MONTEREY, CA - PMA is giving fresh produce industry members the chance to interact with revolutionary technologies from across the globe at PMA’s Tech Knowledge Symposium in Monterey, CA. In the name of advancing produce production and consumption in the near future, Ag Tech experts and thought leaders from all sides of the industry will gather from May 11-13.
Among the thought leaders guiding the conversation are Lance Donny, Founder and CEO of OnFarm; Roger Royce, Founder of RoyseLaw AgTech Incubator; Dennis Donohue, President of Royal Rose LLC; and Nathan Dorn, Director of Farming Systems and Mechanization, Reiter Affiliated Companies.
“The produce farm of the future will have greater efficiency in labor, logistics and applied material,” says Donny. “Like we see in commodity crops today, more mechanization in everything from planting and harvesting to application of material will yield more efficiency, and that future isn’t too far off. There are companies working on these problems today.”
The group, facilitated by PMA Chief Science and Technology Officer Dr. Bob Whitaker, will participate in a forward-thinking panel discussion to provide a glimpse into the future of production and emerging technologies in fresh produce – through traceability, improved sanitation, better management of labor costs, reducing product shrink, etc.
Drew McDonald, Vice President of Quality Assurance and Food Safety with Church Brothers shared, “We see technology being employed at the farm with new seed varieties, better ways to manage agronomic inputs and even drones that can serve as next generation data collection platforms to improve yields and enhance product safety.”
The symposium will also attract investors looking to engage with the industry, including four late-startups who will present their ideas to a group of venture capitalists, industry executives and potential customers in the “What’s The Pitch” session.
“These types of sessions directly align with PMA’s goal to address industry’s challenge of increasing food production with fewer resources while bolstering confidence in the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables,” says Whitaker.
He continued by saying that he believes that when scientists and tech professionals help industry members build connections, produce and floral companies can better focus on building consumer demand for the products they grow, ship and sell.
MONTREAL, QC - Montreal is not your average city. In fact, you can almost argue the city is really two diverse styles meshed into one. One rich and sophisticated, while the other is modern and eclectic. This 400-year-old city has some of the most interesting architecture and flavors I've ever experienced, and much of this can be attributed to its unique position as both a historical and contemporary cultural hotspot.
Last week, we got a chance to check out a few incredible places in Montreal during CPMA’s 90th Annual Convention and Trade Show and compiled a list of some of our favorite places to check out in Montreal, one of the most impressive foodie cities in the globe. Montreal is a city that delicately mixes both the ancient and the modern, and this list reflects some of the best of both these worlds. Next time you’re in the city, don’t miss these must-see places.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal is the oldest area of the city, with some buildings dating back as far as the 1600s. Today, the city has grown to be one of the most eclectic and charming that I've ever visited. One minute you're standing next to a gorgeous brick church and wandering through Paris-style alleys, and the next you're navigating through modern office buildings. There is a ton of history, with Montreal being one of the oldest cities in North America, but there is also a bustling nightlife. Take a cab or a horse-drawn carriage and explore every inch you can.
Gibby’s
Located in the heart of Old Montreal (and more importantly, a few blocks from our hotel) this iconic restaurant is known only by one name: Gibby’s. When you walk in through these 200-year-old doors, you feel like you’ve stepped into simpler times, where all you need is a glass of wine and a giant steak. Complete with house-made pickles and bacon bits for the table, the excellent food, superb service and warm atmosphere of this renowned world-class restaurant will make you want to come back again and again.
Le Local
Whereas Gibby’s is a restaurant of old world charm, Le Local restaurant offers a unique urban concept. The restaurant boasts an interesting and lovely blend of rustic and modern. And even better than the decor, the food was to die for. Carpaccio, foie gras, scallops, Burrata… I have to admit I couldn’t even save room for my main course. Definitely worth coming to at least once for anyone lucky enough to spend a few days in Montreal.
