Author Archive
by Alliance for Food and Farming
Watsonville, CA – The release of the United States Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program’s results clearly confirms that both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables are safe and that consumers should be eating more of both with confidence.According to the USDA press release, “The 2011 PDP report confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and do not pose a safety concern.” The EPA similarly stated that, “The newest data from the PDP program confirm that pesticide residues in food do not pose a safety concern for Americans. EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people’s health and the environment.”The USDA also reminded consumers to follow the advice from health and nutrition experts and “make half of their plate fruits and vegetables.” This advice is repeatedly echoed by the First Lady, consumer groups and environmental groups to eat more servings of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables for improved health.Similar to previous years, the 2011 report shows that overall pesticide chemical residues found on foods tested are at levels well below the tolerances set by the EPA. Using a rigorous statistical approach to sampling along with the most current laboratory methods, the PDP report findings show that 99 percent of food samples analyzed did not contain pesticide residues above safety levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The USDA PDP tracks and monitors pesticide residues on foods and provides the U.S. EPA with the pesticide information to ensure that EPA’s stringent use standards are being followed. A full copy of the report can be found here.In addition to USDA and EPA, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as numerous state and county agencies monitor, oversee and enforce pesticide regulations in the U.S. In fact, the government testing requirements for pesticides allowed for use on foods are more extensive than for chemicals in any other category. The U.S. system regulating pesticides is also more stringent than the European standards.Consumers should also be reassured by the decades of nutritional studies that show increased consumption of fruits and vegetables improves overall health and can prevent diseases. These studies were largely conducted using conventionally grown produce. Most recently, a new peer reviewed analysis that appeared in Food and Chemical Toxicologyshowed that if half of all Americans simply increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented per year. The same study also concluded that the “overwhelming difference between benefit and risk estimates provides confidence that consumers should not be concerned about cancer risks from consuming conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.”The Alliance for Food and Farming recently began an effort to provide consumers with credible, science-based information about the safety of all fruits and vegetables. The cornerstone of this effort is a website www.safefruitsandveggies.comwhich contains information from experts in toxicology, nutrition, risk assessment and farming. The site is designed to encourage increased consumption of all fruits and vegetables – whether they are organic or conventionally grown.“A key piece of information on this website is an Expert Panel Reportconducted by five scientists who reviewed claims made by special interest groups about the safety of fruits and vegetables with respect to pesticide residues,” said Marilyn Dolan, Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming. “This panel of scientists was clear that the food safety systems imposed by the government are health protective for all consumers, including infants, children and pregnant women.”The website also has a “calculator” section where consumers can calculate the very high number of servings of various fruits and vegetables that children, teenagers, women and men would have eat and still not experience any effect at all from minute amounts of pesticide residues that may be present. This “calculator” section is based upon analyses by a University of California toxicologist.
But, what if consumers are still concerned about pesticide residues? “Follow the advice of the Federal Food and Drug Administration and the USDA and just wash it,” Dolan says. The FDA states that by simply washing produce under running tap water, you can often remove or eliminate any minute residues which may be present. And, the USDA states that “We encourage everyone to continue to eat more fruits and vegetables in every meal and wash them before you do so.”
“Washing is a healthful habit that consumers should use for both organic or conventionally grown produce,” Dolan adds.
“The Alliance for Food and Farming is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 which represents organic and conventional farmers and farms of all sizes. Alliance contributors are limited to farmers of fruits and vegetables, companies that sell, market or ship fruits and vegetables or organizations that represent produce farmers. Our mission is to deliver credible information to consumers about the safety of fruits and vegetables. The Alliance does not engage in any lobbying activities, nor do we accept any money or support from the pesticide industry.”
Source: Alliance for Food and Farming
Cool weather has delayed or slowed watermelon shipments from the southern USA. For example, Florida had already shipped 74 loads of seedless watermelon in 40,000 pound units by April 5th of last year. Comparing the same time this year, only 24 loads had shipped. For the 2012 season, Florida had 12,199 loads of seedless and 2,504 loads of seeded watermelons.
Despite a cold spring watermelon shippers are expecing similar volume to a year ago as loadings gradually move northward up the east coast as we get further into the year.
History shows that what Florida gets sent by Mother Nature, tends to follow right on up the east coast with different growing areas. With Florida being up to 10 days later on shipping volume, a similar pattern could follow right on through Georgia, Carolinas, Maryland, etc.
Texas watermelons loadings will be starting anytime in very light volume, with decent volume coming in early May. Last year the Lone Star State shipped 45,205 loads of seedless watermelon, only slighly behind Florida’s 48,797. California shipped 46,174 loads, but it is such a large state with different climates, it ships watermelons throughout the entire season, unlike other states. Georgia continues to lead the nation in watermelon shipments and had 56,976 loads last year. Mexico leads the entire Western Hemisphere with 63,243 loads.
