SALINAS, CA - California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) recently announced the twenty-four individuals selected for Class 49 of its California Agricultural Leadership Program. The program is an advanced leadership development experience for emerging agricultural leaders. The new fellows will be inaugurated into the program on October 11 at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
“These 24 outstanding individuals, evenly split between men and women, come from all areas of the state and represent many diverse sectors of production,” President Barry Bedwell shared. “What they have in common is a fervent desire to improve themselves as leaders who can further benefit California agriculture. We are excited to assist them in that journey.”
Through dynamic seminars during a 17-month program, fellows will study leadership theory, effective communication, motivation, critical and strategic thinking, change management, emotional intelligence, and complex social and cultural issues. According to a press release, seminars will be delivered by four partner universities: Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Fresno State, and UC Davis. Fellows will participate in 55 seminar days, including an eight-day national travel seminar and a 15-day international travel seminar.
The Foundation noted that it invests approximately $55,000 per fellow to participate in the program, which is underwritten by individual and industry donations. Ag Leadership is considered to be one of the premier leadership programs in the United States. Since it was first delivered in 1970, more than 1,300 men and women have participated in the program and have become influential leaders and active volunteers in the agriculture industry and other areas.
Class 49 fellows are listed below:
- Brean Bettencourt, Bella Viva Orchards, Turlock
- Adam Borchard, Association of California Water Agencies, Sacramento
- Luis Calderon, Reiter Affiliated Companies, Oxnard
- John Dmytriw, Index Fresh, Riverside
- Steven Dodge, Acuity Agriculture, San Francisco
- Miranda Driver, CalAgJobs, Woodland
- Lesa Eidman, Superior Farms, Sacramento
- Kate Elmore, Vail Ranches LLC, Brawley
- James Ewart, Delicato Family Vineyards, King City
- Brittany Fagundes, California Olive Ranch, Gridley
- Steven Filter, Filter Farms Inc., Live Oak
- Cherie France, Homegrown Organic Farms, Visalia
- Daniel Hartwig, Woolf Enterprises, Fresno
- Alyssa Houtby, California Citrus Mutual, Visalia
- Betty Lindeman, Stevinson Water District, Los Banos
- Melissa Macfarlane, Driscoll’s Nursery, Red Bluff
- Adam Martinez, Driscoll’s, Watsonville
- Daryn Miller, Monterey Pacific Inc., Templeton
- Sara Neagu-Reed, California Farm Bureau Federation, Sacramento
- Laura Pires, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Tulare
- Jared Plumlee, Booth Ranches LLC, Orange Cove
- Taylor Serres, Serres Ranch, Sonoma
- Mark Unruh, J.G. Boswell Company, Corcoran
- Jake Wenger, Wenger Ranch Inc., Modesto
Congratulations to Class 49!
UNITED STATES - Hurricane season is hitting its peak. Hurricane Florence bumped from a tropical storm to a Category 4 hurricane, as it nears North and South Carolina, according to a report by CNN.
“Florence is quickly becoming a powerful hurricane,” Eric Blake, Hurricane Specialist, wrote, according to AP News. “The bottom line is that there is increasing confidence that Florence will be a large and extremely dangerous hurricane, regardless of its exact intensity.”
The National Hurricane Center reported that by midday (EDT) today, September 10, Florence had sustained winds of 130 mph, was centered about 1,230 miles east-southeast of Cape Fear, North Carolina, and is moving west at 13 mph. The center is expected to travel between Bermuda and the Bahamas Tuesday and Wednesday and will approach the coast of South Carolina and North Carolina on Thursday. Per CNN, Florence is expected to strengthen as it nears the U.S. coast and is expected to become the most powerful storm to hit the region in three decades.
"There is an increasing risk of life-threatening impacts from Florence: storm surge at the coast, freshwater flooding from a prolonged and exceptionally heavy rainfall event inland, and damaging hurricane-force winds," the Hurricane Center said.
