WESTLAKE, FL - “New year, new me,” is what J&J Family of Farms execs must be thinking, because they have made not one, not two, not three, but four promotions within its senior management team. Always looking to better the company, these changes will work to create new opportunities and responsibilities for several key members of the J&J team.
“We are excited to form an innovative team that will focus on securing new business opportunities and continue exceeding our customers’ expectations,” said Lynn Rundle, CEO.
Starting off the round of promotions, is Dick Bowman, who will take up the mantle of VP of Farming and Grower Development, a role in which he will lead the management and development of all the company’s grower partner relationships.
“Dick, who has been Director of Farming since 2015, will continue to lead the growth of our farming operations, and develop new farming relationships,” said Rundle in a press release. “With the importance of supply chain security and behind the strength of our locally grown program, it is a great time to raise the level of Farming and Grower Development in the organization to the level of Vice President."
Next up is Joseph Mathis—an integral part of the company’s food safety division for the past nine years. Mathis will be appointed to the new position of Senior Grower Development Manager, and will be reporting to Bowman. Mathis will be responsible for leading ground relationships, as well as managing sourcing during the Georgia and summer seasons up the East Coast, and also managing the supply chain provided by the company’s partners.
Another key player will be Kristen Jones, promoted to Senior Food Safety Manager. As a leader with the company’s Georgia growers and East Coast growers in social responsibility and food safety, Jones will operate out of the Adel, Georgia, warehouse during the Georgia growing season.
Last, but not least, is Doug Kling, a Managing Partner at Kling Strategic Partners, who will play a lead role in business development, value-added packaging sales, and strategy, as well as taking on the senior leadership role of the company’s Marketing Division. Kling has been working as a part of the J&J team since August, 2018. Kling will lead a newly formed management team which will coordinate the company’s business development initiatives. The new team will be focused on driving and evolving profitable company growth and expansion.
That sounds like a heck of a team! AndNowUKnow will continue to update you on the comings and goings of corporate management teams.
WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA).
According to a USDA press release, the following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:
- Bara Tropical Inc., operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay an $8,604 award in favor of a Texas seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Maria M. Baglio and Flippo Baglio were listed as the officers, directors, and/or major stockholders of the business
- Fresh Produce Express LLC, operating out of Miami, Florida, for failing to pay a $7,024 award in favor of a South Carolina seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Henry M. Cabrera was listed as a member of the business
- Johnny Avocado Inc., operating out of Lynbrook, New York, for failing to pay a $52,075 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Johnny Gouzos was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business
PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables. USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanctions on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders, may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA approval.
The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.
In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,350 PACA claims involving more than $63 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 8,000 callers with issues valued at approximately $156 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
CALIFORNIA - This week, the California Farmland Trust expanded the number of acres in the Golden State that are dedicated to agricultural purposes. The trust purchased development rights for 16,000 acres of land, which include 70 farms, in Northern California and the Central Valley.
“Every year, we lose estimated between 40- to 50,000 acres of farmland,” said Melanee Cottrill, Associate Director, to Capital Public Radio. She explained that the trust’s goal is to keep land in Sacramento, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Stanislaus, Madera, and Merced counties from becoming housing developments. “And primarily that’s because people want to live here. The same things that make this a great region for growing also makes it a great place for living.”
Thus, the trust’s latest acquisition of land keeps important farmland as just that: farmland. Cottrill noted that family farms, despite the younger generation’s lack of interest in them, are pushing to preserve land for agricultural uses and, as a result, the demand for farm protection is increasing—great news for those of us keen on championing ag any chance we can.
As part of the deal, the California Farmland Trust pays the farm owners for their land rights, with the farmers maintaining ownership of the properties. This method helps many farmers cover costly expenses, like upkeeping operations or purchasing a new tractor.
To stay ahead of all ag-related news, keep following AndNowUKnow.
