WASHINGTON, DC - The Center for Food Safety (CFS) has filed a new legal action asking the USDA to prohibit hydroponic operations from the Organic label. CFS says that “Hydroponic production systems”—or food production methods that do not use soil—do not meet federal organic standards and violate organic law.
“Mislabeling mega-hydroponic operations as ‘organic’ is contrary to the text and basic principles of the organic standard,” said George Kimbrell, CFS’ Legal Director, in a press release. “Right now there is a pitched battle for the future of organic, and we stand with organic farmers and consumers who believe the label must retain its integrity.”
In a statement, CFS contends that organic agriculture is tied inextricably with soil, fostering soil fertility, improving soil quality, and using proper tillage and crop rotation within the soil. CFS also pointed out that the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), a body assigned by Congress to advise USDA on organic matters, recommended that the agency prohibit certification of hydroponic systems. Canada and Mexico also prohibit hydroponics from organic, and the European Parliament voted to end the organic certification of hydroponic products in April 2018.
“Allowing hydroponic systems to be certified as organic undercuts the livelihood of organic farmers that take great lengths to support healthy soil as the bedrock of their farms,” added Kate Mendenhall, Director of the Organic Farmers Association. “Hydroponic producers getting the benefit of the organic label without actually doing anything to benefit the soil undermines the standard and put all soil-based organic farmers at an untenable economic disadvantage.”
Mark Kastel, Executive Director for the Cornucopia Institute, also commented, explaining that the effort to “water down the organic standards” has been a focus of corporate agribusiness lobbyists for decades.
“In this case, the careful stewardship of soil fertility is not only a philosophical precept, it's codified in federal law,” Kastel added.
Will this legal action sway the tides of the USDA’s ruling on hydroponics? AndNowUKnow will be monitoring this as the conversation progresses.
LOS ANGELES, CA - In the cold of winter, it can be hard to think about produce. What could be growing when it’s this frigid out? However, not everyone has winter blinders on like I do. 4Earth Farms LLC has announced a year-round expansion of its Organic and Conventional Mini Sweet Pepper and Mini (Persian) Cucumber programs. Way to go, 4Earth, for seeing through the frost and focusing on greener pastures.
“Retailers have come to depend on 4Earth Farms to keep their shelves stocked year-round for all the organic and conventional SKU's we offer,” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Mark Munger. “This consistency in quality, price, and supply does not happen without lots of planning, collaboration, and partnership. By expanding and diversifying our growing regions and grower partners on programs like Mini Sweet Peppers and Mini Cucumbers, we can manage through the occasional crop failure, foul weather event, or short market and still keep our retailers shelves well supplied.”
The company saw a great reaction to its limited program of Organic and Conventional Mini Sweet Pepper and Mini Cucumbers, initially launched in 2018. In response, 4Earth will meet retailer and customer demand with the establishment of new dedicated acreage throughout California, Baja California, and Sinaloa, Mexico, for its 2019 growing season.
Customers are easily enticed by the bright green, recyclable zipper pouch bags, which come in one and two pound sizes, offering up versatility and convenience.
The year-round expansion is sure to have shoppers salivating over the unfettered access to these baby pepps and cukes.
For more produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
RICHMOND, VA - I dare you to come up with a better experience than biting into a perfectly ripe, greenhouse tomato. Struggling to come up with an alternative, aren’t you? I spoke to fellow tomato-aficionado, Anthony Otto, Sales Manager of Magic Sun Tomatoes, to learn more about the company’s programs, varieties, and more.
“We currently harvest organic beefsteak and organic TOVs, and we will begin harvesting organic grape tomatoes in June,” Anthony began. “We have four different USDA organic-certified greenhouses, all in Central Mexico. Two are in Zacatecas, and we have one in Jalisco and one in Querétaro. We are growing conventional TOVs, Beefsteak, and Cocktail tomatoes right now, and we'll start up grape tomatoes this fall.”
I asked Tony why Magic Sun decided to expand the organic program, and he explains that the decision was one borne out of a commitment to bringing the best tomatoes possible to market.
“We grow in greenhouses where we control every element of the temperature, atmosphere, and nutrition,” he explained. “Obviously the organic products require constant vigilance in order to maintain great quality, and over the last few years, I think we've made a lot of progress in improving the duration, quality, and yield of the organic plants. This is one of the reasons why we are starting up the organic grape tomatoes. We feel very confident in our core competencies, and we are excited about expanding!”