The governors of North and South Carolina and Virginia have declared states of emergency, with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster asking President Trump for a federal emergency declaration as both states prepare for the possibility of a large-scale disaster.
“Pretend, assume, presume that a major hurricane is going to hit right smack dab in the middle of South Carolina and is going to go way inshore,” said Governor McMaster, encouraging many residents to prepare to be without power and possibly even evacuate.
According to CNN, Governor Cooper even waived certain transportation restrictions so that local farmers could harvest and move crops more quickly as Hurricane Florence circles closer.
Behind Florence, Hurricane Isaac is set to hit the Caribbean Islands, with Hurricane Helene right behind, but still farther out at sea.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on all weather activity as it relates to fresh produce.
PORTLAND, OREGON - The days of rolling up to a convenience store and getting your fix of sugary treats are long gone. It’s a health-conscious market these days, and Oregon-based Green Zebra, a convenience store specializing in healthy goods, is expanding its footprint to cover the West Coast to meet rising consumer demand.
With offerings like plant-based and vegan items, Kombucha Slushies, local coffee, free-range meat, organic beer, and more, Green Zebra aims to redefine the convenience store experience to not only bolster health and wellness, but also improve the health of neighborhoods.
“We’re not trying to be the food police,” Founder Lisa Sedlar said to the Los Angeles Times. “But if healthy is your thing, we got it. People regularly tells us we are their pantry.”
Currently, Green Zebra is on track to build two dozen locations spanning from San Diego, California, to Seattle, Washington, by 2023, and has the goal of eventually establishing over 100 shops around the West Coast.
While each store is only 5,000 square feet, Green Zebra is also testing “micro-Zebra” outlets to offer shelved and refrigerated goods to new and existing markets.
While major chains like Walmart, Meijer, and Target have all debuted small-format stores in the past couple of years, is Green Zebra the true convenience store to watch in a burgeoning convenience market? And, as many remain leery of Whole Foods Market’s link to Amazon, will Green Zebra be the next local grocer-de-force? AndNowUKnow will continue to report on the latest.
GLENMONT, NY - Red Jacket Orchards (RJO) and New York Apple Sales, Inc. (NYAS) agreed to join their fresh apple marketing programs to provide better service and more opportunities for their customers.
“Bringing our two sales forces together to better serve the apple and juice markets only makes sense,” said Mark Nicholson, Fresh Business President and Co-Owner, RJO. “Presently, we are serving customers at the same time with either fresh apples or fresh juice, and with today’s increasing pressure on trucking logistics, combining our orders will greatly benefit both of our customers. Our plan is for the RJO sales force to continue managing the juice sales, while NYAS will focus on the fresh apple category. Both teams will continue to concentrate on what they do best. Additionally, NYAS’s much larger distribution network will be a huge benefit for both our companies, and more importantly for our customers.”
Mike Messler, Production and Logistics Manager for NYAS added, “Because of new federal regulations, trucking can be a huge problem. The cost of trucking is increasing while the availability of trucks is decreasing. Any consolidation of orders will benefit us all. Also, the RJO juice plant is within 35 miles of the NYAS packing operation where the RJO apples will be packed.”
According to a press release, RJO has built its brand for fresh apples for decades, and over the years has developed a following in New York City and other regional markets.
“We are pleased to now be able to continue the brand penetration with the RJO label in their existing markets, as well as expanding into new markets,” stated John Cushing, VP of Sales for NYAS. “We are excited about having the RJO fresh apple brand in our wheelhouse. Already, I can see the synergies that will take place with customers we are both serving. They do juice, we do apples. It is a great fit! In the future we expect that we can expand both categories.”
He wasn’t the only excited about the merge.
“Both of our companies have deep roots in the New York Apple industry,” said Kaari Stannard, Owner of NYAS. “My step-dad, Marty Michelson, Founder of New York Apple Sales, and Joe Nicholson of RJO, were both industry leaders in the New York apple Industry. Both Joe and Marty were individual entrepreneurs, and they both shared a common goal to grow New York State’s apple industry. With our two companies working together today, we are continuing that goal.”
