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MONTEREY, CA - Agtech is a rapidly expanding sector, one designed to make farming as efficient and profitable as possible. During the Organic Grower Summit education session Are Regenerative and Sustainability Labeling Good for Organics?, Seana Day, Partner of Culterra Capital, and Vonnie Estes, Vice President of Technology for Produce Marketing Association, discussed the role of technology in ag operations.
I was able to chat with both Seana and Vonnie for further details.
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If biologicals and biostimulants can aid in better yields or enhanced crop protection, the cost of these programs can be managed with more precise applicators like UAVs, robotics, and other variable rate technologies,” Seana explained. “I am optimistic that in the next three to five years, the cost of these systems will continue to come down because the tech is getting more mature and affordable to build.”
Seana also noted during the session that digital record keeping is crucial, and developers have become more savvy about creating solutions that are easy to use.
“They have to fit seamlessly into existing workflows in the field. In engineering, there is something called the flywheel effect—a flywheel takes time to get rolling, but once it builds kinetic energy and momentum, it can sustain itself and more rapidly iterate. A digital flywheel for ag means recording trials, measuring, analyzing, and adapting. You can’t efficiently do that without a good record keeping tool that also helps you look at how much time you spent and how much it costs,” she remarked.
Seana outlined why the specialty sector needs to adopt more purpose-built FMIS (Farm Management Information Systems) for tracking labor, costs, and profitability relative to contracts. The sector needs better tools to plan, run scenarios, and track breakevens.
“Fundamentally, FMIS’ should help growers monitor the true cost of production, such as equipment utilization, overhead, custom farming on a per field/ranch basis. It should really be able to link agronomic activities to financial decisions so growers have a more real-time view of financial performance to aid in decision making,” she said.
Looking toward the future, Seana added that tech cannot be the answer to all problems.
“The industry should be playing a very proactive role in defining what is sustainable for a particular production system and how they can benchmark and approach continuous improvement. But this needs to be done in a well coordinated way. I have some concerns that the market and brands are driving the narrative without analyzing the full consequences of regenerative and sustainable goals and claims,” she observed.
As the world continues to move at an intense pace, Seana remarked that ag can’t afford to take a wait-and-see approach to sustainable solutions.
Vonnie also took the time to share with me her insights.
“During the panel, I wanted to compel the organics community to be open to new technologies that may allow them to grow more sustainably,” she told me. “I would love to see them follow the science and challenge some of the wording of early organics doctrines, before many of these technologies were even dreamed of.”
For example, Vonnie commented that using new breeding tools like gene editing can allow the industry to more quickly adapt to climate change.
“These tools have no foreign DNA and allow breeders to make quicker changes for a changing environment. With climate change a prominent concern, we are going to need varieties that offer drought tolerance, and can adapt to changing temperatures, with a resistance to new pests,” she stated.
She too echoed Seana’s call to action, remarking that the time for biological solutions is now.
“We have better products that stay effective through the supply chain,” Vonnie supplied. “The industry also has a convergence of other technologies to improve cost efficiency. Precision ag advances like computer vision/AI-driven field applicators allow for much lower doses and higher application precision that drives down costs and increases efficacy. PCR detectors in the field tell us where spores are. The world of genomics is helping us better use biologicals because we can know the exact effect of the product on the soil and plants.”
Vonnie warned that the potential for confusion at the consumer level is high, as many do not know the difference between organic and regenerative.
“Regenerative could take the place of organic without the rules and regulations. Regenerative could steal the sustainability moniker from organic if there isn’t clear stewardship from growers through retailers of the differences and organic doesn’t change practices to allow for technical advances for improved sustainability,” she elaborated.
There is much to consider moving forward! We’ll continue to keep track of the produce pulse, so stay tuned to AndNowUKnow.
