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Mexico easily is the biggest supplier of fresh produce to the USA, according to figures provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mexico provided 69 percent of Ameican’s fresh vegetable import value and 37 percent of the USA’s fresh fruit import value in 2012.
Trucks account for virtually all of these Mexican imports as fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded at border warehouses stretching from Texas to California.
Last year USA imports of Mexican fresh fruit totaled $2.86 billion, with the import value increasing by an average of about 20 percent per year from 1999 to 2012. By comparison, the value of U.S. imports of Chilean fruit totaled $1.22 billion in 2012, up an average of 10 percent per year over the same period.
In 2012, Mexico accounted for $4.05 billion in USA fresh vegetable imports. Between 1999 and 2012, the average annual growth in the value of USA fresh vegetable imports from Mexico was 15 percent, compared with 14 percent yearly growth in in the value from Canada.
Peru accounted for only 5 percent of USA fresh vegetable import value last year,but the annual growth in the value of imports of fresh vegetables from Peru averaged 31 percent from 1999 to 2012.
Over the past 12 years, total USA vegetable import volume has increased at an average rate of 5.1 percent, almost double the 2.7 percent average annual growth in the volume of USA fruit imports.
The USDA report said that average annual price inflation for USA vegetable imports from 1999 to 2011 was 3.3 percent, while the average price inflation for fruit imports was 5 percent.
Truckers and farmers have always been like first cousins, having a lot in common ranging from being hard workers, good mechanics out of necessity and tending to be patriotic and conservative. In fact, sometimes you find them to be one and the same.
This is the case with Mack Hamilton, a former owner operator who still drives a truck. He also does some farming and drives a truck for M&S Farms of Vidalia, GA. M&S is the trucking arm of Stanley Farms, a well known and respected grower, packer and shipper of sweet onions.
Mack, who has 33 years of trucking under his belt was an owner operator from 1998 to 2005. He owned KMH Transport and had his own truck with three trailers hauling heavy equipment for auction companies based in Florida and Georgia. He worked with three primary companies.
“I don’t plan to become and owner operator again,” Mack states. “I’ve got it made working here.”
He job is never boring getting to do a lot of different things. For example, he only put in five hours the previous day, but had a 23.5-hour day previous to that. The driver says he averages about 60,000 miles a year.
On this particular day in late March, Mack had picked up a load of peeled onions in Lyons, GA and delivered it to the Atlanta State Farmers Market. Vidalia sweet onions have just started in the past week or so and volume is now building. In the off season Mack may be hauling onions imported from Peru or Mexico.
He also operates farm equipment for Stanley Farms, plus he grows field corn for his cattle at his own farm at Soperton, GA.
The 54-year-old Georgian on this day was driving a 2002 Petebilt, powered by a 550 hp Cat engine with a 13-speed tranny. He was pulling a 48-foot Great Dane trailer with a Carrier Transcold reefer unit.
Meanwhile, Mack enjoys his career of mixing trucking and farming, without any desire to become an owner operator again.
Fewer potatoes in Colorado are being shipped compared to this time a year ago. Shipping figures for March indicate 21,069 loads had been loaded, compared to 22,754 reported for March 2012.
Additionally, Colorado will probably ship fewer spuds for the 2013-14 season because of low market prices, water restrictions and less potato acres in the San Luis Valley.
Predictions point to 10 percent fewer of potato acres this coming season. Shipments for the current crop are expected to continue until mid-August, when the harvest of the new crop of potatoes gets underway.
Looking at the Western Slope of Colorado, there may have been a 10 percent to 20 percent loss of stone fruit crops in April due to the cold. Loss could occure with apricots, Rich Lady peaches and cherries. Other peach varieties may have aired better along with apples and pears, which mature later in the season.
In Washington state variety cherry shipments should start in early June assuming the weather cooperates. Loadings will increase approching the middle of June and hit fulls stride heading into the Fourth of July.
In Oregon, blueberries shipments get underway the last week of June, with good volume coming in July.
California blueberries are now in volume and ample loading opportunties are expected in May and right on through the summer months.
Colorado potatoes – grossing about $1700 to Dallas.
Washington apples – about $5500 to Atlanta.
