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California pomegranate shipments are expected to be off about 15 percent this season.
A freeze in California’s San Joaquin Valley earlier this year is attributed to most of the decline. In a normal year, about 6 million, 25-pound boxes are shipped. This year the estimated loadings will be around 5 million to 5.5 million boxes.
The Wonderful Co. of Los Angeles reports it will have adequate volume for customers this season despite tighter supplies and higher costs for labor, transportation and water.
Crown Jewels Produce Co. LLC of Fresno, CA began harvesting pomegranates the second week of September on the early foothills variety, followed by the wonderful variety in early October.
Trinity Fruit Sales Co. Inc. of Fresno is experiencing much heavier volume this season with its early variety of pomegranates, with lighter than usual volume with its later variety.
At DJ Forry C. of Pismo Beach, CA, the company notes fewer shipments have occurred the past three years due to an oversupply, with some growers even bulldozing trees. Declining profits have been reported whether for juice, arils (a specialized outgrowth from a seed that partly or completely covers the seed) or fresh market.
Simonian Fruit Co. of Fowler, CA began harvest the third week of September and expects to be shipping pomegranates into December, or perhaps January. The company is reporting good sizing, color and overall quality.
Although the U.S. ranks third in pomegranate production, the top two producers — China and India — sell most of their fruit domestically, leaving much of the export market to the U.S..
The U.S. exports 30 to 40 percent of its crop to Canada, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.
Lettuce cuttings have just got underway in the Huron district on the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley, while Salinas Valley lettuce shipments will continue for a few more weeks….Meanwhile, a double digit increase in navel shipments is forecast for California oranges.
In fact, Salinas lettuce is expected to continue until mid November. Mid November also is when initial lettuce shipments will get underway from the desert areas of California and Arizona, within a week of Thanksgiving (November 22nd).
The Nunes Co. of Salinas reports there has been an oversupply of lettuce and organic vegetables this past summer.
Church Bros. LLC of Salinas expects reduced lettuce shipments in late October until Huron moves into volume.
Salinas Valley vegetables – grossing about $7800 to New York City.
Navel Shipments
California navel orange shipments for the 2018-19 season are forecast to be 11 percent larger than last season, rebounding from a short crop a year ago.
The initial 2018-19 navel orange forecast from the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture is 80 million cartons, up 11 percent from the previous year. Government survey data shows a statewide fruit set per tree of 426, well above the five-year average of 333.
Of the total navel orange forecast, 77 million cartons are estimated to be in the Central Valley, according to the forecast.
Central San Joaquin Valley citrus – grossing about $5100 to Chicago.
Import concerns
While the forecast for increase navel shipments is good news, there are some concerns about declining navel orange acres in California.
Navel orange bearing acreage in California’s Central Valley has dropped from a peak of about 135,000 acres in 2009 to just 113,000 acres for 2018-19, according to the California Citrus Mutual of Exeter, CA.
Inexpensive Southern Hemisphere imports have arrived early and stayed late, squeezing returns for California growers and contributing to a long-term decline in acreage.
While this year’s California navel crop will be higher than the short crop of a year ago, there is continuing concern about long-term acreage declines related to imports.
Hurricane Michael has dealt an estimated $230 to $300 million loss to Georgia’s fall vegetable shipments, according to preliminary estimates by University of Georgia agricultural specialists.
The University of Georgia report specifically cited:
***Fruiting vegetables such as bell peppers, at or very close to harvest, have suffered enough damage to foliage that sunburn will quickly damage the crop;
***Tomatoes, trellised cucumbers, and eggplants were all also severely damaged;
***Squash and zucchini crops saw near complete destruction in some areas while others seemed to fare better;
***and fall sweet corn, which is planted heavily in the most affected regions of southwest Georgia may be a complete loss in some counties.
The University of Georgia vegetable report points out damage to the fall vegetable industry caused by Hurricane Michael was significant for growers in southwest Georgia.
“It must be stressed that we are still evaluating fields and some of these numbers may change as we gather more information,” the report said. “Due to the widespread nature of the power outages growers may not have functioning coolers or irrigation pumps, which means that secondary losses due to inability to cool and pack harvested product or to irrigate crops in the fields may climb.”
In addition, the report notes disease pressure will increase on crops due to the rain and damage that plants may have received from the storm that occurred October 10-11.
Disaster report for growers will most likely be sought, according to the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association since very few vegetable crops in the direct path of the storm will be able to be salvaged. Few if any specialty crops have crop insurance.
The University of Georgia report estimates losses range from 30 to 100 percent of fall vegetables in the state, depending upon the location.
