SOLEDAD, CA - Growth is not only a vision for Braga Fresh, it is a well thought out mission and strategic plan as the company looks to the rest of 2019 with excitement. The company and Pure Pacific Organics, LLC—an affiliated company of Pacific International Marketing—have announced an agreement regarding the sale of the Pure Pacific processing facility in Gonzales, California, to Braga Fresh.

"We have been a longstanding grower for Pacific, and we are honored to build on that relationship with having the opportunity to co-pack for them,” Rod Braga, President and CEO of Braga Fresh, said. "We are excited to join this new facility with our current location in Salinas, California, to meet our future growth needs."

The value-added and leafy greens pioneer is looking forward to welcoming Pure Pacific's employees to the Braga Fresh team and working toward a common vision with Pure Pacific's customers as well.

"It's important for us to make sure we continue to provide the best service to our customers and to make sure our employees are taken care of,” Dave Johnson, President of Pacific International Marketing.

Congrats to Braga Fresh on the recent acquisition and the exciting road ahead as we close out an epic 2019!

Braga Fresh

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed an administrative complaint under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA) against National Produce Sales Inc. The company, operating from Illinois, allegedly failed to make payment promptly to seven produce sellers in the amount of $820,456 from January 2016 through February 2018.

Direct from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service:

National Produce Sales Inc. will have an opportunity to request a hearing. Should USDA find that the company committed repeated and flagrant violations, it would be barred from the produce industry as a licensee for three years, or two years with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond. Furthermore, its principals could not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee for two years, or one year with the posting of a USDA-approved surety bond.

The PACA Division, which is in the Fair Trade Practices Program in the Agricultural Marketing Service, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses that are operating subject to PACA, including buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 3,500 PACA claims involving more than $58 million. PACA staff also assisted more than 7,800 callers with issues valued at approximately $148 million. These are just two examples of how USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

For more information, contacts, and to read the full press release, please click here.

USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service

MONTEREY, CA - In late September, PRO*ACT threw the 1^st annual Culinary Summit at the Monterey Conference Center. Distribution partners and culinary innovators gathered for educational field tours, fresh produce innovation, exceptional meals, and a keynote presentation from Michelin-starred restaurateur, James Beard award-winning chef, and TV host Rick Bayless.

“Our role in simplifying and streamlining the supply chain from seed to fork starts in the fields and reaches all the way to the kitchen—this event is a natural extension of our goal to inspire creative ways to use fresh produce,” said Brian Denton, PRO*ACT’s Director of Marketing. “Our Colorful Plates culinary-focused website and podcast continues to connect many of our suppliers and customers; it starts with having the right people together, and fostering the right dialogue."

According to a press release, D’Arrigo, Driscoll's, Mann Packing, and Taylor Farms showed attendees around during their field tours, which included serving food that was harvested that day.

“Any time we can have people seeing our fields and process, it’s great, especially when it includes those who are serving our product every day,” Taylor Farms' Vice President of Foodservice Scott Horton shared.

The meals served featured products from some of the 40 suppliers that participated in the event, including a welcome dinner at the Barns at Cooper Molera, with local wineries and chef stations showcasing produce with creative flair, including Mission avocado ravioli, Grimmway carrot fritters, filet mignon with J.C. Watson’s yellow onion polenta, and New York Cheesecake topped with Rainier’s organic blueberries.

Not only were attendees served amazing dishes, they were also privy to learning about varietals; taste profiles; and new methods of prepping, cooking, and serving fresh fruits and vegetables through demonstrations from leading suppliers who brought their culinary teams. Highlights included cake decorating with Sunkist’s Meyer Lemon-infused icing, a fresh take on bahn mi featuring Mission Avocados, Rainier’s Lady Alice apple Gouda sandwiches, and HMC’s grape salsa.

“Walking the fields, meeting with suppliers, and learning with our Head of Culinary was great. It allowed us to have the kinds of conversations that moves the Ted’s Montana Grill menu forward!” shared Ted’s Montana Grill Senior Manager of Sourcing Jim Ebersold.

Walk-On’s SVP of Culinary Mike Turner added: “This event exceeded our expectations as Walk-On’s was able to learn together as a team and find ways to do business better together with PRO*ACT and our suppliers.”

