MIAMI, FL – Right in time for the 4^th of July, the National Hurricane Center has named Arthur the first tropical storm of the season.  Beyond holiday plans, how might this storm affect citrus crops in the Southeast?

In a hurricane preparedness fact sheet for citrus growers, the University of Florida IFAS Extension says, “Tropical storm winds are sustained between 39 and 73 mph. At these velocities, light damage to groves will occur in the form of twigs and branches broken off trees, fruit knocked off, and the first and/or second row of trees on the windward side may have an occasional tree pushed over.”  Luckily, this is not much of a concern.

At this point in the storm’s development, the main impact will be rain.  "Some spots may pick up around 5 inches (of rain) if they get hit with the squalls," but rainfall is more likely to be 1 to 3 inches, said Tony Cristaldi, a Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Melbourne, Florida. Tropical Storm Arthur's winds are expected to be 20 to 30 mph and could bring a foot or two of beach erosion, according to USA Today.

A tropical storm watch has already been issued for Florida’s east coast, from Fort Pierce to Flagler Beach. As of early Tuesday afternoon, CBS Miami reported that the storm was located 80 miles east-southeast of Cape Canaveral and was moving to the northwest at near 5 mph with maximum sustained winds of near 40 miles per hour.

Weather.com forecasts the storm from now through the holiday:

• Wednesday:  A slow north-northeast crawl will continue. The system's center will likely move east of the northeast Florida coast. Situated over the Gulf Stream, Arthur will continue to gather strength.
• Thursday:  Arthur should bend toward the northeast and accelerate, and will be located somewhere near or off the coast of the Carolinas. Arthur may be a strong tropical storm and has a chance of intensifying to a Category 1 hurricane.
• Friday:  Arthur makes its closest approach to eastern North Carolina (Outer Banks), possibly extreme southeast Virginia, then takes a sharper northeast turn out into the open Atlantic, as the jet stream westerlies exert their steering influence. 

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for developments on Arthur and any other tropical systems should they develop.

National Hurricane Center

NEW YORK CITY, NY - As Argentine officials head to New York to meet with representatives from U.S. hedge fund NML Capital Ltd in the hopes of finding some agreement which would allow them to avoid default, American produce powerhouses in Salinas may be seeing an opportunity for a major investment. 

As AndNowUKnow covered in a previous article, a combination of sky-rocketing inflation and increasing food prices have created what could be a prime market for foreign land purchases in Argentina. USA Today reported that estimates for 2014's inflation rate are between 25-40%, unsustainable numbers for any economy. Because of this serious devaluation of the peso, the purchasing power of the U.S. dollar has risen considerably for Argentine products. An American investor looking to speculate could use these exchange rates to their advantage, buying up acres and acres of relatively cheap Argentine farmland.

This latest escalation in the Argentine debt crisis comes in the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court's refusal to hear a case to overturn the previous ruling of U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Griesa. Judge Griesa had ruled that Argentina must repay the full $1.5 billion it owes NML in defaulted bonds NML holds from Argentina's 2001 default.

According to MSN, Argentina had hoped to be able to make interest payments on its current bond obligations without having to also make payments on the defaulted bonds. Payments on these defaulted bonds could trigger payments on additional defaulted bonds owned by other investors amounting to $15 billion. For a country with just $29 billion in reserves, only $16 billion of which is not tied to IMF loans and other illiquid assets, this situation would mean disaster.

"Why not pay the $1.5 billion and end it," reflected President Fernandez in a Business Insider article. "Because there is another more serious problem that the 1% of holdouts create. There's another 7% that, if we pay NML their $1.5 billion, Argentina has to pay them $15 billion...That's half of all the reserves in our Central Bank."

Starting Monday, June 30th, the Argentine government has a 30-day grace period to pay its obligations or work out an acceptable payment plan with its creditors. If it is unable to do either it will default. 

Regardless of what happens, it will be a situation which you can be sure foreign investors will monitor closely.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to cover this developing story. 

NEWARK, DE – Attendees at this year’s PMA Foodservice Conference will get a look at leading crops in an exclusive visit to the fields and facilities at Ocean Mist Farms, Naturipe, and Braga Fresh Family Farms on the Behind the Scenes: Field & Plant Tour.

Registrants will also get a field-to-fork perspective on these crops while learning about growing, picking and culinary preparation tips. 

The Ocean Mist Farms stop of the tour will show off its premium fresh vegetables with a focus on its heirloom artichokes and Brussels sprouts.  “This will be our ninth year hosting the PMA Foodservice tour groups,” said Kori Tuggle, Director of Marketing & Business Development at Ocean Mist Farms.  “The event is right in our backyard, and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase our program and educate attendees about the commodities we grow.”

