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Prune Industry Update
By Patrick Ferreira With the 2009 California prune harvest well underway, State wide growers and handlers are all anxious to see if they will reach the estimate of 170,000 tons. If the 
estimate proves to be true, this would be a 131% increase from last year’s
129,000 tons. Close to 900 growers began harvesting in the middle of August, some even as early as August 10. Early reports indicate smaller fruit size and a higher than normal amount of defects in the prunes being delivered. Industry leaders are optimistic as they move forward that sales will pick up in spite of the current economy. In today’s environment, food safety is on everyone’s mind. In July, prior to the start of harvest, the ACFSQ/DFA drafted an updated version of the Dehydrator Sanitation Guidelines. The Dehydrator Sanitation Guidelines promote food safety, from farm to table. It's essential that all possible precautions be taken in order to keep food clean at all stages of handling. This helps to maintain a high order of consumer confidence and acceptance. Above all, a well planned sanitation program will result in considerable labor and material savings, improved product quality, and ensure compliance with food laws. Most expect the prune harvest to end in Mid September, and all are anxiously awaiting the outcome of the prune grading program, whereby grower deliveries are sized and inspected for quality. This is a voluntary program administered by the American Council for Food Safety & Quality. Please contact the ACFSQ/DFA office for more information. |
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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 |
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