ARVIN, CA - As veteran and legacy industry members explore the possibilities of hemp, Kern County growers paid a high price while specificities of an arena that is the proverbial Wild West of today's industry slowly come to light.

Following investigation of a purported hemp field, law enforcement officials bulldozed the field based on test results that showed the plants were marijuana, according to those familiar with the investigation.

According to Bakersfield.com, two individuals involved in the production of the crop in Kern County reported that law enforcement arrived over the weekend to knock down the plants that were determined to be marijuana.

Federal law allows qualified researchers to grow and possess hemp that tests positive for marijuana on the condition that they do not process or sell it, and must also register with local authorities to report where the plant is growing and post signs indicating that the crop is industrial hemp.

Lance Dalton, a hemp entrepreneur from the Bay Area said he was informed by law enforcement that some of the hemp fields being destroyed had been under contract by a local hemp researcher who had not registered some local acreage. Dalton commented that over two dozen samples that were tested came up “hot,” meaning the samples tested above the 0.3-percent federal limit for THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, the news source reports.

Dalton commented that some of the tested plants had results as high as seven percent, adding, “that’s basically marijuana.”

As a consultant for a San Francisco-based company that processes hemp into CBD, Dalton said the Kern County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) is working on the investigation with the state Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW), and the FBI. Both of the collaborating agencies referred to calls last week about the potential destruction of purported hemp plants near Arvin to the KCSO. The Sheriff’s Office had last week reported that the investigation is a “pretty, pretty big investigation,” the news source reports. Spokespeople for the DFW and FBI could not be reached for comment.

Pete Belluomini, a Bakersfield-area grower who has worked with a registered hemp researcher, reported that local law enforcement has tested some of the crop that he was contracted to grow “and determined (the plants) were over the legal limits and they asked that they be destroyed.” Belluomini confirmed that over the weekend, some local fields were cleared out with additional acreages cleared on Monday.

This investigation could be a potential setback to Kern County’s efforts to promote the cultivation of industrial hemp. With more than 7,000 registered acres in cultivation, the County has positioned itself as a leading producer of California-grown hemp, according to Bakersfield.com. Hemp has become more valuable in recent years because the plant’s natural oil is used to produce CBD. The news source also reports that Kern County officials support growing the crop because the plant can be cross-pollinated with marijuana in a way that lowers the potency of psychoactive substance.

As of Monday, the KCSO declined to comment on the results of the crop destruction, commenting that it was unable to talk about what the agency had called an active investigation of hemp in the Arvin area.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow for all your agricultural updates.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - The continuous cultural expansion we’ve experienced in the U.S. over the past few decades has significantly changed the way we farm. Not only has advanced technology shifted the way we work, but it has bred a new generation of people who aren’t accustomed to the slow-going process of watching a crop flourish. Many industry leaders like Walt Dasher of G&R Farms, for example, are becoming increasingly more aware of this, causing worry for the future of farming. The Growing America’s Farmers (GAF) program was created for this exact reason, with its number one goal being to draw young adults into the production ag division of farming. Walt teamed up with the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization in order to implement the GAF program and begin educating the next generation of farmers.

“With the average age of American farmers getting older each year and our younger generation deciding on different career paths, my hope is that the retail sectors’ continued support of GAF will show the new era of American farmers that retailers and consumers really do care about the next generation of farmers and how and where our produce is grown,” Walt told me. “I continue to pray that more kids will choose to take over the family farming business or create new businesses of their own that can bring new products and ideas to our current marketplace within the retail sector.”

When I asked Walt what’s different about this year’s GAF program, he said there is more and more involvement from the retailer side of things, which shows that they are really starting to take hard looks at this program and how well it works. In May of this year, several big-name retailers came together to generate more GAF scholarships than ever before.

“The more companies help promote the cause, the more companies want to join the following year,” he continued. “We are going to be running the promotion in fall 2020 with a marketing company that wants to help generate funds using American produce items other than G&R sweet onions. The kids in FFA are so blessed to have consumers paying attention to this, the retailers help, and the national FFA foundation all pulling together for the same cause.”