By AMAN BATHEJA
The New York Times
Published: April 13, 2013
Each year, just before they approach the United States border, thousands of truck drivers hauling produce from western Mexico to southern Texas stop in the city of Reynosa to lighten their loads.
Legislation could help produce trucks entering Hidalgo County.
Mexico allows heavier trucks on its roads than Texas does. To avoid being charged a fine — which averages about $110 — when they reach Texas, drivers routinely drop off a few pallets of bell peppers, avocados, tomatoes or watermelons to be picked up by lighter trucks before crossing one of Hidalgo County’s international bridges, according to Keith Patridge, president of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, which promotes commerce in both McAllen and Reynosa.
The transfer can be costly. “In a 100-degree day, if you’re out jostling produce around, it reduces the quality of the product,” Mr. Patridge said.
State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr., Democrat of Mission, wants to put an end to those detours. He has filed legislation that would allow trucks to pay an $80 fee in exchange for crossing the border overweight.
That change, along with the construction of a highway in Mexico that the United States Department of Agriculture predicts will spark a surge in refrigerated trucks entering Hidalgo County, could set off an economic boom, Mr. Muñoz said.
“It’s just a huge amount of economic development that’s going to occur with the increased traffic,” he said. “It’s not going to be only for South Texas, but it’s going to be increased commerce for the state.”
Mexican officials are finishing the Mazatlán-Matamoros Corridor, a highway that will provide a direct route between Mexico’s western growing regions and South Texas. The road is expected to accelerate a shift of Mexican produce trucks entering the United States to Hidalgo County from Nogales, Ariz., for quicker access to East Coast markets.
“For the Mexican produce industry, it’s a no-brainer,” said Richard Sanchez, Mr. Muñoz’s chief of staff. “They’re going to save about six hours’ travel time coming through South Texas.”
Mr. Munoz’s bill would direct money from the $80 fees to road maintenance related to damage from the heavier trucks. The Texas Department of Transportation already oversees three corridors for overweight trucks in other parts of the state; this new one would be the first to apply only to produce trucks. Arizona has a similar system for overweight trucks crossing the border near Nogales.
John McClung, who oversees boarder issues for the Texas International Produce Association, said vegetable and fruit sellers are willing to pay the fee to avoid unloading cargo before reaching one of the cold storage facilities in and around McAllen, Hidalgo County’s largest city.
The produce is typically unloaded at those warehouses and prepared for redistribution around the country. More facilities are being built in the county to prepare for increased produce truck traffic.
“It is just that first few miles in the U.S. that is the concern,” Mr. McClung said.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: New York Times
EAGLE, Idaho — Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and hundreds of Emmett, Idaho residents.
In 2012, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) built a larger-than-life version of the vintage Idaho® potato postcard in celebration of the IPC’s 75th anniversary. Weighing in at 6 tons (the equivalent of 32,346 medium-sized Idaho® potatoes), the Great Big Idaho® Potato is traversing the country to greet fans and to help raise funds and awareness for Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), the oldest and largest national organization dedicated to helping end senior hunger.
“Last year the Truck became a national sensation. We’ve received thousands of emails and calls from folks across the country asking when and where they can see the Truck, and we’re thrilled it’s back on the road,” said Frank Muir, president and CEO, IPC. “Idaho® potatoes are a staple in almost every household in America and are one of the most important agricultural crops in Idaho. Idaho® potatoes generate close to $5 billion in revenue annually and employ more than 30,000 people. The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck is our unique way of reminding consumers to always look for the famous ‘Grown in Idaho’ seal.”
The Truck
Seen by millions of Americans in person and on the national television commercial, the most frequently asked question is, “Is it real?” Well we’ll never tell, but in the event that it is, the Great Big Idaho® Potato …
- Would take more than 10,000 years to grow.
- Is 1,102 times heavier than the largest potato ever grown, which weighed 11 pounds.
- Would take 2 years and 9 months to bake.
- Could make 30,325 servings of mashed potatoes and more than 1.4 million average-sized fries!
The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck was created and built by Chris Schofield and Sharolyn Spruce of Weiser, Idaho. With the help of a few specialized contractors, they spent an entire year designing and building this incredible vehicle. The Kenworth Sales Company and Western Trailer, both based in Boise, Idaho, also aided with the construction.