SANTA MARIA, CA - Celery growers, rejoice! Tozer Seeds America, a pioneer in hybridized celery, is making its latest seed innovations available on each of the company’s commercial lines. Beginning in January 2019, growers will be able to purchase the hybridized celery seeds and tap into the improved vigor, uniformity, and speed to harvest what Tozer is touting.
“Tozer is continuously committed to breeding and producing hybrid celery varieties that match the various international market requirements,” explained Kraig Kuykendall, Sales Manager. “Now is the time for sowing our lines throughout North America and we are excited to see another successful season in our markets.”
Tozer offers a wide array of celery seeds, including lines such as TZ 6200, TZ 0295, Hadrian, Hudson, and Rivalry, according to a press release. Hudson and Rivalry, which are the newest darker green celery varieties, have reportedly shown great promise for main season growing as well as strong yield and fusarium race 2 resistance. Whether for main season or winter production, any of Tozer’s hybrid celery varieties would provide excellent yield, tolerance to fusarium, great holding ability, and good flavor, the company said.
“Our main goal is to lead the market with constant variety improvements which we hope will help the grower and the end consumer as well,” added Kuykendall.
Tozer’s has been in the celery breeding game since the late 1980s, and lauds itself as the creator of the world’s first hybrid celery, Victoria. Today, Tozer’s growing selection of celery lines offer growers vigorous, healthy plants that then provide retailers with better flavor, more interesting color, and stronger stalks.
Dive further into Tozer’s hybrid celery seeds on the company’s website here, and keep reading AndNowUKnow for more on the latest in fresh produce innovation!
NEW YORK, NY - Albertsons joined many other retailers hopping into the meal-kit pool when it acquired Plated in September of 2017, but it looks like things may have gotten a bit complicated on the executive front. Plated's CEO, Josh Hix, is stepping down from his position. According to an email from Albertsons, Hix “has decided to leave the company.” No reason for his departure was disclosed within the email.
“We sincerely thank Josh for his dedication to Plated from its inception, and we we look forward to sustaining and growing plated in the future with their talented New York City-based team,” the email continued. “The meal kit industry is a dynamic and evolving space and we look forward to continuing to expand Plated.”
According to Bloomberg, Hix co-founded the meal-kit company in 2012 with Co-Founder Nick Taranto—who also left the company in October of 2018.
Not much is currently known about Hix’s decision to step down, but AndNowUKnow will keep its ears to the newswire for the latest and keep you posted.
FRESNO, CA - Lights, camera, action! It’s time for the agricultural industry to take center stage in the new documentary-style TV show, Beyond the Harvest. From NTD Films, creators of DineOut Along the Road, comes the new TV show, which aims to shed light on the farm-to-table phenomenon and California’s Central Valley farmers and food processors. The in-depth look at the industry follows host Ray O’Canto through adventures in agriculture, and is sure to find its way onto our DVRs.
“We’re excited about our new show and the opportunity to share such an important part of Central Valley history,” said Ray O’Canto, Executive Producer at NTD Media in a press release. “Our goal at NTD Films is to tell compelling stories that capture the imagination and entertain audiences. As one of the world’s leading ag regions, the Central Valley offers a rich history that we look forward to exploring.”
O’Canto will dig deep into multigenerational farms, orchards, and vineyards in search of the dedicated individuals working to make Central California a star among the world’s most productive agricultural regions. Highlighting harvesting and production of agricultural commodities, each episode will explore the histories and stories of the people and families who made the Central Valley an agricultural Mecca.
Beyond the Harvest features a farmer’s point of view, as the show is a collaborative effort between NTD Media Films and Producer Stephen Paul. A 4th generation farmer, Paul brings a unique insight to the program, using his extensive knowledge of the Central Valley’s rich agricultural history to paint an accurate and in-depth picture.
The TV show will air in Fresno, Bakersfield, and the Chico/Redding areas on Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 pm on KFRE CW 59. And as if the content wasn’t enough to draw you in, proceeds from Beyond the Harvest will benefit the Community Food Bank.
AndNowUKnow is already setting our DVRs.