Meanwhile production from Mexico and other southern climates is way ahead of 2012 totals. By April 5, 4,018 loads had crossed from Mexico at Progreso, TX, compared to 2,796 for the same period in 2012, though crossings at Pharr, TX, were down to 833 from 1,271 in 2012.
Florida watermelons – grossing about $2500 to New York City.
There is a whopping 17 percent more apples remaining in USA storages to be shipped this season, and not surprisingly, most of them are in Washington state. As of April 1st, about 49.7 million bushels of U.S.-grown fresh-market apples had yet to be shipped.
This is 18 percent higher than the five-year average. Of this total, about 48.1 million bushels are in the Yakima and Wenatchee valleys of Washington state. Only aAbout 484,000 bushels of New York apples and 417,000 bushels of Pennsylvania apples were still in storage as of April 1st.
California Citrus Shipments
The final months of California navel orange shipments are underway, with loadings on the decline.
In a normal year, California shippers are loading trucks until the Fourth of July. However, in 2013 it appears shipments will wind down a little earlier than usual because the crop is picking as much as 5 percent to 10 percent lighter than anticipated.
Most California citrus packers will finish by the end of May, although a few will still be shipping into early to mid-June.
Starting the season, the estimate on California navel shipments was 90 million cartons. While the final numbers willnot be out for a number of weeks, it appears loading will end around 84 million cartons.
California Veggies
Desert vegetable shipments from California and Arizona are all but finished, as leaf lettuce and other veggie shipments will begin increasing from the Salinas Valley.
Chilean Port Strike
A Chilean port strike has ended, which should mean an increased arrivals of Chilean table grapes at Long Beach, CA, as well as several ports on the East Coast. This is the last few weeks of the Chilean grape season and some quality problems are being reported, so use caution when loading.
Washington state apples – grossing about $6000 to New York City.
Southern California berries and citrus – about $4700 to Chicago.
Florida tomato shipments from the Homestead area will pretty end this week and will be followed by Immokalee next week. This is the beginning of a seasonal northward shift in tomato loadings. Trucks are already loading grape and cherry tomatoes from the Ruskin, Fla., area. Romas and round tomatoes should get underway about April 20. However, it will probably be May 1st before there is significant volume.
In Georgia, greens from central and southern areas of the state continue to be shipped. Cumbers and squash shipments get underway around June 1…. Vidalia onions from southeastern Georgia are increasing in volume, and so far no significant quality problems have not been appearing from a lot of rain that fell during March.
North Carolina continues to be the largest shipper of sweet potatoes, and loadings are fairly steady from week to week. Most shippers are in the eastern part of the state.
New York state continues shipping storage onions, although some shippers have finished up their season….New York’s Hudson Valley is still loading a few apples, and the same can be said for apples coming out of Pennyslvania.
Michigan is shipping about 120 truckloads of potatoes a week.
There is similar potato volume with spuds being loaded for far northern Maine’s Aroostrock County.
Florida mixed veggies – grossing about $2500 to New York City.
Georgia greens – $2200 to Philly.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – $1500 to Atlanta.
SALINAS, CA – Royal Rose Radicchio has officially been certified as an Antioxidant-rich SUPERFOOD TM by SCS Global Services. While radicchio has long been regarded as a “health food,” this official certification elevates Royal Rose Radicchio to a new level, alongside nutritional powerhouses like spinach, blueberries, broccoli, green tea, and pomegranates. Foods are certified as a SUPERFOODS only when they meet or exceed exceptional levels of bioflavonoids, known as Anthocyanidins, that carry amazing health values. An independent lab tested and evaluated Royal Rose Radicchio from several ranches and seed variations. Royal Rose’s signature red vegetable exceeded all USDA Flavonoid averages for Anthocyanidins (Cyanidin) and meets 20% of the daily requirement in just one little serving.
Many of today’s most popular diets that are associated with improved health and longevity, such as the Mediterranean diet, the French diet, and the Japanese diet, emphasize the medicinal properties of food and the importance of heavy vegetable and fruit consumption. These diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains contain vital antioxidants that boost health and energy levels. Research surrounding such traditional diets suggests that changes to the American diet could help address obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases currently plaguing the United States today.
“This certification confirms Royal Rose Radicchio’s place among the SUPERFOOD super stars,” said Royal Rose President Dennis Donohue. “Our focus now will shift to helping more health conscious consumers access this delicious, unique, and versatile vegetable.”