At Naturipe, attendees will tour strawberry, blackberry and raspberry fields along with a sustainability-driven packing facility, according to a press release.  Kyla Oberman, Naturipe’s Marketing Manager said, “The most valuable asset to us is showing rather than explaining how we do things.  To see the harvesting and experience the various processes that happen between the field and the cooler are things that all of our customers should see to truly understand everything involved in berry production.”

The Braga Fresh stop will share insights on how it produces organic and conventional leafy greens, broccoli, beets and a growing line of herbs.  “Everyone who visits Braga Ranch gains appreciation for the complexity of agriculture and the bond of a generational family farm,” explains Rod Braga, President & CEO of Braga Fresh Family Farms.  “We’re excited about the opportunity to welcome PMA members and students to our home ranch and give them a unique education about what it takes to grow and distribute fresh, healthy vegetables around the world.”

This is the 33^rd year of PMA’s Foodservice Conference & Expo, a networking opportunity for members of the fresh produce supply chain to come together and build business connections.  The three-day event will bring over 1,700 foodservice and produce industry leaders together.  Foodservice operators like Wal-Mart, Chick-fil-A, Brinker International and regional and independent companies will be in attendance, according to a press release.

The conference will also feature educations sessions and discussions on ways to increase the role of fresh produce in foodservice.  For more information and registration, visit the PMA Foodservice website.

PMA

Naturipe

Ocean Mist

Braga Fresh

OVIEDO, FL - Professional chefs have long loved celery for the way it can enhance the flavor profile of their dishes, but now Duda Farm Fresh Foods is hoping to make celery a foodservice staple by highlighting the convenience and versatility of this delicious vegetable.

Susan Noritake, Director of Fresh Cut Sales at Duda, was to-the-point in her promotion of Duda's increased focus on its wide variety of celery products for the foodservice industry: “Let’s talk stalk,” she said.

Years of selective breeding and market testing has allowed Duda to grow celery throughout the United States while maintaining the vibrant green color and naturally sweet taste that customers look to celery for. Whether they're buying traditional celery stalks, diced celery, or any of Duda's other celery products, Duda is confident that buyers will be exceedingly happy with the quality of the product.

Duda also hopes that the combination of the quality of their celery and its Dandy® celery line will allow it to be able to increase celery sales to schools this year. The Dandy® 1.6-ounce, 2.5-ounce and 3-ounce single serving celery stick packs are perfect for any school’s healthy meal or snack program.

Foodservice companies will also enjoy the dependability which Duda is able to provide because its celery is delivered by in-house freight experts supported by a logistics team that doesn't rely on the open truck market for deliveries. Direct relationships with the trucking companies have given Duda the ability to request trucks dedicated specifically for Dandy product deliveries.

“Our consistent truck supply means on-time deliveries and excellent customer service,” said Jeff Goodale, Duda's Business Development Manager. “From across town to across the world, let our team take care of your logistics.”

Duda will be marketing its celery products, as well as its multitude of fresh citrus fruits, at this summer's PMA Foodservice Expo. Sponsor chefs will be on hand to prepare dishes centered around Duda celery, dishes which attendees will later have a chance to take a crack at themselves. According to a press release, the PMA Foodservice Expo will be held on Saturday, July 26th. 

Duda Farm Fresh Foods

IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO – This past weekend, Kingston Fresh’s team was “Running for a Cause” in the annual “Bone & Back’ 40-Mile Relay Race.” 

Ken Nabal, Kingston President, was in attendance to cheer the team on.  “This is one of our favorite local events that our company gladly supports.  We remain committed to the local communities in which we operate both domestically and abroad.  This occasion is especially important as it is right here at home in Idaho Falls.  Our two teams of runners did a great job and the weather was perfect.”

David O. Kingston, Kingston Companies CEO, added, “What an excellent way to make a difference in our community. I commend our entire team who supported this race.  It not only gives our company a chance to support local charities but fosters team building and promotes exercise.  That’s a win-win!”

The company had two teams of eight where each runner had to carry the ‘Bone baton’ for a 5-mile leg before handing off to the next teammate, according to a press release.  The race started in Idaho Falls and runners raced through the mountains and windmills to Bone, ID and back.

Proceeds from the event support local charities in Idaho.

Kingston Fresh

WASHINGTON, DC – The USDA has announced that Isadore A. Rapasadi & Sons Inc. satisfied a reparation order issued under PACA.

The Canastota, N.Y., company may continue operating in the produce industry after applying for and receiving a PACA license.  Robert S. Rapasadi, the company’s sole officer and major stockholder, may now be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee, according to a press release.