Organic Produce Network Produce Marketing Association Culterra Capital
MCLEAN, VA - Although the year is ending, Gladstone Land Corporation is not taking that as a signal to slow down. Instead, the company is ensuring that it starts off 2022 with a strong position as it has acquired 1,204 gross acres of farmland north of Fort Myers, Florida, for $7.4 million—or roughly $6,146 per acre.
"The acquisition of this farm adds to our existing properties in the Southeast and is another good, long-term investment for us," said David Gladstone, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We have had a strong year in 2021 with acquisitions and look forward to another good year in 2022."
In connection with the acquisition, Gladstone has entered into a five-year, tripe-net lease agreement with the seller and current tenant, as noted in a release.
The newly acquired land features 975 farmable acres and is primarily used for sod, melons, and cattle.
"We are very pleased to add this versatile property to our portfolio," added Bill Frisbie, Executive Vice President. "Demand for farmable acreage in Florida continues to increase, and we are excited to partner with a very strong tenant who will manage the property well."
With this new parcel added to its portfolio, how will Gladstone prime itself for further growth in the new year? Keep clicking on AndNowUKnow for the answers.
SALINAS, CA - A lot can be accomplished in 20 years. And while you may not remember your journey step by step, there are always those defining moments that make the milestone that much sweeter. An impressive 46 individuals are celebrating such a milestone, as Tanimura & Antle announced that these employee owners have been inducted to its 20 Year Club. Tanimura & Antle has 327 employees who have been with the company for over 20 years, making up for about 12 percent of the current workforce.
“Our 20 Year Club is a long-standing tradition and is a high honor at Tanimura & Antle,” said Scott Grabau, Chief Executive Officer and President. “We recognize that our company’s success stems directly from the knowledge, loyalty, and contributions of our employee owners, and we’re extremely thankful for those who have made Tanimura & Antle their family and dedicated their careers to ensuring our success.”
An employee-owned company, Tanimura & Antle views its workforce as one of its strongest assets and competitive advantages in the fresh produce industry. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 report outlines that the national median number of years employees spend with one employer is 4.1 years.
Its employee retention, Tanimura & Antle states, is due to a variety of company initiatives including promoting from within, full health benefits, a matched 401k, an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), affordable employee housing, educational opportunities, company culture, and more.
“Each year as we welcome the new 20 Year Club members, we acknowledge them for achieving such a huge milestone of dedication, commitment, and teamwork,” said Kerry Varney, Chief Administrative Officer. “These dedicated employee owners establish our culture and make our company truly successful.”
Each 20 Year Club inductee was individually recognized by company leadership and presented with a gift at a private catered reception.
Congratulations to all of these 20-plus-year industry veterans!
MIAMI, FL - Taking immense steps forward in 2021 to expand its sustainability goals, Fresh Del Monte Produce has announced a strong close to the year for its programs. Recently, the fresh purveyor revealed that it received high marks across several categories from the CDP, an international non-profit organization focused on environmental impact. Fresh Del Monte also won the Environmental Initiative category in the 2021 SEAL (Sustainability, Environmental Achievement, and Leadership) Business Sustainability Awards for its farming approach.
“We’re proud to be closing out 2021 on a strong note, receiving recognition for our environmental stewardship on multiple levels,” said Hans Sauter, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President of Research and Development. “We remain dedicated to showcasing our progress transparently, and although we know there is still more to be done, we look forward to an even better year ahead as we improve our sustainability efforts alongside other companies that are leading the movement to achieve a more resilient and sustainable agricultural industry.”
In addition to its CDP rankings and SEAL Business Sustainability Award, Fresh Del Monte was also selected as a finalist for Rabobank’s 2021 Leadership in Sustainability award. According to a press release, the award recognizes a high-impact organization that has achieved unique steps toward business, environmental, social, and governance sustainability. Rabobank’s annual Leadership Awards honor trailblazing companies across food and agriculture in North America that have shown immense progress in innovation, sustainability, and leadership.