Royal Rose Radicchio is healthy for reasons beyond antioxidants as well. The company’s farm-fresh radicchio varietals are high in Vitamin A, B, C, and K, which are most easily absorbed and utilized by the body when consumed through foods, than through supplements. Royal Rose Radicchio also has exceptionally high dietary fiber levels, allowing you to feel fuller, longer and to effectively remove waste from your body.
Expect more big announcements from Royal Rose in the coming months, as the company’s innovative leadership further explores the company’s signature HOT SALADS, promising to introduce America to a new way to enjoy the fresh, SUPERFOOD certified produce in both organic and conventional lines. Royal Rose is committed to making it easy and tasty to put the healthiest of vegetables at the center of the plate – introducing dishes like crisp Treviso on the grill and hearty red radicchio in the pan. Read more about Royal Rose’s HOT SALADS here.
by California Walnut Commission
FOLSOM, Calif. — Recent research published online by the Journal of Nutrition, found an inverse relationship between walnut consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in two large prospective cohorts of U.S. women: the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHS II. The researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health followed 58,063 women (52–77 years) in NHS (1998–2008) and 79,893 women (35–52 years) in NHS II (1999–2009) without diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline. They found two or more servings (1 serving= 28 grams) of walnuts per week to be associated with a 21% and 15% lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes before and after adjusting for body mass index (BMI) respectively.
Diabetes is estimated to affect 12.6 million women in the United States[1] and 366 million people worldwide[2], and the numbers are expected to rise to approximately 552 million globally by 2030[3]. Diet and lifestyle modifications are key components in fighting this epidemic, and recent evidence suggests that the type of fat rather than total fat intake plays an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Specifically, a higher level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), found significantly in walnuts, has been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Compared with other nuts, which typically contain a high amount of monounsaturated fats, walnuts are unique because they are rich in PUFAs which may favorably influence insulin resistance and risk of type 2 diabetes. Walnuts are different among nuts specifically in that they are uniquely comprised primarily of PUFAs and are the only nut with a significant amount of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid (2.5 grams of ALA per 1 ounce/ 28 gram serving).
Diabetes and obesity expert David Katz , MD considers walnuts to be a nutritious ingredient that should be a staple in the American diet. “Observational studies can’t prove cause and effect, but when associations are seen in large populations, and occur in a well established context- cause and effect may reliably be inferred,” states Dr. Katz. He continues, “The findings here- the kind often seen with powerful pharmaceuticals- are robust, and remarkable. They strongly indicate the importance of consuming whole foods, such as walnuts, in the fight against diabetes.”
Registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Andrea Dunn believes this new research is good news especially considering walnuts are tasty and simple to include daily. “In this study two or more servings of walnuts per week seemed to make a difference and is so easy to incorporate,” says Dunn. She suggests adding walnuts to your morning oatmeal or yogurt, grabbing a handful as an afternoon snack or trying them as a coating for fish or as a topping to your vegetable stir-fry.
For more industry information, health research and recipe ideas, visit www.walnuts.org
About California Walnuts:
The California walnut industry is made up of more than 4,000 growers and more than 80 handlers. The growers and handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC).
California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the CWC offices at (916) 922-5888. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). CWC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
The California Walnut Commission offices are located at 101 Parkshore Dr., Ste. #250, Folsom, CA 95630
[1] http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/
[2] http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/diabetes
[3] http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/diabetes
It’s been cold in the southeastern USA. However, there’s also been periods of warmer weather. As a result, volume shipments of blueberries from Florida will probably occur about on schedule, around the middle to late April. Georgia follows within a week or so.
Florida tomatoes seemed to have dodged the proverbial “weather” bullet more than many produce items this season. Volume is moderate and increasing with the state averaging about 800 truckloads of tomatoes a week…..Sweet corn shipments, particular the first half of the shipping season will be much lighter than normal, due to weather factors….Citrus shipments have been a disappointment out of Florida this year, but lighter than normal loadings are still taking place.
In Georgia, a freeze in late March is requiring replantings to some items such as watermelons and beans. However, the damaging frost certainly wasn’t a blanket across the state and some fields went unscathed. Information on shipments for Georgia peaches should be available soon.
In Southeastern Georgia, a few Vidalia sweet onions are being harvested, but we’re another week away before harvesting really picks up, and probably another two weeks for loading opportunities really increase. Normal volume is being predicted. Hopefully, quality problems will not start showing up as result of a lot of rain during March.
Georgia kale and other greens – grossing about $2400 to New York City.
Southern Florida vegetables – about $2000 to Chicago.
Wm. Consalo & Son Inc. was one of New Jersey’s best known and respected produce companies for over 80 years and has shut down its operations and plans to liquidate assets to satisfy creditors. The only problem with this is under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), if truckers are owed any money, there probably won’t be any left by the time produce industry related debts are paid.
