CALIFORNIA – The sale of farmland in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta has been temporarily blocked by the courts, halting the Metropolitan Water District’s $175 million bid for the 20,000 acres of land. 

As reported by CBS Sacramento, the California 3rd District Court of Appeal granted the temporary restraining order on Tuesday, just one day before escrow was set to close. The land in question would span the hub of California’s water system and more than 300 miles north of Los Angeles. 

The Metropolitan’s attorney, Catherine Stites, said that she expects the purchase to ultimately go through and only be delayed a few weeks, according to CBS Sacramento. “We don’t believe it’s a substantive decision,” stated Stites. 

Stites also added that she suspects the courts have delayed the sale in order to give themselves more time to review the hundreds of pages filed as part of the case. 

As we previously reported, San Joaquin and Contra Costa counties filed suit against Metropolitan to block the sale of land, which initially a San Joaquin judge refused to grant a temporary restraining order for. 

According to the Sac Bee, a lawyer for the Central Delta Water Agency, Dante Nomellini, said that the court may require Metropolitan to perform environmental reviews before the purchase can be completed.

Metropolitan officials said that they have not yet formally decided how to use the land, although common speculation surrounds the possible building of $15.7 billion tunnels under the land to move water south into the Metropolitan's supply.

As the debate continues over this popular piece of land, stay with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on the land’s fate, and that of the Metropolitan Water District’s customers.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The nation’s capitol is the latest added to the list of places in the movement towards higher minimum wages. Washington, D.C. lawmakers have chosen to approve a $15-an-hour minimum wage in a unanimous vote.

Washington is now part of a coalition of areas fighting for higher wages, including California, New York, and cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Seattle. As reported by NPR, the D.C.'s current minimum wage is $10.50 an hour, and it was previously set to go up to $11.50 next month under a law enacted in 2014.

The bill will raise the wage gradually, hitting $15 in 2020, with future increases being tied to inflation.

“When I see how much it costs to live in Washington, D.C. — and that cost is only going up — we know that it takes more money for every household to be able to afford to live,” shared Mayor Muriel Bowser on Tuesday. “There are families working day in and day out, sometimes two or three jobs but barely making ends meet.”

While this is a victory for many labor movements and unions, some members of the business sector argue that doubling the federal minimum wage will push employers towards laying off workers or moving to locations with less strict wage standards.

Speaking in D.C. on Tuesday, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan said the city’s decision would “actually do more harm than good in so many instances, because what it does is it prices entry-level jobs away from people.”

However the new law will affect the city’s economics, AndNowUKnow will continue to update you on any new reports.

SALINAS, CA- River Fresh Farms is continuing to expand its operations and welcoming a couple new faces to the team with the addition of Eric Garcia into the Sales department and Maggie Simonic as Office/Accounting Manager. With these new team members, River Fresh will be able to grow its operation as a grower-shipper providing sales, marketing, customized supply chain logistics and consolidated shipping of conventional and organic fresh fruits and vegetables.

Vince Ballesteros, CEO and Founder, spoke about the new hires and the positive development in the company’s rapid evolution.

“Eric has the past experience of being in the agriculture industry. He brings energy to our team, which is definitely a plus when we are looking to build within our company,” Ballesteros, said. “Maggie has a broad range of knowledge that will help us in the overall day to day accounting and office management experience. They’re both great additions to carry out our vision here at River Fresh Farms.”

Before joining River Fresh, Garcia was employed with Dole, where he spent six years as a District Sales Manager, selling commodities, value-added, salads and more, according to a press release. Garcia got his start in agriculture as a Deputy Weight Manager with Fresh Express, where he spent five years. And even more than that, ag is in Garcia’s blood. The son of a farm working family, Garcia has experienced the industry from multiple perspectives and understands the work that it takes to get produce from farm-to-fork.

“We’re planning to get into everything and anything we can here,” Garcia shared in the release. “The momentum has been great since I got here. I feel very fortunate to be a part of the team.”

Simonic worked at the esteemed law firm of Spiering, Swartz & Kennedy, before joining River Fresh, where she spent time as a staff accountant for numerous companies. In addition, Simonic spent ten years as a staff accountant for Lago Marsino Farming in Tulare, which brings experience in the medical and retail industry to her portfolio as well.

“My goal is to be very supportive and help River Fresh Farms continue their steady growth,” said Simonic.

Congratulations to Eric and Maggie on joining the growing team at River Fresh Farms!

River Fresh Farms

BROOKS, OR - Oregon blueberries are off to an early start this season, and for the second year in a row. The harvest kicked off in Oregon’s Willamette Valley with the popular Duke variety. So, what propelled the season to start ahead of schedule? According to Curry & Co., a warm spring combined with ideal growing conditions which puts estimates for promotional volume availability beginning the week of June 13th. The company’s season will continue until September. 

“We are alerting all of our blueberry partners to be ready to start promoting when the season begins,” President Matt Curry, said. “There is a great crop on the bushes and we’re excited for the season.”

The company’s blueberries are packed and shipped from its warehouse in Brooks, Oregon and from their Los Angeles, California, warehouse. Curry & Company will be packing primarily in 6 oz, pint, 18 oz and 2# clamshells during peak season, with the larger size packages available from the first day of the season until volumes start slowing down in late July. Around this time, production will focus on the 6 oz clamshell, according to the release.

Also accompanying the Oregon blueberry season this year, is Curry & Company’s successful “local” program, which they launched in 2015 to the Pacific Northwest. Featured in this program are a rotating set of labels focused on local that are highlighted on clamshells.

“The Northwest retailers really liked our local program,” Curry added. “It gave them a great opportunity to celebrate and promote one of the delicious produce items that is grown in their back yard. We were even able to have a grower go out to some stores to help demo product.”

Along with Curry & Company’s growing domestic operations is the growth in the company’s export program which is experiencing storing demand. Export Director, Boriz Manz, said, “We had a strong Chilean blueberry season, and the momentum is carrying over to our domestic product. The outstanding growing season and the anticipated larger than normal volumes and large-sized blueberries are creating a lot of excitement.”

In addition to Oregon’s status as being one of the largest blueberry producing states in the U.S. and the largest producing state on the West Coast, according to the company, other key regions that include Michigan, New Jersey, Georgia, California, and Washington.

Curry & Co.

CALEXICO, CA - Drug smuggling is not limited to just mango and banana shipments, it seems. Early this week, onions and shallots got in the game, as U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Calexico East commercial facility discovered almost 2,500 pounds of marijuana concealed in the roof of a commercial trailer carrying the products. 

​“Calexico CBP officers processed hundreds of commercial shipments that day and identified that this conveyance needed a more intensive inspection,” shared Port Director at Calexico, David Salazar. “As a result, the officers stopped more than a ton of marijuana from entering our community, and prevented one million dollars in potential profit from reaching criminal organizations.” 

This pungent incident took place midday on June 6, as CBP officers encountered a 2009 International tractor-trailer carrying a shipment of onions and shallots. Officers referred the commercial truck to the port’s inspection dock for a more in-depth examination, and subsequently with a CBP human-narcotics detector dog, officers discovered 232 wrapped bundles that field-tested positive as marijuana.

According to a press release, the confiscated marijuana is valued at approximately $1 million. 

CBP seized the marijuana, the truck, and trailer after making the discovery. The driver, a 28-year-old male Mexican citizen and resident of Mexicali in Baja California, was turned over to the custody of Homeland Security Investigation agents for further processing.

Well, that's one way to hide the smell, I suppose. As more dastardly criminals get caught trying to compromise the sanctity of fresh produce, be sure that AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised on the latest.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection

CALIFORNIA – In the face of the often turbulent conversations circling the state’s state of water restrictions, California has released information that shows the state reduced its water use by 26 percent in April when compared to 2013 numbers, even with the easing of the drought.

“Californians continue to demonstrate that they are serious about water conservation, which is fabulous,” said State Water Resources Control Board Chair Felicia Marcus in a statement, according to the Sacramento Bee. “We will be watching closely to make sure that water agencies continue to prioritize the conservation habits their customers have adopted.” 

Although these reductions came before the state’s recent overturn on mandatory usage cuts, the Sacramento Bee noted that the numbers still came during a relatively dry April month for the state. Sacramento received about 1.5 inches of rain during the month, with southern regions like L.A. receiving about 0.3 inches. 

During April, water savings ranged from 23 percent to around 33 percent across the south coast, with the Sacramento River watershed cutting its use by 31 percent, when compared to numbers reported just two years ago. 

As we recently reported, state authorities overturned California’s previously mandatory 25 percent water reductions last month. Having gone into effect on June 1st, local authorities and regions are now able to set their own standards of water use and conversation. Like the previous mandate, agriculture will be held to different standards of water use than citizens. 

Although the state is by no means out of the drought, this presents an interesting update to concerns voiced during discussions on the lifting of the mandatory restrictions. AndNowUKnow will provide the latest as California, its citizens, and agricultural communities within the state continues to navigate water use.

California State Water Resources Control Board

RIO RICO, AZ and MCALLEN, TX – With the goal of bringing more value to the retailer and making the watermelon category a destination within the fresh produce department, SunFed has introduced a new, high-graphic, uniquely designed, Perfect Melons™ bin. SunFed is currently shipping the category with the heaviest production centered in the spring and summer months from Mexico’s fertile growing regions.

“The goal of this new bin is to catch the consumer’s attention and drive more traffic into the produce department, and increase the ring at the register for our retail partners,” Craig Slate, Vice President of Sales, SunFed, said. “Along with the eye-catching concept of the bin, we are offering specialized stickers that say 'Hello, I am perfect,' to further create brand awareness among consumers and liven up the melon category.”

Quality and flavor have been excellent, according to a press release, with promotable volumes to respond to the growing demand of watermelons throughout the summer. The recent launch of the bins in U.S. and Canada, has prompted a host of positive feedback from both consumers and retailers as the program ramps up.

Brett Burdsal, VP of Marketing, adds, “Our goal is to give more value to the retailer by creating a more exciting watermelon program, while also expanding our category penetration. We do not view our watermelons as simple ‘commodities.’ The care that we put into our crops, and the processes we put into place, have allowed us to offer a more select and quality product.”

Inspired by the work of graphic designer and award winning filmmaker Saul Bass, SunFed’s new Perfect Melons™ bin presents a picnic-themed motif that draws from Bass’ unique style.

“This artwork specifically draws from Bass’ novel Henri’s Walk to Paris which is the story of a young boy who lives in France and decides to pack a lunch and head for Paris,” Burdsal stated. “Since the point-of-view is that of a child, the characters are not represented in full-body illustrations, but rather a waist-to-toe depiction as a child would see. As you can see in these bins, the figures are half represented, which I believe allows the consumers to insert themselves into the story, see what they want to see, while creating their own relationship to the product.”

Check out SunFed’s Perfect Produce® program and new bins at United Fresh 2016 booth #1840 in Chicago, Illinois.

SunFed

WENATCHEE, WA - As Stemilt Growers continues its tradition of produce department innovation, the family-owned company is introducing its new bi-colored cherry, Skylar Rae®, this month—the sweetest and firmest cherry that Stemilt grows. 

At Brix levels ranging from 23-25 on average, and off-the-charts firmness, this new plant cultivar with unique DNA and unknown parentage was discovered growing by chance in a Wenatchee, WA, orchard back in 2004. Called Tip Top in the orchard and marketed under the brand name Skylar Rae®, it is the first cherry in years to be given its own product price look-up (PLU) number by the International Federation for Produce Standards. It joins dark-sweet and Rainier cherries as the cherry category’s third SKU.

“Skylar Rae® cherries are not only a distinct cherry variety, but they also have a distinct and very impressive flavor,” said Stemilt’s Marketing Director Roger Pepperl. “They’ll crunch when you bite into one, and then you experience a rush of sugars and juice. It’s an entirely new dessert eating experience for cherries.” 

Stemilt is the exclusive marketer of Skylar Rae® cherries in North America, according to a press release, and by 2020 the company expects its Skylar Rae® volumes to rival its current Rainier tonnage. Typically harvested in June and early July, Stemilt said it has been planting the variety extensively in its cherry orchards across central Washington.  

“This year’s crop of Skylar Rae® cherries is fantastic and going to leave consumers who are lucky enough to try them excited for larger volumes coming in the future,” added Pepperl. “At Stemilt, we are excited about adding Skylar Rae® as another premium offering to our industry leading cherry program.” 

Stemilt packs Skylar Rae® cherries in random-weight pouch bags and a new, dome-style 1 lb. clamshell, both of which distinguish the variety as special at the point-of-purchase and entice consumers with the tagline “the sweetest cherry you’ll ever eat.” The company also has stand-up displays for Skylar Rae, ideal for placement in checkout lanes to grab impulse purchasing. 

