Growers expect full crop of white-flesh product with improved fruit size
Once grown primarily for export, white-flesh California peaches and nectarines have found a solid niche in the domestic market. They now represent roughly 25 percent of the state's peach and nectarine volume, and while they are still in demand in the Asian markets, growers say that majority of the white-flesh crop is now sold in the United States. That number is expected to grow as more and more consumers discover the white-flesh varieties, which are generally characterized not only by their snowy-white interior color but by high sugar levels and low acid levels.
Jim Cranney leaving USApple
Jim Cranney, vice president of the Vienna, VA-based U.S. Apple Association, has resigned from his position at the association and will become president of the California Citrus Quality Council, according to a source familiar with the situation who wished to remain anonymous.
Mr. Cranney, who has worked at USApple for the past 15 years, will depart the association on June 20. He was unavailable for comment as of this publication's deadline.
Killeen and Koran leaving T&A
Salinas, CA-based Tanimura & Antle announced May 23 that Central Sales Manager John Killeen and Western Sales Manager Steve Koran both will be leaving the company to pursue other interests outside the Salinas area.
J.R. Simplot, 'grandfather of the Idaho potato industry,' dies at 99
J.R. (Jack) Simplot, a pioneer of the Idaho potato industry, founder of the J.R. Simplot Co. and one of the 100 wealthiest Americans, died of natural causes May 25 at his home in Boise, ID. He was 99.
"Former [Idaho] Gov. Phil Batt, who knew [Mr.] Simplot well, said he was among the most important figures in the state's history," stated an obituary in the Idaho Statesman. The article quoted Mr. Batt as saying, "I think [Mr. Simplot] did more to build Idaho than any other one person."
Grow My Profits offers expertise in traceability
A strategic alliance forged by two industry veterans will seek to advance tracking and traceability of fresh produce items.
Anthony Totta, founder of the produce consultancy Grow My Profits, has teamed with agronomist Helmut Leili, who now carries the title of business intelligence consultant, track and trace specialist for Grow My Profits, which is based in Kansas City, MO.
Grow My Profits is offering private consulting services on tracking and traceability. In addition, beginning early this summer, the firm will begin a series of related industry seminars.
Another AgJOBS amendment fails in the Senate
WASHINGTON -- Another attempt to secure legal farm workers for labor- starved producers failed May 20 when the Senate struck down an H-2A overhaul that was attached to the emergency war-spending bill.
On May 15, the Senate Appropriations Committee agreed by a 17-12 vote to attach the agriculture worker language to an emergency spending bill requested by the Bush administration to pay for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Eyeing the local movement, Nunes expands eastward
The Nunes Co. is merely dipping its toes into the local food movement this year, but it is taking a proactive approach and will grow, ship and sell some East Coast vegetables this summer.
"Is it a fad or is it a trend?" Tom Nunes Jr., president of the Salinas, CA-based company, which markets "Foxy" brand vegetables, asked about the local movement.
FromTheFarm.com. banks on food sales on-line
Dean Davis was tired of watching farmers get short money for their efforts. He also was tired of eating taste-challenged fresh produce that results from farmers harvesting their product too soon in order to meet market demands.
A lifelong farmer and now retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mr. Davis decided to do something about his concerns. The result is FromTheFarm.com, an on-line store that brings farmers and consumers together.
Mushrooms earn Weight Watchers' Pick of the Season designation
The Mushroom Council is the latest fresh-produce industry group to partner with Weight Watchers.
There will be a variety of national promotions surrounding mushrooms being tagged as Weight Watcher's Pick of the Season from July through September. The National Watermelon Promotion Board has twice worked with Weight Watchers, enjoying the status of Weight Watchers Pick of the Season.
Peri & Sons launches major California onion facility
LAS VEGAS, NV -- With more than 1,000 acres planted in its trademark SCS- certified, pesticide-free white, red, yellow and sweet onions, Peri & Sons has begun shipping product from a new, multi-million-dollar packing facility just outside Firebaugh, CA.
The shipment represents a sizable investment for Yerington, NV-based Peri & Sons, which grows onions on more than 2,000 acres in its home state and will now offer its customers a longer supply of its own product.