PORTLAND, OR - B Corp Certified fresh-focused grocer New Seasons Market announced plans to retool the company’s leadership structure—priming the neighborhood grocer for greater growth and continued investment in its staff, customers, partners, and local communities.
The new structure will involve both of the company’s current Co-Presidents; Forrest Hoffmaster will now assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, while Co-President Kristi McFarland will take on the role of Chief Strategy Officer.
“We’ve had a successful year coming together around our mission,” said newly appointed CEO Forrest Hoffmaster in a press release. “We have a passionate and dedicated staff and an incredible purpose-driven leadership team committed to the long-term health of our organization, staying true to our founder-inspired values, and being a leader in the industry. Our team is structured to bring these priorities to life.”
According to the company’s press release, the retailer’s new structure is the natural next step in the company’s growth, building off last year’s investments in core stores, staff benefits, and relationships with local producers and community partners.
“I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished over the last year as a team with complementary strengths. With diverse experience and perspectives around the table, we ensure that our customers, communities, staff, vendors, and business sustainability efforts are embedded in every decision we make,” said Kristi McFarland, CSO. “This is just the beginning of a really exciting year, and we have an incredible team in place to champion our mission and create positive, sustainable outcomes in our local food system.”
Hoffmaster first joined New Seasons Market as Chief Financial Officer in 2016. As Co-President, Hoffmaster has worked to cultivate the company’s sustainable business practices through its ongoing partnership with Conscious Capitalism. Hoffmaster also oversaw business development, real estate, finance, technology, and data.
McFarland joined New Seasons Market as Chief People Officer in 2014, building the company’s position as an employer of choice. In her time as Co-President, McFarland oversaw the company’s people strategy, advanced progressive workplace practices, led community relations, and strengthened brand engagement.
According to the retailer’s press release, the two will continue to work with an experienced executive team—a team including Chief Operations Officer Mark Law and Chief Marketing Officer Mary Wright.
For more breaking news in fresh food, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
WENATCHEE, WA - As a pop culture junkie, my ears instantly perk up at the words meet-and-greet. Meet-and-greets are sort of like the holy grail of fandom culture, which is why I must admit I’m a little jealous of the team over at Stemilt Growers, who recently had the opportunity of meeting-and-greeting with Stemilt’s spokeschef and Seattle-based award-winning chef Ethan Stowell. Those lucky ducks!
“Bringing Chef Ethan to Stemilt was a fun treat for our team members, who work together every day to produce World Famous Fruit and uphold our mission of cultivating people and delighting consumers,” said Communications Manager Brianna Shales. “It was exciting to share Pinata® apples, a variety that everyone at Stemilt is familiar with, in a new way. And chef Ethan was a big hit with our team.”
The event, which was held last week at Stemilt’s Fresh Center headquarters, is part of an ongoing partnership between Chef Ethan and Stemilt to deepen the farm-to-table connection and showcase the versatility of the grower’s apples, according to a press release. At the event, Chef Ethan prepared and served Stemilt team members a winter salad that featured the company’s signature apple variety Pinata, Belgium endive, frisee, goat cheese, walnuts, and a simple vinaigrette dressing—and I thought I was jealous before!
“Salads are a fun departure from typical winter meals, and these particular greens have a crisp, refreshing bite that matches perfectly with the juicy and slightly tropical Pinata apple,” said Chef Ethan, pointing to the reasoning behind whipping up a healthy salad during the midst of the winter season.
In addition to his show-stopping salad, Chef Ethan had the chance to tour Stemilt and witness apple packing for the first time.
“It’s always interesting to see how the ingredients I’m using in my restaurants are produced,” said Chef Ethan, who is a self-taught cook with over 20 years of experience and has cultivated 14 restaurants in Seattle. Chef Ethan also has an ever-growing legacy that includes marks on the menus at Seattle Mariner games and charitable causes that support nutrition, women’s rights, and the homeless. “I was amazed at the precision technology used to pack apples and the extreme care that the smiling Stemilt team takes to ensure only the best apples make it to the market.”
