IMG Citrus, a family-owned, vertically-integrated citrus grower, packer, and shipper in Vero Beach, FL, is reintroducing white grapefruit to the U.S. market. Most white grapefruit is exported directly from the U.S. to its primary market in Japan where it maintains consistently high popularity; however, IMG Citrus will be expanding its white grapefruit consumer base to the U.S. market, reintroducing the original, heirloom Florida grapefruit to its homeland.
All white grapefruit is grown in the Indian River region, the best region for growing grapefruit.
More commonly known to the American consumer is red grapefruit, a mutation of white and a staple in the citrus aisle. While grapefruit in the U.S. is primarily grown in Florida, Texas, and California, Florida is the only state in the country where white grapefruit is grown. While citrus farmers in Florida have continued to replant an abundance of red grapefruit after the impact of yearly hurricanes, over the course of the past 30 to 40 years, growers have not replanted a significant amount of white grapefruit.
However, with IMG Citrus’ recent acquisition of Emerald Grove in St. Lucie County, renamed the Happy Food Grove after their consumer brand, IMG Citrus is now one of the largest growers and suppliers of Florida red and white grapefruit, producing approximately 50% of all white grapefruit in Florida. Along with their 4,000 acre investment, IMG Citrus will begin selling white grapefruit in the U.S., where the company has been selling citrus domestically for decades.
About IMG Citrus:
IMG Citrus is a second-generation citrus grower, packer, marketer, and shipper in Vero Beach, Florida, with over 9,000 acres of productive land. Family owned and operated for 40 years, IMG Citrus was founded by Michel and Veronique Sallin. Born and raised on a French farm, Michel has a genuine love for sustainable agriculture, and an entrepreneurial spirit that fuels a passion for using the most innovative processes and technologies. Today, a second generation of family-operators is involved and working alongside the most professional industry leaders that make up the IMG Citrus team.
About IMG Enterprises:
IMG Enterprises, the holding company for IMG Citrus, is a Florida owned and operated family enterprise with business in citrus, ornamental tree nursery, real estate, mitigation banking, and landscape construction and maintenance.
MODESTO, Calif. — Anti-aging regimens abound but emerging research, that one delicious addition to your skincare routine may be in your pantry instead of your makeup kit: almonds.
A new pilot study by researchers at the University of California, Davis1 found that a daily snack of almonds in place of other nut-free snacks improved measures of wrinkle width and severity in postmenopausal women. The study was funded by the Almond Board of California and is the first of its kind to examine almonds’ effects on skin health. A larger and longer-term follow-up study is underway.
In this 16-week randomized controlled trial, 28 healthy postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin type 1 or 2 (characterized by increased tendency to burn with sun exposure) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the intervention group, women ate almonds as a snack, which accounted for 20% of their total daily calorie intake, or 340 calories per day on average (about 2 one-ounce servings). The control group ate a nut-free snack that also accounted for 20% of calories: a cereal bar, granola bar or pretzels. Aside from these snacks, study participants ate their regular diets and did not eat any nuts or nut-containing products.
Skin assessments were made at the start of the study, and again at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. At each visit, facial wrinkles were assessed using high-resolution facial imaging and validated 3-D facial modeling and measurement. “These high resolution cameras allow for 3-D reconstruction of any wrinkles so that they can be mapped for their key characteristics of width and severity. The severity score is a calculation of the depth and length of a wrinkle,” explains Raja Sivamani, MD MS AP, integrative dermatologist and lead researcher on the study. Skin barrier function was also assessed, by measuring sebum production and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Skin barrier function examines the strength of the skin barrier and how well it protects skin from moisture loss (TEWL) and from harmful irritants coming from the environment.
By the end of the study at 16 weeks, photographic image analysis showed statistically significant improvements for participants in the almond snack group compared to the control group (P<0.02):
Wrinkle width decreased by 10%
Wrinkle severity decreased by 9%
There were no significant changes in skin barrier function between groups.
“Food as a means of promoting skin health – the “health from the inside out” idea – is of growing interest to those looking for options for healthy aging,” says Dr. Sivamani. “It’s also a growing area of scientific research. Almonds are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin E and deliver essential fatty acids and polyphenols. They’re a smart choice for overall good nutrition. And, as seen in this study, almonds may hold promise as a food to include as part of a healthy aging diet, especially for post-menopausal women.”