Damage closely followed the path of the storm, with a line stretching from Seminole and Decatur counties up through Mitchell and Grady, Colquitt, Tift and even reaching fields in the Crisp county region.
Vegetable production regions near Lowndes and Echols Counties may have some loss but are expected to have escaped the worst of the damage.
Initial California kiwifruit shipments got underway in early October and normal shipments are expected through April.
Preliminary estimates has the crop at 10.9 million, 7-pound trays for the hayward variety. For non-hayward green or gold varieties, the forecast is 1 million units.
Trinity Fruit Sales Co. Inc. of Fresno started shipping the first week in October and has described the crop as “really good.”
Greene & Hemly Inc. of Courtland notes shipping of gold varieties of kiwi has just gotten underway. The company is a grower for Sun Pacific Marketing of Pasadena. The operation is reporting no quality problems with kiwi despite the excessive daytime heat this year, describing San Joaquin Valley temperatures this season as normal. Gold kiwis are said to be more sensitive to hot temperatures or dry humidity that is common with 100-degree heat, but many operations are putting the fruit under shade structures to reduce the effects of the temperatures.
Western Fresh Marketing Services Inc. of Madera is expecting normal kiwi shipments and expressed concerns about adequate water and labor, as well as the unknown of how much kiwi will be imported from Italy. But overall the company is optimistic about this season and sees a good crop.
In upcoming seasons greater green kiwifruit shipments from California are seen because of increased acreage.
San Joaquin Valley kiwi and table grapes – grossing about $5200 to Chicago.
Rivermaid
Rivermaid Trading Co. of Lodi, CA has added two new growers to its Northwest pear program this season, which should increase it’s pear shipments by 18 percent. The company expects to market more than 1 million 44-pound carton equivalents of pears out of the Northwest this year.
Overall company pear shipments, including California, should exceed 2 million units.
Rivermaid Trading has described its California and Northwest pear season as really unique to the apple and pear industrys. What makes is so unique is the operation says it has figured out how to do it without the two areas competing with each other.
Rivermaid now has nine growers and is looking to add two more next season.
California’s Ventura County strawberries remains the top crop and the county’s 10 leading crops in terms of value are mostly fruits and vegetables, according to the Ventura County Crop & Livestock Report for 2017. The report details changes in value for different fruits and vegetables.
Kale, riding a wave of popularity in recent years, dropped off the top 10 list in 2017, replaced by cabbage. Celery moved up a slot to Number 3, switching places with nursery stock.
The 10 leading crops in Ventura County in 2017, with values in millions from 2017 and (2016), and ranking last season:
- 1. Strawberries $654.3, ($654.9, No.1)
- 2, Lemons $258.6, ($276, No. 2)
- Celery $210.4, ($202.4, No. 4)
- Nursery stock $198, (206.8, No. 3)
- Raspberries $166.7, ($171.2, No. 5)
- Avocados $118.7 ($129, No. 6)
- Cut flowers $49.9 ($48, No. No. 8)
- Tomatoes $47.5 ($48, No. 9)
- Peppers $45.8 ($61.1 No. 7)
- Cabbage $33.9 ($29.5; not on list)
Other million-dollar crops in the county this year, and value in millions, include kale ($31.6); total lettuce ($29.9); cilantro ($25.1); and blueberries ($20.8).
Organic fruit and nut production in Ventura County continued to grow in 2017, with total value going from $133.4 million from 5,019 acres to $167.1 million on 6,260 acres, according to the report.
Organic vegetables and herbs in Ventura County, however, dropped, from $40.7 million from 2,290 acres in 2016, to $30.2 million from 2,500 acres.
Throughout the report, growers tell their stories on how the Thomas Fire affected their operations in the last year. The fire broke out in early December and lasted just over a month, burning homes and affecting lemon and avocado production. At the time, it was the largest wildfire in California history, but it has already been surpassed by fires this summer. According to the report, the stories/testimonials serve “as a tribute to the strength and resilience of Ventura County’s agricultural industry …”
“Avocados take several years to come into production,” Deborah Brokaw Jackson of Brokaw Ranch Co., said in the report. “Even if we could replant right away, we are looking at about six years to full recovery.”
She said about 40% of the company’s avocado trees — 60 acres —are unlikely to make a full recovery, and nurseries in the region won’t have trees available until 2021 due to demand.
Gordon Kimball of Kimball Ranch said his operation’s recovery will also be long-term.
