SAN DIEGO, CA - A tractor towing a load of oranges stopped traffic on two California highways early last week.

The truck and trailer sustained serious damages on southbound I-5 in the wee hours of Tuesday morning, Sept. 27, when the driver first felt the tires vibrate and then veered into crash barrels around 1:40 a.m.

Big rig cleared. @SDCaltrans cleaning up. 5 south collector to Carmel Mtn Rd to open soon @nbcsandiego pic.twitter.com/z0ClxRKU4d

— Chris Chan (@ChrisChanSD) September 27, 2016

With a Sig Alert sent out 3:00 a.m., according to news source NBC San Diego, California Highway Patrol Officers were diverting traffic as crews unloaded the fruit, cleaned up a fuel leak, and sent a series of tow trucks along with truck parts.

While crews repaired the rear axle on the big rig and put it on the back of a tow at approximately 7:30 a.m., the same axle re-broke 20 minutes later, causing further backups at the interchange between I-805 and SR-52 east.

Trailer tow breaks down on 805 to 52 east connector. Find alternative route @nbcsandiego @WhitneyNBCSD pic.twitter.com/OS54usJkFj

— Chris Chan (@ChrisChanSD) September 27, 2016

While traffic from the initial accident was slowly getting underway, commuters from the second mishap had to wait another 45 minutes.

I am happy to report, however, that while it seemed a series of unfortunate events plagued the poor driver, no oranges were reported to have been harmed throughout the havoc. After about nine hours from the initial crash to the finish line that was an auto shop in San Diego, CA, the truck finally made it in for final repairs.

QUERETARO, MEXICO – Fresh off the launch of its second stage of production, Agropark is making waves as an innovative agro industrial park of greenhouses. As Alberto Amkie, Managing Director of Agropark, recently told me, the project is using the success of Stage 1 and possibilities of Stage 2 to further its impact in its surrounding community, and the world.

“We are convinced that we have to take very good care of the people who work and of those who buy the land here,” Alberto tells me, outlining that Agropark sells not only land and space to the collection of growers who join the company, but also provides the full scope of resources needed to cultivate their crops. 

Agropark has just begun planning and implementing the second stage of its operations, as we recently reported, which will up the current 295 hectares of greenhouse production from Stage 1 with an additional 528 hectares. This next stage of agro-focused industrial space will feature not only more greenhouses to connect to the first grouping, but also warehouses to reprocess products, and living spaces for its workers.

“It’s a good opportunity for growers and people who want to build greenhouses, because in Agropark they can combine their production and buy whatever they need inside the park itself,” Alberto tells me. “Also, because everyone works in a cluster like this, their costs are lower than the rest of the market and growers are protected.” 

With the project launching readily into its next phase, Alberto says that the park is already gaining global recognition to match. Although there are similar operations overseas, Alberto asserts that Agropark is unique in its concept of clustered operations where all the growers are responsible for one another.

“When you say ‘Agropark,’ everyone in the U.S. and Canada markets knows where you are talking about. Now that we’ve proven that it works, companies in these markets are making yearly programs with the companies of Agropark,” Alberto says of the reputation the project is quickly assuming, listing that 95 percent of the park’s categories are shipping now to U.S. and Canada.

Agropark’s footprint is extending even further into global markets with interest readily growing amongst European companies who are looking to ship even faster in international markets than their locations allow. Someone who is shipping from Mexico, Alberto asserts, can ship into the U.S. the same day with deliveries being made the next. 

“Our local region is impacted and thriving from Agropark, too,” says Alberto. “Transportation, buying, packaging, and shipping companies are all moving to this area so they can sell and work with the growers here.” 

At the end of Stage 2, Alberto says that entire project will have secured $700 million in investments with continued expectations that all of its future business will be upheld by all participants; focus on technology, responsible use of resources, and social benefits. 

“There’s nothing in the world like this project,” Alberto finishes. “Agropark is very happy to be the landmark of production here in Mexico, and we are excited to be known and recognized all over the world. These markets know who we are, and they relate our name with high-quality products.”