Study at a Glance:
The Study: 28 healthy, postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin type 1 (always burns, never tans) or 2 (usually burns, tans minimally) were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Almonds were provided as 20% of total daily calorie intake for the intervention group (340 calories/day on average), about 2 one-ounce servings. The control group consumed a calorie-matched nut-free snack in place of almonds daily: cereal bar, energy bar or pretzels. All participants were advised not to consume any nuts or nut-containing products over the course of the study (except for the almond snack for the intervention group). They otherwise were advised to continue their usual daily energy intake.
After a four-week dietary wash-out period, participants were randomized to one of the two study groups detailed above. Study visits occurred at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks.
Facial wrinkles were assessed using high-resolution facial photography and validated 3-D facial modeling and measurement at baseline, 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurement of sebum production and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Results:
Photographic image analysis showed that the almond group had significant reductions in wrinkle width and severity, by 10 and 9%, respectively, compared to the control group at the 16-week time point (P<0.02).
There were no significant differences in sebum production between groups after 8 and 16 weeks.
There were no significant differences between groups in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from baseline after 8 and 16 weeks.
There were no significant changes from baseline in the skin barrier function (P=0.65) between the almond and control groups relative to baseline after 16 weeks.
Study Limitations: Aging is a long-lasting process so the findings from this 16-week study may be difficult to reproduce and generalize to extended periods of time. Skin-aging is also multi-factorial in nature and although certain groups were excluded (i.e., those with a smoking history), there is variance in aging confounders, such as frequency of UV light exposure and emotional stress, which were outside the scope of the study. This study was limited to cosmetic evaluation, as no measurements were made regarding collagen production. Study did not evaluate disease or younger subjects, so results are limited to otherwise healthy post-menopausal females. In addition, this was a pilot study with a limited number of participants. Future studies should expand to a larger recruitment pool.
Conclusion: Results of this pilot study suggest that daily consumption of almonds may play a role in reducing wrinkle severity in post-menopausal women. The outcomes warrant future studies with expanded population groups and additional evaluations for signs of skin aging.
ABOUT THE ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.
U.S. potato shipments will be down 6 percent for the 2019 – 2020 season, according to the first forecast of the year from the USDA.
Total production for 2019 is forecast at 422 million cwt., down 6 percent from 2018.
The harvested acreage for 2019 is estimated at 938,900 acres, down 7 percent from 1.01 million acres last year.
The yield forecast, at 450 cwt. per acre, is up 7 cwt. compared with the 2018 crop.
Potato growers in Idaho had crop losses due to freezing temperatures in late September and early October, with several growers leaving potatoes in the ground, avoiding the cost of harvest.
Washington growers had some quality concerns due to soilborne issues and freeze damage at the end of the harvest season.
Endless rains in late September and early October hampered harvest in the Red River Valley in North Dakota.
The potato estimate put harvested acreage in North Dakota at 59,000 acres, down 19 percent compared with last year. Total output in North Dakota was 20.9 million cwt. down 12 percent compared with 2018.
The Idaho potato crop is estimated at 133.9 million cwt., off about 6 percent from 141.8 million cwt. a year ago.
Total shipments of U.S. potatoes the week of Nov. 3-9 totaled 3.67 million 50-pound carton, down 23 percent from 4.74 million 50-pound cartons a year ago.
NYSSA, Ore. — Owyhee Produce of Nyssa, ORE has announced their plan to create their own regenerative produce bags by converting hemp fibers sourced from their own crops. These compostable bags are set to be an available packing option releasing Spring 2020.
For the first time in their farming history, Owyhee Produce will start growing 500 acres of industrial hemp on their Oregon farm land, this year. The industrial hemp will be used to create CBD oil and the leftover fibers will be used to create compostable bags and other industrial materials. Excited to finally come full circle in their mindful efforts to develop plans in reducing carbon emissions, pollution and waste, company members have a renewed drive to make it happen.
“We know not everyone can commit to these types of standards today. However, for the most
demanding companies out there, those companies who have made the massive commitment to reduce carbon emissions, pollution, and waste, we are here,” explained Owyhee Produce General Manager Shay Myers. “We are among the most climate conscience and progressive farmers in the country and we want to partner with the best companies to make a difference.” In addition to producing compostable onion bags, Owyhee Produce has plans to strengthen the foundation of their motto, “There’s a difference!” by being responsible farmers for the future. The company plans for a cleaner greener future by 2022:
100% Compostable, Biodegradable or Recyclable Packaging
100% Regenerative
100% Carbon Neutral
25% Water Usage Reduction Per Acre
25% Fuel Use Reduction Per Acre
0% Monoculture
The regenerative idea just gained traction in recent years, due to the political climate of “going green,” but it has always been a part of the company’s best practices. While onions may be their most demanding crop, they only grow onions in each field once every 5 to 6 years. This rotation of crops restores the soil’s health naturally, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizer or fumigants, which lessens their impact on the environment and maintains their commitment to yield high-quality produce. This is why a compostable bag made more sense to them, it breaks down faster and improves the soil’s health.
