SALINAS, CA - “The most important thing that humanity has to do in the next 20 years is to feed itself in ways that are sustainable, plentiful, and equitable. Technology can drive that effort,” Dan Bigman, Managing Editor at Forbes, tells me. “We have a huge opportunity to reinvent the way we approach food production and accessibility, and we hope that this summit can bring the right minds together.”
As we previously reported, Forbes, in partnership with SVG Partners and The Steinbeck Innovation Cluster, will host “Reinventing America: The AgTech Summit” this July 8-9, 2015 in Salinas, California. The invitation-only event will bring together the Silicon Valley and global agriculture in the Salinas Valley, California, to address some of the world’s most critical food challenges.
Keynote speakers will include Bruce Taylor, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Farms, Dr. Robert Fraley, EVP and CTO of Monsanto and Neal Gutterson, VP Research of DuPont, as well as others.
To request an invitation, please click the button below:
Request an Invitation to Forbes Reinventing America: The AgTech Summit
Forbes’ audience is largely made up of investors and entrepreneurs looking to engage in news, opportunities and information about business, investing, technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. So, it made sense to Dan that Forbes should partner with SVG Partners and The Steinbeck Innovation foundation; a company whose goal is to help younger generations become entrepreneurs, drive innovation in fields and factories, and bring high tech to industrial zones.
“There is so much happening in and around agriculture. There couldn’t be a bigger market at this time. We are going to see the population jump from 7 billion to 9 billion people in the next 30 years and food production is already an issue,” Dan says.
By pooling their resources and intelligence, Forbes and Steinbeck are looking to bridge the gap between technology and agriculture, between the Silicon Valley and the Salinas Valley.
“While we are both reasonably close in proximity, there has been a lack of communication. Where there is a lack, we see an opportunity,” he notes.
The summit will address challenges from water related issues in California and the U.S. Southwest, to weather prediction technology, the biotech revolution, labor, and robotic farming. The question that encompasses it all: What does the farmer of the future look like?
“Increasing the production per acre will also be a hot topic as population increases and acreage stays the same. These issues all tie into trade policy, regulation, government involvement and non-involvement…we are on the search to find a balance.”
You can also expect local beers and wine, tours of farms and facilities in the area, high-caliber speakers and presenters as well as plenty of occasions to network and be amazed.
See you all in Salinas in July!
SOUTHEAST U.S. - Heavy rains, severe storms, and possible flooding will plague parts of the South today, and could continue throughout the week.
The northern Gulf Coast is already being drenched by more than 7 inches of rain. The Weather Channel reports 11 inches of rain in Cottondale, Florida, and a record breaking 7.28 inches in Mobile, AL. As of 10 a.m. CDT today, one to two inches of rain have fallen in the some parts of Texas, with 2 more inches expected before Monday is through.
A flash flood warning is already in place for Collin, Denton, and Grayson Counties until 2 p.m CT, according to Texas news source WFAA. Residents of the Southeast U.S. should expect hail or strong wind gusts, but this does not appear to be a widespread severe weather event.
The main area that will be affected by the storms stretches across central and eastern Texas, including Dallas, Ft. Worth, Austin, San Antonio and Houston, according to The Weather Channel. A few severe storms could reach as far east as the northern Gulf Coast.
The Weather Channel predicts that storms will continue across the South on Tuesday. Though the severe thunderstorm threat will be low overall, a few cannot be ruled out in the south-central states.
Some portions of the South have been experiencing abnormally dry conditions over the past several weeks, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. AccuWeather reports that this rain will help to alleviate these dry conditions heading into the start of the growing season.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we follow the storm's path through the region.
UNITED KINGDOM - Tesco’s sales and profits are slipping, reportedly resulting in a £3 billion (almost $4.5 billion) writedown on the company’s annual results that are due towards the end of this month.
According to The Telegraph, the company’s losses are a result of falling profits, sales, and the closure of more than 40 stores.
Barclays analysts, who are projecting the outcomes of the reports based on the current market and recent financial reports from the company, also caution that Tesco could report a balloon deficit of over £5 billion (about $7.3 billion) as well.
"These issues are widely understood – and impairments are clearly non-cash – but releasing a full set of financial statements may bring more mixed reactions than did January's strategic overview,” James Anstead, analyst at Barclays, told The Telegraph. He also stated that this report will be more balance sheet-focused while January’s report focused primarily on sales trends, cost savings and profit forecasts.
While Tesco competitor Sainsbury's and Morrisons has also reported a pre-tax loss, it is not nearly to the extent of Tesco’s numbers due to the difference in the size of retailers.
According to the report, Tesco’s shares did see an increase, rising to 2.70 as of Friday, possibly due to an increase in grocery sales that took place over the last month. Mike Watkins, Nielson’s Head of Retailer and Business Insight, credits much of this to a shifting grocery industry. Watkins specifically cites retailers Aldi and Lidl’s advertising strategies, who spend the most on advertising, which are helping to change the perceptions and expectations of the UK consumer.