These are only a few of Fresh Del Monte’s accomplishments when it comes to protecting the planet and natural resources. In 2020, the company was one of the first global marketers of fruits and vegetables to commit to the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTI). The company also recently announced its emissions reductions targets were approved by the initiative as consistent with levels required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
As Fresh Del Monte strives to be part of a new food system that features agricultural production and biodiversity working together, the company continues to conserve and restore forests and wild areas to protect biodiversity while uplifting communities. Protecting wildlife and their habitats has also been a priority, with the company working to plant and donate 2.5 million trees by 2025 while also having 100 percent of its protected areas monitored on an annual basis through species inventories.
Congratulations to Fresh Del Monte on these crucial achievements!
LOUIS, MO - I have only ever had the pleasure of meeting Phil “Rock” Gumpert, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tom Lange Family of Companies, over the phone, yet I guarantee his conversation makes an indelible impression. It is with bitter-sweet feeling that I heard he is announcing his retirement after 57 years in the produce industry, effective December 31.
“One of the first things Mr. Lange told me was that there was a code of ethics in our business: your word is your bond and if you make a commitment, you better damn well do what you said you would do and honor that commitment. Our reputation is paramount to our continued success in this industry and reflects on all facets of what we do not only in business but in our personal lives. I always tried to instill and stress the importance of that trait in all associates,” Gumpert commented in a press release.
Staying on with the Board of Directors even as he retires from his post as CEO, the company will continue to learn from Gumpert and all he has experienced.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors and current and former employees, we would like to thank Rock for his unwavering commitment to the Tom Lange Family of Companies and its employees, customers, growers, shippers, and carriers. Rock’s leadership and ethics have defined our company and established a foundation for the future. I am humbled to have worked with Rock and am proud to call him a friend. I look forward to continuing to work with Rock as our Chairman,” said Greg Reinauer, Tom Lange President.
Gumpert remembers humble beginnings in St. Louis when Mr. Tom Lange and Mr. Farrell “Dutch” Gay, and Paul Beisser approached him about joining the company that has since grown into a major player in the world of produce and logistics, both domestically and internationally.
“I was offered less than what I was making at the railroad, but I took a big leap of faith, which would impact and shape the life of me, my family, and so many others to follow. This was some 57 years ago on August 9, 1964,” he shared. You can read a deeper dive into this adventure here.
Becky Wilson, Tom Lange Vice President Operations, has worked with and known Gumpert for 30 years now.
“Rock has been my mentor in not only my professional career at Lange but also in my life. I held myself to a higher standard because I wanted to make him proud. His passion and drive for both the company’s and associate’s success are a source of inspiration and is beyond compare. This family of companies and everyone that has worked for them has been so blessed to be a part of his legacy,” Becky said.
Gumpert’s biggest source of pride is the establishment of the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, becoming 100 percent employee-owned in 1985 to give each associate a vested interest in the success of the company.
On this journey, Gumpert said he had the good fortune to meet so many great customers, growers/shippers, and transportation providers throughout his career and made countless friendships, stating, “These relationships helped me and the company become successful. Tom Lange Family of Companies has also been blessed with so many associates who have exhibited loyalty, commitment, and passion, which was instrumental to our early success, as well as the successes of today. I am extremely grateful for all the hard work and dedication that each of them has given to the company every day. As I retire, I feel confident in leaving, knowing that there is a great management team in place.”
Congratulations, Phil “Rock” Gumpert, on a lifetime of achievements in our industry. May this next chapter be a great one!
WASHINGTON, DC - The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed a complaint on August 19, 2020, stating that Martinez Fresh Produce, operating out of Dallas, Texas, was in violation of the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA). The company allegedly failed to make full payment to the eight sellers of produce it purchased from, totalling in the amount of $155,508.
Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:
After the complaint was filed, USDA and Martinez Fresh entered into a Consent Decision and Order in which Martinez Fresh agreed to pay the unpaid produce sellers in full and to pay a civil penalty in the amount of $20,000. As a result of Martinez Fresh satisfying the terms of the consent decision and order, the finding that it had committed repeated and flagrant PACA violations was permanently abated without further process and the case has been closed.