Companies that participated this year include:

• Kroger–multiple divisions

• Wakefern Companies

• Harris Teeter

• Roundy’s

• Costco–multiple divisions

• Sam’s–multiple divisions

• Target Company

• Safeway/Albertsons–multiple divisions

• Jewel Stores

• Wegmans

• C&S–independent retailers

The GAF seed was first planted in Walt’s mind in 2015, and he has already seen the positive effects at work. He told me that GAF receives letter after letter from kids who won scholarships and wish to express their gratitude. It is a truly heart-warming thing to know that this awesome group effort is starting to make a difference in the lives of America’s youth.

“Since the GAF program was created, we’ve started to see kids thinking twice about leaving their family businesses. I have really started to see some excitement amongst kids in the FFA applying for the GAF scholarships,” he said. “It gives the kids a chance to actually have discussions with retail partners about the whole produce industry from their perspective. I have really enjoyed getting to know all the winners of the scholarships and watching them interact with retailers at the in-store picture event. It really opens the kids’ eyes to see executives have one-on-one talks with them, allowing the kids to ask their questions.”

At the end of this year’s GAF program back in August, Walt posed for a photo op at the FFA corporate office as he awarded the current scholarship recipients with a giant check. Bravo to all the industry leaders who are fighting to preserve the culture of farming by educating America’s youth.

Keep reading AndNowUKnow as we report on how produce continues to evolve.

Growing America's Farmers Foundation G&R Farms

FISHERS, NY - In keeping with a lengthy and admirable tradition, the New York Apple Association (NYAA) will once again partner with the TCS New York City Marathon. The association stands ready to promote New York-grown apples and will offer the crunchy treats to race volunteers, attendees of several related events, and, of course, to weary runners as they cross the finish line. As an official sponsor of the race, NYAA will provide over 58,000 locally-grown apples, along with an additional 21,500 for other race week events.

“This is the 22nd year NYAA is sponsoring the TCS New York City Marathon, and we look forward to this event every year,” NYAA President Cynthia Haskins commented. “Our state is one of the largest growers of apples in the country and with the TCS New York City Marathon in our backyard, it is a great partnership.”

The marathon is scheduled for Sunday, November 3, and more than 50,000 people from across the globe are expected to finish, according to a press release. NYAA has further plans to sponsor 15 runners, including NY state apple growers, and members of the Rochester, NY, area police and fire departments.

NYAA has some of its own ready to run in the race, including Cailin Kowalewski, Account Manager; and Board of Director and apple grower Doug Grout, along with his brothers, David and Derek, and his mother, Jayne Zinke, an experienced marathoner.

Other runners include:

• Fred Follette - Retired Monroe County Sheriff’s Officer
• Rebecca Gravenstede - Clinical Researcher
• Ted Kuppinger, Captain - Captain, Rochester Fire Department
• Beth LeBlanc - Paraprofessional/Special Education
• Robert Martin - Referred by Orbaker Farm
• Tim Oertel - Law Enforcement, running to honor a friend with cancer
• Orlando Rivera - Law Enforcement
• Lauren Williams - New York Farm Bureau
• Chris Young - Wegmans, married to an apple grower

NYAA materials and promotions include ‘Health to the Core’ in the marathon virtual goodie bag, ‘Love a Strong Finish’ ad in the marathon program, a fresh NY-grown apple in the Runner Recovery Bag that is received by all runners, and an ad in the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon Official Results Magazine.

The apples NYAA will provide are of great use to the runners—apples provide carbohydrates and fiber for energy, and fluid for hydration, both of which are important for endurance exercises, like marathons.

For more news on the latest in produce, check in with AndNowUKnow.

New York Apple Association

CIBOLO, TX - Flags should be flown at half mast today, as one of the nation’s most beloved icons was fatally injured yesterday morning. That’s right, it’s another truckload of produce whose life was cut short. This time, the victim is 40,000 lbs of highly-sought after avocados. The spill was the unfortunate result of a major semi collision that took place in Cibolo, Texas, on the eastbound side of Interstate 10.