The Tour
To find out when the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck will be in a city near you, please visit www.bigidahopotato.com. The website provides in-depth information about the Truck, the IPC’s partnership with MOWAA and weekly updates with tales and photos from the road.
See and post photos and join the Truck’s social media community using #bigidahopotato on Twitter and Instagram (@bigidahopotato). Don’t forget to “Like” the Truck on Facebook (Facebook.com/bigidahopotatotour), too!
During the Truck’s 22,000-mile journey, it will make dozens of stops including: the National Football Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Derby Parade, College Baseball World Series, and a special visit to the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle! At the end of the year, it will return to its home turf in Idaho to participate in the third annual Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
Meals On Wheels Association of America
In support of Meals On Wheels’ effort to end senior hunger by 2020, the IPC has donated $200,000 to MOWAA. This national organization represents more than 5,000 MOWAA programs across the country that together prepare and deliver more than one million meals each day to homebound seniors. On any given day, between 800,000 and 1.7 million volunteers who donate their time and often their own resources to make sure the elderly in their communities receive delicious, nourishing meals. Potatoes are an important food for these programs because they are nutrient dense, affordable and extremely versatile. And perhaps most importantly, many seniors enjoy eating potatoes.
The MOWAA logo appears prominently on the Truck and on the website www.bigidahopotato.com, where donations can be made electronically. In turn, MOWAA will keep their volunteers and friends updated on the Tour by posting the Truck’s schedule and photos from the road on their Facebook page and website and in their monthly newsletter.
If you are interested in learning more about the organization, visit www.mowaa.org.
About the Idaho Potato Commission
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.
For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/famousidahopotatoes
Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/idahopotato
Follow us on Pinterest: Pinterest.com/idahopotato
Source: Idaho Potato Commission
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.
Mexico easily is the biggest supplier of fresh produce to the USA, according to figures provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Mexico provided 69 percent of Ameican’s fresh vegetable import value and 37 percent of the USA’s fresh fruit import value in 2012.
Trucks account for virtually all of these Mexican imports as fresh fruits and vegetables are loaded at border warehouses stretching from Texas to California.
Last year USA imports of Mexican fresh fruit totaled $2.86 billion, with the import value increasing by an average of about 20 percent per year from 1999 to 2012. By comparison, the value of U.S. imports of Chilean fruit totaled $1.22 billion in 2012, up an average of 10 percent per year over the same period.
In 2012, Mexico accounted for $4.05 billion in USA fresh vegetable imports. Between 1999 and 2012, the average annual growth in the value of USA fresh vegetable imports from Mexico was 15 percent, compared with 14 percent yearly growth in in the value from Canada.
Peru accounted for only 5 percent of USA fresh vegetable import value last year,but the annual growth in the value of imports of fresh vegetables from Peru averaged 31 percent from 1999 to 2012.
Over the past 12 years, total USA vegetable import volume has increased at an average rate of 5.1 percent, almost double the 2.7 percent average annual growth in the volume of USA fruit imports.
The USDA report said that average annual price inflation for USA vegetable imports from 1999 to 2011 was 3.3 percent, while the average price inflation for fruit imports was 5 percent.
Truckers and farmers have always been like first cousins, having a lot in common ranging from being hard workers, good mechanics out of necessity and tending to be patriotic and conservative. In fact, sometimes you find them to be one and the same.
This is the case with Mack Hamilton, a former owner operator who still drives a truck. He also does some farming and drives a truck for M&S Farms of Vidalia, GA. M&S is the trucking arm of Stanley Farms, a well known and respected grower, packer and shipper of sweet onions.
Mack, who has 33 years of trucking under his belt was an owner operator from 1998 to 2005. He owned KMH Transport and had his own truck with three trailers hauling heavy equipment for auction companies based in Florida and Georgia. He worked with three primary companies.
“I don’t plan to become and owner operator again,” Mack states. “I’ve got it made working here.”
He job is never boring getting to do a lot of different things. For example, he only put in five hours the previous day, but had a 23.5-hour day previous to that. The driver says he averages about 60,000 miles a year.
On this particular day in late March, Mack had picked up a load of peeled onions in Lyons, GA and delivered it to the Atlanta State Farmers Market. Vidalia sweet onions have just started in the past week or so and volume is now building. In the off season Mack may be hauling onions imported from Peru or Mexico.