Sarah B
Located inside Montreal’s Intercontinental Hotel, this absinthe bar is named after French dramatic actress from the 1800s, Sarah Bernhardt. From the moment you walk in, the inspiration is evident from the bar’s sophisticated ambiance. Unlike the United States, genuine absinthe (wormwood included) is legal in Canada, so if you choose partake during your stay, I could not recommend a better location. The French inspired food next door in the hotel’s resident restaurant Osco! is also definitely worth a mention.
L Hotel
If the personality of Montreal could be summed up in one location, that location may very well be the L Hotel in Old Montreal. Montreal’s only “boutique hotel-museum” was originally built in 1870 to serve as the headquarters of the Montreal City and District Savings Bank. Today, L Hotel is essentially a live-in museum that mixes eclectic style and traditional class. Beyond the old French-style brick walls, guests are surrounded by original Warhols, Lichtensteins, Chagalls, and Boteros, to name just a few.
Notre Dame Basilica
Founded in 1642 before the city of Montreal even existed, Notre Dame Basilica is easily one of the most beautiful buildings on the city’s skyline. Renowned for its rich interior and daring architecture, the basilica attracts hundreds and thousands of visitors from around the world. In my opinion, the pictures speak for themselves on why this is such an amazing place to visit.
We loved Montreal and its eclectic charm, but can’t wait to check out Calgary for next year’s CPMA Convention. See you there!
IRVINE, CA - The California Avocado Commission is highlighting a wide range of recipe ideas to show the versatility of avocados while still “keeping menus green.”
The Commission emphasizes both the convenience and the presentation of adding an avocado flourish, according to a press release, keeping both white tablecloth style restaurants and minimal service atmospheres in mind.
Among the ideas the California Avocado Commission has available on its website for restaurants to try are:
Island Ceviche Tacos
Click here for the recipe for Island Ceviche Tacos.
California Avocado Chicken Sliders
Click here for the recipe for California Avocado Chicken Sliders.
Grilled Fajita Salad with California Avocados and Serrano Vinaigrette
Click here for the recipe for Grilled Fajita Salad with California Avocados and Serrano Vinaigrette.
Chicken & Shrimp Diablo with California Avocado
Click here for the recipe for Chicken & Shrimp Diablo with California Avocado.
California Avocado Dungeness Crab Tower
Click here for the recipe for California Avocado Dungeness Crab Tower.
Avos Avos Avos Trio Appetizer
Click here for the recipe for Avos Avos Avos.
Each item is meant to compliment the natural, smooth texture of avocados, according to the release. The diversity of dishes provide options for several different kinds of cuisine, so it can be as flexible as the foodservice industry needs it to be.
For all the latest on industry news and promotions, continue to follow AndNowUKnow.
PHOENIX, AZ - Vision Produce is making its move to harness the power of the desert sun this April. A new $536,000 solar power generation system at its produce distribution center in Phoenix, AZ will include 1,930 solar panels and is expected to generate 377,580 kwh per year.
"Because of having so many sun days during the calendar year in Phoenix, it just seems like the logical thing to do," said Bill Vogel, President of Vision Produce.
The power generated by the panels will mitigate annual emissions of 260 metric tons of CO2, equivalent to 55 passenger vehicles, 620,000 driven miles or 29,200 gallons of gasoline every year, according to a press release.
The First Solar Cadmium Telluride solar modules being installed in this project are well fit to work in the AZ desert, as the nature of its thin film technology enables them to produce more energy per rate watt due to their superior performance above rated temperatures. The new system is expected to supply 59% of the electricity Vision Produce uses in Phoenix every year. During the summer months, the solar system will even produce a surplus of solar energy, which will be sold back to the Salt River Project one of Arizona’s largest utility companies.
The system, which uses a mounting structure that doesn't penetrate the roof, is being funded with support from JP Morgan Chase. The company says the project was attractive financially despite Salt River’s recent action to end their net metering policy for commercial solar projects. Salt River is also due to contribute an incentive of $9,960. For the execution of this program, Vision partnered with Wilson Electric, a solar installer company ranked “No. 1 Solar Installer and Large Electrical Contractor” by Ranking Arizona. Wilson Electric has installed over 60 megawatts of solar power in Arizona and New Mexico.