“The challenges we are facing due to the Thomas Fire are economic losses and financing the operation going forward,” Kimball said in the report. “Not all of the costs scale down by the reduction in tree count. Then there’s getting the replacement trees since the nurseries were sold out two years before the fire.”
by Mission Produce
Mission Produce, the industry leader in producing, distributing, and marketing fresh Hass avocados has opened a state-of-the-art, ripening and distribution center in Portland, Ore. This new forward distribution center (FDC), will expand Mission’s capabilities in the Pacific-Northwest.
“Portland, Ore., is a great location for our new FDC,” stated Ben Barnard, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Business Development. “This new facility at 58,000 square feet, will expand our ripe capacity by providing 10 ripe rooms that are each capable of storing 24 pallets. Also, the facility will enhance our cold storage by offering two coolers and a cutting-edge refrigerated control system,” continued Barnard. In addition to coolers, a refrigerated control system, and ripe rooms, the Portland facility will house five functional refrigerated loading docks and five temporary non-refrigerated docks.
“Mission is extremely excited about this new facility,” added Steve Barnard, President, and CEO. “We are always looking ahead and considering the demand for avocados. Our continued growth within the ripe category is necessary. This FDC is strategically positioned in Portland, Ore., to broaden our ripe capacities in the Pacific-Northwest region, keeping Mission within a 24-hour truck-drive away anywhere nationwide.”
Mission hosted a grand opening of the new facility last August. The event was for customers and potential partners to tour the FDC and meet members of the Mission team from quality, sales, and ripening. “Our team of Mission trained experts were thrilled to host this grand opening. They are ready to continue assisting the Pacific-Northwest region with their ripening expertise and knowledge of the avocado industry standards,” stated Ryan Fink, Vice President of North American Operations. “By continuing to expand our facilities, we are able to better serve our growing customer base with additional capacity to react when needed. Also, with the upgraded refrigeration and ripening controls we are able to continue to monitor and ensure conditions stay optimal to deliver the highest quality fruit to our customers daily.”
About Mission Produce:
Mission Produce owns and operates state-of-the-art avocado packing facilities in multiple global locations including California, Mexico, and Peru. In addition, the company’s global distribution network includes 11 ripening and distribution centers in North America, China, and Europe.
Air shipments continue to be the dominant mode of transportation for U.S. imports of Argentina blueberries, but shipments by boat increased in 2017, according to the USDA.
Even bigger volume of sea shipments is expected this year. Although initial arrivals began in September, October had 49 percent of the total volume and November had 39 percent of the volume in 2017, with the season ending in early December.
Air shipments accounted for 85 percent of all Argentina blueberry volume in 2017, down from 98 percent of volume for air in 2015.
Still, Argentina’s air shipments of blueberries are far above those of its South American competitors.
The ag department reported air shipments of Peruvian blueberries accounted for 6.3 percent of total imports in 2017. For Chile, air shipments accounted for 12 percent of U.S. imports in 2017.
Argentina blueberry exporters will be shipping more fruit to the U.S. by boat through Chile this year, which has a transit time of 17 days.
About 35 percent of Argentina blueberries will be exported to the U.S. by sea containers this year.
The 2017 Season
The USDA reports Argentina blueberry imports to the U.S. in 2017 at the Miami airport, accounted for about 64 percent of the total imports, compared with 76 percent in 2016 and 55 percent in 2015.
Boat shipments of blueberries to Philadelphia/Camden accounted for 13 percent of U.S. imports in 2017, up significantly from 3.4 percent in 2016 and 1.6 percent in 2015.
Imports of 12.1 percent of Argentina blueberry imports arrived at JFK Airport in New York in 2017, up from 7.6 percent in 2016 and 4.2 percent in 2015.
The Giumarra Cos. of Los Angeles had it’s first Argentina blueberry air arrivals during the first week of September, and will be receiving product into early December.
Giumarra also is increasing its volume of fruit the company receives in bulk and by vessel this season from Argentina.
This reasoning allows the operation to avoid fumigation for both the organic and conventional fruit. Giumarra then will pack the fruit in the U.S. in order to ensure its customers are receiving freshly packed product and in the pack type they require.
Following only one season of exporting dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya, the U.S. has become Ecuador’s second-largest market.
Quito-based Agricola Pitacava of Quito has shipped 40 metric tons of the tropical fruit, also known as pitahaya, to the U.S. compared to last season.
Ecuador exported 68 metric tops to its leading market, Hong Kong.
Market access by U.S. authorities was granted in June 2017, followed by the first exports taking place in September.
Some observers note the U.S. market, which now has a lot of people from Asia living it, turns out to be better than expected. Asians are familiar with red dragon fruit, as well as yellow dragon fruit.