AndNowUKnow will continue to report on this story as it develops, so stay tuned.
WENATCHEE, WA - Sliced Ambrosia™ apples will be sold in portable, resealable packages from Crunch Pak. This latest product will be available for purchase in supermarkets to capitalize, according to CMI, on the demand from consumers for this new varietal.
“We’re very excited about the new sliced Ambrosia™ available from Crunch Pak,” Steve Lutz, Vice President of Marketing for CMI, said in a press release. “Demand by consumers for Ambrosia™ surged this season so it makes perfect sense for retailers to have one more way to cash in on this spectacular apple.”
Lutz added that just this year, almost 3,000 supermarkets had added the Ambrosia™ variety to their apple mix, which he credited to the fact that consumers are seeking it out.
Crunch Pak and CMI sent the sliced product out to a random selection of consumers on the Ambrosia™ Facebook page and received overwhelmingly positive feedback, according to the release. A couple of the testimonials focused, in particular, the how much they enjoyed the resealable bag, as well as the “freshness” and “crisp” texture of the slices.
“Our shoppers are apple savvy; they know what they like and they look for their favorite varieties like Ambrosia™ in the store,” Krista Jones, Director of Brand Development and Product Innovation at Crunch Pak, said.
Crunch Pak, which is responsible for the slicing of the Ambrosia™ apples for its variety-specific peel and reseal bags, is the established leader for the sliced apple category, according to Lutz, adding that CMI is excited to be working with them.
For the latest products and industry news, keep checking in with AndNowUKnow.
OXNARD, CA – Following the recent trend of organic produce expansion, Deardorff Family Farms is adding kales, chards, and butter lettuces to its line-up from the Salinas Valley.
This week in Salinas kicked off the first harvest of bunch items, including Red, Green, and Black kales, as well as Red, Green, and Rainbow Chards. Luke Patruno of the company's Organics Sales team says. “We’ve had tremendously great success with the addition of Organic Kales & Chards. These increased offerings in Salinas along with continuing in full swing at our Oxnard location allows our customers flexibility and convenience.”
The new program is an addition to the partnership between the Deardorff and the Bunn families – who are both 4th generation growers with over seventy years of farming experience. The company’s full line-up of items now includes Romaine, green leaf, red leaf, red butter lettuce, green butter lettuce, celery, cauliflower, broccoli, and the new bunching items.
Organic cauliflower and broccoli are in its third week of harvest, with steady production and quality, according to a press release. The cauliflower is offered in 9, 12, and 16 count packs, while the broccoli is offered in 14 count packs. These items will be available through June, taking a summer break and starting up again from September through November.
“Organics continues to be a growth segment for our company and having the opportunity to work with outstanding growers like the Bunns allows us to meet our customers’ demand for high quality, consistent supply of Deardorff Organics products,” said Deardorff President Tom Deardorff, II.
Red and green butter lettuce are two new offers joining the leaf items in Salinas this year. Harvest will begin early May, along with the Romaine, Green and Red Leaf lettuces, with lettuces available from early May through September.
BOISE, ID - AB Acquisition LLC, parent company of Albertsons and Safeway Inc., has announced that Bob Miller will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. The prior CEO, Robert Edwards, will continue on with the company as Vice Chairman.
"As CEO of Safeway, Robert made tough decisions that led to significant improvements in Safeway's shareholder value and positioning the company for the future," said Miller. "The last year has been a time of great change for our companies, and we appreciate Robert's leadership during this critical time.”
Edwards, who will now be providing counsel to the Board and the organization on key strategic and integration matters, said, "It's been a privilege to work with Bob and our teams as we've brought these companies together, and I'm extremely proud of the work we've completed and the foundation we've created for the future. We've made significant strides in the time since the merger has closed, and I feel comfortable turning my focus to other matters that will be of the best benefit to the company."
Albertsons also announced further restructuring of its executive leadership team and introduced the “Office of the CEO.” The new office will support the day-to-day operations of the company's 14 divisions and 2,200 stores.
In addition to Miller, the Office of the CEO will be comprised of the following executives:
Wayne Denningham, Chief Operating Officer for all of the company's regions
Denningham began his career with Albertsons, Inc. in 1977, and has since assumed his current role overseeing operations for the South Region at the Safeway transaction close in January 2015.
Justin Dye, Chief Administrative Officer
Dye joined Albertsons LLC in 2006, and in February 2015, he was appointed Chief Administrative Officer with responsibility for Information Technology, Supply Chain, Corporate Development, Real Estate, and Integration Management.
Shane Sampson, Chief Marketing & Merchandising Officer
Sampson built his career with Albertsons Inc., working his way up through the company's ranks, culminating in serving as President of both the Florida & Intermountain Divisions and in January 2015, was appointed Executive Vice President of Marketing & Merchandising.
Jim Perkins and Kelly Griffith will continue to serve as Executive Vice Presidents of Operations for the company's regions and will now report to Denningham.
CUPERTINO, CA - The watch that some questioned as being overpriced sold out within six hours of being available for pre-order.