The Nicholson brothers couldn’t agree more.
“The transition of a family business from one generation to the next is fraught with challenge. However, we just completed the most recent step in that process when Mark and I purchased our father’s portion of the company,” said Brian Nicholson, CEO and Co-Owner of RJO. “Similar to how he spearheaded the company’s growth from a roadside retailer into a commercial apple grower, packer, and shipper after our grandfather retired in the early 1980s, we have set our strategic goals high as well. Mark and I are intent on building a world-class beverage company that is also well grounded in the production of its main raw ingredient in the apple orchard. After examining the opportunities afforded by packing, selling, and distributing through NYAS— specifically their Pomona Packing partners in Wolcott, NY—we decided to cease our fresh apple packing operations in Geneva and move our apples there.”
Kelli Foster manages the branding efforts for RJO, and Jim Allen, Vice President of Marketing, manages the same at NYAS.
“Kelli has been a ‘brand’ builder for RJO and we are looking forward to working with her on all levels,” said Allen. “There’s a wonderful strategic advantage when you can combine an operational power house like NYAS, and a trusted brand of the community like Red Jacket.”
Congratulations to the two companies on this merge!
MCLEAN, VA - Gladstone Land Corporation announced that it has added a farm in northern Florida to its list of land ag leases. The farm totals 574 acres and was acquired for $2.6 million.
“This acquisition adds another strong tenant and farm growing healthy produce to our growing list of owned and leased farmland,” said David Gladstone, President and CEO of Gladstone Land. “We hope to have several more acquisitions to announce throughout the rest of 2018.”
According to a press release, Gladstone Land assumed a lease that has more than two years remaining on it, with a farming operation growing primarily peanuts and melons.
“We are pleased to acquire our first farm in the Florida panhandle,” said Bill Frisbie, Managing Director of Gladstone Land. “This region has very fertile ground and many strong farm operators who we can partner with to continue expanding our farmland holdings in the region.”
Gladstone Land currently owns 80 farms, comprised of 67,632 acres in 9 different states across the U.S., valued at approximately $563 million. Its acreage is predominantly concentrated in locations where its tenants are able to grow fresh produce such as berries and vegetables, almonds, blueberries, and pistachios.
For the latest in fresh produce news, stick with us at AndNowUKnow.
GRAND RAPIDS, MI - Produce for Kids' Jump with Jill campaign is making the Midwestern rounds thanks to help from Meijer. The organization’s rock & roll nutrition show will make its way to 25 schools this fall throughout Grand Chute, WI; Howard, WI; Valparaiso, IN; and Warren, MI with the funds that participating produce suppliers raised during the spring of 2018.
“Our partnership with Produce for Kids allows us to better educate our customers about the importance of making healthy food choices," Meijer Community Partnerships and Giving Senior Director Cathy Cooper shared. “We’re extending the reach of Meijer Health and Wellness initiatives by supporting Jump with Jill and its mission to educate kids about good nutrition.”
Jump with Jill was created by a Registered Dietitian and musician, and the Emmy-nominated nutrition education program is now in its 11th year. The program creates nutrition education songs that are upbeat for students to dance to and engage with topics related to health. After attending the Jump with Jill assemblies, students feel empowered to eat better, according to a press release.
Produce for Kids offers easy, fun, and inspiring recipes that use Meijer’s vast array of fresh fruits and vegetables. Participating suppliers include Wonderful, Honeybear Brands, SUNSET, Grower Direct, RealSweet, Marzetti, Dole, Well-Pict Berries, and Green Giant Fresh.
How will the program change the way other regions throughout the country engage with fresh produce and students? AndNowUKnow will keep you updated with the latest industry trends.