Agricola Pitacava reports its exports to the U.S. are a little over 18 percent of its total volume of 220 metric tons, which also include exports to the Netherlands, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Ecuador’s export volume to the U.S. in the first year is unprecedented. For example, it took 5 years for Hong Kong to become the company’s top export market after it opened in 2013. There is a lot of optimism regarding the U.S. market, not only because of its large population, but it has higher incomes. This is important because is seen as one of the most expensive fruits.
Pitahaya often costs around $8 per pound in the U.S., compared to HKD69 (U.S. $8.80) in Hong Kong. In Europe the pitahayas are sold by per piece at €8 – 10 (US$9 – 11.50).
Consumer preferences vary widely between the west and the east regarding dragon fruit, or pitahaya. For example, in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, there is a preference for bigger fruit, of 300g and above. However in the U.S. consumers do not for pitahaya sizes and are purchasing smaller sizes from 180g to the big fruit that could be 450g.
Just about everyone is in agreement there will be fewer U.S. apple shipments this season, which extends into the late summer of 2019. How many fewer, depends upon whom you ask.
The U.S. Apple Association is predicting 256.16 million, 42-pound cartons will be shipped. This is 6 percent below the USDA’s forecast, as well a 6 percent less than a year ago.
Western Apple Shipments
More specifically, the U.S. Apple Association is predicting this season’s Washington apple shipments will be at 155 million cartons, which is 10 percent below the USDA’s forecast of 171.4 million cartons. The U.S. Apple estimate for Washington is off 13 percent from 2017 shipments and 5 percent below the five-year average.
Washington growers reported that
The early harvested apple crop has fallen short of the expectations of Washington growers due to uneven bloom timing, which resulted in uneven maturity rates in orchards.
In total, Western U.S. apple shipments are estimated at 166.2 million cartons, off 9 percent from the USDA’s estimate and 12 percent below a year ago.
Midwest and Eastern Apple Shipments
The U.S. Apple Association and USDA figures pretty well match for Michigan and New York. The U.S. Apple estimates for New York is 31 million cartons, unchanged from the USDA estimate of 30.9 million cartons and the same as last year’s output.
Michigan apple shipments estimated U.S. Apple stand at 28 million cartons, unchanged from the USDA’s 27.96 million carton estimate. Michigan’s forecasted crop is 40 percent above a year ago and 8 percent higher than the five-year average.
Michigan accounts for about 90 percent of Midwest apple shipments.
BelleHarvest Fruit Sales Inc. of Belding, MI reports while this season’s forecast shows a nice rebound in volume, it falls short of the record 2016 apple shipments of 30.4 million cartons.
Fifty percent of the Michigan apple crop will consist of Fuji, Honeycrisp and gala, a number expected to increase in coming years.
The U.S. Apple estimate for the Midwest stands at 31.6 million cartons, virtually unchanged from the USDA estimate of 31.4 million cartons and up 35 percent from a year ago.
Eastern Apple Shipments
Crist Brothers Apple Orchards of Walden, NY points out various apple shipping regions in the East have similar volume to last year, which includes New England’s Vermont, which had some dry weather.
Virginia apple shipments have experienced excessive rains since last May and June, but is still expecting normal shipments.
Pennsylvania apple shipments are expected to total 12-million bushels, down 5 percent from last year.
New York apple shipments from Hudson Valley should be similar to the five-year average.
Western New York shipments are predicted to be about the same as a year ago.
The U.S. Apple estimate predicts Eastern U.S. apple shipments to total 58.4 million cartons, nearly unchanged from the USDA’s estimate of 58.7 million cartons and down only 1 percent from a year ago.
Fall vegetable shipments from Georgia are not typically as heavy as those of summer, but those in the ground were hit hard by Hurricane Michael. Just how hard will not be known for awhile.
The Category 4 hurricane hit near Mexico Beach in the Florida Panhandle and weakened to a tropical storm before sweeping across Georgia and the Carolinas. The fast moving storm moved out of Georgia on the morning of October 11th. The storm tracked across Georgia at a northeast bearing, moving from Bainbridge to Cordele and then Warner Robins, GA.
Wind was the primary cause of damage to crop with 75-mph winds taking a heavy toll. Near the path of the storm, cucumber, green bean and squash plants were broken by the wind.
Many of Georgia’s vegetable growers also grow cotton, which was devastated by the storm. Heavy damage to Georgia’s pecan crop also is expected. A good portion of Georgia’s vegetable growing areas, such as Lake Park, were south of the storm’s path.
California pomegranate shipments are expected to be off about 15 percent this season.