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - The Transition Services Agreement (TSA) Supervalu and Albertsons agreed to as part of the initial sale made in 2013 is winding down, prompting the companies to go into a written agreement to tie it off.
In 2013, Albertsons LLC acquired Acme, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, and Shaw’s and Star Market banners from Supervalu, for which the TSA was made.
As it stands, the TSA is currently set to expire in late September of 2016, unless renewed, according to the Form 8-K that was filed with the SEC.
Under the agreements set on Thursday, April 16, Supervalu will receive eight payments of $6.25 million from Albertson’s, totalling in aggregate fees of $50 million. This will be in addition to what Supervalu already receives from the established TSA.
Originally, the TSA filed between the two companies was set to expire on September 21, 2015, with the same parameters of only being extended if both parties filed to do so a year in advance. Albertsons decided to exercise that right as of last September, postponing the expiration and prolonging Supervalu’s transition services.
According to the 8-K Form, Supervalu anticipates that these new agreements will be enough to cover any costs of their providing the transition and wind down services. The current parameters, the form continues, should be enough to offset any future decline in TSA fees from stores and distribution centers being removed in the process of winding down.
PAKISTAN - While you may love to put salt on your french fries, salt is not always the perfect partner for potato growers. Last week, Netherlands Ambassador Marcel de Vink visited Pakistan for the first-ever harvest of salt-resistant potatoes. A combination of Dutch agricultural innovation and Pakistani entrepreneurship, these potatoes represent a huge step for the potato industry.
“For a long time, it was not considered possible to grow potatoes in saline conditions. Conventional wisdom was that potatoes could only grow with water that was either fresh or at best moderately saline,” a statement from the Dutch Embassy said.
De Vink says he is truly impressed by the development.
“These unique potatoes – a prime example of Dutch innovation in agriculture – can enable cultivation in saline areas. This is a great opportunity for Pakistan and the world. I commend MetaMeta, Jaffer Brothers, Salt Farm Texel, the USAID, and the SIDA on the tremendous success of this joint effort,” De Vink said.
With the support of the Securing Water for Food Programme, the USAID, the SIDA, and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs tolerant potato varieties were selected and introduced at test locations throughout Pakistan. Planting started early December of last year and farmers could hardly believe that such difficult salt-affected soils (>8 dS/m) and water sources were chosen, according to The Express Tribune. Normally, potatoes would never come up in those conditions.
“The combination of salt-tolerant varieties, adapted agricultural practices, and conjunctive water use resulted in a very acceptable expected yield of 20 tonne of potatoes per hectare,” the Dutch statement said.
“With millions of hectares of salt-affected land, this innovation is a genuine breakthrough,” said Dr. Maqbool of Jaffar Brothers.
Dr. Van Steenbergen of MetaMeta Research added, “The importance of growing high-value crops like potatoes in hostile environments goes beyond Pakistan.”
Globally, no less than 1 billion hectares of land suffers from different forms of salinity.
Following this year’s encouraging trials, a larger number of locations are being developed to test the salt tolerance and to develop a balanced package of measures.
MEXICO - Juan Ariel Reyes, President of the Mexican Association of Protected Agriculture (AMHPAC), with producers in 25 states of the Mexican Republic, took the time to talk with AndNowUKnow about what the association has to offer the produce industry. AMHPAC specifically deals in protected agriculture, spanning from shadehouse to glass greenhouse growing.
To learn about how many producers work with AMHPAC, when they grow, and to receive a special invitation, check out the 48 second video above.
SUMMERLAND, B.C. - Jennifer Armen has been named Director of Business Development and Marketing for Okanagan Specialty Fruits (OSF), and is now an official employee of OSF’s parent company, Intrexon Corporation.
“Jennifer has been a driving force in the development and approval processes for nonbrowning Arctic® apples, not to mention her importance in our public education and industry outreach efforts,” said OSF President Neal Carter. “She has been an integral part of our team at OSF for years, and we are thrilled that she is now dedicating her full-time efforts to our management team.”