Once a reparation order is fully satisfied and it is confirmed that there are not any outstanding unpaid awards, USDA lifts the employment restrictions of the previously named, responsibly connected individuals.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 4,600 claims filed under PACA involving more than $87 million. Individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without the approval of the USDA. The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA.

Agricultural Marketing Service

LOS ANGELES, CA - The world of fine Italian cusine in Southern California got a big bump over the past week with confirmation coming from Eataly that they will be building a new store in Los Angeles' Westfield Century City. According to the Eater LA, the new location is part of a $700 million upgrade to the Westfield center which will expand it by 422,000 square feet, making room for new restaurants, an outdoor plaza, and of course, Eataly.

The intention is to make Westlake "a landmark destination truly international in impact and scale," the Eater reported. 

Since opening its first store in 2008, Eataly has become a mecca for foodies and lovers of fine Italian food.

“Finding the best quality products is just part of our manifesto. We are trying to establish a way for everyone to access good food in the world. Eataly combines our Italian soul with local culture that is specific to every store. Our goal is to create trademark eating and dining experiences that align with the way we were raised to appreciate food in Italy. Every store and its concept is also designed in-house by our collaborators and architects. We are bringing a little bit of our home to your doorstep,” Eataly Partner Dino Borri told AndNowUKnow in an interview.

Eataly features 7 Italian themed sit down restaurants, a wide selection of upscale fresh produce and fine wines, as well as conviniences that many American shoppers might not be acustomed to like an on-site vegetable butcher.

The new Eataly location will be opening its doors in the spring of 2017, reports the Eater.

For more information on Eataly you can check out the Winter 2014 edition of our hardcopy publication: The Snack.  

Eataly

LOS ALAMITOS, CA - Frieda’s authentic Hatch Green Chiles are back this season with good volume and supply expected for the rest of Summer. Hatch Chiles will be available from August through September.

“We have worked with many of our retail partners on their Hatch Chile roasting events in the past few years, and shoppers just love them,” said Karen Caplan, President and CEO of Frieda’s. “In addition to the ‘Chile Heads’ who bust the door for them every year, new fans are showing up and curious foodies are stopping by.”

Hatch Chiles are grown exclusively in the Mesilla Valley near Hatch, New Mexico, according to a press release. They’re well known for their robust flavor and the zesty fragrance released when they are roasted over an open flame, according to a press release.

Frieda’s will offer four heat levels of Hatch Chiles – mild, medium, hot, and extra hot – in 25 pound cases.

To find out more about Frieda’s Hatch Chile Program, call (714) 826-6100 today.

Frieda’s

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - With the contracts for 20,000 dock workers due to expire at midnight on Monday night, The International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and the Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) are sounding positive about their efforts to reach a new labor agreement.

"Dockworkers are looking forward to negotiating a fair agreement that protects the good jobs and benefits that support thousands of families and dozens of communities around West Coast ports," ILWU President Bob McEllrath said in a report by the Wall Street Journal.

Echoing him, ILWU spokesman Craig Merrilees said, "In fact, the negotiations are proceeding normally with talks characterized by both sides as 'positive' and 'productive.'"

Retailers and economists across the country certainly hope for a speedy resolution of this conflict which threatens to further disrupt an already fragile U.S. economy. This is because any closure of America's western ports, especially those at Seattle, Los Angeles, and Long Beach, California could have dire economic consequences. According to a study by the Interindustry Forecasting Project at the University of Maryland, the results of even a 5-day shut-down would be estimated to reduce GDP by $1.9 billion a day, disrupt 73,000 jobs, and reduce the purchasing power of the average American household by $81. These costs would only grow with the length of the strike.

"If there's a strike or a walkout that lasts for five days, it would be approximately a $2 billion per day loss to the economy. If it goes on longer than that, it could be as high as $2.5 billion a day," said Matthew Shay, CEO of the National Retail Federation, to reporters at CNBC.

Realizing the stakes, both parties remained committed to continuing talks even past the midnight deadline. "Negotiations will continue on Monday and likely to continue into mid-July," a spokesman for the PMA told CNBC.

Retailers nonetheless have been preparing themselves in the event of a worst case scenario. A recent survey by Wolfe Research showed that 30% of the 50 shippers questioned reported increased port shipments coming in during the 2nd fiscal quarter as retailers stocked up for summer. A survey by Buckingham Research of railway shippers revealed similar findings.

Kelly Kolb, Vice President of Government Affairs at the Retail Industry Leaders Association, said, "While the retail community remains hopeful that a deal can be reached before the current contract expires, memories of the challenges from 2002 are still fresh in the minds of many. During the work stoppage of those negotiations, the American economy lost nearly a billion dollars a day, as goods passed out of season and produce rotted on the docks."

For now however, all industry insiders can do is wait for news of an agreement and hope for the best.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for developments on this ongoing situation.