Back from the forum

If there was one disappointing part of the USDA's Agricultural Outlook Forum, it was the lack of fruit and vegetable presence. I think this reflects the history of the agency's interaction with the industry - minimal - and the industry's track record of caring about farm policy - even less.

The horticultural luncheon on Friday included a discussion of the problems and opportunities faced by the Florida citrus industry. Mike Sparks, executive vice president and chief executive officer of Lakeland-based Florida Citrus Mutual, did a good job in describing the Sunshine State's struggles over the past three decades with freezes, citrus canker and citrus greening disease. He posed several scenarios for the future - best, middle and worst case - while clearly embracing the most optimistic.

One major missed opportunity for produce advocates was a discussion of the farm bill yesterday by a panel that was supposed to represent views from outside the beltway. Tom Nassif of Western Growers was supposed to be a part of this panel but was unable to make it. Instead of plugging in someone from United Fresh Produce Association, the forum tapped a couple spokesmen from environmental groups and a Senate staffer. Whether or not USDA asked United to pinch hit I don't know, but there was a definite lack of specialty crop perspective on the panel. I pin that primarily on USDA.

As the industry becomes more embedded in the fabric of farm policy, it seems important to bring stronger representation to events like this one.

There was an interesting session yesterday on the growth of supercenters and nontraditional retailers, and how supermarkets are fighting back with technology. I'll get into that later. Also, I want to give more USDA and Congressional reaction to the industry-backed Informa study on the economic value of fruit and vegetable planting restrictions on flex acres.