During the event, Stemilt took to social media to keep its following in the loop with Instagram stories, Facebook posts, and even a Facebook live session that gave Chef Ethan the floor to share his Stemilt experience.
“We’re thrilled to have chef Ethan as our culinary partner this year. He’s as humble and hard-working as they come and a great fit to represent our expanding brands and proprietary varieties,” Shales concluded.
With more to come from Stemilt’s partnership with Chef Ethan, including more farm-to-table experiences, AndNowUKnow will continue to bring you the freshest stories from around the industry.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - It's day 32 of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, and President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are starting to get more aggressive in their push to pass the former’s border wall and immigration proposal. According to a report from Bloomberg, McConnell is expected to advance the President’s latest proposal to the Senate as early as today. The measure will need support from Democrats—who have previously opposed many of Trump’s previous asks—to get the 60 votes needed to push ahead.
“We’re going to have a shutdown. There’s nothing we can do about that because we need the Democrats to give us their votes,” Trump said in a video posted to his Twitter on Friday January 18. “The shutdown hopefully will not last long.”
As lawmakers return to Washington after the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend, the stalemate between Trump’s supporters and many Democrats continues. Though the President said in a speech on January 19 that he would support a mix of immigration-related proposals in exchange for $5.7 billion to build a wall or other barriers along the border, Democrats rejected the offer, saying they want the government opened before they negotiate. Bloomberg noted that the general consensus between Democrats is that they “don’t want to reward the president for what they call his move to take federal workers hostage,” fearing that would give him incentive to use the shutdown as a bargaining tactic again.
This leaves Democratic leaders like Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer at another crossroads: counter Trump’s proposal with a new offer that includes funding for a border wall or let the current cards Trump has dealt fall as they may. In the meantime, Bloomberg says House Democrats are working on proposals of their own to reopen the government that circumvent Trump’s wall ask but still offer $1 billion in other “border upgrades.”
With the proposal potentially hitting the Senate floor today, AndNowUKnow will continue to closely watch progress. Keep reading for the latest.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO, CA - The Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) joined together with the Canadian Public Health Association (CPHA) this week to welcome changes made to Health Canada’s Canada Food Guide. The updated guide aims to redress a lack of fruits and vegetables in Canadian diets—and recommends that half your plate should be filled with fresh fruits and veggies.
“Today’s announcement of the new Food Guide recognizes that fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet,” said CPMA President Ron Lemaire, in a press release. “CPMA has long been advocating for increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables by Canadians and our Half Your Plate campaign has been resonating with consumers from coast to coast to coast. We would like to thank Minister Petitpas Taylor and the Government for their hard work on this important file and in ensuring that the new Food Guide is grounded in sound science. We look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Minister Petitpas Taylor and Health Canada to improve the health of Canadians.”
According to a 2016 Kruger Report cited by the CPMA, 80 percent of Canadians do not consume enough fruits and vegetables as recommended by Canada’s Food Guide, and this results in an economic burden calculated at $4.4 billion.
“The Canadian Public Health Association supports the new national dietary guidelines that emphasize plant-based sources of protein, which was a recommendation from the 2017 Canada-specific Lancet Countdown Report. Increased consumption of plant-based protein sources will not only improve human health, but will also benefit planetary health,” said Ian Culbert, CPHA’s Executive Director. “Considerable evidence demonstrates that diets rich in plant-based proteins reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity as well as breast, colon and prostate cancer. The benefits of these diets extend to our natural environment by reducing the carbon footprint, water consumption and pollution, and greenhouse gas production associated with animal agriculture.”
According to the CPMA’s press release, Canada is currently the only G7 country without a national fruit and vegetable health/nutrition policy, and both CPMA and CPHA strongly support the development of the new Food Policy for Canada. Both associations believe that a whole-of-government approach, including a multi-stakeholder governance model with membership across the food system, will result in a successful and sustainable structure, and both organizations encourage the Government to ensure alignment between the new Food Guide and the Food Policy for Canada.
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.