A freeze in California’s San Joaquin Valley earlier this year is attributed to most of the decline. In a normal year, about 6 million, 25-pound boxes are shipped. This year the estimated loadings will be around 5 million to 5.5 million boxes.
The Wonderful Co. of Los Angeles reports it will have adequate volume for customers this season despite tighter supplies and higher costs for labor, transportation and water.
Crown Jewels Produce Co. LLC of Fresno, CA began harvesting pomegranates the second week of September on the early foothills variety, followed by the wonderful variety in early October.
Trinity Fruit Sales Co. Inc. of Fresno is experiencing much heavier volume this season with its early variety of pomegranates, with lighter than usual volume with its later variety.
At DJ Forry C. of Pismo Beach, CA, the company notes fewer shipments have occurred the past three years due to an oversupply, with some growers even bulldozing trees. Declining profits have been reported whether for juice, arils (a specialized outgrowth from a seed that partly or completely covers the seed) or fresh market.
Simonian Fruit Co. of Fowler, CA began harvest the third week of September and expects to be shipping pomegranates into December, or perhaps January. The company is reporting good sizing, color and overall quality.
Although the U.S. ranks third in pomegranate production, the top two producers — China and India — sell most of their fruit domestically, leaving much of the export market to the U.S..
The U.S. exports 30 to 40 percent of its crop to Canada, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia and New Zealand.
Lettuce cuttings have just got underway in the Huron district on the Westside of the San Joaquin Valley, while Salinas Valley lettuce shipments will continue for a few more weeks….Meanwhile, a double digit increase in navel shipments is forecast for California oranges.
In fact, Salinas lettuce is expected to continue until mid November. Mid November also is when initial lettuce shipments will get underway from the desert areas of California and Arizona, within a week of Thanksgiving (November 22nd).
The Nunes Co. of Salinas reports there has been an oversupply of lettuce and organic vegetables this past summer.
Church Bros. LLC of Salinas expects reduced lettuce shipments in late October until Huron moves into volume.
Salinas Valley vegetables – grossing about $7800 to New York City.
Navel Shipments
California navel orange shipments for the 2018-19 season are forecast to be 11 percent larger than last season, rebounding from a short crop a year ago.
The initial 2018-19 navel orange forecast from the USDA and the California Department of Food and Agriculture is 80 million cartons, up 11 percent from the previous year. Government survey data shows a statewide fruit set per tree of 426, well above the five-year average of 333.
Of the total navel orange forecast, 77 million cartons are estimated to be in the Central Valley, according to the forecast.
Central San Joaquin Valley citrus – grossing about $5100 to Chicago.
Import concerns
While the forecast for increase navel shipments is good news, there are some concerns about declining navel orange acres in California.
Navel orange bearing acreage in California’s Central Valley has dropped from a peak of about 135,000 acres in 2009 to just 113,000 acres for 2018-19, according to the California Citrus Mutual of Exeter, CA.
Inexpensive Southern Hemisphere imports have arrived early and stayed late, squeezing returns for California growers and contributing to a long-term decline in acreage.
While this year’s California navel crop will be higher than the short crop of a year ago, there is continuing concern about long-term acreage declines related to imports.
Hurricane Michael has dealt an estimated $230 to $300 million loss to Georgia’s fall vegetable shipments, according to preliminary estimates by University of Georgia agricultural specialists.
The University of Georgia report specifically cited:
***Fruiting vegetables such as bell peppers, at or very close to harvest, have suffered enough damage to foliage that sunburn will quickly damage the crop;
***Tomatoes, trellised cucumbers, and eggplants were all also severely damaged;
***Squash and zucchini crops saw near complete destruction in some areas while others seemed to fare better;
***and fall sweet corn, which is planted heavily in the most affected regions of southwest Georgia may be a complete loss in some counties.
The University of Georgia vegetable report points out damage to the fall vegetable industry caused by Hurricane Michael was significant for growers in southwest Georgia.
“It must be stressed that we are still evaluating fields and some of these numbers may change as we gather more information,” the report said. “Due to the widespread nature of the power outages growers may not have functioning coolers or irrigation pumps, which means that secondary losses due to inability to cool and pack harvested product or to irrigate crops in the fields may climb.”
In addition, the report notes disease pressure will increase on crops due to the rain and damage that plants may have received from the storm that occurred October 10-11.
Disaster report for growers will most likely be sought, according to the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association since very few vegetable crops in the direct path of the storm will be able to be salvaged. Few if any specialty crops have crop insurance.
The University of Georgia report estimates losses range from 30 to 100 percent of fall vegetables in the state, depending upon the location.