“As of 9 a.m. this morning, the Texas Department of Transportation had crews en route to clean the site,” Matt Schima of the Cibolo Police Department said to CNN. “Two occupants, to include the avocado truck driver, were transported by EMS from the scene in stable condition. A third vehicle, a passenger van, was also involved and driven from the scene.”

As the accident took place at 12:41 a.m., according to IBT, that meant that the road was closed for over eight hours before clean-up crews arrived. Due to concerns of a slippery road, the clean up carried on until 1 p.m., a full 13 hours after the crash occurred.

While Cibolo police made light of the situation with #whynotdonuts, the spill comes as a costly blow to the category. IBT reported that as of July, the average price of an avocado was about $2.10. I’m no mathematician, but at 40,000 lbs, that’s a lot of moolah!

My thoughts are with the families of those fallen avocados this week. To keep up with the latest industry news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

CINCINNATI, OH - Jerry Clontz, longtime Kroger employee and current President of the Mid-Atlantic Division, has announced his retirement after 48 years of service with the retailer. Clontz has held the President position since 2017, when he was promoted from Senior Vice President of Operations, a position in which he helped the Harris Teeter banner add 79 new stores in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, and Coastal Delaware.

"Jerry has been an outstanding leader and colleague over his nearly five decades with the organization," said Mike Donnelly, Executive Vice President and COO. "His passion for both people and results has been exemplified throughout his career. We applaud his mentorship and development of associates and teams across our family of companies."

After first joining Kroger in 1971 as a bagger in North Carolina, Clontz quickly rose through the ranks, holding various retail positions like Store Manager, Store Director, and Field Specialist, before assuming the role of District Manager in 1991. Three years later, he was then promoted to Regional Dirctor. In 1991, he was named Regional Vice President, putting him on his path to becoming Senior Vice President of Operations and ultimately President of the Mid-Atlantic Division.

With such big shoes to fill, Kroger is wasting no time in ensuring the pivotal position is manned by a leader just as effective as Clontz. Paula Ginnett has been deemed that leader. Effective November 1, the former Walmart Vice President will assume the President of the Mid-Atlantic Division position, overseeing the division’s 110 stores and 15,000 associates.

"Paula is well-respected in the industry for being both a dynamic leader and a top retail strategist," continued Donnelly. "She brings more than 25 years of retail experience to her new role as President of our Mid-Atlantic division. We look forward to her leadership in redefining the grocery customer experience, developing talent and living our purpose."

Ginnett comes to Kroger after 25+ years with Walmart. For the past five years, she’s served as Vice President, Regional General Manager for Walmart U.S., leading 188 stores and a fleet of 45,000 employees, according to a press release. Prior to her VP role, she held the position of Vice President, Store Planning, in which she executed new store openings, remodels, and special projects for Walmart U.S. and Sam’s Club. Her resume also includes various leadership positions in merchandising and operations and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Capella University.

In addition to her decorated retail career, Ginnett has also set an example for what it means to be a dedicated community leader by volunteering with the American Cancer Society—Making Strides, American Heart Association, Children's Miracle Network and Susan G. Komen—Race for the Cure, as noted in a press release.

Congratulations to Jerry Clontz and Paula Ginnett on these next steps in their careers!

Kroger

TUCSON, AZ - Next year, United Fresh’s annual FreshStart Conference is to be held in Tucson, Arizona, from January 14-16. Registrations are already open, so don’t wait! The FreshStart Conference is one of the most vital conferences in the industry. But don’t just take my word for it—past attendees give their voices in support of the foundation’s important mission: increasing fresh produce access for kids and families.

“The FreshStart Conference is where the Foundation’s mission literally comes to life,” Raina Nelson, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Renaissance Food Group, comments. “The gala event boasts a live, silent, and remote auction all in one that is an especially fun and easy way to contribute. It’s an incredible event that helps increase the consumption of fresh produce in schools. It’s such a worthy investment for the future of our nation’s youth!”