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 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $165 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 6,600 callers with issues valued at approximately $169 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.
For contact information, and to read the release in full, please click here.
NEW YORK, NY - As it works to build its prowess in new markets, Gotham Greens has pulled back the curtain on its latest expansion, opening the first phase of its 10-acre, state-of-the-art hydroponic greenhouse near the University of California-Davis campus, the company’s first greenhouse on the West Coast.
“California is the center of North America’s leafy greens production, where water shortages, wildfires, and other results of climate change are straining critical agricultural resources. By putting down roots in California, we aspire to be a part of the agricultural industry’s solution to the increasingly visible impacts of climate change,” said Viraj Puri, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Gotham Greens. “Our newest greenhouse facility in Northern California is strategically located to service retailers and foodservice providers throughout the region more quickly while conserving precious resources, including land and water. We are excited to continue to expand our footprint, work in partnership with UC Davis, and innovate with the agricultural industry in California for a better food system.”
The new, state-of-the-art facility joins the company’s existing network of hydroponic greenhouses across the United States. The pivotal expansion allows for accelerated growth for Gotham Greens on both a regional and national scale and bolsters the provider’s strategic alliance with University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UCD CAES).
Located in Solano County, California, the greenhouse will foster collaboration on research and innovation focused on advancing the science, workforce, technology, and profitability of the indoor farming industry, according to a press release.
Gotham Greens’ California greenhouse facility opening also coincides with the company’s achievement of Certified B Corp™ status, a major milestone in the supplier’s mission of creating a more sustainable food system.
“Our B Corp certification comes at a pivotal time for Gotham Greens as we celebrate our 10th anniversary, the opening of our California greenhouse, and our plans for future growth,” said Jenn Frymark, Chief Greenhouse Officer. “The certification will add in additional layers of accountability and transparency for our employees, customers, retail and foodservice partners, and investors as we continue to innovate our food system to build a better future for generations to come.”
As the company eyes further growth, this key expansion provides it with an opportunity to advance its rigorous sustainability commitments based on its 2020 baselines.
The new goals are outlined in full in the company's release, which can be viewed here.
With an ambitious expansion plan already underway, AndNowUKnow will keep an eye out for further growth from the greenhouse provider and more.
WENATCHEE, WA - The gift of Christmas cheer is priceless, and Stemilt and Hansen Fruit are spreading this and more in Washington state. For the program's ninth year, the two have joined forces to donate gifts to foster children, distributing presents to a total of 146 foster kids in the Wenatchee and Yakima communities.
“We are very grateful for the team members at Stemilt and Hansen Fruit to provide gifts to the area’s foster children,” said Stemilt President, West Mathison. “The gift drive has become a beloved Christmas tradition between our two companies and demonstrates our aligned values around supporting our communities. The stories we hear from social workers are incredibly heartwarming and inspiring.”
Those receiving the donations are all under the care of Washington State’s Department of Youth and Family Services, Fostering Solutions, K Connections, and Foster First.
This is the fourth year that Hansen Fruit has joined Stemilt to help make Christmas morning a memorable experience. Stemilt donated gifts to a total of 113 children while Hansen Fruit supported 33 kids at the Foster First agency in Yakima.
Kathryn Bolyard, organizer of the donation at Stemilt, took charge of the program in 2014, a press release explained. Prior to partnering with Hansen Fruit, Stemilt supported its highest number of foster children in 2017, reaching a total of 188 kids. In 2018, Bolyard connected with Kyler Hansen, Operations Manager at Hansen Fruit in Yakima, who gladly accepted the partnership.
“Our Stemilters strive to alleviate the expenses of Christmas by gifting anything from bicycles to barbie dolls,” said Bolyard. “The holidays are an expensive time for everyone, and many of these foster homes have multiple children. I’m overwhelmed by the astounding generosity I see every year from my fellow co-workers. Our staff looks forward to donating each year, and I usually have several eager individuals come to me for the list of foster children before I even receive it.”