John Molinelli Inc., a freight shipping and trucking company headquarted in Vineland, NJ, is owed $38,000. The firm filed a lawsuit against Consalo on March 1 and a consent injunction was entered March 26 in U.S. District Court in the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage, thus putting in motion the PACA Trust claims procedure. Debt covered by the PACA Trust receives first consideration and will be paid before money owed other creditors, including truckers, are paid.
There are nearly 50 creditors owed about $3.3 million. How much of this debt will be covered by the PACA Trust is not yet known.
Creditors will be notified by May 1 and will have through the month ofl May to file a proof of claim,. This will be reviewed by attorneys. Funds are scheduled for distribution to creditors on August 23.
Consalo was founded in 1927 in Vineland, NJ, by William Consalo.
Shipments are starting a transition period from the deserts of California and Arizona to the San Joaquin Valley’s Huron district, as well as the Salinas Valley for vegetables. At least for the time being your best loading opportunities for veggies is still the desert. Like most areas of the country and Mexico, California has had cooler than normal weather, which is slowing down the transistion. But it will happen, within the next few weeks as we approach the month of May.
Iceberg and leaf lettuce shipments have been going pretty heavy recently from Yuma, while volume is substantially less out of California’s Imperial Valley. Whether there will be a gap in shipments as the transition to northern growing areas takes place, is still a little hazy.
When loading desert vegetables you still need to watch what’s going into the trailers. Lettuce in particular continues to be affected from the recent hot weather and there may still be some heat related damages. Crops suffered some dehydration, and wilting on leafy items. Also look for tip burn, internal burn and even sunscald on the outer leaves of Iceberg and romaine.
Meanwhile, strawberry shipments continue out of Southern California, along with good volume of avocados.
Southern California produce – grossing about $7300 to Boston.
While Chilean nectarines and peach imports are pretty much finished, there are still some Chilean plums arriving at USA ports – and here is a word of caution.
Late season varieties have been having some quality issues, so you need to use extra care before loading any Chilean stone fruit.
Some bad arrivals at ports have been reported with the fruit having mold, plus being hard with a “blackish” color. When the product was picked too green, or held too long in storage is up to speculation.
Chilean nectarine and peach volumes are about 10 percent below last season, with plum arrivals up plum volumes were up 10 percent. This may have compounded the problem because a lot of fruit was being delayed being placed on boats until other fruit arrived to help fill out the ship.
Some Chilean plums will continue to arrive at USA ports through April. Just be on the lookout for maturay and decay issues with the fruit.
Grapes
Some laste season Chilean grapes also are showing quality problems.
Grapes arriving after the deadline set by a USDA’s marketing order must be U.S. grade No. 1, before the product can be sold and transported and sold to the consumers.
After the April 10th marketing order date, the grapes will have to be inspected for U.S. 1. Since only a very small sampling of grapes are inspected, there is plenty of room for error.
A dock workers strike in Chilean isn’t helping matters eithers and may be contributing to some shipping delays.
by Alliance for Food and Farming
Watsonville, CA – The release of the United States Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program’s results clearly confirms that both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables are safe and that consumers should be eating more of both with confidence.According to the USDA press release, “The 2011 PDP report confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and do not pose a safety concern.” The EPA similarly stated that, “The newest data from the PDP program confirm that pesticide residues in food do not pose a safety concern for Americans. EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people’s health and the environment.”The USDA also reminded consumers to follow the advice from health and nutrition experts and “make half of their plate fruits and vegetables.” This advice is repeatedly echoed by the First Lady, consumer groups and environmental groups to eat more servings of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables for improved health.Similar to previous years, the 2011 report shows that overall pesticide chemical residues found on foods tested are at levels well below the tolerances set by the EPA. Using a rigorous statistical approach to sampling along with the most current laboratory methods, the PDP report findings show that 99 percent of food samples analyzed did not contain pesticide residues above safety levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The USDA PDP tracks and monitors pesticide residues on foods and provides the U.S. EPA with the pesticide information to ensure that EPA’s stringent use standards are being followed. A full copy of the report can be found here.In addition to USDA and EPA, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as numerous state and county agencies monitor, oversee and enforce pesticide regulations in the U.S. In fact, the government testing requirements for pesticides allowed for use on foods are more extensive than for chemicals in any other category. The U.S. system regulating pesticides is also more stringent than the European standards.Consumers should also be reassured by the decades of nutritional studies that show increased consumption of fruits and vegetables improves overall health and can prevent diseases. These studies were largely conducted using conventionally grown produce. Most recently, a new peer reviewed analysis that appeared in Food and Chemical Toxicologyshowed that if half of all Americans simply increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented per year. The same study also concluded that the “overwhelming difference between benefit and risk estimates provides confidence that consumers should not be concerned about cancer risks from consuming conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.”The Alliance for Food and Farming recently began an effort to provide consumers with credible, science-based information about the safety of all fruits and vegetables. The cornerstone of this effort is a website www.safefruitsandveggies.comwhich contains information from experts in toxicology, nutrition, risk assessment and farming. The site is designed to encourage increased consumption of all fruits and vegetables – whether they are organic or conventionally grown.“A key piece of information on this website is an Expert Panel Reportconducted by five scientists who reviewed claims made by special interest groups about the safety of fruits and vegetables with respect to pesticide residues,” said Marilyn Dolan, Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming. “This panel of scientists was clear that the food safety systems imposed by the government are health protective for all consumers, including infants, children and pregnant women.”The website also has a “calculator” section where consumers can calculate the very high number of servings of various fruits and vegetables that children, teenagers, women and men would have eat and still not experience any effect at all from minute amounts of pesticide residues that may be present. This “calculator” section is based upon analyses by a University of California toxicologist.
