The Packer - Issue of Dec. 8

Scanning the Dec. 8 issue of The Packer this morning ( a luxury not many of you share, I know) here is a quick rundown of some selected highlights this week.

Page 1

Produce may avoid 2009 export drop off: by Tom Karst
Looked at the USDA's trade projections and get some reaction from importers and exporters. South Korea has fallen down as an export market of currency problems, and importers are looking for quality control to bring consumer satisfaction.

Washington Apple names president: by Andy Nelson
Todd Fryhover, 46, is named to the post. Todd brings 25 years experience to the post and is expected to spend the majority of his time on export issues.

Spain's Almeria region looks across the ocean: By Jose Escobedo
Nice coverage from Spain's greenhouse industry, including a pic of of a facility exporting tomatoes on the vine to the U.S.

California strawberry volume keeps growing: By Andy Nelson
About 1.8 billion pound of strawberries expected in 2008, up from 1.7 billion pounds in 2007.


Page 2

Show touts south Europe agriculture: Jose Escobedo

Sen Chambliss win seen as good for agriculture: Tom Karst

Bonipak Produce names sales director: Brian Frederick

WTO again criticizes EU banana tariff policy: Ashley Bentley

Three sons take over Capital City Fruit: Andy Nelson



Page 3

Expect changes next year: Column by David Babcock

FDA food protection plan work in progress: Tom Karst

USDA hits roadblock for sliced apple program: Tom Karst

U.S. Defense Logistics Agency awards wholesalers service contracts: Ashley Bentley

CH Robinson expands to Corpus Christi



Edit page

FDA's progress report inappropriate: Edit

Food charities face hungrier times in rough economy: Larry Waterfield

Change of habit achieved by change of choice: Guest column: Don Goodwin


Sections:
Potatoes Marketing
Florida Tomatoes



Ads of note:


Front page ad by Stemilt: Pinata apples

Back page: Chilean Hass avocado

Other color ads:
Oso Sweet
Tanimura and Antle
Tom Lange Co.
Brooks Tropicals
Avocados from Mexico
Birds Eye Fresh
Easterday Farms
Southern Exposure 2009: March 5-7, 2009
Progressive Produce
Idaho Potatoes
Northern Plains Potato Growers Association
Cavendish Farms
Russet Potato Exchange
Nodak
Spud City Sales
Burch Farms
Okray Family Farms
Santa Sweets
West Coast Tomato
Sakata
Taylor & Fulton
East Coast Growers and Packers Inc.

Back in the office - The Nov. 17 Packer

Back in the office today, with much to come from my Costa Rica visit. Just getting settled into my third story perch here at 10901 West 84th Terrace in Lenexa. Besides reviewing and deleting email messags (! System Administrator: Your mailbox is over its size limit.), I take a look at the Nov. 17 issue of The Packer. Some selected highlights:

Page 1
Washington produces record apple crop - Pamla Reimenschneider
U.S. Apple estimates U.S. fresh holdings as of Nov. 1 totaled 114 million bushels, up from 101 million bushels last year and 99 million two years ago. Washington fresh holdings were 94 million bushels, up from 81 million last year. Pamela gets reaction from Keith Mathews, Loren Queen, Roger Pepperl, Ken Severn and Nancy Foster.

Page 1 art - Pic by me of Alberto Bonilla of B & C Exportadores in Costa Rica looking at the firm's chayote crop.

page 1 art - Pic by Greg Johnson of Western Growers officials from the association's annual meeting in La Quinta, Calif.

Romaine investigated in Ontario outbreak - David Mitchell
Public health officials in Ontario are investigating whether an E. coli oubreak is linked to romaine lettuce. David interviews Ontario health officials, the CDC, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and more.

Initial United Fresh consumer survey suggests safety concerns - David Mitchell
David looks at the United Fresh Issues Scan report from United, noting the startling statistic that showsreveals 32% of consumers are very concerned or extremely concerned about the safety of fresh produce. David interviews Amy Philpott and reviews highlights of United's Issues Scan report, which United says will be issued annually.



Page 2
J. Marchini offers specialties for winter - Don Schrack

Taylor Ann offers snacking apple

Tradewatch

Murphy scholarship applicants sought

Page 3

Prepacked produce confessions - Pamela Riemenschneider
Pamela is back from maternity leave and this "Aisle Wandering" column is a funny and self revealing piece about the new mom's appreciation for convenience in fresh produce.