After seeing a strong market in December and January, Tony told me that coming into February, additional round tomatoes from Mexico have hit the market, which caused a slight dip. This is a very seasonal pattern, he assured me, and one that doesn’t affect the company’s commitment to being a year-round grower.
“When it comes down to it, we are the farm, and we diligently control the quality and freshness of our tomatoes, starting with the seeds in our nursery. It's a big responsibility,” he said. “We're proud of the work we do, and I think the quality of our tomatoes speaks for itself. Our high elevation locations allow for strong levels of sunlight, but also cool temperatures at night, which present the best conditions for the development of sugars in the tomatoes. Our locations, coupled with the greenhouse technology, have enabled us to grow tomatoes year-round.”
Not only does it show this kind of commitment to its customers, Magic Sun maintains that dedication in retaining loyal employees, reducing its environmental footprint, and becoming a socially-responsible company.
“A couple tools we use to continue pushing those initiatives forward are the Sedex Members Ethical Trade Audit (SMETA) and GAP Risk Assessment for Social Practices (GRASP),” Tony shared with me. "And finally, we have a huge advantage because of The Koppert Rapel Research and Training Center (CEICKOR). CEICKOR is one of our farms, but also a university and R&D center and the leading protected horticulture program in Mexico. CEICKOR University has full-time students working towards an engineering degree in greenhouse management. CEICKOR is not just a great source of R&D for Magic Sun; we are also training the next generation of greenhouse leadership in Mexico and internationally.”
As Magic Sun continues to increase its acreage and expands its portfolio, it's proving that it's a company to watch.
ANTIGO, WI - The Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association (WPVGA) has announced a new slate of leaders for its own team, its Associate Division, and the Wisconsin Seed Potato Improvement Association (WSPIA). Wes Meddaugh, Kenton Mehlberg, and Dan Kakes will be new Board Presidents for each, respectively.
Wes Meddaugh of Heartland Farms in Hancock, Wisconsin (District 3), succeeds Josh Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc. in Deerbrook, Wisconsin, who served as Board President in 2018. Other electees to the WPVGA Board include:
- Vice President - Rod Gumz of Gumz Muck Farms in Endeavor, Wisconsin (District 3)
- Secretary - Mike Carter of Bushmans’ Inc., Rosholt, Wisconsin (District 2)
- Treasurer - Gary Wysocki of RPE, Inc., Bancroft, Wisconsin (District 2)
The rest of the WPVGA Board of Directors includes:
- Bill Guenthner of Guenthner Farms, Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin (District 1)
- Charlie Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., Deerbrook, Wisconsin (District 1)
- Alex Okray of Okray Family Farms, Plover, Wisconsin (District 2)
- Eric Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms, Antigo, Wisconsin (District 1)
- Eric Wallendal of Wallendal Supply, Inc., Grand Marsh, Wisconsin (District At-Large)
For the Associate Division Board, Kenton Mehlberg of T.I.P., Inc./Ag Grow Solutions in Custer, Wisconsin, succeeds Casey Kedrowski, formerly of Central Door Solutions in Plover, Wisconsin, who left the agriculture industry.
The rest of the officers for 2019’s Associate Division Board include:
- Vice President - Paul Cieslewicz of Sand County Equipment, Bancroft, Wisconsin
- Secretary - Sally Suprise of Rural Mutual Insurance, Waupaca, Wisconsin
- Treasurer - Rich Wilcox of Portage County Bank, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Other WPVGA Associate Division Board members include:
- Julie Cartwright of Jay-Mar, Inc., Plover, Wisconsin
- Kristi Kulas, M3 Insurance, Madison, Wisconsin
- Chris Brooks of Central Door Solutions, Plover, Wisconsin
- Nick Laudenbach of Fencil Urethane Systems, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Earlier this year, the WSPIA Board of Directors elected Dan Kakes of Kakes Farms in Bryant, Wisconsin, as President for 2019. He succeeds Charlie Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc. in Deerbrook, Wisconsin.
