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Watsonville, CA – Health professionals, nutritionists and dieticians, government officials, consumer advocates and environmental groups all agree that eating more of conventional and organic fruits and vegetables will improve health. This simple recommendation is supported by decades of nutritional studies, most of which were conducted using conventionally grown produce. Conversely, scientists who have reviewed so-called “shoppers guides” and “good produce/bad produce” lists targeted toward consumers have found the methodology used to re-interpret government data did not follow any established scientific procedures, that risk was not examined and therefore these lists/guides should not be used when making purchasing decisions.
Read on to see “A Dozen Reasons” why following the simple recommendation from health experts to eat more conventional or organic produce is the right choice for your family.
“U.S. food does not pose a safety concern based upon pesticide residues.” United States Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Data Program Report.
“If one-half of the U.S. population were to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by one serving each per day, an estimated 20,000 cancer cases might be avoided each year.” Estimation of Cancer Risks and Benefits Associated With a Potential Increased Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables, Food and Chemical Toxicology.
“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.” Environmental Protection Agency Statement on USDA’s Pesticide Data Program Report.
“By 2030, more than half of Americans could be obese, resulting in millions of new cases of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke — a constellation of illness that could cost the United States up to $66 billion in treatment and over $500 billion in lost economic productivity.” The Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report, “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future.”
“For all of us involved in promoting better consumer health, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables is among our main objectives. The benefits of consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables are absolutely indisputable. Consumers should eat both organic and conventionally grown produce without worrying about minute levels of pesticide residues.” Dr. Carl Keen, Professor of Nutrition and Internal Medicine at University of California, Davis.
“As long as they’re eating proper portions, as long as half of their meal is fruits and vegetables alongside their lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, then we’re good. It’s as simple as that,” First Lady Michelle Obama, ABC News.
“You don’t have to eat organic to eat healthily. Eating real food, whether it’s organic or not, is going to do a lot for your health. Any apple is good for you.” Michael Pollan, Best Selling Author, Professor of Science and Environmental Journalism, University of California, Berkeley and Lecturer on Food, Agriculture, Health and the Environment. Boston Globe, January 2012.
“A focus on nutrition in general would be much more beneficial to human health than this misguided focus on extraordinarily small contamination levels of pesticides. Every chemical has toxicity, but it’s all in the dose. The amount of pesticides present as residues on food is miniscule.” Discovery News. Samuel Cohen, a pathologist with expertise in toxicology and carcinogenesis, University of Nebraska Medical Center. August 2011.
“The amount of pesticide residues that an average person ingests throughout an entire year is even less than the amount of those ‘harmful’ substances in one cup of coffee… Unfounded fears about the dangers of pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables may stop many consumers from buying these fresh, healthful foods. In response, some stores sell “organic” foods grown without synthetic pesticides, but these foods are much more expensive and out of reach of low-income populations. As a result people – especially those that are poor – may consume fewer fruits and vegetables.” Dr. Bruce Ames, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley. Member, National Academy of Sciences. Recipient , National Medal Of Science.
“You can reduce and often eliminate residues if they are present on fresh fruits and vegetables by following these simple tips: Wash produce with large amounts of cold or warm tap water, and scrub with a brush when appropriate; do not use soap.” Federal Food and Drug Administration.
“People who ate two or fewer servings of fruits and vegetables a day were significantly less optimistic than people who ate three or more servings a day according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health. Last year, scientists at Warwick University found that people who ate seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day are the happiest.” Daily Mail (United Kingdom)
“EWG believes both organic and conventional produce is safe to eat.” Alex Formuzis, Vice President, Environmental Working Group. Huffington Post.
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 all fruits and vegetables. The Alliance does not engage in any lobbying nor do we accept any money or support from the pesticide industry.
Source: The Alliance for Food and Farming
WASHINGTON, DC – United Fresh welcomes the evaluation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), which clearly demonstrates that it increases children’s consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, introduces children to a wide variety of new fruits and vegetables, and is very popular with schools, parents and students.
The independent evaluation released today by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and Abt Associates demonstrates the effectiveness of the FFVP as a public health intervention that positively impacts children’s attitudes and behaviors towards fresh fruits and vegetables.
“We are thrilled that this evaluation confirms what we have seen in dozens of FFVP schools all over the country in the last 10 years. Schools officials, parents and children always tell us how much they like the FFVP and that it is making a positive difference in children’s lives,” said Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh vice president of nutrition & health. “Now we have the evidence that the FFVP, which serves more than 4 million low-income elementary school students every day, is effective and increases their fruit and vegetable consumption at school and at home.”