For others like Lisa McNeece, Vice President of Foodservice and Industrial Sales for Grimmway Farms, the annual event is something to look forward to at the beginning of the year. The opportunity to reconnect and get together not only brings innovation and awareness, but recognition as well.

“I always look forward to beginning the New Year by attending the FreshStart Conference!” begins Lisa. “This annual event is near and dear to my heart! It brings our industry together to focus on increasing ‘Fresh’ produce access, awareness, and consumption for kids and families. This two day event encapsulates this message through it’s golf outing, committee meetings, and Gala where we honor and recognize a recipient of United Fresh Lifetime Achievement Award. It is a definitely a must-attend event!”

Stefanie Katzman, President of S. Katzman Produce, believes that United Fresh’s mission is not only respectful, but invaluable. By bringing powerhouse players in, United Fresh is able to truly shed a light and refocus attention on the rising need for fresh produce to not just buyers and consumers, but to the future.

”The FreshStart conference is one of the most gratifying and fulfilling conferences I attend. There are so many important parts of our industry and so many things that our industry impacts and is impacted by. However, the most important contribution made is the impression we have on children. It is our responsibility as industry leaders to make sure we are doing everything in our power to get fresh fruits and vegetables into the mouths of children so they grow up eating healthy and carry that knowledge into adulthood where they then can pass it along to their children as well,” shares Stefanie. “FreshStart does so much more than raise money to accomplish this; the education for attendees at the conference not only informs you of what programs and initiatives are currently happening and how you can get involved, but also how working with these programs can help you grow your business as well. It’s all about the children—they are our future customers, our future employees, and our future depends on them, so let’s make sure we are doing all we can do to set them up for success.”

This year’s FreshStart Conference will include the Foundation’s annual Gala Dinner and presentation of the United Fresh Lifetime Achievement award; the annual Bids for Kids silent and live auction; the Growing Up Fresh golf tournament; and meetings of all United Fresh volunteer leadership boards, councils, and committees. Registrations are now open, which includes the Wednesday Breakfast General Session and Conference.

Follow along with AndNowUKnow as we bring more updates for the conference.

United Fresh Produce Association

ANAHEIM, CA - There was much to marvel over on the PMA Fresh Summit showroom floor, but the best part of the expo is always the people you run into. With the best of the produce world in attendance, there is no shortage of interesting folks to hobnob with. As I wandered the maze of booths I was lucky enough to bump into Andy Shoemaker, Director of Perishable Logistics for the Allen Lund Company, who reminisced about his decades of Fresh Summit expos.

“I’ve been coming to Fresh Summit for 25-plus years, and it has been always a beneficial venue for solidifying relationships and building new ones,” he told me. 

Andy brings more than 25 years of industry knowledge to his recent role with Allen Lund. He has primarily been with the grower/shipper/distributor end of the business, and noted it wasn’t just the company’s formidable industry presence that attracted him to the team.

“What attracted me to the Allen Lund Company was the culture and the environment that it has built. It’s a very family-friendly opportunity and environment to come into, where I can use my talents and traits from the other aspects of my career. To now be in logistics, it’s my fourth week into this, we’re kind of feeling our way through that to enhance and solidify the relationships Allen has already been going after and trying to find and identify what is new for Allen Lund.”

With such experienced and passionate team members, Allen Lund has set itself up to be a significant and inspiring player in the produce game.

For more exclusive video content, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Allen Lund Company

CORAL GABLES, FL - The human side of produce—this is how Albert Perez, CEO and Grower Relations, with Continental Fresh LLC describes his personal passion for making a difference, and fueling those in the fresh produce industry to exercise their passions as well. Quite literally.