Pack association names president - Brian Frederick
Jerry Welcome is the new president of the Reusable Packaging Association

California Giant starts retailer training effort - David Mitchell

Produce First! to use event to promote produce on menus - Brian Federick

Retailer chain picks up two locatoins - Ashley Bentley

Sysco links restaurants to producers - Jody Shee
Interesting read about Sysco Corp. effort to link locally grown produce to restaurants in their region


Page 4

Western Growers discusses sustainability topics - Greg Johnson

Growers receive leadership honors


Page 5

Industry leaders plan meeting with FDA, CDC - David Mitchell

Produce safety center awards first grants - Don Schrack

Mexican buyers visit California exporters - Jose Escobedo

Taiwanese longans prepare for U.S. entry - Andy Nelson



Edit page

Ample apples, ample opportunity - Editorial

Industry thinks economy will bounce back in 2009 - Dan Galbraith
Good, timely data on industry perceptions of how recession could impact business


Lessons from produce carry over into everyday life - David Mitchell
David Mitchell's farewell column talks in part about his appreciation for the industry sources who help make the job of reporting about fresh produce easier. We're sad to see David go, though not begrudging his new opportunity. David's coverage of the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak was incredible and an enduring example of great journalism at The Packer.

B1 Crops and Markets

California water woes threaten produce - Don Schrack

California gold kiwifruit enjoys strong demand - Andy Nelson

Premier Citrus Packers LLC adds deal, expands volume - Doug Ohlemeier

Handling and Distribution - B4

Less is more for Smurfit-Stone pack line - Dan Galbraith

Wal-Mart leaves produce out of Packaging Scoreboard for now - Dan Galbraith



Special sections

Florida citrus - Doug Ohlemeier

Chilean produce - Jose Escobedo

California Winter Desert Vegetables - Don Schrack

Packer highlights

Looking at the Nov. 10 issue of The Packer, I'll give you a quick preview of what you will get in the mail this week. One reader asked me today if we still publish the digital image of The Packer(called the "Olive" version inhouse) We no longer have a link to the digital "page for page" Packer, but of course you can find much of the content of The Packer on www.thepacker.com Web site.

Here are the front page stories;

Sinaloa growers set up "safe tomato" program
Federal snack program begins
Top issues for Obama administration may be food safety, immigration

Front page pic: Lorelei DiSogra and A.G. Kawamura at Santa Monica school unveiling snack program Oct. 30.

Page 2
Ag secretary list emerges
Earnings for Whole Foods drop precipitously
USDA picks AMS administrator

page 3
EU produce drops beauty standards - column, Fred Wilkinson
Colorful Harvest expands Florida strawberry deal
Florida growers discuss food safety in wake of outbreak
Seed company plans $20 million Idaho facility expansion

Inside: More PMA coverage

Opinon page

Columns:
Produce packaging: protection, promotion, profits - Larry Waterfield

PMA 59 and counting - State of the Industry - Bryan Silbermann


Editorial: Industry ready to work with Obama


Sections:
Texas citrus
Yuma fall vegetables
Montreal Know Your Market
Potatoes and Onions Marketing

A few ads that caught my eye:

Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement: Ad copy:"The LGMA has over 100 certified members. Subject to change at any time." Nice PR ad asking readers to visit a Website to check certification status.

Idaho potatoes: Colorful comic book type ad featuring mad scientist unsuccessfully trying to create a simulated Idaho-like potato. Message: "It's madness to think that another potato could duplicate the consistent great taste and quality of Idaho potatoes."

Theater of Selling Excitement - Birds Eye - great story-telling ad copy selling the company's leadership position in category management

Shrink happens. But it doesn't have to. Not to you. Not in this day and age - American Classic

Redlands Christian Migrant Association - purchase of Christmas cards to help support children and families of Florida's farm workers

Where has all the asparagus acreage gone?

Peru might be one place to look. From the USDA's Vegetable Acreage report of Sept. 4, statistics showing a dramatic decline in U.S. asparagus acreage: From the report:

Asparagus: Production from the 2008 asparagus crop is forecast at 952,000 cwt, down 15 percent from last year. Harvested area, at 32,200 acres, is down 16 percent from 2007. Fresh production of 718,000 cwt, is down 22 percent from a year ago. Processed production, at 11,700 tons, is up 18 percent from 2007. Asparagus for canning, at 7,100 tons, is up 20 percent from last year. Frozen asparagus production of 4,600 tons, is up 15 percent from 2007. Total value of the crop, at 79.7 million dollars, is down 23 percent from 2007. In California, a mostly excellent quality crop was reported throughout the growing season, however, acreage continues to decline due to competition from imports. In Michigan, the asparagus spears emerged in late April. Warm temperatures allowed crop development to proceed ahead of schedule. Harvest began in early May and continued at a slow pace for the
remainder of the month due to weather conditions. Purple spots were reported in some fields. Harvest was complete in some areas by mid-June.

TK: Asparagus acreage harvested in California for 2008 totaled just 14,500 acres, down from 20,000 acres last year and 22,500 acres two years ago.


From coverage in The Packer in March:

A dive in California asparagus acreage is largely a result of growers becoming more diversified in their offerings and shrinking asparagus production, or switching to a different crop entirely because asparagus is so expensive to manage, said Cherie Watte, executive director of the Stockton-based California Asparagus Commission.