Damage closely followed the path of the storm, with a line stretching from Seminole and Decatur counties up through Mitchell and Grady, Colquitt, Tift and even reaching fields in the Crisp county region.
Vegetable production regions near Lowndes and Echols Counties may have some loss but are expected to have escaped the worst of the damage.
Initial California kiwifruit shipments got underway in early October and normal shipments are expected through April.
Preliminary estimates has the crop at 10.9 million, 7-pound trays for the hayward variety. For non-hayward green or gold varieties, the forecast is 1 million units.
Trinity Fruit Sales Co. Inc. of Fresno started shipping the first week in October and has described the crop as “really good.”
Greene & Hemly Inc. of Courtland notes shipping of gold varieties of kiwi has just gotten underway. The company is a grower for Sun Pacific Marketing of Pasadena. The operation is reporting no quality problems with kiwi despite the excessive daytime heat this year, describing San Joaquin Valley temperatures this season as normal. Gold kiwis are said to be more sensitive to hot temperatures or dry humidity that is common with 100-degree heat, but many operations are putting the fruit under shade structures to reduce the effects of the temperatures.
Western Fresh Marketing Services Inc. of Madera is expecting normal kiwi shipments and expressed concerns about adequate water and labor, as well as the unknown of how much kiwi will be imported from Italy. But overall the company is optimistic about this season and sees a good crop.
In upcoming seasons greater green kiwifruit shipments from California are seen because of increased acreage.
San Joaquin Valley kiwi and table grapes – grossing about $5200 to Chicago.
Rivermaid
Rivermaid Trading Co. of Lodi, CA has added two new growers to its Northwest pear program this season, which should increase it’s pear shipments by 18 percent. The company expects to market more than 1 million 44-pound carton equivalents of pears out of the Northwest this year.
Overall company pear shipments, including California, should exceed 2 million units.
Rivermaid Trading has described its California and Northwest pear season as really unique to the apple and pear industrys. What makes is so unique is the operation says it has figured out how to do it without the two areas competing with each other.
Rivermaid now has nine growers and is looking to add two more next season.
California’s Ventura County strawberries remains the top crop and the county’s 10 leading crops in terms of value are mostly fruits and vegetables, according to the Ventura County Crop & Livestock Report for 2017. The report details changes in value for different fruits and vegetables.
Kale, riding a wave of popularity in recent years, dropped off the top 10 list in 2017, replaced by cabbage. Celery moved up a slot to Number 3, switching places with nursery stock.
The 10 leading crops in Ventura County in 2017, with values in millions from 2017 and (2016), and ranking last season:
- 1. Strawberries $654.3, ($654.9, No.1)
- 2, Lemons $258.6, ($276, No. 2)
- Celery $210.4, ($202.4, No. 4)
- Nursery stock $198, (206.8, No. 3)
- Raspberries $166.7, ($171.2, No. 5)
- Avocados $118.7 ($129, No. 6)
- Cut flowers $49.9 ($48, No. No. 8)
- Tomatoes $47.5 ($48, No. 9)
- Peppers $45.8 ($61.1 No. 7)
- Cabbage $33.9 ($29.5; not on list)
Other million-dollar crops in the county this year, and value in millions, include kale ($31.6); total lettuce ($29.9); cilantro ($25.1); and blueberries ($20.8).
Organic fruit and nut production in Ventura County continued to grow in 2017, with total value going from $133.4 million from 5,019 acres to $167.1 million on 6,260 acres, according to the report.
Organic vegetables and herbs in Ventura County, however, dropped, from $40.7 million from 2,290 acres in 2016, to $30.2 million from 2,500 acres.
Throughout the report, growers tell their stories on how the Thomas Fire affected their operations in the last year. The fire broke out in early December and lasted just over a month, burning homes and affecting lemon and avocado production. At the time, it was the largest wildfire in California history, but it has already been surpassed by fires this summer. According to the report, the stories/testimonials serve “as a tribute to the strength and resilience of Ventura County’s agricultural industry …”
“Avocados take several years to come into production,” Deborah Brokaw Jackson of Brokaw Ranch Co., said in the report. “Even if we could replant right away, we are looking at about six years to full recovery.”
She said about 40% of the company’s avocado trees — 60 acres —are unlikely to make a full recovery, and nurseries in the region won’t have trees available until 2021 due to demand.
Gordon Kimball of Kimball Ranch said his operation’s recovery will also be long-term.