NASHVILLE, TN - Welcoming the fresh produce industry to a setting that I imagine to be Nashville’s own Disneyland, it was a dynamic few days as the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center hosted this year’s Southern Innovations Organic and Foodservice Expo. With 92 booths and upward of 160 retailers and foodservice operators in attendance, this was a showdown of a show.
“We felt that the atmosphere and overall expo was well received by almost every attendee,” David Sherrod, President and CEO of the Southeast Produce Council, shared with me as the festivities came to a close. “The educational content and expert panels were very evident in the standing room-only sessions on Friday morning. The 3 to 4 days were packed with so many networking opportunities, and having Nashville as our backdrop didn’t hurt either. We are looking forward to coming back next year and setting the bar once again!”
And set the bar it did.
Thursday kicked off with SEPC’s Southern Roots reception, an event summarized best by Outgoing Chairman, Faye Westfall.
“Southern Roots is SEPC's networking opportunity which provides a wonderful, intimate environment for mentoring for women in the industry today,” she shared.
Led by Founder and CEO of DMA Solutions’ Dan’l Mackey Almy, women of all positions in fresh produce were presented with more than a networking opportunity. The room saw genuine connections formed as several attendees said they could have gone another hour in a session that was a resounding success.
“It is a very rare occurrence to experience 120 women finding common ground, opening up and sharing ways we can foster and maintain relationships in this industry. I felt so moved to have the opportunity to open up this discussion and to see everyone in the room engaged,” Dan’l told me. “I do believe we all left that session with a desire to improve and strengthen relationships. I believe this session is the exact outcome the Southern Roots leaders had hoped for.”
Thursday wound down with a beautiful reception, where many got to dine on a platform that is usually a musically-synched water show, before Friday morning’s back-to-back educational sessions.
Early risers were treated to key foodservice, organic-focused insights from Blue Apron’s Senior Culinary Director John Adler, Chick-fil-A’s Senior Culinary Lead Chef Stuart Tracy, and TC Restaurant Group’s Chef Tomasz Wosiak in Conception to Table: How Menus are Created.
Moderated by “Supermarket Guru” Phil Lempert, each culinary influencer spoke to everything from meal kit trends and motivations to struggles in getting more fresh produce, organic or conventional, on a bigger portion of the plate.
“I think the thing that we haven’t talked about is people want more produce, they want healthy options, and then they see the price tag associated with it and say, ‘You know, I’m okay with the chicken biscuit.’ The dollar price difference is enough for them to say no,” Adler commented at a point, sharing that while the demand and desire is there, fresh produce can cost as much or more than meat products for foodservice providers.
The panel agreed, hypothesizing that the food industry’s challenge might be either redistributing costs or even convincing consumers that fresh produce should be a higher dollar item like steak or chicken.
Conversations and insights continued into the second educational session Organic Produce Merchandising, with Lempert moderating and posing questions for Chris Dove, VP Produce Category, Merchandising, and Pricing for Food Lion, Vic Savanello, Vice President of Produce for The Fresh Market, and Chris Keetch, Director of Produce and Floral for Giant/Martin’s.
Among the topics were organic produce’s reaching $5.5 billion in sales while produce overall stands at $65.8 billion. The organic industry, the panel shared, also saw 16.4% dollar growth over last year and a 3% increase in trips with organic produce.
After a delicious keynote luncheon, led by legendary college coach and former NFL player Steve Spurrier and surprise speaker Gregory Ibach, Under Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Marketing and Regulators Programs’, the show floor had its “brand” opening—yes, an actual branding of the ribbon was involved.
“The SEPC has long been recognized as a first-class organization and this year's Southern Innovations event in Nashville further established that fact. From the opening reception through the educational sessions and expo, culminating with a toe-tapping dinner dance finale, Tennessee charm and hospitality was on full display!” Chris Keetch reflected.
While it was clear the event has seen growth, too, the intimate feeling of friends reuniting amongst budding business relationships remained.