Today, growers are opting to plant commodities like wheat, corn and alfalfa that are cheaper to produce -- as they are less labor intensive and don't require as much water -- and are a reliable source of income.

"The general costs of bringing asparagus in, doesn't warrant doing it any longer for some," said Leo Rolandelli, president of San Francisco-based Jacobs, Malcolm & Burtt Inc. "The mentality of the farmer right now is -- why do I want to put through the unknown? I don't see any relief."

James Paul, director of sales and marketing for Greg Paul Produce Sales Inc., Stockton, said converting to spring mix, lettuce, blueberries or selling land to real estate are more viable -- and common -- options for some asparagus farmers.

"Pretty soon, there's not going to be enough California growers to even be considered a niche," Paul said.

Watte offered a more optimistic approach to the transforming California asparagus industry.

"It's a permanent transition into a globally competitive economy," she said. "Acreage is going to stabilize and hopefully we can find that balance between supply and demand and what we need to produce to market."

TK: Couple of questions. Will country of origin labeling help reverse the trend of declining fresh acreage in Cali, and why is Michigan's asparagus acreage dropping at a much slower rate? Do school purchases of processed asparagus help? Any thots, readers...

Packer newsbreak - Sept. 4

Need to catch up on recent news from The Packer?
Check out our new Packer News Feed.

Honduran melon exporter close to U.S. access

A Sept. 2 Associated Press report that the Honduras-based Montelibano Melon Co. has been cleared to export melons to the U.S. is premature, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration spokesman Sebastian Cianci and a Montelibano representative. Go here for the story.

California Asian pear prices on the rise

Larger sizes and outstanding taste are the highlights, grower-shippers said, as the California Asian pear crop hit mid-season form. Prices are climbing, they said. Go here for the story.

Produce traceability standards plan finalized

The Produce Traceability Initiative has finalized a timeline for industry implementation of case-level traceability standards, and the groups involved are circulating the action plan in the U.S. and Canada. Go here for the story.

Mushrooms sent to Canadian retailers recalled

Canadian shoppers in Ontario are being warned not to eat Fresh Obsessions brand sliced white mushrooms because they may contain the Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Go here for the story.

Del Monte partners with CBS Sports Store

Del Monte is teaming up with CBS Sports Store this fall to reach out to a football-loving audience. Go here for the story.

On FDA GAPs revisions - the questions

The planned update and revisions to FDA's Good Agricultural Practices guidance bring to mind several questions as the industry prepares to engage again with the agency.

Here are the questions that FDA has asked in their notice of rule making:

FDA Question#1:. Should any future GAPs/GMPs Guide rank or prioritize among potential issues according to relative risk or importance? If yes, please offer suggestions of how that information could be presented in a way that does not detract from the broad scope of the current guidance.


TK: Tom Stenzel of United and Hank Giclas of Western Growers note that the response to this question will be important, for the agency may create interventions or guidance on the basis of industry responses. Whereas the current guidance may be considered "generic" in some respects, the agency may want more specifics:

Hank Giclas said this to me about the FDA update:

"I would anticipate - especially given the fact that FDA is looking at third party accreditation and looking at the breadth and scope of how GAPs are implemented ... and from a leadership perspective, they are calling for authority to issue mandatory GAPs, I would anticipate there will be a move to make the guidelines more specific in many areas."


Tom Stenzel said this about this question:

"Is there a way to rank the relative risk. That's a good question. That (risk question ) targets toward regulatory action or some kind of intervention takes place if there is consensus."



FDA Question #2 : How should the GAPs/GMPs Guide be organized to enhance its usefulness?


FDA Question #3: While the GAPs/GMPs Guide has been generally accepted and widely adopted, we know that there are entities in the fresh produce industry that are not aware of it. What measures can be taken,and by whom, to expand awareness by the fresh produce industry of the GAPs/GMPs guide?

Tom Stenzel says:

"To me that i is just a clear signal that if we can't say 100% of the industry is complying with basic GAPs, does it it call for mandatory regulation?. There are some hooks in their questions. So we will have to be careful and scientific in how we respond to those."


FDA Question #4: How should the GAPs/GMPs Guide be modified to motivate all operations to implement? Please include information on economic impact.


TK: A leading question...making them mandatory, perhaps?



FDA Question #5: Can the GAPs/GMPs Guide be applied equally to, and implemented by, domestic and foreign growers and packers? if not, should the GAPs/GMPs Guide be revised to incorporate additional options or special considerations (e.g., utilizing draft animals for agricultural tasks) for application and implementation?

TK: For example, can the Amish use horse-drawn wagons at harvest and be in compliance?


FDA Question: #6: Is there a need for additional guidance to assist an operator in determining which provisions of the current Good Manufacturing Practice regulations (e.g. post harvest water quality, disease control, cleanliness and supervision) could be implemented voluntarily for operations that currently are excluded under Sec. 110.19? If so, which ones?