Armen, a 30-year veteran of the produce industry, had been working at her own company, The Armen Group, as a consultant since July 2009. While OSF had been among her chief clients, she will now become a full-time member of OSF’s Senior Management Team.
Armen has held quite a few positions throughout the produce industry, including roles with Nunhems, Syngenta, Pace International, and Frieda’s. According to a press release, Armen has primarily worked in management-level positions with an emphasis on business development and marketing of novel technologies. Armen holds a bachelor’s degree with honors in Botany from the University of Vermont, and a Master of Science in Plant Pathology from North Carolina State University.
“OSF’s passion for improving the food we produce through innovation is second-to-none, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help introduce Arctic® apples, and many other value-added biotech products which will offer value throughout the supply chain,” Armen says.
In her now expanded role, Armen will drive OSF’s business strategy to market the firm’s nonbrowning Arctic® apple varieties and will oversee all aspects of commercial development for the company. Arctic® apples received commercial approval in Canada and the U.S. earlier this year, and Armen will be working with OSF’s partners to bring the company’s first two nonbrowning varieties, Arctic® Granny and Arctic® Golden to market. She will also be responsible for the development of new market initiatives, assessing new markets and analyzing business opportunities for OSF.
SEATTLE, WA - A semi-truck carrying 14 million honey bees bound for a blueberry farm in Lynden, Washington flipped over at about 3:30 Friday morning.
According to the Seattle Times, the accident resulted in a total loss of $92,000. Seth Thompson of Belleville Farms told Seattle Times that it’s “a huge blow” for the family business. Eight employees from the farm suited up, he said, to help responders, with beekeepers on the scene as early as 4:30 in the morning.
Firefighters and state troopers were also there with hoses to contain the situation.
“Everybody’s been stung,” Sgt. Ben Lewis of the State Patrol said, according to the report. “This is a first.”
Of the 448 hives endangered when the truck overturned, only about 128 could be saved before the sun came up and the weather halted the process, according to the report. Unfortunately many of the bees had to be taken down with water or foam, being very difficult to sort back into the correct hives once released, according to Mark Emrich, President of the Washington State Beekeepers Association.
“They’re little flying solar panels,” Emrich told the Seattle Times. "As soon as light hits them, they want to be active.”
The driver of the overturned truck was uninjured, according to Sgt. Lewis. While no criminal charges were filed at the wreck, he could face traffic citations and investigators are currently looking into if speed was a factor in the collision.
As for the public, it was reported that the bees are not any kind of menace and normally won’t even sting unless threatened. Responders did, however, caution drivers passing through to keep the windows and vents closed to prevent any unwanted passengers.
SOUTHEASTERN, U.S. - Storms throughout Texas and other parts of the South this past weekend caused flash floods and dumped large amounts of rain and hail in several of the region’s counties.
The area around Pasadena, TX received 3.6 inches of rain in only a span of 30 minutes late Friday, with the city of Houston receiving nearly three inches of rain. About 78,000 customers were without power in the metro area early Saturday, according to ABC News.
NBC News reported golf ball-sized hail, ranging from 1.25 inches across in Stafford, Kansas, to 2.5 inches across in Baylor County, Texas.
As of 7:00 PM Saturday, there were more than three dozen reports of severe weather from Texas up to Nebraska and northeastern Colorado. The majority of the reports were of large hail, however, tornadoes were also reported from Colorado to Texas.
On Sunday, the threat for severe weather pushed even farther east, affecting more than 50 million Americans from eastern Texas to the Carolinas, according to The Weather Channel.
In addition to the two EF1 tornadoes in southeast Alabama, the National Weather Service said that numerous rail cars were overturned due to the storm.
For the rest of the week, it will be the East Coast's turn, according to The Weather Channel. A cold front is sweeping in that may bring severe storms all the way up to New York State and will spread across the southern Plains through Wednesday.
Keep checking AndNowUKnow for updates on how this and other storms may affect the industry.