“The evolution and growth of Southern Innovations has been amazing,” Harold Paivarinta, Education Committee Chair, commented. “The event has doubled in attendance in just two years. This is a testament of our dedicated membership. The SEPC will continue to add valuable content to our Organic and Foodservice Expo that should result in breaking another attendance record when we reconvene in Nashville once again in September 2019.”
Friday night’s festive Roots-N-Boots Dinner Dance can only be described as laughter and tears, starting with the exciting graduation of the STEPP-UPP Class of 2018, and the announcement of the Lifetime Membership Award to Martin Eubanks.
“When we look at our foundation I’ve got four to add,” Martin said as he accepted the honor. “I believe we were founded on faith: we still pray and I think that’s important. Family: we don’t just shake hands, we embrace and we tell each other we love each other and we mean it. And fairness: we give the small grower the same chance as the big corporation. There’s a chance here to be a part of something bigger than yourself.”
Parallel to this award is SEPC’s Next Generation Award, which the council bestows to honor the other half of the equation, presented to Titan Farms’ Director of Packaging Operations and Food Safety, Ross Williams.
Finally, there was the bitter-sweet passing of the torch as the council bid a tearful farewell to Faye Westfall’s term as Chairman, before welcoming her successor, Steve Pinkston, to his new role.
Before flying back into reality, though, SEPC treated attendees to a Saturday of golf, local tours of Music City, and of course, the ultimate “Saturdays in the South” Tailgate Experience.
Needless to say, I can’t wait to see what next year’s event might have in store for us and I hope to get a hint at next spring’s Southern Exposure. See y’all there!
ST. PAUL, MN - Midwestern supermarket titan Hy-Vee is continuing its fast-paced expansion in the St. Paul-Minneapolis metropolitan area. Since making its first foray into the market, Hy-Vee has already become the area’s biggest grocery provider, according to the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, and the chain doesn’t seem to be slowing. According to the news source, Hy-Vee is planning to open 12 supermarkets by the end of the next year.
“We are thrilled to have Hy-Vee,” said Dan Buchholtz, Administrator of Spring Lake Park, a local municipality soon to host a new Hy-Vee. “I think Hy-Vee is being heartily welcomed wherever they go…It will be our biggest single employer, and will be a significant part of our tax base.”
Hy-Vee has yet to pick a date for the Spring Lake Park store, and the company is scheduled to bring proposals forward in Blaine, Minnesota, this month—first to the planning commission on September 11 and to the city council October 4. Should those proposals be accepted, the retailer could begin construction on an 85,000-square-foot store this time next year.
The Twin Cities Pioneer Press also noted that Hy-Vee’s expansion in the St. Paul-Minneapolis area could displace Cub Foods’ share of the market—some 58 stores in the metro area. Since UNFI and Cub Foods’ parent SuperValu announced plans for the former to acquire the latter company earlier in the year, reports have suggested that Cub Foods and SuperValu’s other retail banners may be on the auction block some time in the near future.
Will Hy-Vee continue its rapid growth, and will Cub Foods’ foothold falter? Or could a future transaction change the makeup of the chessboard for these retailers? AndNowUKnow will continue to report.
SAN DIEGO, CA - Since 2005, Organics Unlimited’s GROW social responsibility program has been at the forefront of efforts to improve the lives of growing communities in Mexico and Ecuador.
By offering a portion of the proceeds of every box of GROW organic bananas purchased to support youth educational programs, health clinics, and dental and vision care in Mexico; clean water and early childhood education programs in Ecuador; and disaster relief and environmental initiatives throughout the region, Organics Unlimited has ensured that North American and Asian consumers have healthy and delicious fruit and growing communities have access to necessities.
I recently had the chance to ask Mayra Velazquez de León, President and CEO of Organics Unlimited and GROW, about the program, its reception, and growth opportunities as the Organics Unlimited team looks to tackle a growing number of challenges.
Q: How has GROW flourished over the course of the last 10+ years? How has it changed or evolved since its start?
Mayra Velazquez de León: GROW by Organics
The mission of GROW hasn’t changed but rather expanded into even more communities and programs as the need to support is great all around the world. In addition to the initial education and health programs, GROW has also supported environmental programs and assisting with microbusinesses. The next program that is on the horizon is an initiative that will focus on the problems with the devastation of bee colonies worldwide.
Q: What was the impetus behind GROW and the company's first GROW month?
MV: We started the GROW program as a way to give back to the growing communities in Mexico and Ecuador. In most instances, these communities struggle to provide the very basic necessities such as clean water, medical care, education and more. Organics Unlimited truly believes in making positive social change and we wanted to develop a program that would be sustainable. GROW Month was an idea that started in 2007 as we looked for a way to really focus and target the messages of what GROW was accomplishing.
Q: Why is it important to Organics Unlimited to connect with consumers via the GROW brand?
MV: Consumers like to support brands and companies that give back to others. Raising awareness about the GROW brand and GROW Month efforts gives consumers an opportunity to learn more about what is taking place and how they can get involved or feel reassured that they are making a positive difference in some way by purchasing GROW label bananas at the store. The consumer support is ultimately what makes GROW a sustainable program.
Q: Can you tell me a little, in general, about Organics Unlimited's commitment to transparency and consumer education?
MV: Organics Unlimited’ commitment to transparency and consumer education is top priority. We are completely dedicated to doing our part as a leader in the organic banana and produce industry, to show others how social responsibility can make positive social change and also be good business. It begins with being open and honest as to how consumer dollars are being used to improve the lives of others around the world. Helping others is very important for Organics Unlimited, and we believe in leading by example.
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Q: Is there anything new in the works for Organics Unlimited that you would like to get in front of our readership?
MV: Organics Unlimited has completed its expansion of farmland this year and that will allow us to provide more of the freshest, best-tasting organic bananas on the market to more people throughout the U.S., Canada, and Asia. Our organic coconuts and plantains continue to provide additional produce options for wholesalers looking to provide healthy, tasty, and reliable organic tropical fruit options for their customers. Being fourth-generation organic
Wholesalers, retailers, and consumers can participate in GROW Month on social media throughout September to raise awareness of GROW’s humanitarian work by purchasing GROW labeled organic bananas and sharing hashtag #GROWmonth on Facebook
For more fresh produce news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.
NEW YORK, NY - Amidst FreshDirect’s continued growth, expansion, and innovation, the company’s Founder and CEO, Jason Ackerman—who has been with the company for 20 years—is stepping down. Co-Founder David McInerney will take on the role of CEO, as well as join the Board of Directors.
“Over the last 20 years, we have built and grown this business into an industry leader, one that truly makes a difference in the lives of our customers,” Ackerman expressed. “Building FreshDirect and FoodKick alongside an incredible group of talented people has been a tremendous experience. I am confident the team will continue to drive the business forward and stay true to our unwavering commitment to deliver the best quality food with outstanding customer service.”
Two years ago, the company expanded its portfolio with FoodKick’s launch. The addition of this leg of business included on-demand business for city residents that showcases curated food, alcohol, and essentials. This year, though, the online fresh food grocer will move forward with its FreshDirect Campus, a state-of-the-art facility in New York City’s South Bronx. This development reimagines farm-to-fork food distribution and manufacturing, as it provides high-quality fresh food for customers.
“Jason and I have worked together since the beginning, and we are very proud of what we have accomplished over the years. This is a very exciting time for the company, as we settle into our new home,” McInerney shared. “I look forward to working with the entire FreshDirect team, as we usher the company into this next chapter of growth.”
McInerney was Chief Merchandising Officer before taking on the role of CEO upon Ackerman’s departure. In his previous role, McInerney oversaw food sources, buying, and merchandising. He traveled all over the world to develop relationships with the company’s producer partners.
Congratulations to Jason Ackerman, David McInerney, and FreshDirect on the next chapter!