Watsonville, CA – The release of the United States Department of Food and Agriculture’s Pesticide Data Program’s results clearly confirms that both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables are safe and that consumers should be eating more of both with confidence.According to the USDA press release, “The 2011 PDP report confirms that overall pesticide chemical residues found on the foods tested are at levels below the tolerances established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and do not pose a safety concern.” The EPA similarly stated that, “The newest data from the PDP program confirm that pesticide residues in food do not pose a safety concern for Americans. EPA remains committed to a rigorous, science-based and transparent regulatory program for pesticides that continues to protect people’s health and the environment.”The USDA also reminded consumers to follow the advice from health and nutrition experts and “make half of their plate fruits and vegetables.” This advice is repeatedly echoed by the First Lady, consumer groups and environmental groups to eat more servings of organic and conventionally grown fruits and vegetables for improved health.Similar to previous years, the 2011 report shows that overall pesticide chemical residues found on foods tested are at levels well below the tolerances set by the EPA. Using a rigorous statistical approach to sampling along with the most current laboratory methods, the PDP report findings show that 99 percent of food samples analyzed did not contain pesticide residues above safety levels set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The USDA PDP tracks and monitors pesticide residues on foods and provides the U.S. EPA with the pesticide information to ensure that EPA’s stringent use standards are being followed. A full copy of the report can be found here.In addition to USDA and EPA, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as well as numerous state and county agencies monitor, oversee and enforce pesticide regulations in the U.S. In fact, the government testing requirements for pesticides allowed for use on foods are more extensive than for chemicals in any other category. The U.S. system regulating pesticides is also more stringent than the European standards.Consumers should also be reassured by the decades of nutritional studies that show increased consumption of fruits and vegetables improves overall health and can prevent diseases. These studies were largely conducted using conventionally grown produce. Most recently, a new peer reviewed analysis that appeared in Food and Chemical Toxicologyshowed that if half of all Americans simply increased their consumption of fruits and vegetables by a single serving each day, 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented per year. The same study also concluded that the “overwhelming difference between benefit and risk estimates provides confidence that consumers should not be concerned about cancer risks from consuming conventionally grown fruits and vegetables.”The Alliance for Food and Farming recently began an effort to provide consumers with credible, science-based information about the safety of all fruits and vegetables. The cornerstone of this effort is a website www.safefruitsandveggies.comwhich contains information from experts in toxicology, nutrition, risk assessment and farming. The site is designed to encourage increased consumption of all fruits and vegetables – whether they are organic or conventionally grown.“A key piece of information on this website is an Expert Panel Reportconducted by five scientists who reviewed claims made by special interest groups about the safety of fruits and vegetables with respect to pesticide residues,” said Marilyn Dolan, Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming. “This panel of scientists was clear that the food safety systems imposed by the government are health protective for all consumers, including infants, children and pregnant women.”The website also has a “calculator” section where consumers can calculate the very high number of servings of various fruits and vegetables that children, teenagers, women and men would have eat and still not experience any effect at all from minute amounts of pesticide residues that may be present. This “calculator” section is based upon analyses by a University of California toxicologist.
But, what if consumers are still concerned about pesticide residues? “Follow the advice of the Federal Food and Drug Administration and the USDA and just wash it,” Dolan says. The FDA states that by simply washing produce under running tap water, you can often remove or eliminate any minute residues which may be present. And, the USDA states that “We encourage everyone to continue to eat more fruits and vegetables in every meal and wash them before you do so.”
“Washing is a healthful habit that consumers should use for both organic or conventionally grown produce,” Dolan adds.