As Agropark moves into its next stage of growth and integrated operations, AndNowUKnow will keep a close eye on the project and how it influences the global market.

Agropark

SAN DIEGO, CA – Cucumbers are reputedly known for being a versatile vegetable, perfect for rounding out a salad or stew. However, it seems as though drug denizens from Mexico were trying to find a newly diverse role for the veg as 3,100 pounds of marijuana was hidden in a shipment attempting to cross the border. 

Authorities of the United States Customs and Border Patrol stated that the weighty bust was made after a rig pulling a trailer full of cucumbers entered into the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in the morning.

Recommended for an advanced inspection, officials opened the cargo’s boxes to reveal 376 wrapped bundles of marijuana hidden amongst scattered cucumbers.

The considerable-sized wrapped packages of the nearly two-tons worth drugs were field tested for marijuana, which came back positive. Officials have stated that the street value for the marijuana is estimated to be more than $1.5 million. 

No word from authorities on if any arrests were made, or if this attempted drug movement was part of a bigger cartel.

Will drug entrepeneurs around the world continue slipping hidden and nefarious additions into fresh fruit and veggie shipments in new and exciting ways? AndNowUKnow will continue to report as the instances roll in.

PHILADELPHIA, PA - In an effort to support its key passions of food and technology, AgroFresh is now partnering with the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) for its 'Apples for Education: Buy an Apple, Help a Student' classroom fundraising program. As a new official Apple Buddy, AgroFresh will now be working with Walter Biddle Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences (W.B. Saul High School) in Philadelphia on a student-led food sustainability project.

“AgroFresh understands the requirements of a strong and sustainable food supply for this generation and the next one,” explained Mark Hooper, Vice President of Marketing for AgroFresh. “Supporting Apples for Education is a great fit for AgroFresh because food and technology are a passion for our employees. We’re excited for the opportunity to work with local students that are applying real world applications in their learning curriculum.”

W.B. Saul High School’s goal in Apples for Education to raise money for a new solar generator for use with its composting program. The compost created by the school is then passed on to the school’s farm in its hay fields, vegetable gardens, and orchard, as well as sold through a local co-op.

According to a press release, each classroom that wishes to participate in the Apples for Education must submit a project proposals to USApple. The association will then open online voting from October 1st to November 12th, letting you decide the amount of contributions from USApple and participating Apple Buddies. Interested people can put their vote towards W.B. Saul High School with the unique hashtag #SaulGoesSolar.

“We are so excited to have industry support for the school,” added Jessica McAtamney, a teacher at W.B. Saul High School who submitted the project. “Not only does this help us obtain equipment for our sustainability efforts, it provides the kids an opportunity to connect with agricultural industry professionals which opens the door for mentoring and future career opportunities.”

To learn more about Apples for Education, visit www.apples4ed.com, and visit AgroFresh.com or contact your local AgroFresh representative for more information on the latest Apple Buddy.

AgroFresh

BALTIMORE, MD - A new market is being infiltrated by a peculiar looking array of fruits and veggies. Robinson Fresh is bringing its unique Misfits™ produce line to SHOPPERS FOOD & PHARMACY® grocery stores in Baltimore, Maryland, and with it, lower prices, and reduced product waste.

“We understand there is produce left in the field because farmers don’t think there is a market for it,” says Hunter Winton, Robinson Fresh General Manager of the West. “With the Misfits program, farmers have an outlet to sell more produce and customers have an opportunity to save money and help reduce waste.”

According to a press release, the United Nations estimates between 20 to 40 percent of produce harvested each year is thrown away for not meeting strict sizing standards required by store shelves. Misfits works with retailers like Shoppers to broaden the array of shapes and sizes accepted in stores, thereby curbing necessary waste and aligning with USDA’s goal of reducing food waste by 50 percent by the year 2030.