With all this fresh produce flying around, what else could be the cherry on top than having another celebrity visit? Top Chef Judge, award-winning author, and restaurateur Hugh Acheson shared his take on menu trends in another keynote session, followed by demonstrations on pickling fresh produce and culinary sessions with Avocados From Mexico and Idaho Potato Commission.

“The enthusiasm we received from suppliers, customers, and distributors was overwhelming,” noted PRO*ACT COO Brian Kane. “We learned from each other and are looking forward to continuing to connect the supply chain in meaningful ways—including through the Culinary Summit.”

With 280 participants from 90 companies in attendance, culinary knowledge swarming, and fresh produce abounding, it sounds like the Culinary Summit was a smashing success. Will we see it again next year? We here at ANUK sure hope so.

PRO*ACT USA

HOUSTON, TX - They say that not all heroes wear capes. In the case of Brighter Bites, this is especially true. The nonprofit organization creates healthy communities by providing low-income families with fresh produce and nutrition education. The Walmart Foundation also removed its cape recently, pledging $4 million to support local organizations working on the ground in Texas to fight food insecurity. $1.3 million of those funds is slated to boost Brighter Bites’ efforts. This alliance will allow Brighter Bites to reach more communities within its six cities, expand programming to a seventh city, and build the internal capacity required to support this growth.

“The Walmart Foundation’s support of Brighter Bites allows us to build larger communities of fresh food in the cities where we operate, pursuing our mission without missing a beat,” said Brighter Bites CEO Rich Dachman.

Walmart began its philanthropic journey in 2010 when the Foundation publicly committed over $2 billion in grants and in-kind food donations to organizations that fight hunger. In 2015, it committed to help provide 4 billion meals to those facing food insecurity by 2020. The Brighter Bites grant will factor into those 4 billion meals, focusing on produce distribution and nutrition education programming. Through the programs, parents will learn which healthy foods their kids will stomach, as well as gain access to recipe cards and tip sheets that come with the produce each week.

“Food insecurity is an issue that far too many families face every day, and we know the best way to make a difference is by using our strengths and engaging local organizations with deep roots in communities we serve,” said Julie Gehrki, Vice President of Philanthropy at Walmart. “Brighter Bites has a proven track record of making a strong, measurable impact and it’s our hope that through this work we can ensure that families have access to healthy, nutritious food.”

Brighter Bites experiences elevated success in Houston, Dallas, Austin, New York City, the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, and Southwest Florida. For the 2019-20 academic year, it will enroll more than 100,000 individuals from approximately 30,000 families whose children attend 100 schools, early childhood centers, and after school programs across all six cities. That’s a 23 percent increase in the number of school sites receiving programming and more than a 100 percent uptick in the number of families impacted compared to previous years.

Each week families and teachers receive two bags containing approximately 50 servings of eight to 12 different fresh produce items along with the nutritional educational materials. Since launching in 2012, Brighter Bites has distributed more than 23 million pounds of produce and hundreds of thousands of nutrition education materials to 275,000 individuals through schools, after school programs, and summer camps. The organization uses a simple formula for introducing healthy lifestyles to families: produce distribution, nutrition education, and a fun food experience that includes weekly recipes.

Brighter Bites measures the outcomes of its program to determine impact. Research shows that its model provides consistent opportunities for children and their families to practice healthier behaviors in school and at home:

• Over the 2018-19 school year, 98 percent of Brighter Bites parents reported their family ate more fruits and vegetables while participating in the Brighter Bites program.
• Of those, 96 percent said they maintained that increased level of consumption after Brighter Bites ended.

Children and parents participating in Brighter Bites reported a:

• Significant increase in serving more fruits and vegetables as snacks
• Two-fold increase in cooking meals from scratch, and a significant increase in eating meals together and serving more produce as part of those meals
• Two-fold increase in using nutrition labels to guide grocery purchases
• Significant decrease in added sugars consumed among children

Hats off to Brighter Bites and the Walmart Foundation! For more heartfelt industry news, keep reading AndNowUKnow.

Brighter Bites Walmart Foundation

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