Key Findings:
- Students increased their fruit and vegetable consumption by 15% when FFVP offered at school.
- The increased fruit and vegetable consumption has especially significant public health benefits since these low-income children have the lowest fruit and vegetable intake and are at risk for poor health outcomes.
- Fresh fruit and vegetable snacks are served 3-5 times per week in 82% of FFVP schools.
- The FFVP successfully introduces students to a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, from apples, bananas, oranges, carrots, and broccoli to mangoes, pineapples, cauliflower, and snow peas.
- Almost all students tried the fruit and vegetable snacks and a substantial majority ate most or all of snacks provided.
- The increase in fruit and vegetable consumption through the program doesn’t appear to substantially increase calories in children’s diets.
- Students consumed more vitamins A and C, beta carotene, and fiber.
- 90% of FFVP schools provided nutrition education 2.5 times per week.
- 85% of school principals, teachers, foodservice directors, and parents had a very positive opinion of FFVP and want it to continue in their schools.
- 97% of students want FFVP to continue in their school.
- Parents felt that FFVP influenced their child to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables at school and at home.
The FFVP has been one of United Fresh Produce Association’s top public policy priorities for the last decade – it’s a win for children, schools, public health and produce. The program was first publicly announced by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) at United’s 2001 Washington Public Policy Conference, spearheaded by United Fresh with Sen. Harkin’s ongoing leadership, and expanded nationwide in the 2008 Farm Bill. Its goal is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among students in the nation’s poorest elementary schools by providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to students outside of regular school meals. Today, FFVP benefits more than 4 million low-income elementary students in 7,400 schools nationwide with a budget of $163.5 million for the 2012-2013 school year.
The evaluation was conducted by Abt Associates in conjunction with the Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Center for Weight and Health at the University of California, Berkeley during the 2010-2011 school year and included a representative sample of 5,560 elementary school students in 252 schools nationwide.
An executive summary of the evaluation and the full report can be accessed online.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
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.
Watsonville, CA – Health professionals, nutritionists and dieticians, government officials, consumer advocates and environmental groups all agree that eating more of conventional and organic fruits and vegetables will improve health. This simple recommendation is supported by decades of nutritional studies, most of which were conducted using conventionally grown produce. Conversely, scientists who have reviewed so-called “shoppers guides” and “good produce/bad produce” lists targeted toward consumers have found the methodology used to re-interpret government data did not follow any established scientific procedures, that risk was not examined and therefore these lists/guides should not be used when making purchasing decisions.
Read on to see “A Dozen Reasons” why following the simple recommendation from health experts to eat more conventional or organic produce is the right choice for your family.
“U.S. food does not pose a safety concern based upon pesticide residues.” United States Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Data Program Report.
“If one-half of the U.S. population were to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by one serving each per day, an estimated 20,000 cancer cases might be avoided each year.” Estimation of Cancer Risks and Benefits Associated With a Potential Increased Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables, Food and Chemical Toxicology.
“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.” Environmental Protection Agency Statement on USDA’s Pesticide Data Program Report.
“By 2030, more than half of Americans could be obese, resulting in millions of new cases of diabetes, coronary heart disease, and stroke — a constellation of illness that could cost the United States up to $66 billion in treatment and over $500 billion in lost economic productivity.” The Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation report, “F as in Fat: How Obesity Threatens America’s Future.”
“For all of us involved in promoting better consumer health, increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables is among our main objectives. The benefits of consuming plenty of fruits and vegetables are absolutely indisputable. Consumers should eat both organic and conventionally grown produce without worrying about minute levels of pesticide residues.” Dr. Carl Keen, Professor of Nutrition and Internal Medicine at University of California, Davis.
“As long as they’re eating proper portions, as long as half of their meal is fruits and vegetables alongside their lean proteins, whole grains and low-fat dairy, then we’re good. It’s as simple as that,” First Lady Michelle Obama, ABC News.
“You don’t have to eat organic to eat healthily. Eating real food, whether it’s organic or not, is going to do a lot for your health. Any apple is good for you.” Michael Pollan, Best Selling Author, Professor of Science and Environmental Journalism, University of California, Berkeley and Lecturer on Food, Agriculture, Health and the Environment. Boston Globe, January 2012.
“A focus on nutrition in general would be much more beneficial to human health than this misguided focus on extraordinarily small contamination levels of pesticides. Every chemical has toxicity, but it’s all in the dose. The amount of pesticides present as residues on food is miniscule.” Discovery News. Samuel Cohen, a pathologist with expertise in toxicology and carcinogenesis, University of Nebraska Medical Center. August 2011.