TK: End of the exclusion for GMP compliance for whole produce packers?


FDA Question #7 Should the GAPs/GMPs Guide recommend that growers and other relevant operations develop a written food safety plan, written SOPs, and/or written SSOPs? If so, please describe the types of information or recommendations that you believe would be helpful.


FDA Question #8: Records can be divided into the following two broad groups: 1) records to facilitate traceback, and 2) non-tracebook or operational records. Does the GAPs/GMPs Guide provide sufficient recommendations regarding record keeping? If not, please describe what would be most helpful and why.


TK: Traceability rears its head again.


FDA Question #9 The recent produce safety initiatives concerning leafy greens and tomatoes highlighted the importance of performing environmental assessments before planting, throughout production and prior to harvest. Would it be useful to enhance coverage of thee concepts in the GAPs/GMPs guide?

TK: Can science based numbers be established for environmental assessments?
.
FDA Question # 10. Several newer produce safety programs, such as the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (Ref. 8), incorporate recommendations (or requirements) for microbial testing. Does the information on microbial testing in the GAPs/GMPs Guide provide sufficient information?

FDA Question # 11. Some comments submitted in connection with the 2007 public hearings expressed concerns that field management activities intended to minimize microbial hazards, such as removing vegetation to reduce animal harborage near the production field, could have a negative, albeit unintended, impact on the environment and water sheds, among other areas. What data support these concerns? Could/should the GAPs/GMPs Guide do more to identify, address, and possibly mitigate unintended environmental consequences of food safety measures?

FDA Question # 12. Are there existing regulatory requirements at the Federal, State, or local level that act as a disincentive (or as an incentive) for growers or other operators to implement agricultural or manufacturing practices that should be taken into consideration when updating this guidance to reduce the risk of microbial contamination of fresh produce? If yes, please identify and explain.

Irradiation mandated (just kidding)

William Marler forwarded this blog post from a site called efoodalert.com. From the post:

Washington, DC. August 28, 2033– The Secretary of State for Food Safety announced today that – effective January 1, 2034 – all food shipped interstate for retail sale must be sterilized by irradiation. The Secretary urged food regulators in all fifty states to follow suit.

When asked whether this new mandate would also apply to imported foods, Secretary Jenna Bush replied, "You betcha!"

Later......

Slaughterhouse operators and meat packers welcomed the announcement. "It's great news," said the CEO of Universal Beef, "we'll finally get away from all the expensive and burdensome HACCP/SSOP regulations that were imposed on us by the government a generation ago." Spokespeople for the produce and poultry industry associations were equally effusive.

Not everyone, though, welcomed the announcement. Small-scale farmers, livestock operators and food processors expressed concern about the cost of implementing this new mandate. And "natural food" activists were fighting mad. "This is disgusting," said one woman who asked not to be identified, "Irradiation will destroy the nutrients in our food. We've polluted our water and soil, and we should clean it up. What kind of a world are we leaving our children?"

We contacted Phyllis Entis, the now-retired founder of eFoodAlert and author of the classic text Food Safety: Old Habits, New Perspectives, for her reaction to the announcement. "I saw this coming 25 years ago," said Ms. Entis. "I predicted in 2008 that we were on a slippery slope to mandatory food irradiation."


TK: Check out the full post for the complete mock news release. Unlike Phyllis - author of the post - I don't see the "danger" that our whole food supply - particularly produce - will face a slippery slope of irradiation mandates. Yet her scenario is at least plausible, and that's saying something.

What's old is new again

The FDA's notice about its intent to update 10-year old Good Agricultural Practices is found here. There is a lot to cover in that document so I may take it by sections. Meanwhile, let's reflect on what Packer legend Larry Waterfield wrote in the paper 11 years ago when the first round of GAPs was being readied. Deja vu all over again...





From November 1997.....