Last Friday people reportedly flooded Apple stores to try on the flashy yet technological accessory. And while they aren’t due to ship until April 24, the orders are already backlogged for 37 of the 38 models, according to an NBC News report, adding an additional six weeks of anticipation to anyone who ordered them.
The marketing strategy for Apple’s latest product appears to be, as far as product launches go, a complete success.
For weeks speculations have gone back and forth between the desire for the latest in technology and the practicality of the price range. The watches range in price from $350 to $17,000 for all audiences, available in varying styles. This has sparked comparisons with high-rolling timepieces like Rolex, but with the added benefits of features like tracking your heart rate, taking calls, and viewing messages via text or email.
Plus they're just so cool looking.
Taking all these features added together and placing them next to a watch that costs thousands of dollars, which though very appealing to look at is still only a watch, suddenly that high price doesn’t seem so high.
So while some might think the gap in price range was too wide, or the aspirations for Apple’s latest accessory too high, the results are that the available merchandise was snatched before it even hit the proverbial shelves. This particular selling strategy might be one to remember.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Federal Trade Commission is now pointing to 32 cities around the country as reasons to block the merger, arguing that it would give Sysco a monopoly or near monopoly in those markets.
As we’ve previously reported, the FTC has filed a lawsuit to block the $8.2 billion Sysco/US Foods merger. The merger had been scheduled to go through in March, though Sysco and US Foods have agreed to put it on pause until it gets a ruling in the U.S. District Court case. That ruling is expected to come this summer, according to news source the Democrat & Chronicle.
According to the FTC, post-merger Sysco would have a huge market share, particularly in a number of local markets around the country. A post-merger Sysco would have 57 percent of the Rochester market share, and in most of the 31 other metro areas pointed to by the FTC, Sysco's market share could be anywhere from 69 percent in Tampa to a shocking 100 percent in San Diego.
In a statement when the FTC filed its administrative complaint in February, Debbie Feinstein, Director of the Federal Agency's Bureau of Competition, said the Sysco takeover "would eliminate significant competition in the marketplace and create a dominant national broadline food service distributor. Consumers across the country, and the businesses that serve them, benefit from the healthy competition between Sysco and US Foods, whether they eat at a restaurant, hotel, or a hospital."
A number of states have also agreed to join the FTC in its fight, according to the Democrat & Chronicle. These states include:
- Maryland
- Illinois
- Iowa
- North Carolina
- Tennessee
- Ohio
- Nebraska
- Virginia
- Minnesota
- Pennsylvania
- California
Sysco and US Foods have both called the FTC argument "ill-conceived." US Foods has said the merged company would be a more robust, efficient and effective competitor to the thousands of other food service distributors and wholesalers ... and that customers would directly benefit from the merger.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to follow the Sysco and US Foods merger.
FORT VALLEY, GA - After a tumultuous winter season nation-wide, Georgia is looking to make the summer of 2015 a peachy one.
Georgia Peach season is approaching, and the company stated the produce responded well to being exposed to 1,200 hours under 40 degrees, reportedly yielding some sweet results.
“We’re so fortunate to have inherited the land that our great-great-grandfathers planted in Georgia over 140 years ago. The geography always produces the most flavorful, juicy peaches,” Duke Lane III, President of the Georgia Peach Council, said in a press release. “Combined with an optimum number of chill hours, the ridiculously hot expected summer temperatures are helping this season shape up to look like one of the sweetest.”
After a well-rested stretch of “beauty sleep” weather, the company says that the sweltering heat that approaches will be the perfect combination for the peaches. According to the release, growers are anticipating the first wave of the “quintessential summertime fruit” to be here the week of May 18.
Coming varieties include the Flavorich, due to arrive around Memorial Day, all the way through to the August Prince which will arrive in late August. Retailers around the country and shoppers who anticipate Georgia Peaches will have their first bite soon.
How fast can you read?
Like the saying goes, time is of the essence. That’s why we’ve recently introduced the new Speed Read feature for mobile devices to help you read content quickly and with less effort.
This feature is currently only available for mobile devices. If you're viewing this article on a desktop computer, you won't be able to use it.
What Is It?
The Speed Read feature lessens the amount of time it takes for your eyes to move from word to word. By flashing one word at a time and highlighting a letter of each word, our eyes stay focused on the same area.
If you are on mobile, try it out: Tap the “Speed Read” tab above any article and set your pace. The average adult reads at about 300 words per minute. Try starting there and moving your way up!
How Does It Work?
Traditional reading methods require our eyes to constantly move back and forth. This movement is known as a “saccade.” It’s a laborious, automatic process that wastes time spent moving from word to word. Decreasing the number of times your eyes are moving helps you read content more efficiently.
It might be a bit uncomfortable using it for the first time, but when we’re spending more time swiping across our smartphone screens to get to the information as opposed to reading it all in a single convenient window, we think you’ll agree that it’s pretty useful - especially if you're looking to get a smartwatch in the near future!
Let us know what you think about the new Speed Read feature by e-mailing [email protected] or by voting in the survey below.