“The amount of pesticide residues that an average person ingests throughout an entire year is even less than the amount of those ‘harmful’ substances in one cup of coffee… Unfounded fears about the dangers of pesticide residues on fruit and vegetables may stop many consumers from buying these fresh, healthful foods. In response, some stores sell “organic” foods grown without synthetic pesticides, but these foods are much more expensive and out of reach of low-income populations. As a result people – especially those that are poor – may consume fewer fruits and vegetables.” Dr. Bruce Ames, Professor Emeritus of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of California, Berkeley. Member, National Academy of Sciences. Recipient , National Medal Of Science.
“You can reduce and often eliminate residues if they are present on fresh fruits and vegetables by following these simple tips: Wash produce with large amounts of cold or warm tap water, and scrub with a brush when appropriate; do not use soap.” Federal Food and Drug Administration.
“People who ate two or fewer servings of fruits and vegetables a day were significantly less optimistic than people who ate three or more servings a day according to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health. Last year, scientists at Warwick University found that people who ate seven portions of fruit and vegetables a day are the happiest.” Daily Mail (United Kingdom)
“EWG believes both organic and conventional produce is safe to eat.” Alex Formuzis, Vice President, Environmental Working Group. Huffington Post.
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 all fruits and vegetables. The Alliance does not engage in any lobbying nor do we accept any money or support from the pesticide industry.
Source: The Alliance for Food and Farming
WASHINGTON, DC – United Fresh welcomes the evaluation of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (FFVP), which clearly demonstrates that it increases children’s consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, introduces children to a wide variety of new fruits and vegetables, and is very popular with schools, parents and students.
The independent evaluation released today by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service and Abt Associates demonstrates the effectiveness of the FFVP as a public health intervention that positively impacts children’s attitudes and behaviors towards fresh fruits and vegetables.
“We are thrilled that this evaluation confirms what we have seen in dozens of FFVP schools all over the country in the last 10 years. Schools officials, parents and children always tell us how much they like the FFVP and that it is making a positive difference in children’s lives,” said Dr. Lorelei DiSogra, United Fresh vice president of nutrition & health. “Now we have the evidence that the FFVP, which serves more than 4 million low-income elementary school students every day, is effective and increases their fruit and vegetable consumption at school and at home.”
Key Findings:
- Students increased their fruit and vegetable consumption by 15% when FFVP offered at school.
- The increased fruit and vegetable consumption has especially significant public health benefits since these low-income children have the lowest fruit and vegetable intake and are at risk for poor health outcomes.
- Fresh fruit and vegetable snacks are served 3-5 times per week in 82% of FFVP schools.
- The FFVP successfully introduces students to a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, from apples, bananas, oranges, carrots, and broccoli to mangoes, pineapples, cauliflower, and snow peas.
- Almost all students tried the fruit and vegetable snacks and a substantial majority ate most or all of snacks provided.
- The increase in fruit and vegetable consumption through the program doesn’t appear to substantially increase calories in children’s diets.
- Students consumed more vitamins A and C, beta carotene, and fiber.
- 90% of FFVP schools provided nutrition education 2.5 times per week.
- 85% of school principals, teachers, foodservice directors, and parents had a very positive opinion of FFVP and want it to continue in their schools.
- 97% of students want FFVP to continue in their school.
- Parents felt that FFVP influenced their child to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables at school and at home.
The FFVP has been one of United Fresh Produce Association’s top public policy priorities for the last decade – it’s a win for children, schools, public health and produce. The program was first publicly announced by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) at United’s 2001 Washington Public Policy Conference, spearheaded by United Fresh with Sen. Harkin’s ongoing leadership, and expanded nationwide in the 2008 Farm Bill. Its goal is to increase fruit and vegetable consumption among students in the nation’s poorest elementary schools by providing free fresh fruits and vegetables to students outside of regular school meals. Today, FFVP benefits more than 4 million low-income elementary students in 7,400 schools nationwide with a budget of $163.5 million for the 2012-2013 school year.
The evaluation was conducted by Abt Associates in conjunction with the Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Center for Weight and Health at the University of California, Berkeley during the 2010-2011 school year and included a representative sample of 5,560 elementary school students in 252 schools nationwide.
An executive summary of the evaluation and the full report can be accessed online.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association serves companies at the forefront of the global fresh and fresh-cut produce industry, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C. and Western Regional office in Salinas, Calif., United Fresh and its members work year-round to make a difference for the produce industry by driving policies that increase consumption of fresh produce, shaping critical legislative and regulatory action, providing scientific and technical leadership in food safety, quality assurance, nutrition and health, and developing educational programs and business opportunities to assist member companies in growing successful businesses. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.
Source: United Fresh Produce Association
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.