The rest of the officers for 2019’s WSPIA Board include:
- Vice President - Jeff Fassbender of Seidl Farms, Deerbrook, Wisconsin
- Secretary/Treasurer - Matt Mattek of J.W. Mattek & Sons, Inc., Deerbrook, Wisconsin
The other two WSPIA Board of Directors are:
- Roy Gallenberg of Gallenberg Farms, Inc., Bryant, Wisconsin
- J.D. Schroeder of Schroeder Brothers Farms, Inc., Antigo, Wisconsin
Congrats to this new crop of leaders in the Wisconsin potato industry, and a happy harvest to all!
COLUMBUS, OH - After more than 90 years of business, Kroger announced this morning that it plans to close its Columbus bakery. This immediate closure will affect 411 employees, all of whom will lose their jobs.
In a statement, Kroger explained that, “After evaluation of the equipment and layout of the plant, it became clear that the outdated layout and age of the equipment were no longer sustainable for us to remain competitive. Production at the plant will cease immediately and the process of decommissioning operations is expected to take 60-90 days.”
According to a report from The Columbus Dispatch, the retailer announced that there would be no plans to close other facilities.
“We are in a highly competitive business environment that is driving our company to ensure all areas of our business are meeting their full potential,” the statement continued. “As a company, we must be able to adapt to the ever-changing retail environment and meet the needs of our customers.”
Kroger also stated that it plans to sell the property, which consists of a four-story plant and 190,000 square feet of space on 3.3 acres, once the bakery is closed.
For the latest in retail happenings and updates, keep reading us here at AndNowUKnow.
BENTONVILLE, AR - NBCUniversal International Group’s and NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises’ Chairman Cesar Conde is joining the grocery retail ranks. This week, Walmart announced that its Board of Directors has welcomed Conde as its new Independent Director, effective immediately.
“Today’s consumer landscape is changing, and I believe Walmart’s unique assets position the company to meet the changing demographics around the world,” said Conde. “I look forward to working the Board and management team to help drive the company’s strategic plans and continued growth.”
In his new role, Conde becomes the 12th member of the Board and joins Walmart’s Audit Committee and Technology and E-Commerce Committee. In addition to Walmart’s Board, Conde serves as Chairman on NBCUniversal’s Executive Committee, in which he is responsible for the operations and international expansion of NBCUniversal businesses. He also serves as Chairman of Telemundo Enterprises, in which he oversees the leading media properties serving Hispanics across broadcast, cable, and digital platforms, according to a press release.
“Cesar brings strong skills as a global executive and expertise in brand management, finance, digital, and media that will complement our Board of Directors’ experience,” said Greg Penner, Walmart’s Chairman of the Board. “We look forward to his strategic insights as we continue to drive the transformation of Walmart to better serve customers and win in an omni-channel world.”
In 2013, Conde joined NBCUniversal as Executive Vice President, assuming his current role in 2015. Prior to working for NBCUniversal, Conde worked with Univision Networks for ten years, serving in a variety of senior executive capacities including President. He also worked at one of the first internet companies focused on Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking audiences, StarMedia Network and for Salomon Smith Barney’s Mergers & Acquisitions Group, as well as served as the White House Fellow for Secretary of State Colin L. Powell from 2002-2003.
Currently, Conde serves on the PepsiCo Board of Directors and is a Trustee of the Aspen Institute and the Paley Center for Media, a Full Member at the Council on Foreign Relations, and a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum, according to a press release.
Conde holds a B.A. with honors from Harvard University and an M.B.A. from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
Congratulations to Cesar Conde on his new role!
WEST SACRAMENTO, CA - Transparency is the name of the game in today’s age of healthy eating. And after announcing the relaunch of its entire private label program, Raley’s is taking that idea to heart. The relaunch includes the Raley’s, Raley’s Purely Made, and Nob Hill Trading Co. brands. It also includes a major expansion of the Purely Made brand, featuring additional standards and products for clean, affordable eating.
“The Purely Made brand standards were very carefully crafted,” said Yvette Waters, Raley’s Nutrition Strategist and Brand Influencer, in a press release. “We thoroughly reviewed the most up-to-date product ingredient research, customer demands, and legislation around certain ingredients before setting on our standards.”
The press release noted that Raley’s Purely Made products are less processed, organic where possible, and free from items on the company’s banned ingredient list. The products are free from over 101 artificial preservatives and ingredients. Raley’s utilized the most up-to-date research and industry standards to update its banned ingredient list. Purely Made standards extend beyond packaged goods to fresh items like meat, seafood, and produce. The Nob Hill Trading Co. brand includes unique, gourmet products with global and local influences.