“It is our duty to ensure that tomorrow’s farmers are able to efficiently farm from our sustainable farming practices of today,” asserted Myers.
Every crop serves a purpose. As a part of their rotating crops, they plant: beans and peas to fix nitrogen levels in the soil. Beets, alfalfa, and corn for weed control. Corn, wheat, and hemp, to increase organic matter and soil health. Mustard and Mint are used as natural biofumigants to prevent pest infestations other soil born diseases.
About Owyhee Produce
Owyhee Produce started with humble beginnings in 1954, with Owen Froerer’s yearning to connect with the land and support his family. Three generations later, it is a hybrid farmer-agri-entrepreneurial family business that practices sustainable farming over 4,000 acres in Oregon and Idaho. The company proudly grows various produce at Froerer Farms for millions of consumers nationwide.
About 2 billion pounds of avocados from Mexico this season — an increase of about 6 percent over last year, are expected to be handled by U.S. importers.
Mexican avocado shipments are heaviest from October through May, although ships take place the year around..
McDaniel Fruit Co. of Fallbrook, CA sees good quality and volume imports coming from Mexico.
Calavo Growers Inc. of Santa Paula, CA expects steady avocado shipments with peak loadings taking place from January to April. Volume will start declining by the end of March or mid-April.
Del Rey Avocado Co. Inc., of Fallbrook, CA sees plenty of volume from Mexico until about June 1st. The company also does not expect a repeat of last season when a sharp decline in volume began in late May and early June.
Instead, the company expects shipments to be more steady throughout the season with a few spikes for special occasions such as the Super Bowl and Cinco de Mayo.
West Pak Avocado Inc. of Murrieta, CA sees good quality and significantly more shipments this season from Mexico.
The Giumarra Cos. of Los Angeles believes steady volume best describes this season.
Florida tomato shipments remain steady, and quality is reported to be good.
The Florida Tomato Exchange of Maitland, FL reports growing conditions have been great, while Hurricane Dorian did not have any impact.
While fall tomato shipments in Northern Florida have ended, Central Florida loadings have now taken over and will continue through winter. Volume similar to the past two years is expected. Round tomato volume should total around 26 million to 28 million boxes. Round, or mature green tomatoes usually account for about 70 percent of the Florida tomato shipments, with romas, cherry and plum varieties making up the balance.
The government required use of electronic logging devices is resulting in time replacing mileage as an indicator of truck rate values, according to a new report from the Transportation Intermediaries Association of Alexandria, VA.
The case study, called “Examining detention time in the marketplace: Driver’s hours matter,” is available for review online.
Mileage replaced weight as the top-used valuation for freight rates about 40 years ago after the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 “opened the floodgates” of competition, according to a news release.
At the time, the Interstate Commerce Commission no longer granted carriers operating authority for lanes with rate structures based on the poundage or “hundredweight” by freight type. The next shift, according to the association, came in December 2017 with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s electronic logging device rule.
“In an instant, time leap-frogged mileage for rate valuations and shippers and 3PLs began buying the driver’s time, not the mileage,” the release said.
The case study includes interviews with shippers, motor carriers and third-party logistic suppliers.
“TIA continues to examine issues that directly impact 3PLs, shippers and motor carriers,” Chris Burroughs, vice president of government affairs for TIA, said in the release. “These investigations allow all three entities involved to have open dialogue and identify solutions to problems that continue to plague the industry.”
Detention
The case study reported a detention survey by the American Transportation Research Institute was taken by drivers and motor carriers in 2014 and again in 2018. The survey concluded that customers “have not made real improvements to their staffing, processes, accuracy or efficiency across the four-year time period.”
And gains made in 2018 have since been given up with the softening freight market, according to one transportation supplier quoted by the case study.
“Now it is kind of like we are fighting for (detention pay) as carrier or 3PL,” said John Miller, chief executive of Plains Dedicated, a Champions Gate, Fla.-based asset and non-asset transportation provider.