Ideas cover broad range FDA proposals could lead to more control over produce industry.
By Larry Waterfield
Washington, D.C., Editor
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The federal government's forthcoming voluntary guidelines for the produce industry will touch every aspect from the field to the receiver and could mean more stringent controls on imported produce and even so-called ``traceback'' mechanisms.
The aim of federal agencies, led by the Food & Drug Administration, is to have draft proposals ready by Dec. 1, with proposed guidelines prepared by late January and final guidelines in place by June.
FDA officials plan to put guidelines in place in 1998 for high-risk fruits and vegetables, which have yet to be named.
At a meeting Nov. 17, which involved federal agencies, a government panel on microbes in food and produce industry representatives, the agency officials pointed out that the guidelines, which are being referred to as ``the Guide,'' will be voluntary. But several industry officials said receivers and retailers are likely to latch onto the guidelines and require suppliers to follow the government guidance.
The next move in the process will be a series of seven public meetings across the country to get input from the produce industry. One meeting will deal with international produce safety issues. Those meetings begin Dec. 1 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
Those attending the Nov. 17 meeting got a preview of what may be in the proposed guidelines. They will deal with water quality, irrigation water, the use of manure in production, field sanitation, packinghouse sanitation, storage, cooling, refrigeration, handling, bins and packaging, packing lines, worker sanitation and transportation. The guidelines will be in the form of Good Agricultural Practices and Good Manufacturing Practices, referred to as ``GAPs and GMPs.''
The agencies are considering calling for anyone who handles produce from the field through the distribution system to wear disposable gloves. Guidelines may call on producers to make special efforts to divert deer and other wildlife from fields and orchards.
Companies may be asked to implement personal hygiene training programs for workers at all levels.
Methods to trace produce back to its source are likely to be a part of the guidelines as a way to limit any outbreaks of foodborne illnesses.
``These proposals represent our current thinking,'' said Thomas Gardine, director of the FDA's division of imports and a key official implementing the President's Produce Safety Initiative.
At the industry-government meeting the scope of the initiative began to emerge. Several Cabinet departments, 12 federal agencies and thousands of inspectors and government workers will be involved at the federal and state levels. The USDA will involve about 6,000 of its Extension Service personnel, plus researchers. A representative of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture said the states have several thousand employees who are ready to take part.
On imported produce, officials are calling for more border surveillance and screening. The bill, the Safety of Imported Food Act of 1997, gives the FDA the authority to make sure foreign food safety systems match those in the United States, and it gives the agency power to block imports if inspectors are denied access to foreign facilities.
``There is no evidence that imported fruits and vegetables are more likely to be contaminated than domestic produce,'' said Lee Frankel, president of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Nogales, Ariz., which represents importers of Mexican produce.
He warned that U.S. safety inititatives must treat imported produce fairly and equally and that the rules or guidelines must be in accord with international trade agreements under the World Trade Organization and must not interfere with U.S. trade obligations.
He cautioned officials not to make ``prejudicial statements'' that imply that foreign produce is not safe to eat when traveling in those countries and that indicate the imports may not be safe.
He said ``these officials show lack of knowledge and understanding of the farming, harvesting, packing and shipping processes.''
He said he is concerned that the ``guidance'' will focus on imports and will allow U.S. inspectors to block imports but will not treat U.S. produce the same under ``voluntary'' guidelines.
He urged the officials to hold a fact-finding meeting in Mexico or on the border and to come to Mexico to see practices.
Stacey Zawel, director of science and regulatory affairs at the United Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Association, Alexandria, Va., urged the government to recognize that produce is unlike other food industries and is made up of many diverse industries.
She pointed out that there are many gaps in the knowledge about microbial contamination of produce. She said the Industrywide Guidance, developed by 20 produce groups, focuses on the most critical microbial issues.
``A failure to bring focus to the microbiological food safety issues will squander scarce resources and dilute the effectiveness of our efforts,'' she said.
Fred Shank, director of the FDA's Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, said there are funds available under the President's Initiative to carry out research into microbial contamination of produce.
Caroline Smith DeWaal, director of food safety at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, which she said represents more than a million U.S. and Canadian consumers, called for mandatory HACCP rules for the produce industry.
``CSPI urges the Clinton administration to mandate HACCP systems for the produce industry rather than guidelines,'' she said. ``Guidelines will not address the problems of the domestic industry, and they will be unenforceable internationally.''
She said the goal must be to ``identify and eliminate the sources of contamination for fruits and vegetables.''

Reporting from Naples

Doug Ohlemeier here from Naples, Fla.

I'm covering the Joint Tomato Conference here, the 33rd yearly event sponsored by the Florida Tomato Exchange and the Florida Tomato Committee.

Food safety is the overriding issue tomato growers are dealing with at this conference.

The tomato growers and packers are discussing how to keep what happened to them earlier this summer from happening again or to anyone else in the produce industry.

The industry reconfigured its seminars this year for the conference to spend more time on food safety issues. During the traditional Tuesday afternoon packinghouse managers' seminar, food safety authorities went over the extensive audit form inspectors use when inspecting packing facilities.

A special food safety seminar tomorrow afternoon, Thursday, Sept. 4, will tackle how growers can handle on-farm audits.

While growers and packers heard a lot of negative news, the location of the yearly event allows for some exceptional R&R. The Naples Ritz-Carlton is located on the doorstep of the Gulf of Mexico, with the Gulf's sandy beaches just a few steps from the hotel's courtyard.

Thanks to Hurricane Gustav, the waves this year seem stronger and more powerful, almost as high as the waves that crash the shores of Florida's East Coast beaches.

Hopefully growers won't have to endure any more rough waves in their efforts to demonstrate the tomatoes they ship are safe of any contamination.

The Packer Extra - Sept. 2

The Packer Extra: Sept. 2
Brought to you by:

Famous Software
RJO Produce Marketing
Ballantine Produce
Maxco Packaging
YottaMark

Need to catch up on recent news from The Packer? Check out our new Packer News Feed here:

Officials report end to salmonella outbreak
The Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak that affected more than 1,400 Americans and cost the produce industry millions of dollars is over. Go here for the story:

Organic Chilean grapes could head to U.S.
Chilean grapes could be shipped to the U.S. without methyl bromide fumigation under a proposal from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Go here for the story:


Head of Idaho grower-shipper group retires
SUN VALLEY, Idaho - Dave Smith, 67, retired from the Idaho Falls-based Idaho Grower Shipper Association after 28 years as president. Go here for the story:

U.S. Apple projection shows tight supplies
CHICAGO - With the pipeline empty and demand soaring, U.S. fresh apple marketers were probably praying for a bumper crop this season. Go here for the story:

Del Monte acquires melon growing operations
The addition of two Guatemalan melon growing operations to its production roster should help Del Monte Fresh Produce NA Inc. expand sales. Go here for the story:

Methyl bromide hanging in the balance (again)

Methyl bromide and other soil fumigants are in the news. On August 29, the EPA agreed to extend the comment period on registration decisions on soil fumigrants, including methyl bromide. From the EPA comes this background:


On July 16, 2008, EPA issued a notice in the Federal Register announcing the availability of the Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for the soil fumigant pesticides chloropicrin, dazomet, metam sodium/ potassium, and methyl bromide. The notice also announced a 60–day public comment period. This document is extending the comment period for 45
days, from September 15, 2008, to October 30, 2008.


Here are a couple of industry letters to the EPA describing why growers and others needed more time:

I am writing on behalf of grower’s of The California Strawberry Nurserymen’s Association to request a 45-day extension of the comment period on the Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for Chloropicrin, Dazomet, Metam Sodium and Methyl Bromide (73 Fed. Reg. 40871). Chloropicrin and other soil fumigants are not only important, but necessary for the successful cultivation of Nursery Strawberry Plants ( which provides the California Strawberry Industry with plants to replant the 30,000 acres of commercial fruit producing acreage annually). Therefore, participation in the public comment process is imperative for all growers. However, since the current comment period has occurred during one of the busiest time of year for growers, we do not have sufficient time to review and analyze the multiple REDs and the extensive technical support documents. Many support documents, including EPA’s response to previous grower comments were made available by EPA for the first time on July 16.

In particular, as proposed, the risk mitigation plans in the REDs will greatly impact growers by adding considerable costs for each fumigation. In order to fully consider the feasibility of these mitigation plans, as well as adequate alternatives, growers must consult with registrants and other stakeholders. Moreover, growers use multiple soil fumigants and must consider the overall affects of the REDs. Growers simply do not have sufficient opportunity to do so in the given comment period.

Growers realize that other affected groups have also requested extensions and we join in their requests to extend the comment period by additional 45-days.

Bob Tipton

Strawberry Nursery Manager

Driscoll Strawberry Associates

22000 Bend Ferry Road

Red Bluff , Calif.

And another letter here.....


We are contacting you today to respectfully request a 60 day extension of the comment period on the Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) for Chloropicrin, Dazomet, Metam Sodium and Methyl Bromide (73 Fed. Reg. 40871). In order to fully consider the economic and practical feasibility of these mitigation plans, as well as adequate alternatives, growers must consult with registrants and other stakeholders. We believe that in order to fully discuss the implications of suggested mitigation measures, the additional time will allow us to adequately consult with growers, commodity groups, and pest management rofessionals. As you are aware, our coalition plans to visit DC in mid-October and would like to discuss our concerns with EPA scientists at that time. Your consideration of this request is greatly appreciated. \

Sincerely,
Lori Berger
California Specialty Crops Council
4500 S. Laspina Suite 214
Tulare, CA 93274


TK: Methyl bromide has been under attack for two decades as an ozone depleter. Here is coverage from Tom Burfield of The Packer from February of this year, describing the challenges strawberry growers face with regulation.