“The challenges we are facing due to the Thomas Fire are economic losses and financing the operation going forward,” Kimball said in the report. “Not all of the costs scale down by the reduction in tree count. Then there’s getting the replacement trees since the nurseries were sold out two years before the fire.”
by Mission Produce
Mission Produce, the industry leader in producing, distributing, and marketing fresh Hass avocados has opened a state-of-the-art, ripening and distribution center in Portland, Ore. This new forward distribution center (FDC), will expand Mission’s capabilities in the Pacific-Northwest.
“Portland, Ore., is a great location for our new FDC,” stated Ben Barnard, Vice President of Global Partnerships and Business Development. “This new facility at 58,000 square feet, will expand our ripe capacity by providing 10 ripe rooms that are each capable of storing 24 pallets. Also, the facility will enhance our cold storage by offering two coolers and a cutting-edge refrigerated control system,” continued Barnard. In addition to coolers, a refrigerated control system, and ripe rooms, the Portland facility will house five functional refrigerated loading docks and five temporary non-refrigerated docks.
“Mission is extremely excited about this new facility,” added Steve Barnard, President, and CEO. “We are always looking ahead and considering the demand for avocados. Our continued growth within the ripe category is necessary. This FDC is strategically positioned in Portland, Ore., to broaden our ripe capacities in the Pacific-Northwest region, keeping Mission within a 24-hour truck-drive away anywhere nationwide.”
Mission hosted a grand opening of the new facility last August. The event was for customers and potential partners to tour the FDC and meet members of the Mission team from quality, sales, and ripening. “Our team of Mission trained experts were thrilled to host this grand opening. They are ready to continue assisting the Pacific-Northwest region with their ripening expertise and knowledge of the avocado industry standards,” stated Ryan Fink, Vice President of North American Operations. “By continuing to expand our facilities, we are able to better serve our growing customer base with additional capacity to react when needed. Also, with the upgraded refrigeration and ripening controls we are able to continue to monitor and ensure conditions stay optimal to deliver the highest quality fruit to our customers daily.”
About Mission Produce:
Mission Produce owns and operates state-of-the-art avocado packing facilities in multiple global locations including California, Mexico, and Peru. In addition, the company’s global distribution network includes 11 ripening and distribution centers in North America, China, and Europe.
Air shipments continue to be the dominant mode of transportation for U.S. imports of Argentina blueberries, but shipments by boat increased in 2017, according to the USDA.
Even bigger volume of sea shipments is expected this year. Although initial arrivals began in September, October had 49 percent of the total volume and November had 39 percent of the volume in 2017, with the season ending in early December.
Air shipments accounted for 85 percent of all Argentina blueberry volume in 2017, down from 98 percent of volume for air in 2015.
Still, Argentina’s air shipments of blueberries are far above those of its South American competitors.
The ag department reported air shipments of Peruvian blueberries accounted for 6.3 percent of total imports in 2017. For Chile, air shipments accounted for 12 percent of U.S. imports in 2017.
Argentina blueberry exporters will be shipping more fruit to the U.S. by boat through Chile this year, which has a transit time of 17 days.
About 35 percent of Argentina blueberries will be exported to the U.S. by sea containers this year.
The 2017 Season
The USDA reports Argentina blueberry imports to the U.S. in 2017 at the Miami airport, accounted for about 64 percent of the total imports, compared with 76 percent in 2016 and 55 percent in 2015.
Boat shipments of blueberries to Philadelphia/Camden accounted for 13 percent of U.S. imports in 2017, up significantly from 3.4 percent in 2016 and 1.6 percent in 2015.
Imports of 12.1 percent of Argentina blueberry imports arrived at JFK Airport in New York in 2017, up from 7.6 percent in 2016 and 4.2 percent in 2015.
The Giumarra Cos. of Los Angeles had it’s first Argentina blueberry air arrivals during the first week of September, and will be receiving product into early December.
Giumarra also is increasing its volume of fruit the company receives in bulk and by vessel this season from Argentina.
This reasoning allows the operation to avoid fumigation for both the organic and conventional fruit. Giumarra then will pack the fruit in the U.S. in order to ensure its customers are receiving freshly packed product and in the pack type they require.
Following only one season of exporting dragon fruit, also known as pitahaya, the U.S. has become Ecuador’s second-largest market.
Quito-based Agricola Pitacava of Quito has shipped 40 metric tons of the tropical fruit, also known as pitahaya, to the U.S. compared to last season.
Ecuador exported 68 metric tops to its leading market, Hong Kong.
Market access by U.S. authorities was granted in June 2017, followed by the first exports taking place in September.
Some observers note the U.S. market, which now has a lot of people from Asia living it, turns out to be better than expected. Asians are familiar with red dragon fruit, as well as yellow dragon fruit.