The private label relaunch also includes a full design overhaul for all three brands. This packaging redesign conveys value and quality while leaning on the Raley’s name that customers have come to depend upon over the past 84 years.
According to Nielsen data, 59 percent of grocery shoppers experience difficulty in understanding nutrition facts. To combat this, the nutrition label on all relaunched products include the updated FDA nutrition facts panel, which standardizes serving size and is more transparent on added-sugar. In addition, Raley’s Purely Made calls out key attributes on the packaging, including Non-GMO, No-artificial ingredients and gluten free.
The company noted that it has previously discontinued production of private label soda with high-fructose corn syrup and artificial colors and flavors. Most recently, the company eliminated private label cereals with more than 25% added sugar.
“We will continue to eliminate SKUs that do not meet our requirements and standards,” said Paul Gianetto, Senior Vice President, Sales & Merchandising. “With our investment in our Raley’s brands, we are showing our customers that we can be trusted to be mindful of ingredients, proudly transparent and passionate about quality.”
Stick with us at AndNowUKnow for the latest in retail happenings.
SEATTLE, WA - In what must be a trying month for Jeff Bezos, reports have surfaced that Amazon is reconsidering its recently announced plans to locate a new corporate campus—the fabled HQ2—in New York City following a flurry of opposition from local politicians and community members.
The Washington Post first broke the story citing two sources “familiar with the company’s thinking.” The online retail giant, the story noted, has yet to lease or purchase any sites in relation to the project.
Unlike expansion projects in Virginia, where local politicians have already passed incentive packages for a separate headquarters facility, and Nashville, Tennessee, which approved $15.2 million in road, sewer, and other improvements in anticipation of a new Amazon facility, New York has been relatively cold in its embrace of the e-tailer. Final approval for the New York HQ from New York state is not expected until 2020, and the project is already facing vocal opposition.
“The question is whether it's worth it if the politicians in New York don't want the project, especially with how people in Virginia and Nashville have been so welcoming,” a source told the Post.
Virginia has already authorized up to $750 million in state subsidies for Amazon's Arlington headquarters, a project of similar magnitude to the New York expansion. New York City Council members, state Senate nominees, and other key officials, including freshman Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose district borders the proposed Amazon site, have all voiced opposition to the project.
Upon completion, Amazon’s New York HQ2 was expected to bring 25,000 jobs to the New York City area. No concrete plans for an exit have been made yet, though the Post and others have speculated that Amazon may move to another New York state locale or move out of state.
“We always welcome more great jobs to the commonwealth,” Stephen Moret, Chief Executive of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the state’s top Amazon negotiator, told the Post.
News of the New York conundrum comes at the same time as Amazon Founder and the Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos is battling back against what he alleges is “extortion and blackmail” on the part of American Media Inc. (AMI)—the parent company of The National Enquirer.
In a lengthy post on Medium entitled “No thank you, Mr. Pecker,” Bezos outlined the way in which AMI Chair, President, and CEO David Pecker approached Bezos and his lawyer Gavin de Becker threatening to publish salacious photographs obtained from text messages in exchange for enervating Washington Post investigations into AMI and its connection to Donald Trump in alleged misconduct leading up to the 2016 presidential election.
“In the AMI letters I’m making public, you will see the precise details of their extortionate proposal: They will publish the personal photos unless Gavin de Becker and I make the specific false public statement to the press that we 'have no knowledge or basis for suggesting that AMI’s coverage was politically motivated or influenced by political forces,'” Bezos wrote.
Bezos concluded his post: “These communications cement AMI’s long-earned reputation for weaponizing journalistic privileges, hiding behind important protections, and ignoring the tenets and purpose of true journalism. Of course I don’t want personal photos published, but I also won’t participate in their well-known practice of blackmail, political favors, political attacks, and corruption. I prefer to stand up, roll this log over, and see what crawls out.”
Will emerging feuds between Jeff Bezos, David Pecker, and by proxy, President Donald Trump effect Amazon’s grocery goals? Where will HQ2 plans land? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
BRENTWOOD, MO - In an effort to increase consumers’ consumption of fruits and vegetables for better health, the Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) has invested in its management team, hiring Katie Toulouse as its new Director of Communications.
