jersey products.
Summing up, Secretary Kuperus said that in making the Jersey deal a successful one for all parties concerned, "It's all of us working together to keep New Jersey thriving."
(For more on the Jersey blueberry deal, see the June 19 issue of The Produce News.)