“The Alliance for Food and Farming is a non-profit organization formed in 1989 which represents organic and conventional farmers and farms of all sizes. Alliance contributors are limited to farmers of fruits and vegetables, companies that sell, market or ship fruits and vegetables or organizations that represent produce farmers. Our mission is to deliver credible information to consumers about the safety of fruits and vegetables. The Alliance does not engage in any lobbying activities, nor do we accept any money or support from the pesticide industry.”
Source: Alliance for Food and Farming
Cool weather has delayed or slowed watermelon shipments from the southern USA. For example, Florida had already shipped 74 loads of seedless watermelon in 40,000 pound units by April 5th of last year. Comparing the same time this year, only 24 loads had shipped. For the 2012 season, Florida had 12,199 loads of seedless and 2,504 loads of seeded watermelons.
Despite a cold spring watermelon shippers are expecing similar volume to a year ago as loadings gradually move northward up the east coast as we get further into the year.
History shows that what Florida gets sent by Mother Nature, tends to follow right on up the east coast with different growing areas. With Florida being up to 10 days later on shipping volume, a similar pattern could follow right on through Georgia, Carolinas, Maryland, etc.
Texas watermelons loadings will be starting anytime in very light volume, with decent volume coming in early May. Last year the Lone Star State shipped 45,205 loads of seedless watermelon, only slighly behind Florida’s 48,797. California shipped 46,174 loads, but it is such a large state with different climates, it ships watermelons throughout the entire season, unlike other states. Georgia continues to lead the nation in watermelon shipments and had 56,976 loads last year. Mexico leads the entire Western Hemisphere with 63,243 loads.
Meanwhile production from Mexico and other southern climates is way ahead of 2012 totals. By April 5, 4,018 loads had crossed from Mexico at Progreso, TX, compared to 2,796 for the same period in 2012, though crossings at Pharr, TX, were down to 833 from 1,271 in 2012.
Florida watermelons – grossing about $2500 to New York City.
There is a whopping 17 percent more apples remaining in USA storages to be shipped this season, and not surprisingly, most of them are in Washington state. As of April 1st, about 49.7 million bushels of U.S.-grown fresh-market apples had yet to be shipped.
This is 18 percent higher than the five-year average. Of this total, about 48.1 million bushels are in the Yakima and Wenatchee valleys of Washington state. Only aAbout 484,000 bushels of New York apples and 417,000 bushels of Pennsylvania apples were still in storage as of April 1st.
California Citrus Shipments
The final months of California navel orange shipments are underway, with loadings on the decline.
In a normal year, California shippers are loading trucks until the Fourth of July. However, in 2013 it appears shipments will wind down a little earlier than usual because the crop is picking as much as 5 percent to 10 percent lighter than anticipated.
Most California citrus packers will finish by the end of May, although a few will still be shipping into early to mid-June.
Starting the season, the estimate on California navel shipments was 90 million cartons. While the final numbers willnot be out for a number of weeks, it appears loading will end around 84 million cartons.
California Veggies
Desert vegetable shipments from California and Arizona are all but finished, as leaf lettuce and other veggie shipments will begin increasing from the Salinas Valley.
Chilean Port Strike
A Chilean port strike has ended, which should mean an increased arrivals of Chilean table grapes at Long Beach, CA, as well as several ports on the East Coast. This is the last few weeks of the Chilean grape season and some quality problems are being reported, so use caution when loading.
Washington state apples – grossing about $6000 to New York City.
Southern California berries and citrus – about $4700 to Chicago.
Florida tomato shipments from the Homestead area will pretty end this week and will be followed by Immokalee next week. This is the beginning of a seasonal northward shift in tomato loadings. Trucks are already loading grape and cherry tomatoes from the Ruskin, Fla., area. Romas and round tomatoes should get underway about April 20. However, it will probably be May 1st before there is significant volume.
In Georgia, greens from central and southern areas of the state continue to be shipped. Cumbers and squash shipments get underway around June 1…. Vidalia onions from southeastern Georgia are increasing in volume, and so far no significant quality problems have not been appearing from a lot of rain that fell during March.
North Carolina continues to be the largest shipper of sweet potatoes, and loadings are fairly steady from week to week. Most shippers are in the eastern part of the state.
New York state continues shipping storage onions, although some shippers have finished up their season….New York’s Hudson Valley is still loading a few apples, and the same can be said for apples coming out of Pennyslvania.
Michigan is shipping about 120 truckloads of potatoes a week.
There is similar potato volume with spuds being loaded for far northern Maine’s Aroostrock County.
Florida mixed veggies – grossing about $2500 to New York City.
Georgia greens – $2200 to Philly.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – $1500 to Atlanta.