The case study noted that companies that transport refrigerated loads tend to have more negative experiences with detention than other freight sectors. The study said most parties agree that it should be a billable event after a period of two “free” hours.
According to the case study, on March 15, Fresh Del Monte Produce changed its detention pay policies from paying after three hours to paying after two hours. By making the change, the company saw labor costs increase to more quickly get trucks in and out of its facilities. Del Monte officials said overall transportation costs went down, however, by paying less detention charges and getting more favorable rates, said Robert Savage, vice president of transportation and logistics of Fresh Del Monte Produce.
“It forces the wrong action when you set parameters in a manner that allows people to take their time since it is not costing them any money, but it really does,” he said in the study. “It costs the truck money and increases rates.”
The case study said that although shippers have the upper hand at the moment for rate negotiations, shippers and transportation suppliers agreed that detention should not be used as a bargaining chip.
Miller of Plains Dedicated said in the study that the company decided to stop doing business with one of its largest customers this year after the shipper changed its detention policy to save money. The shipper used to pay for detention on multi-stop shipments, but now only pays it on the final stop.
Kingsburg, California – HMC Farms® is excited to announce the launch of SpongeBob SquarePants™ and PAW Patrol™ branded ready-to-eat fresh grapes, a delicious snack the whole family can enjoy! The grapes are available in multipacks; each multipack contains five bags of washed and ready-to-eat grapes. The grapes are fresh off the stem, free from additives and preservatives, and are available year-round.
HMC Farms® believes that the SpongeBob SquarePants™ and PAW Patrol™ branded grapes will encourage kids and adults to eat more fresh fruit through fun, eye-catching graphics of their favorite characters as seen on Nickelodeon (PAW Patrol™ is produced by Spin Master Entertainment). The 2oz bags are the perfect grab-and-go snack, great for lunch boxes, sports events, or any time healthy snack options are desired on-the-go.
Chelsea McClarty Ketelsen of HMC Farms® is excited to introduce these packs and encourage kids to eat healthy “Kids and adults love grapes, and Nickelodeon’s characters are beloved by all. This is an incredible opportunity to add excitement to a fresh and healthy snack option: fruit.”
The collaboration was brought about by Lori Taylor of the Produce Moms, who has made it her mission to encourage everyone to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables.
About HMC Farms®
HMC Farms® is a family owned
and operated business that has grown fresh produce in California’s Central
Valley since 1887.
There’s good reason why Maine potatoes typically play second fiddle to midwestern and western potatoes, even though Maine is much closer to a huge portion of the nation’s population in the Northeastern and east coast markets. Potato shipping areas ranging from the Red River Valley to Idaho, Washington and California have better reputations for quality.
Can this year be different? Maine potato shipments are being touted by some as having more volume and better quality this season.
Cambridge Farms of South Easton, MA is a buying broker and shipper of potatoes that also has a branch office in Presque Ise, ME. The company is stating it believes this could be a year for Maine potato growers to “really showcase” their products, something they haven’t been able to do in recent years.
Maine potato shipments should continue into mid-March with lesser volume extending by some shippers into April.
Cambridge Farms has acknowledge the extensive penetration on the East Coast by Western potato producers at the expense note only Maine, Long Island, NY; and Virginia.
Maine Farmers Exchange, Presque Isle believes Maine potato shipments could receive a boost in demand because of smaller crops in Idaho and the Red River Valley.
While Maine ships primarily russets, it also has red, yellow and white potatoes.
While the russet burbank is grown mostly for processing in Maine, caribou russet can be used for processing and the fresh market.
About 50,000 acres of potatoes are planted in Maine, with about 30,000 acres producing potatoes for processers, McCains and Cavendish., The balance of the acreage divided among seed, chip stock and table stock.
Brothers Produce Inc.,* Friendswood, Texas, has been awarded a maximum $202,500,000 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables.
This was a competitive acquisition with one response received. This is a 60-month contract with no option periods.
Location of performance is Texas, with a Nov. 3, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-20-D-S736).
Frank Gargiulo & Son Inc.,* Hillside, New Jersey, has been awarded a maximum $16,483,500 firm-fixed-price with economic-price-adjustment, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for fresh fruits and vegetables.
This was a competitive acquisition with one response received.
This is a 54-month contract with no option periods. Locations of performance are New Jersey and New York, with a May 3, 2024, performance completion date. Using customers are Department of Agriculture schools. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (SPE300-20-D-S737).