“Merchandising is key when it comes to a new product like Skylar Rae cherries,” Pepperl goes on. “Cherries are an impulse purchase, and packaging, displays, and signage must be used to call attention to them and drive sales with your shoppers. Sharing Skylar Rae® on digital and social channels is another great way to tell consumers about this new cherry.”

Skylar Rae® cherries also come with a beautiful story, with the variety being named after the memory of Kim and Troy Toftness’ daughter, Skylar Rae Toftness. 

As told by Stemilt, “Shortly after her passing in 2004, the family was working at their Tip Top Orchards in Wenatchee, WA, one rainy day when they saw a rainbow fill the sky. For them, this rainbow was a symbol that Skylar Rae was still, and always would be, with them. Not long after, Troy Toftness discovered a tree in his orchard producing a unique looking – and tasting – cherry. He considered cutting it down as chance discoveries like these rarely produce commercially viable fruit, but refrained.”

Now, a decade later, Skylar Rae® cherries are finally entering the market.

“Skylar Rae® is a special cherry with a special story, and Stemilt is thrilled to be the one that gets to share it with consumers,” said Pepperl.

For more information about Skylar Rae cherries, visit www.SkylarRaeCherries.com.

Stemilt Growers

MILLEN, GA – With a theme of History, Heroes, and Hospitality, the Southeast Produce Council (SEPC) has announced that registration is now open for the Southern Innovations Symposium at this year’s event from September 29 – October 1.

“We’ve been working hard to ensure this year’s Southern Innovations Symposium build upon the success of last year,” stated David Sherrod, Executive Director of the SEPC. “This year’s event has a strong educational focus in one of the most historic locations in the southeast, and is an event you don’t want to miss.” 

One highlight of the event will be The Future of Food, an educational workshop by Richard Worzel. As a global futurist, Worzel has penned hundreds of articles on the futuristic topics, including five best-selling books. Worzel has a background in computer science, economics, and world trade, and has run his own consulting firm since 1979 to help clients prepare for the future; including brands such as Coca-Cola, and Lexus. 

Chris Fussell will also be featured at the event by leading the general session luncheon with a discussion on CrossLead Immersive Leadership Events. SEPC noted that Fussell is a 15-year former Navy SEAL officer, and currently the managing partner and Chief Growth Officer of McChrystal Group consulting firm. Fussell also maintains expertise and knowledge within large organizations of cross-functional collaborations. 

Over its three-day span, as detailed in a press release, the event will focus on other networking opportunities through activities such as the following:

• Luncheons, dinners, and receptions
• Founders Memorial Golf Classic
• Fishing trip and historic Williamsburg tour and lunch 

SEPC will also showcase the Bright Ideas Platform to emphasize new products and innovations in an intimate environment formed of retailers, foodservice, trade press, and suppliers. Applications for participation close by June 15.

The Southern Innovations Symposium will be hosted at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA, for SEPC members.

Stay with AndNowUKnow as we continue to report on this and other upcoming events in the industry.

Southeastern Produce Council

CLEVELAND, OH - An overturned semi left quite a tomato clean-up on Cleveland’s aisle 71 yesterday morning, having rolled and blocked a key ramp around 4 a.m., June 8th.

The cause of the major spill was not reported, and though EMS was called to the scene, no injuries seem to have been connected to the accident, according to Cleveland 19. Except for the veggies themselves, of course.

According to Fox 8 Cleveland, a mix of other vegetables were involved in the mess, but from the images and reports, the majority of the transport was tomatoes. For whatever reason, the truck rolled and spilled all its produce onto the ramp.

A back-up in traffic wasn’t the only result, with a few channels putting some good use to those tomato emojis. As can be expected, spinoff jokes in social media were amongst the reports.

The spill left tons of tomatoes spilled across the Interstate 90 eastbound ramp to Interstate 71/State Route 176, necessitating hours of work and cleanup before it could reopen.

Drivers were detoured to I-490 eastbound as an alternate route while the situation was handled, helping to mitigate delays. Workers cleaned tomatoes up and worked to get the truck upright through the morning rush hour, successfully getting the ramp reopened around lunch.