SALINAS, CA – Royal Rose Radicchio has officially been certified as an Antioxidant-rich SUPERFOOD TM by SCS Global Services. While radicchio has long been regarded as a “health food,” this official certification elevates Royal Rose Radicchio to a new level, alongside nutritional powerhouses like spinach, blueberries, broccoli, green tea, and pomegranates. Foods are certified as a SUPERFOODS only when they meet or exceed exceptional levels of bioflavonoids, known as Anthocyanidins, that carry amazing health values. An independent lab tested and evaluated Royal Rose Radicchio from several ranches and seed variations. Royal Rose’s signature red vegetable exceeded all USDA Flavonoid averages for Anthocyanidins (Cyanidin) and meets 20% of the daily requirement in just one little serving.
Many of today’s most popular diets that are associated with improved health and longevity, such as the Mediterranean diet, the French diet, and the Japanese diet, emphasize the medicinal properties of food and the importance of heavy vegetable and fruit consumption. These diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and grains contain vital antioxidants that boost health and energy levels. Research surrounding such traditional diets suggests that changes to the American diet could help address obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases currently plaguing the United States today.
“This certification confirms Royal Rose Radicchio’s place among the SUPERFOOD super stars,” said Royal Rose President Dennis Donohue. “Our focus now will shift to helping more health conscious consumers access this delicious, unique, and versatile vegetable.”
Royal Rose Radicchio is healthy for reasons beyond antioxidants as well. The company’s farm-fresh radicchio varietals are high in Vitamin A, B, C, and K, which are most easily absorbed and utilized by the body when consumed through foods, than through supplements. Royal Rose Radicchio also has exceptionally high dietary fiber levels, allowing you to feel fuller, longer and to effectively remove waste from your body.
Expect more big announcements from Royal Rose in the coming months, as the company’s innovative leadership further explores the company’s signature HOT SALADS, promising to introduce America to a new way to enjoy the fresh, SUPERFOOD certified produce in both organic and conventional lines. Royal Rose is committed to making it easy and tasty to put the healthiest of vegetables at the center of the plate – introducing dishes like crisp Treviso on the grill and hearty red radicchio in the pan. Read more about Royal Rose’s HOT SALADS here.
by California Walnut Commission
FOLSOM, Calif. — Recent research published online by the Journal of Nutrition, found an inverse relationship between walnut consumption and risk of type 2 diabetes in two large prospective cohorts of U.S. women: the Nurses’ Health Study (NHS) and NHS II. The researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health followed 58,063 women (52–77 years) in NHS (1998–2008) and 79,893 women (35–52 years) in NHS II (1999–2009) without diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or cancer at baseline. They found two or more servings (1 serving= 28 grams) of walnuts per week to be associated with a 21% and 15% lower risk of incident type 2 diabetes before and after adjusting for body mass index (BMI) respectively.
Diabetes is estimated to affect 12.6 million women in the United States[1] and 366 million people worldwide[2], and the numbers are expected to rise to approximately 552 million globally by 2030[3]. Diet and lifestyle modifications are key components in fighting this epidemic, and recent evidence suggests that the type of fat rather than total fat intake plays an important role in the development of type 2 diabetes. Specifically, a higher level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), found significantly in walnuts, has been associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes.
Compared with other nuts, which typically contain a high amount of monounsaturated fats, walnuts are unique because they are rich in PUFAs which may favorably influence insulin resistance and risk of type 2 diabetes. Walnuts are different among nuts specifically in that they are uniquely comprised primarily of PUFAs and are the only nut with a significant amount of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3 fatty acid (2.5 grams of ALA per 1 ounce/ 28 gram serving).
Diabetes and obesity expert David Katz , MD considers walnuts to be a nutritious ingredient that should be a staple in the American diet. “Observational studies can’t prove cause and effect, but when associations are seen in large populations, and occur in a well established context- cause and effect may reliably be inferred,” states Dr. Katz. He continues, “The findings here- the kind often seen with powerful pharmaceuticals- are robust, and remarkable. They strongly indicate the importance of consuming whole foods, such as walnuts, in the fight against diabetes.”
Registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator Andrea Dunn believes this new research is good news especially considering walnuts are tasty and simple to include daily. “In this study two or more servings of walnuts per week seemed to make a difference and is so easy to incorporate,” says Dunn. She suggests adding walnuts to your morning oatmeal or yogurt, grabbing a handful as an afternoon snack or trying them as a coating for fish or as a topping to your vegetable stir-fry.
For more industry information, health research and recipe ideas, visit www.walnuts.org
About California Walnuts:
The California walnut industry is made up of more than 4,000 growers and more than 80 handlers. The growers and handlers are represented by two entities, the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC).
California Walnut Commission
The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The Commission is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). The CWC is mainly involved in health research and export market development activities.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) prohibits discrimination in all programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance programs. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact the CWC offices at (916) 922-5888. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TDD). CWC is an equal opportunity employer and provider.