“It’s important to our company and it’s important to our customers that we find sustainable business solutions at a lower cost,” adds Mike Patterson, Shoppers Food & Pharmacy director of Produce. “We’re still providing consistent quality and taste, but these vegetables might look a little different than what’s normally on our shelves.”

Robinson Fresh’s Misfits program was designed to help unite consumers with perfectly delicious, but imperfectly formed, fruits and vegetables at a reduced price. Every week, the company says four to six seasonally available Misfit commodities will be delivered to shoppers. Collaborating with a handful of select retailers who align with the goals of the program, Robinson Fresh will then be selling Misfits at a 30 percent discount on average.

Here’s Robinson Fresh’s mission of a world with less food waste and more delicious fresh produce!

Robinson Fresh

PELION, SC - WP Rawl’s Nature's Greens® brand is expanding just in time for PMA Fresh Summit. The company has lifted the veil on a new product line, Seasoned Sautés™.

"As a company, our goal is to stay on top of trends. When I first read about plant-based proteins I was immediately inspired to create a meal replacement that did not require an animal protein at the center of our plates," Ashley Rawl, Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Development, said on the launch, according to a release. "In addition to the great health benefits, these plant-based protein kits will bring a lot flavor to your table."

As Ashley explained, Seasoned Sautés™ are a line of innovative hot meal entrée items, packed with plant protein while offering convenience, nutrition, and excellent taste.

The meal solution kits are available in 16 oz bags, with three flavor profiles:

• Asian
• Fiesta
• Sweet Garden

Available in packaging that showcases the fresh product, WP Rawl explained that months of product development went into perfecting the Seasoned Sautés™, a solution for the on-the-go consumer that is looking for a nutrient, time-saving option for their families.  

The company teamed up with research and development experts, testing a variety of taste and nutrition profiles before then holding several focus groups. WP Rawls noted that the groups were made up of diverse participants from its target market audiences as it looked to learn more about their reactions to the new items.

Seasoned Sautés™ include all ingredients in a single bag, touting as many as 32 grams of protein and less than 7 grams of fat per package. You can see the latest addition to WP Rawl’s offerings at PMA Fresh Summit in Orlando, FL. They will be on display at booth #2255, and launch in retail stores this November.

WP Rawl

VANCOUVER, B.C. – In efforts to continue to promote forward-thinking sustainability in the industry, Village Farms subsidiary Village Farms Clean Energy, Inc., has partnered with the City of Vancouver to study the use of carbon dioxide from the city landfill to produce renewable electricity and heat for greenhouse operations, in place of that from burning fossil fuels. 

“Once again as a company Village Farms has aligned itself to be on the forefront of clean technology. We are pleased to be driving an initiative with the potential to place British Columbia on the leading edge of sustainability while helping to support an innovative and globally competitive agrifoods sector,” stated Michael A. DeGiglio, President and CEO for Village Farms.  

The company stated in a press release that the flared landfill gas was collected at the city landfill, then sent to Village Farms’ Delta powerhouse to combust it. Using this gas, Village Farms found there was a missed opportunity to use the existing carbon dioxide from the landfill in place of burning fuels.

The company performed months of research and assessment of 22 technology options, and found through the Carbon Dioxide Landfill Gas Capture Study three identified options that utilize several different technologies to separate and clean the carbon dioxide in landfill gas so it can be used on-site in Village Farms’ greenhouses, and also be sold to food and beverage processors in the Lower Mainland to enhance the sustainability of B.C. companies. The findings of the study would also contribute to Vancouver’s Greenest City 2020 Action Plan.

According to the study, the study found that carbon dioxide in landfill gas will result in greenhouse gas emission reductions of more than 19,000 tonnes per year, which is equal to removing 4,000 passenger vehicles from the road or consuming 45,000 less barrels of oil. 

The study reported that the use of landfill gas will also have a positive impact on local air quality, which is in line with central themes in local and provincial government plans and objectives. 

The Carbon Dioxide Landfill Gas Capture Study as conducted by local sustainability consultancy firm Hallbar Consulting, as well as in partnership with the Swedish Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Engineering, a world-leading applied research and development institute.