Agricola Pitacava reports its exports to the U.S. are a little over 18 percent of its total volume of 220 metric tons, which also include exports to the Netherlands, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia.
Ecuador’s export volume to the U.S. in the first year is unprecedented. For example, it took 5 years for Hong Kong to become the company’s top export market after it opened in 2013. There is a lot of optimism regarding the U.S. market, not only because of its large population, but it has higher incomes. This is important because is seen as one of the most expensive fruits.
Pitahaya often costs around $8 per pound in the U.S., compared to HKD69 (U.S. $8.80) in Hong Kong. In Europe the pitahayas are sold by per piece at €8 – 10 (US$9 – 11.50).
Consumer preferences vary widely between the west and the east regarding dragon fruit, or pitahaya. For example, in Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia, there is a preference for bigger fruit, of 300g and above. However in the U.S. consumers do not for pitahaya sizes and are purchasing smaller sizes from 180g to the big fruit that could be 450g.
Just about everyone is in agreement there will be fewer U.S. apple shipments this season, which extends into the late summer of 2019. How many fewer, depends upon whom you ask.
The U.S. Apple Association is predicting 256.16 million, 42-pound cartons will be shipped. This is 6 percent below the USDA’s forecast, as well a 6 percent less than a year ago.
Western Apple Shipments
More specifically, the U.S. Apple Association is predicting this season’s Washington apple shipments will be at 155 million cartons, which is 10 percent below the USDA’s forecast of 171.4 million cartons. The U.S. Apple estimate for Washington is off 13 percent from 2017 shipments and 5 percent below the five-year average.
Washington growers reported that
The early harvested apple crop has fallen short of the expectations of Washington growers due to uneven bloom timing, which resulted in uneven maturity rates in orchards.
In total, Western U.S. apple shipments are estimated at 166.2 million cartons, off 9 percent from the USDA’s estimate and 12 percent below a year ago.
Midwest and Eastern Apple Shipments
The U.S. Apple Association and USDA figures pretty well match for Michigan and New York. The U.S. Apple estimates for New York is 31 million cartons, unchanged from the USDA estimate of 30.9 million cartons and the same as last year’s output.
Michigan apple shipments estimated U.S. Apple stand at 28 million cartons, unchanged from the USDA’s 27.96 million carton estimate. Michigan’s forecasted crop is 40 percent above a year ago and 8 percent higher than the five-year average.
Michigan accounts for about 90 percent of Midwest apple shipments.
BelleHarvest Fruit Sales Inc. of Belding, MI reports while this season’s forecast shows a nice rebound in volume, it falls short of the record 2016 apple shipments of 30.4 million cartons.
Fifty percent of the Michigan apple crop will consist of Fuji, Honeycrisp and gala, a number expected to increase in coming years.
The U.S. Apple estimate for the Midwest stands at 31.6 million cartons, virtually unchanged from the USDA estimate of 31.4 million cartons and up 35 percent from a year ago.
Eastern Apple Shipments
Crist Brothers Apple Orchards of Walden, NY points out various apple shipping regions in the East have similar volume to last year, which includes New England’s Vermont, which had some dry weather.
Virginia apple shipments have experienced excessive rains since last May and June, but is still expecting normal shipments.
Pennsylvania apple shipments are expected to total 12-million bushels, down 5 percent from last year.
New York apple shipments from Hudson Valley should be similar to the five-year average.
Western New York shipments are predicted to be about the same as a year ago.
The U.S. Apple estimate predicts Eastern U.S. apple shipments to total 58.4 million cartons, nearly unchanged from the USDA’s estimate of 58.7 million cartons and down only 1 percent from a year ago.
Fall vegetable shipments from Georgia are not typically as heavy as those of summer, but those in the ground were hit hard by Hurricane Michael. Just how hard will not be known for awhile.
The Category 4 hurricane hit near Mexico Beach in the Florida Panhandle and weakened to a tropical storm before sweeping across Georgia and the Carolinas. The fast moving storm moved out of Georgia on the morning of October 11th. The storm tracked across Georgia at a northeast bearing, moving from Bainbridge to Cordele and then Warner Robins, GA.
Wind was the primary cause of damage to crop with 75-mph winds taking a heavy toll. Near the path of the storm, cucumber, green bean and squash plants were broken by the wind.
Many of Georgia’s vegetable growers also grow cotton, which was devastated by the storm. Heavy damage to Georgia’s pecan crop also is expected. A good portion of Georgia’s vegetable growing areas, such as Lake Park, were south of the storm’s path.