“In 1983 and 1984, as a high school junior and senior, I went on a high school service trip to the Dominican Republic. I had never really been outside the country and thought that the way I lived in Miami was the way everyone lived. It was an eye-opening experience. I discovered that the way I lived was actually the exception and not the way that the majority of the world lives,” Albert shares with me. “Discovering that 600 million people live without clean water and finding out that I could do something about it prompted me to found LIFO Missions in 1985. Since then, we have focused on helping some of the poorest people improve their living conditions, and consequently, their education, health, and future prospects. For the last 35 years, LIFO volunteers have built aqueducts in poor villages to provide running water in places where it has never been available.”

As Albert tells me, there is something magical that happens when a town receives water for the first time. Once children in a town are freed from having to walk, often barefoot, several kilometers to a stream to bring buckets of water back for their mothers to cook and clean, the world opens up.

“They can go to school, get educated, and get ahead. The health and hygiene of the entire family improves,” he says.

If you can glean anything from this story so far, you know that Albert, and the people that he surrounds himself with, only see challenges as opportunities—and people as the vehicle for change. 10 years ago, Danny Rodriguez—one of the young volunteers that had participated on three consecutive years of Albert’s LIFO trips—said he wanted to do more and asked if Albert could help him start his own organization. That was the birth of BLUE Missions Group which has evolved into a full-time, nationwide effort to create student service trips to assist water and sanitation projects in Latin America.

“What started with one yearly project and a few volunteers has now developed into over 30 projects and 600 volunteers in 2019 and a target of 45 projects and 900 volunteers in 2020,” Albert reflects. “Although BLUE’s focus is to end the global water and sanitation crisis, we also focus heavily on facilitating authentic immersion experiences that motivate today’s youth to go out and change the world. We are molding global citizens who will take on some of the world’s biggest challenges. BLUE volunteers are the future leaders and problem solvers of our generation. “

Albert’s role as the BLUE Missions Group Board or Directors President is to be a cheerleader, mentor, fundraiser, and promoter of this great cause. And boy, does he have an opportunity to share, and it is not too late! Did someone say the Caribbean? Here are the deets:

• Trek to the top of Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean, with BLUE Missions to provide families in the Dominican Republic with access to clean water and sanitation.
• Hike 3-days across 27.6 miles of tropical and pine forests to the summit of Pico Duarte, at 10,128 ft. above sea level.
• Travel to a community that BLUE has worked with to overcome the water crisis and spend a few hours connecting with the locals. Then spend the afternoon relaxing on the beach.
• There are two scheduled treks that are still open to those who wish to attend: Nov 29 – Dec 4 and Feb 24 – Feb 29.
• Fundraising Commitment: Each hiker commits to raise $250 in addition to the cost of their trip towards water and sanitation projects.

Curious about more or feelin' the call, check out more here.

BLUE Missions will help you with fundraising, providing a personalized website and fundraising kit. You will be required to complete a Fundraising Agreement to participate on the expedition.

“I’ve never been the brightest guy in the room, but I have often times been the most fortunate. Doing the right thing has always brought me great blessings. I’m not about to change that formula now,” Albert expresses.

It goes without saying that this industry has heart. But I will say it again, and time and time again, as long as there are stories like these to tell and opportunities like this to cherish.

Continental Fresh

IRVINE, CA - Good morning, AndNowUKnow readers!

Today, I am bringing you some of the category and weather news from around the industry. Check back twice weekly to see the latest around all growing regions.

EXPECT LETTUCE, CELERY, AND STRAWBERRY VOLUMES TO DROP THIS WEEK

After five straight days of high temperatures in the upper 80°s and into the high 90°s, and low temperatures in the mid 50°s, the coastal California growing regions of Salinas, Santa Maria, and Oxnard experienced a dramatic climatic change over the weekend. Starting this past Saturday, the high temperatures in the region dropped by 15° to 20° and will continue on the cool side through this week. Maximum temperatures in the regions will be in the low to mid 70°s while the minimum temperatures will be in the low 40°s.