“This project is a no-brainer,” said Matt Dickson, Managing Director of Hallbar Consulting. “Everyone knows the importance of greenhouse gas emission reductions and the desire to grow the reputation of B.C.’s agrifoods sector as being green and clean.” 

Funding for the study was provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through federal adaptation programming delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C. Financial and in-kind supportive services were also provided by B.C. Greenhouse Growers Association, B.C. Food Processors Association, and Air Liquide. 

Village Farms stated that the next steps after the study will include meeting with local and regional government officials to discuss how to advance the project.

For more information on Village Farms’ sustainability iniatives, click here.

Village Farms

BANCROFT, WI - RPE is looking to spice up the upcoming show floor at PMA Fresh Summit with two new signature dishes to introduce to attendees. The dishes were cultivated through the company’s partnership with Chef Joey Elenterio, and will feature Tasteful Selections™ bite-sized potatoes and Old Oak Farms® new Party Potatoes. 

“We are extremely thrilled to continue our partnership with the artistic Chef Joey,” said Russell Wysocki, President and CEO of RPE, in a press release. “His creativity with each mouthwatering creation, using Tasteful Selections and Old Oak Farms potatoes, meshes perfectly with our goal to provide innovative solutions and recipe inspirations for our customers and consumers alike.” 

RPE will display its newest products and Impact Award nominees from the Tasteful Selections line, and will also introduce an Old Oak Farms® offering. RPE will be offering the following during the Convention and Expo: 

• Tasteful Selections: Take & Shake™ single-serve cups
• Tasteful Selections: Season & Savor™ microwavable trays
• Old Oak Farms® Party Potatoes
• Assortment of organic potatoes
• Variety of White Russet® brand potatoes 

Chef Joe Elenterio, who developed the signature dishes for the event using the company's purple potatoes and fingerling potatoes, has received 1 Michelin Star when he served as Executive Chef at Chez TJ in Mountain View, California. Elenterio has also served as Executive Chef in Tyler Florence’s Wayfare Tavern, and the Executive Chef and Partner at Cadence in San Francisco, California. 

Florence has also been honored in Zagat’s 30 Under 30, and was awarded with the San Francisco Chronicle’s Rising Star Chef award. 

To give the dishes a taste for yourself, get a glimpse of all of RPE’s offerings during PMA at its booth #235.

RPE, Inc.

PITTSBURGH, PA - In part of a larger business strategy to build a “next-generation” supply chain on a single platform, Giant Eagle has implemented Manhattan’s Transportation Management System.

“Manhattan’s single platform-based approach offers the distinctive competence and modern architecture necessary to drive reduced data flow, real-time visibility resulting in lower cost of ownership, and assist in fulfilling our ‘Vendor to Shelf’ initiative,” Rich Carryer, Senior Director of Supply Chain Systems at Giant Eagle, said in a statement. “We selected Manhattan because of its broad and rich TMS capabilities and our past operational success with its Warehouse Management System.”

Giant Eagle has more than 420 locations in six states, including:

• Pennsylvania
• Ohio
• West Virginia
• Maryland
• Indiana

The retailer, ranked 36 on Forbes magazine’s largest private corporations list and reporting approximately $9.5 billion in annual sales, said that this latest addition will simplify its IT infrastructure. With needs to respond quickly to changing consumer demands while supporting corporate growth and exceptional service, this new implementation reduces the number of systems from five to one.

“Our partnership with Manhattan Associates is a significant milestone in our overall transportation strategy,” Joe Hurley, Senior Vice President of Supply Chain at Giant Eagle, commented. “We now have the ability to see orders from a network-wide perspective and can consequently optimize both shipments and electronic communication with shippers, manufacturers, distributors, transportation providers and stores—providing significant benefits to our operations.”

What other moves will the growing retailer make to further its growth strategy? Keep checking in with AndNowUKnow as we report on further moves with this and other moves in the retail market.

Giant Eagle