United States Green Pea harvest in the Pacific Northwest was slightly above budget with a good distribution of grades across the pack. Sweet corn in the Pacific Northwest finished up a few days ago with an on budget pack and nice quality. Dice carrot season has a few more days to go. The season was a good one …
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The Science-Backed Benefits of Frozen Broccoli: Why It’s a Smart Choice for Your Health
Broccoli is often referred to as a nutritional powerhouse, and when it comes to convenience, frozen broccoli rates even higher. Many people might wonder if frozen vegetables offer the same benefits as their fresh counterparts. The answer is yes—and sometimes, even more. Frozen broccoli is not only convenient but also an excellent option for health-conscious …
Food Safety
Can Small Food Exporters and Importers Handle the Burden of FDA’s Food Safety Initiatives?
The FDA’s food safety initiatives, particularly under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), have introduced significant changes that directly impact food exporters and importers involved in the U.S. market. These regulations aim to shift the focus from responding to contamination to preventing it. Here’s how they affect these businesses: Increased Accountability for Importers U.S. importers …
Crop News
October Crop News
United States Green Pea harvest in the Pacific Northwest was slightly above budget with a good distribution of grades across the pack. Sweet corn is getting close to the finish line with an expected end date of middle to end October. Yields have been average, with good quality. No adverse conditions to speak of. Dice carrot season commencing …
Crop News
Need Continued Warm Weather For Sweet Corn
United States Weather in Pacific Northwest was on the cooler side this month but warmer weather has returned over the last week. Green Pea harvest in the Pacific Northwest was slightly above budget with a good distribution of grades across the pack. Sweet corn is about 50% completed. Yields have been average with good quality. Due to the cooler …
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Crop News
Crop News, July 2024
United States Based on the National Weather Service it’s summer outlook for the Pacific Northwest predicts that Washington and Oregon will not be as warm and dry as previously thought. According to the climate center, a La Nina is expected to form and possibly bring wetter and cooler weather. However, the new outlook favors average …
Crop News
Mango Will Be In Short Supply
United States Green Pea harvest in the Pacific Northwest will commence this week. The growing season has been good for both irrigated and dry land peas. Plenty of rainfall and cooler weather has helped with green pea growing and quality. At this moment over 50% of sweet corn has been planted and early variety harvest is expected in July. Lima beans …
Food Safety
AFFI Questions Consumer Reports Study on Pesticides
On Thursday, April 18, 2024, a report was published by Consumer Reports about pesticide residues in fresh, frozen and canned produce and AFFI (American Frozen Food Institute) has questioned the accuracy of this report. You can find the Consumer Report at Produce Without Pesticides; 6 Fruits and Vegetables Loaded with Pesticides; How to Protect Yourself from Pesticides …
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Unleash Your Friday Frenzy with Free Fries at Wendy’s & Discover McDonald’s Exciting New Breakfast Bonanza!
If you’re a Wendy’s customer (and even if you’re not), Wendy’s has made Fridays special for everyone and anyone. The company announced recently that it is giving away a free order of any size fries with any purchase, every Friday through the end of 2024 beginning April 19, 2024. So, for example, if you purchase …
Crop News
4% decrease in potato cultivation area for 2024 due to lower prices and higher existing stocks
United States Acres for this year’s Northwest crops are now secured. Pea crop planting is close to being completed, with some early fields beginning to emerge. Harvest expected June. Sweet corn planting is underway in the Pacific Northwest. Currently, pricing is stable or slightly up due to increased labor and equipment costs. However, Mother Nature …
Crop News
Northwest Vegetable Plantings Underway
United States Acres for this year’s Northwest crops are now secured. Approximately half of the pea crop has been planted with some early fields beginning to emerge. Harvest expected June. Plantings for sweet corn have already begun in some areas. Raw material prices this season were lower than last, however input costs such as equipment and labor are still …
Food Safety
RETAIL FOOD PROTECTION SOURCES
There are more than 3,000 state, local and tribal agencies that have primary responsibility to regulate the retail food and food service industries in the United States. They are responsible for the inspection and oversight of over one million food establishments that include restaurants and grocery stores, as well as vending machines, cafeteria and other …
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The Great Chocolate Crisis – Prices Continue to Soar
The cost of chocolate is skyrocketing, and much to the chagrin of chocolate lovers it is reaching new and dizzying heights. At the heart of this dilemma is the cocoa bean, the essential ingredient that makes chocolate a favorite indulgence among old and young alike. The demand for chocolate (in many forms) now far exceeds …
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Crop News
China’s Sugar Snap Peas Late
United States Negotiations for grower contracts are now under way for potatoes, peas and corn. Raw material prices this season expected to be lower than last, however input costs such as equipment and labor are still up so we expect finished product cost to remain stable: similar to last season prices or a few cents lower. We …
Food Safety
STOP EMA Economically Motivated Food Fraud
EMA or economically motivated adulteration is when someone takes out or leaves out or substitutes a valuable ingredient or part of a food intentionally. It can also occur when someone adds a substance to make it appear better, bigger or of greater value. As an example, if a manufacturer adds cheaper vegetable oil to more …
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Who’s Buying Up All the Farmland?
It seems to be a trend of late. Investment firms are buying up farmland in the United States at an increasing rate. Since 2008 to mid-2023 the amount of farmland bought by investment firms has increased 231%. Taking a closer look, at the end of 2023 investors owned $16.6 billion worth of farmland, up 9.2 …
Crop News
Contract Negotiations Under Way for 2024 Potatoes
United States Sweet Corn season was a strong one with abundant yields and superior quality. With the above budget crop, many processors have extra inventory and price levels have changed from firm to very aggressive. Diced Carrot It was a good carrot season in Oregon and Washington and the crop came in on budget. Overall, Industry …
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A Battle Cry from Farmers Paralyzes France And Spreads Across Europe
The farmers in France call it “Operation Paris Seige” and they’re not backing down. Major roads and highways surrounding cities in France and Belgium have been blockaded with the participation of French and Flemish-speaking farmers. In the smaller cities as well as in Lyon, Marseille and Toulouse, blockades are disrupting supply chains and creating havoc …
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Food Safety
Tech-Enabled Traceability Video Series for Companies of All Sizes
The FDA has launched its first video that focuses on how food safety and consumer protection from foodborne illness can be enhanced using tech-enabled traceability. This first video is primarily focused on Supply Chain Technology and how companies of all sizes can utilize low or no-cost tech enabled traceability technologies. In this video, 5 companies …
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What Does It Take to Become a Costco Vendor?
Costco stands out as a remarkable company with a rich history of achievements, as I highlighted in the previous week’s article. Here are some impressive facts about this retail giant: They are responsible for distributing half of the world’s cashews. Annually, they sell more than 100 million rotisserie chickens. Their decision to stock a book …
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