I would expect to see a reduction in volumes from these areas. Why is this important? These three growing regions are the major players in lettuces, celery, and strawberries right now, accounting for more than 90 percent of the current production for these three crops. The market on lettuce and strawberries has been soft but we might see a tightening of availability as the temperatures cool this week. Look for market to possibly move upward. If you deal in iceberg lettuce you might also be pulling from the central San Joaquin Valley. Fresno which last week experienced high temperatures in the upper 80°s and low in the mid 60°s will this week see temperatures drop to highs in the low 70°s and minimum temperatures in the low 40°s and a possible mid 30°s. Look for production from this area to drop as well.

DESERT REGIONS AND SJ VALLEY EXPERIENCING COLD NIGHTS–LOOK FOR BELL PEPPERS, BEANS, AND CORN TO TIGHTEN

The Coachella Valley last night saw the minimum temperature drop down into the 30°s. Tonight, the low is forecast to be 45° and then 38° again on Wednesday. These colder nights are expected to last through Friday. In Bakersfield, the minimum temperature last night was 44° and will be in the 30°s by tomorrow night. This region will see these cooler nights through the weekend.

Why is this important? These cooler nightly minimums are 15° to 20° cooler than they were last week. With SJ Valley region being the major player in bell peppers and sweet corn at the moment, look for markets to tighten even more this week. Coachella Valley is coming online with bell peppers, beans, and corn but is still relatively small compared to the current SJ Valley production. Look for production out of Coachella to remain tight until the weather warms back up early next week.

CA CITRUS REGIONS TO SEE NEAR FREEZING TEMPERATURES THIS WEEK

The major San Joaquin Valley citrus growing regions of Visalia, Delano, and Dinuba will see minimum temperatures in the low to mid 30°s tonight through Friday. The coldest night will be Wednesday when temperatures will get down to 32° in some isolated areas around Visalia. These colder temperatures may be good for the upcoming navel crop.

FLORIDA HAS PERFECT WEATHER

The weather in the Sunshine State couldn’t be better with growing areas such as Belle Glade and Immokalee experiencing maximum temperatures in the upper 80°s to low 90°s and minimum temperatures in the 70°s. Look for production out of these regions on bell peppers and vegetables to begin anytime now. They are still a few scattered showers forecast for later in the week but overall the weather is perfect. These warm temperatures will continue for the foreseeable future.

HURRICANE CENTRAL

There is no activity in either the Atlantic or Pacific forecast for the next 48 hours. Everything looks calm at the present time.

Thank you as always for your support. We will be back later this week with another report.

Weathermelon

CORAL GABLES, FL - Fresh Del Monte Produce today reported financial results for the third quarter, which ended September 27. The company has leveraged positive trends to focus on stabilizing business and honing in on value-added offerings.

“Positive trends continue for Fresh Del Monte with a strong financial performance in the third quarter of 2019,” said Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “Our strategic focus on stabilizing our core business, innovating diversification, and transforming Fresh Del Monte to a value-added company has been building throughout 2019."

He continued, noting that, "We are emphasizing value-added margin growth in all product lines, generating momentum with global partnerships, introducing trend-forward products, and opening new state-of-the-art facilities in Mexico and Japan. Our retail store concept in the U.S. will be coming soon. We extended our credit facility to 2024. We believe that these results, coupled with increasing demand for healthy, fresh, and convenient foods, have given Fresh Del Monte a strong competitive advantage in the marketplace and a solid position from which to pursue our vision of inspiring healthy lifestyles.”

Highlights from the company's financial report included:

• Net sales were $1,070.2 million, in line with $1,069.5 million in 2018
• Gross profit was $74.7 million compared with $52.6 million in 2018
• Operating income was $27.1 million compared with operating loss of $11.3 million in 2018
• Adjusted operating income was $25.1 million compared with adjusted operating income of $3.2 million in 2018
• Net income was $18.1 million compared with net loss of $21.5 million in 2018
• Adjusted net income was $16.6 million compared with adjusted net loss of $7.0 million in 2018

Congratulations to Fresh Del Monte Produce on another successful quarter! To see the company’s official press release, and full details of its quarterly, click here.

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc.