 |
|||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
|
|
a-nom-a-ly
By Gail Santana The 2008 walnut crop was referred to as an anomaly. But what is an anomaly? According to Webster, an anomaly is an irregularity, or something that deviates from the norm or from expectations. Without hesitation, I’m sure the growers and handlers of the 2008 crop would tell you the crop was certainly out of the norm.
The 2008 walnut crop was forecast by CASS to be 375,000 tons. As harvest got underway, it became clear that this crop was much larger. Many handlers had to use tarped trailers to compensate for the shortage of bins and storage space. The final official receipts were 434,000 tons, 16% higher than forecast and 34% higher than the 2007 crop. As if this was not enough, early in the season the worldwide financial crisis created much uncertainty with buyers so shipments were very slow in November and December. A true "Perfect Storm" had a direct hit on the walnut industry. As the industry adjusted to new market conditions and with a shorter than expected crop in China, shipments began to rise in the early part of 2009. As a matter of fact, each month from February through July has resulted in record shipments. Industry inventory levels are now at very manageable levels. Indeed, the industry had taken a direct hit, picked itself up and made the most of what could have been a very difficult year. Growers and handlers alike are asking themselves what surprises Mother Nature has planned for 2009. Based on the walnut industry’s performance this past year, I don’t think it matters. Whatever she dishes out, the industry will compensate and thrive. |
NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP
Comments, questions or story ideas? Please contact newsletter editor Richard Cherrix at 916.561.5900 ext. 107 or richc@agfoodsafety.org IN THIS ISSUE American Council for Food Safety and Quality/ DFA of CA Board Members Specialty Crop Trade Council Board Members Agriculture’s Take from the Stimulus Package Member Spotlight: Chico Nut Company Staff Spotlight: Patrick Ferreira The Roaring Twenties 1920-1929 World-Class Food Safety Experts are California Bound 
SCTC Summer Meeting By Erika Tarr & Patrick Ferreira The Specialty Crop Trade Council (SCTC) held its summer meeting on August 11, 2009 in Stockton, California. 40 SCTC members and associate members attended. The meeting began with an introduction of the new President /CEO of SCTC, Gary Ford. A recap of 2009-2010 carrier contracts were reviewed. SCTC is currently renegotiating rates with Hapag Lloyd as our current contract expires on August 31, 2009. The membership will be notified once the contract has been agreed upon, signed, and the new contract number is provided by the carrier. read more Container Shortage By Erika Tarr Recently, there has been a container shortage in Oakland with a couple of our carriers. This is due to the low number of imports that are coming into this particular port. With the low volume of imports and a continuous flow of exports out of Oakland, it was inevitable that the carriers would soon run out of equipment. Traditionally, we have an issue with reefers (refrigerated containers); however, in 2009 we have seen a shortage of 20’ and 40’ dry containers (non-refrigerated containers). read more U.S. Free Trade agreements Please click here for more information |
|
 |