“As part of PBH’s strategic transformation to help consumers enjoy happier, healthier lives by eating more fruits and vegetables, it is critical to have a strong person to execute our new comprehensive communications strategy,” said Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, President and CEO in a press release. “We are thrilled to have Katie on board to help us enhance our influencer programs; grow our digital as well as our social media engagement and reach; and connect our members’ brands to consumers and drive consumption. Her passion will be an asset to the team, and we look forward to her fresh perspectives and strategic thinking.”
Toulouse brings with her nearly 20 years of experience in public relations, media and influencer relations, and consumer food marketing and nutrition education. Her most recent role was to serve the members of the Canned Food Alliance (CFA), a non-profit organization devoted to promoting an increased consumption of canned vegetables, fruits, and beans. While already a PBH ambassador, Toulouse represented CFA on the PBH Board of Trustees and was named a Fruits & Veggies—More Matters Role Model for the last six years.
“I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with such passionate people, and for a cause that is near and dear to my heart,” said Toulouse. “PBH has been one of my favorite partners throughout my career. I can’t wait to expand my knowledge of the broad-based produce industry and help all of us grow fruit and vegetable consumption together. I am professionally and personally committed to the cause—let’s rock it!”
Toulouse holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Pennsylvania State University, as well as a Nutrition Certification through Tufts University. Before joining CFA, she began her career in the food industry at Ketchum, Pittsburgh.
“PBH will certainly benefit from Katie’s experience with engaging key influencers and growing partnerships to build brand ambassadors,” stated Kapsak. “Her energy and background in food and nutrition communications as well as her personal commitment to promoting fruits and vegetables align with the current excitement our team has for propelling PBH into a new era.”
It sounds like Katie will fit right in at PBH! For more industry news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
SAN DIEGO, CA - Familiar with Shakira’s best song ever? No, not Hips Don’t Lie—I said best, not most popular. I’m talking about Whenever, Wherever, a song that mirrors any I could create about my love for bananas, particularly Organics Unlimited’s bananas hailing from Mexico and Ecuador. Can’t you see? I’m at your peel. Whenever, wherever, we’re meant to be together!
In my humble opinion, we don’t talk about bananas enough, and when I reached out to Mayra Velazquez de León, President and CEO, to find out more about Organics Unlimited’s current season and any other banana-shaped info I could glean, she was more than happy to humor me.
“Currently, our banana supply and quality are doing well. Recently, we expanded the acreage of our farms in Colima, Mexico, so that we could keep up with growing demand. As a result, we are anticipating an increase in volume over last year,” Mayra told me. “And, thankfully the weather has been cooperating so that we can continue to produce high-quality organic bananas.”
Organic Unlimited’s organic Cavendish bananas are grown primarily in Colima, until the winter months push harvest into warm and sunny Ecuador. Mayra reports that while the grower offers bananas year-round, April is when supplies peak thanks to warm weather boosting production in Mexico.
Again, in my humble opinion, bananas are kind of the unspoken and consistent favorite in the produce aisle, with demand failing to falter. As we spoke, Mayra confirmed this, revealing that bananas have long been one of the most popular items in the produce department because of their convenience and nutritional value. But, while conventional varieties continue to reign supreme, they might be meeting their match in the form of organic bananas.
“Lately, organic bananas have quickly been gaining in popularity. In fact, one of the biggest challenges organic banana growers face is keeping up with demand,” Mayra explained. “Organically grown bananas contributed to one percent of organic produce sales last year, and their popularity is on the rise, growing at double digits versus other organic produce items as more consumers become educated on the health benefits of consuming organic produce. Demand is also amplified because we appeal to consumers who are environmentally conscious.”
Mayra pointed to Organic Unlimited’s minimal, carbon-footprint reducing packaging as an easy way to satisfy environmentally-conscious consumers. Another way the company showcases its love for the environment is through its social responsibility program, GROW, which gives assistance in the form of education, scholarships, student housing assistance, clean water programs, vision, dental and health clinics, and more to communities in banana growing regions.
“We are continuously working on expanding GROW. Last year, we were able to expand our health clinic offerings as well as our street team of health educators. All this is possible through consumers and retailers who support our GROW program!” Mayra concluded, reminding me for the zillionth time (just this week!) why the produce industry seriously kicks butt.
Whenever, wherever, AndNowUKnow will continue bringing you and the freshest produce news together.