He also operates farm equipment for Stanley Farms, plus he grows field corn for his cattle at his own farm at Soperton, GA.
The 54-year-old Georgian on this day was driving a 2002 Petebilt, powered by a 550 hp Cat engine with a 13-speed tranny. He was pulling a 48-foot Great Dane trailer with a Carrier Transcold reefer unit.
Meanwhile, Mack enjoys his career of mixing trucking and farming, without any desire to become an owner operator again.
Fewer potatoes in Colorado are being shipped compared to this time a year ago. Shipping figures for March indicate 21,069 loads had been loaded, compared to 22,754 reported for March 2012.
Additionally, Colorado will probably ship fewer spuds for the 2013-14 season because of low market prices, water restrictions and less potato acres in the San Luis Valley.
Predictions point to 10 percent fewer of potato acres this coming season. Shipments for the current crop are expected to continue until mid-August, when the harvest of the new crop of potatoes gets underway.
Looking at the Western Slope of Colorado, there may have been a 10 percent to 20 percent loss of stone fruit crops in April due to the cold. Loss could occure with apricots, Rich Lady peaches and cherries. Other peach varieties may have aired better along with apples and pears, which mature later in the season.
In Washington state variety cherry shipments should start in early June assuming the weather cooperates. Loadings will increase approching the middle of June and hit fulls stride heading into the Fourth of July.
In Oregon, blueberries shipments get underway the last week of June, with good volume coming in July.
California blueberries are now in volume and ample loading opportunties are expected in May and right on through the summer months.
Colorado potatoes – grossing about $1700 to Dallas.
Washington apples – about $5500 to Atlanta.
By AMAN BATHEJA
The New York Times
Published: April 13, 2013
Each year, just before they approach the United States border, thousands of truck drivers hauling produce from western Mexico to southern Texas stop in the city of Reynosa to lighten their loads.Legislation could help produce trucks entering Hidalgo County.
Mexico allows heavier trucks on its roads than Texas does. To avoid being charged a fine — which averages about $110 — when they reach Texas, drivers routinely drop off a few pallets of bell peppers, avocados, tomatoes or watermelons to be picked up by lighter trucks before crossing one of Hidalgo County’s international bridges, according to Keith Patridge, president of the McAllen Economic Development Corporation, which promotes commerce in both McAllen and Reynosa.
The transfer can be costly. “In a 100-degree day, if you’re out jostling produce around, it reduces the quality of the product,” Mr. Patridge said.
State Representative Sergio Muñoz Jr., Democrat of Mission, wants to put an end to those detours. He has filed legislation that would allow trucks to pay an $80 fee in exchange for crossing the border overweight.
That change, along with the construction of a highway in Mexico that the United States Department of Agriculture predicts will spark a surge in refrigerated trucks entering Hidalgo County, could set off an economic boom, Mr. Muñoz said.
“It’s just a huge amount of economic development that’s going to occur with the increased traffic,” he said. “It’s not going to be only for South Texas, but it’s going to be increased commerce for the state.”
Mexican officials are finishing the Mazatlán-Matamoros Corridor, a highway that will provide a direct route between Mexico’s western growing regions and South Texas. The road is expected to accelerate a shift of Mexican produce trucks entering the United States to Hidalgo County from Nogales, Ariz., for quicker access to East Coast markets.
“For the Mexican produce industry, it’s a no-brainer,” said Richard Sanchez, Mr. Muñoz’s chief of staff. “They’re going to save about six hours’ travel time coming through South Texas.”
Mr. Munoz’s bill would direct money from the $80 fees to road maintenance related to damage from the heavier trucks. The Texas Department of Transportation already oversees three corridors for overweight trucks in other parts of the state; this new one would be the first to apply only to produce trucks. Arizona has a similar system for overweight trucks crossing the border near Nogales.
John McClung, who oversees boarder issues for the Texas International Produce Association, said vegetable and fruit sellers are willing to pay the fee to avoid unloading cargo before reaching one of the cold storage facilities in and around McAllen, Hidalgo County’s largest city.
The produce is typically unloaded at those warehouses and prepared for redistribution around the country. More facilities are being built in the county to prepare for increased produce truck traffic.