Hansen also commented on this meaningful partnership and the donations made as a result.
“It will be five years in May that Stemilt and Hansen Fruit have been partners,” explained Hansen. “The compassion that Stemilt has shown their community has rubbed off on us, and our goal is to put a smile on every kid’s face on Christmas morning. It’s great to be able to help these kids who have struggled in their upbringing. We started receiving letters last year from foster children expressing their gratitude, and it was really special to hear how much it means to them.”
As the holiday season can be an uncertain time for many foster children, this partnership ventures to help kids build a healthier relationship with Christmas. Venus Lomeli, Director of Community Engagement at Foster First, and Director of Thrift Leah Hilaire, shared their experiences as they picked up the gifts provided by Hansen Fruit on December 16.
Click here to read their thoughts and reactions to Stemilt’s contribution.
Looking toward the 10th year of the program, I am sure that Stemilt and Hansen Fruit will achieve even more holiday success.
COMMERCE, CA - With strategic changes taking place under its roof, Smart & Final is preparing for transformation across its leadership team. The retailer recently announced that current Chief Operating Officer, Scott Drew, will take on the role as President as Dave Hirz, current President and Chief Executive Officer, prepares to retire on February 1, 2022.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead our exceptional team of associates and build upon Smart & Final’s 150-year-old history,” said Drew. “Our differentiated offering, which attracts both business and household customers, put us in a unique position to grow the business and capitalize on our momentum during the past few years.”
Drew joined Smart & Final in March 2010, and has occupied the role of COO since June 2020. In 1977, the retail expert began his career as a courtesy clerk. With almost 45 years clocked in the grocery industry, Drew also served as Vice President of Store Operations for The Kroger Company in Indianapolis, where he managed more than 150 stores across five states, according to a press release.
Drew’s appointment follows the recent announcement that the company’s current President and CEO, Dave Hirz, will be stepping down after almost 12 years.
Hirz began his work in the food industry at the age of 16, and has had a successful career occupying positions such as President at both Ralphs and Food For Less. Hirz joined Smart & Final as President and COO in 2010, and was promoted to CEO in 2012.
“I’m proud to have led such a successful and storied brand,” said Hirz. “The grocery industry has changed completely since I joined Smart & Final almost 12 years ago, and it’s a testament to our leadership team and our amazing associates that we have weathered these changes and become the strong brand that we are today. Scott is a remarkable leader, and I’m delighted to be leaving Smart & Final in his hands."
Honored for his distinguished career, Hirz was recognized as the 2015 Food Industry Executive of the Year by the University of Southern California, and is a past recipient of numerous awards, including Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America Good Scout Award, California State University, Fullerton’s Vision and Visionary award, Olive Crest’s Founders Award, and the National Conference for Community and Justices’ Humanitarian of the Year Award.
“Dave Hirz is a legend in the grocery industry, and we are grateful for his leadership during his many years of service,” said Carlos Smith, President and Chief Executive Officer of Chedraui USA, formerly known as Bodega Latina, which comprises the organization's United States-based store banners Smart & Final, El Super, and Fiesta Mart. “He led this business through the expansion of our Extra! store format, the introduction of e-commerce and delivery, and the challenges of a worldwide pandemic. He has left an indelible mark on Smart & Final, and his numerous contributions will not be forgotten.”
As Drew steps into the role of President following Hirz’s retirement, he will utilize his experience in the retail industry to forge new opportunities for the Smart & Final brand.
“Smart & Final’s unique go-to-market strategy and 150-year-old legacy truly resonates with consumers,” Smith added. “We are pleased to announce Scott’s promotion as President of Smart & Final. His deep industry experience and years of operational leadership at Smart & Final will drive the brand’s continued success.”
Congratulations to Scott Drew on this recent appointment, and to Dave Hirz on his upcoming retirement! We here at ANUK wish you both nothing but success!