The methyl bromide dilemma has long been a thorn in the side of California strawberry growers. But this season the thorn could cause more pain than ever.
It started in the 1980s when the fumigant used in growing strawberries was classified as a depleter of the ozone layer, which protects the earth from the sun's ultraviolet rays.
In 1987, the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, called for phasing out use of the compound by Jan. 1, 2005, except in situations where growers could find no alternative. In those cases, growers could request a critical-use exemption.
An exemption has been granted for strawberries each year from 2005 to 2008, and late last year the Environmental Protection Agency recommended that the Montreal Protocol's technical options committee approve 100% of the amount the Watsonville-based California Strawberry Commission requested for 2009, said Rick Tomlinson, the commission's director of government affairs.
"For the first time in the entire process, both the federal EPA and Montreal Protocol acknowledged that 100% of what the industry requested is an accurate, critical need," he said.
Despite the exemption, the amount of methyl bromide that can be produced is reduced each year. The U.S. has transitioned more acres of methyl bromide to alternatives than any other country, and California's strawberry growers have invested more in emission reduction than any other commodity, Tomlinson said.
Reducing inventories
But just as strawberry growers thought they were set through 2009, another division of the EPA decided to change the rules, Tomlinson said.
"U.S. EPA wanted to reduce the amount of inventories that registrants have in their possession," he said.
To do that, the EPA ruled that manufacturers would have to use existing supplies to fill 40% of growers' authorized needs this year. The agency is allowing production of only 60% of what was approved by the protocol and the EPA itself, "purposely creating a shortage," Tomlinson said.
Theoretically, there should be enough methyl bromide on hand to meet growers' needs, but since these are pre-2005 inventories, manufacturers don't have to sell it.
"They can hold it as an investment, or they can choose to sell it," Tomlinson said.
As a result, "We expect to start seeing shortages in methyl bromide this year," he said. "The farmers are the ones that are stuck in the middle."
The U.S. District Court in Sacramento has ordered the state cut back pesticide emissions by 20% from 1991 levels in areas that did not meet national health standards for smog in 1994, Tomlinson said.
But Tomlinson sees two problems with the order.
According to a 2004 news release from the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District and other documents, Ventura has met the standards since 2002, he said. But the court has failed to acknowledge that.
Also, the EPA has mistakenly classified methyl bromide as a reactive, volatile organic compound that needs to be regulated, Tomlinson said.
The case is being appealed but could take years to resolve.
Despite the multi-pronged methyl bromide crisis, Tomlinson remained optimistic.
"We have big issues, but we also have smart farmers," he said. "We're dedicated to finding solutions."

Chat - David Mitchell

David Mitchell is senior writer for The Packer and has written dozens of stories about the salmonella outbreak investigation. I caught up with him briefly this afternoon....

me: David Mitchell...thanks for taking time for a Fresh Talk chat. You have been busy with salmonella stories for several months now - including today. I've counted 32 in the library (so far)!

4:00 PM david.edward.mitchell: I don't think that includes all the Web-only stories. There were some weeks at the height of this thing when we had double-digit updates per week. It's been crazy.

4:01 PM me: Yes, you have been keeping up amazingly well, and as you say with Web-first coverage. What can you tell us about the briefing today? Do you think it will give the industry "closure"?

4:04 PM david.edward.mitchell: The short version is that CDC said the outbreak is over because the number of cases being reported is down to what they would see under normal circumstances. FDA has lifted its consumer advisory for Mexican hot peppers. Neither agency is ready to say that tomatoes weren't an issue. I don't know about closure because there are still a lot of unanswered questions, but I think this will be a big relief to a lot of people. I think the best news for the industry is that the mainstream media likely will move on to something else. Coverage already had died down the past few weeks.

4:06 PM me: Yes, on the tomato question. I've noticed no matter how reporters have phrased questions, the CDC/FDA continue to say tomatoes had the "strong association" with the outbreak in the early investigation. While they do acknowledge the evidence is not as strong, I don't think the tomato folks will be satisfied.

4:07 PM david.edward.mitchell: No, the tomato industry wants some sort of admission that tomatoes were never to blame, but we might never know if that's really the case.

4:10 PM me: The FDA has some questions to answer, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out during the Bush Administration and into the next one. Any thoughts whether the industry will effectively be able to influence the produce safety legislation brewing in Congress?

4:11 PM Warning - I'm officially putting you in "pundit mode"

4:13 PM david.edward.mitchell: Good question. Your public policy trip should be interesting next month. The produce industry associations say they want regulations, marketing orders, etc. The question is whether Congress will put something in place that makes sense.

4:17 PM me: David, I appreciate your time on this, a deadline Thursday. What else have you got on your plate for the couple of months? Hopefully no more salmonella outbreak stories, I'll wager

4:18 PM david.edward.mitchell: I'll be on the road to Ohio soon for the Know Your Market section. Somebody else will have to do the inevitable outbreak follow-up. You perhaps?

4:19 PM me: If duty calls...Thanks again and we'll catch up again soon...

david.edward.mitchell: No problem. Thanks, Tom

Packer newsbreak - Aug. 28

This Aug. 28 edition of The Packer Newsbreak sponsored by:
Well-Pict Berries
Simonian Fruit Company &
Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association

Need to catch up on recent news from The Packer? Check out our new Packer News Feed:

DLF International to move into citrus packing
VERO BEACH, Fla. - DLF International Inc.'s move into a packinghouse transforms the citrus marketer into a grower and packer. Go here for the story

Brazil may limit mango exports to U.S.
The dollar's depreciation, the Brazilian real's appreciation and high shipping costs mean Brazil's mango exporters may cut back sharply on volumes to the U.S. Go here for the story:


Duda vows faster, fresher lemon shipments
Oviedo, Fla.-based Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc. plans to ship about 500,000 cartons of lemons from its new facility in Guemez, Mexico, this season. Go for the here story:


Mushroom prices offset lower sales volume
Fewer mushrooms were sold in the U.S. this season, but because of higher prices, the value of the crop was largely unchanged from a year ago. Go here for the story:


Loblaws promotion backs local produce
Brampton, Ontario-based Loblaw Cos. Ltd. is giving Canadians what they want - local produce. Go here for the story:

Consumer motivation - to have and have not

John Stanton of Philadelphia-based St. Joseph's University has been a speaker on the produce convention circuit for some time. The first time The Packer's library notes Stanton was in 1998, when Jody Shee covered Stanton giving remarks to the National Grocers Convention. At the time, Stanton predicted the rising influence of television chefs, among other food trends. Since then, Stanton's name pops up some 15 times, as he has been quoted in stories ranging from Wal-Mart ("Everyone has an Achilles heel, and, at some point, Wal-Mart will find something they can't overcome. If you asked me in 20 years if Wal-Mart will be in a dominant position, I would answer no. But I don't have the foggiest idea of why they won't," Mr. Stanton says. Global Produce, 2000) to warning marketers about leaning too heavily on a trendy health message for fruit and vegetable promotion, and the fickle ways of journalists. ( "What are they going to write about next year?" he asked. "They're not going to say, ‘Hey, you know what we told you last year about blueberries? Well, it's still true.'" The Packer, 2002)

At the Aug. 22 session of the U.S. Apple Association Marketing Conference, Stanton provided on the more livelier presentations at the show with the topic of consumer motivation. Stanton's presentation dealt with the changing dynamics of the American economy - particularly a widening gulf between the "haves" and the "have nots."

Stanton presented some thought provoking statistics that reveal that 48% of Americans polled in 2008 think the country is divided along economic lines, up from just 34% who felt that way in 1988.

What are the implications for produce marketers? "Have not" consumers will "trade down" on their choice for produce and shop price-oriented channels. What's more, Stanton boldly said the organic food movement has "jumped the shark" and is now waning. However, Stanton does buy in to the notion that the local food movement is here to stay.

All in all, Stanton tried to tailor the message to apple marketers . For example, what would "generic apples" look like as a price play? Can the industry sell more ugly apples like Europe does to achieve a better price point? How can the industry get more of a presence in dollar stores and convenience marts? A few misses in some of those speculations, perhaps, but Stanton's intelligent and thoughtful presentation braces the industry for an extended period of sober economic realities.

Working with the Amish

I had a conversation with USDA officials today about the USDA GAP program. Look for coverage in The Packer. Got some clarification on the GAP audit and whether or not Amish agricultural practices - specifically the use of draft horses - are a deal breaker. Meanwhile, one New York observer said the Amish/Mennonite continuum of technology used in agriculture is not extremely clear. For example, some Amish may use a tractor, others may not. Here is a resource I found on the Web concerning "working with the Amish."

The Packer Extra - Aug. 25

Here are the items from The Packer Extra email newsletter this morning....




FDA finds salmonella at eight U.S. firms
The Food and Drug Administration has completed its first round of sampling produce items found in fresh salsa, and at least eight domestic companies had products that tested positive for salmonella. Go here for the story:
http://www.elabs3.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=ikv,xxf0,4hgn,a0hg,2afx,df8d,kcoe


Industries dispute exclusion of nuts, dried fruit
While representatives of the nut and dried fruit industries are upset that they were excluded from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's fresh fruit and vegetable snack program in the 2008 farm bill, fresh produce industry advocates say those commodities were never intended to be part of the $1 billion initiative. Go here for the story:
http://www.elabs3.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=ikv,xxf0,4hgn,j3za,kh5n,df8d,kcoe



Six L's introduces heirloom-style tomato
A new heirloom-style tomato is making its way to retail shelves. The Vintage Ripe tomato, grown and shipped by Six L's Packing Co. Inc., Immokalee, Fla., hit stores in mid-August in bulk and in four-pack clamshells. Go here for the story:
http://www.elabs3.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=ikv,xxf0,4hgn,9pdf,6gz3,df8d,kcoe


Pineapple yields drop, prices soar
A phenomenon known as natural flowering has put a dent in late summer supplies of pineapples. Prices are up as much as 50% compared to f.o.b.s a year ago, and they could go higher, some importers said. Go here for the story:

http://www.elabs3.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=ikv,xxf0,4hgn,j5wg,bu25,df8d,kcoe



Giant, Stop n' Shop launch changes chainwide
On Aug. 22, customers started seeing traces of the new look for Giant and Stop & Shop supermarkets. A new logo, employee uniforms, redesigned store platforms and new features such as enhanced fresh prepared foods and a "family-friendly" checkout lane are part of changes scheduled to take place . . . Go here for the story:
http://www.elabs3.com/ct.html?rtr=on&s=ikv,xxf0,4hgn,l3oc,18rm,df8d,kcoe