“It is just that first few miles in the U.S. that is the concern,” Mr. McClung said.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: New York Times
EAGLE, Idaho — Back by popular demand, the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck officially set off on its seven-month cross-country journey with support and good wishes from Governor C. L. “Butch” Otter and hundreds of Emmett, Idaho residents.
In 2012, the Idaho Potato Commission (IPC) built a larger-than-life version of the vintage Idaho® potato postcard in celebration of the IPC’s 75th anniversary. Weighing in at 6 tons (the equivalent of 32,346 medium-sized Idaho® potatoes), the Great Big Idaho® Potato is traversing the country to greet fans and to help raise funds and awareness for Meals On Wheels Association of America (MOWAA), the oldest and largest national organization dedicated to helping end senior hunger.
“Last year the Truck became a national sensation. We’ve received thousands of emails and calls from folks across the country asking when and where they can see the Truck, and we’re thrilled it’s back on the road,” said Frank Muir, president and CEO, IPC. “Idaho® potatoes are a staple in almost every household in America and are one of the most important agricultural crops in Idaho. Idaho® potatoes generate close to $5 billion in revenue annually and employ more than 30,000 people. The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck is our unique way of reminding consumers to always look for the famous ‘Grown in Idaho’ seal.”
The Truck
Seen by millions of Americans in person and on the national television commercial, the most frequently asked question is, “Is it real?” Well we’ll never tell, but in the event that it is, the Great Big Idaho® Potato …
- Would take more than 10,000 years to grow.
- Is 1,102 times heavier than the largest potato ever grown, which weighed 11 pounds.
- Would take 2 years and 9 months to bake.
- Could make 30,325 servings of mashed potatoes and more than 1.4 million average-sized fries!
The Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck was created and built by Chris Schofield and Sharolyn Spruce of Weiser, Idaho. With the help of a few specialized contractors, they spent an entire year designing and building this incredible vehicle. The Kenworth Sales Company and Western Trailer, both based in Boise, Idaho, also aided with the construction.
The Tour
To find out when the Great Big Idaho® Potato Truck will be in a city near you, please visit www.bigidahopotato.com. The website provides in-depth information about the Truck, the IPC’s partnership with MOWAA and weekly updates with tales and photos from the road.
See and post photos and join the Truck’s social media community using #bigidahopotato on Twitter and Instagram (@bigidahopotato). Don’t forget to “Like” the Truck on Facebook (Facebook.com/bigidahopotatotour), too!
During the Truck’s 22,000-mile journey, it will make dozens of stops including: the National Football Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Derby Parade, College Baseball World Series, and a special visit to the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle! At the end of the year, it will return to its home turf in Idaho to participate in the third annual Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl at Bronco Stadium in Boise, Idaho.
Meals On Wheels Association of America
In support of Meals On Wheels’ effort to end senior hunger by 2020, the IPC has donated $200,000 to MOWAA. This national organization represents more than 5,000 MOWAA programs across the country that together prepare and deliver more than one million meals each day to homebound seniors. On any given day, between 800,000 and 1.7 million volunteers who donate their time and often their own resources to make sure the elderly in their communities receive delicious, nourishing meals. Potatoes are an important food for these programs because they are nutrient dense, affordable and extremely versatile. And perhaps most importantly, many seniors enjoy eating potatoes.
The MOWAA logo appears prominently on the Truck and on the website www.bigidahopotato.com, where donations can be made electronically. In turn, MOWAA will keep their volunteers and friends updated on the Tour by posting the Truck’s schedule and photos from the road on their Facebook page and website and in their monthly newsletter.
If you are interested in learning more about the organization, visit www.mowaa.org.
About the Idaho Potato Commission
The Idaho Potato Commission is a state agency that is primarily responsible for expanding the markets for Idaho-grown potatoes through advertising, promotion and research. The Commission also protects the use of the “Idaho® potato” and “Grown in Idaho®” seals, which are federally registered Certification Marks that belong to the IPC. These Marks ensure that consumers are purchasing potatoes that have been grown in the state of Idaho.
For more information, visit www.idahopotato.com.
Like us on Facebook: Facebook.com/famousidahopotatoes
Follow us on Twitter: Twitter.com/idahopotato
Follow us on Pinterest: Pinterest.com/idahopotato
Source: Idaho Potato Commission
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.