The California Walnut Commission offices are located at 101 Parkshore Dr., Ste. #250, Folsom, CA 95630
[1] http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/diabetes-statistics/
[2] http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/diabetes
[3] http://www.idf.org/diabetesatlas/5e/diabetes
It’s been cold in the southeastern USA. However, there’s also been periods of warmer weather. As a result, volume shipments of blueberries from Florida will probably occur about on schedule, around the middle to late April. Georgia follows within a week or so.
Florida tomatoes seemed to have dodged the proverbial “weather” bullet more than many produce items this season. Volume is moderate and increasing with the state averaging about 800 truckloads of tomatoes a week…..Sweet corn shipments, particular the first half of the shipping season will be much lighter than normal, due to weather factors….Citrus shipments have been a disappointment out of Florida this year, but lighter than normal loadings are still taking place.
In Georgia, a freeze in late March is requiring replantings to some items such as watermelons and beans. However, the damaging frost certainly wasn’t a blanket across the state and some fields went unscathed. Information on shipments for Georgia peaches should be available soon.
In Southeastern Georgia, a few Vidalia sweet onions are being harvested, but we’re another week away before harvesting really picks up, and probably another two weeks for loading opportunities really increase. Normal volume is being predicted. Hopefully, quality problems will not start showing up as result of a lot of rain during March.
Georgia kale and other greens – grossing about $2400 to New York City.
Southern Florida vegetables – about $2000 to Chicago.
Wm. Consalo & Son Inc. was one of New Jersey’s best known and respected produce companies for over 80 years and has shut down its operations and plans to liquidate assets to satisfy creditors. The only problem with this is under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), if truckers are owed any money, there probably won’t be any left by the time produce industry related debts are paid.
John Molinelli Inc., a freight shipping and trucking company headquarted in Vineland, NJ, is owed $38,000. The firm filed a lawsuit against Consalo on March 1 and a consent injunction was entered March 26 in U.S. District Court in the District of New Jersey, Camden Vicinage, thus putting in motion the PACA Trust claims procedure. Debt covered by the PACA Trust receives first consideration and will be paid before money owed other creditors, including truckers, are paid.
There are nearly 50 creditors owed about $3.3 million. How much of this debt will be covered by the PACA Trust is not yet known.
Creditors will be notified by May 1 and will have through the month ofl May to file a proof of claim,. This will be reviewed by attorneys. Funds are scheduled for distribution to creditors on August 23.
Consalo was founded in 1927 in Vineland, NJ, by William Consalo.
Shipments are starting a transition period from the deserts of California and Arizona to the San Joaquin Valley’s Huron district, as well as the Salinas Valley for vegetables. At least for the time being your best loading opportunities for veggies is still the desert. Like most areas of the country and Mexico, California has had cooler than normal weather, which is slowing down the transistion. But it will happen, within the next few weeks as we approach the month of May.
Iceberg and leaf lettuce shipments have been going pretty heavy recently from Yuma, while volume is substantially less out of California’s Imperial Valley. Whether there will be a gap in shipments as the transition to northern growing areas takes place, is still a little hazy.
When loading desert vegetables you still need to watch what’s going into the trailers. Lettuce in particular continues to be affected from the recent hot weather and there may still be some heat related damages. Crops suffered some dehydration, and wilting on leafy items. Also look for tip burn, internal burn and even sunscald on the outer leaves of Iceberg and romaine.
Meanwhile, strawberry shipments continue out of Southern California, along with good volume of avocados.
Southern California produce – grossing about $7300 to Boston.
While Chilean nectarines and peach imports are pretty much finished, there are still some Chilean plums arriving at USA ports – and here is a word of caution.
Late season varieties have been having some quality issues, so you need to use extra care before loading any Chilean stone fruit.
Some bad arrivals at ports have been reported with the fruit having mold, plus being hard with a “blackish” color. When the product was picked too green, or held too long in storage is up to speculation.
Chilean nectarine and peach volumes are about 10 percent below last season, with plum arrivals up plum volumes were up 10 percent. This may have compounded the problem because a lot of fruit was being delayed being placed on boats until other fruit arrived to help fill out the ship.
Some Chilean plums will continue to arrive at USA ports through April. Just be on the lookout for maturay and decay issues with the fruit.
Grapes
Some laste season Chilean grapes also are showing quality problems.
Grapes arriving after the deadline set by a USDA’s marketing order must be U.S. grade No. 1, before the product can be sold and transported and sold to the consumers.
After the April 10th marketing order date, the grapes will have to be inspected for U.S. 1. Since only a very small sampling of grapes are inspected, there is plenty of room for error.
A dock workers strike in Chilean isn’t helping matters eithers and may be contributing to some shipping delays.