official newspaper of the new york apple association ... channel 2 utica ... stores into e-commerce...

New York Apple Association Taking Industry’s Concerns Directly to Legislators....................................... Page 3Paul Baker Discusses How to Reduce the Cost of Labor....................................... Page 4

New York Farm Bureau Successfully Defends Family Farmers Against NYCLU Lawsuit....................................... Page 4

New York’s 2018 Young Apple Leaders Profiled....................................... Page 6New Fruit, Vegetable Conference Planned in Albany, Feb. 20-21...................................... Page 7Wayne County Grower Ted Furber Named to Farm Services Agency....................................... Page 8USApple Association Hires New Director of Consumer Health, Media Relations....................................... Page 8New State Rule to Expand Existing Safety Regulations for Food Retailers.................................... 0

Cider Tasting and Education Event Set for Feb. 27 in Hilton.................................... Page 12

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In this Issue

7645 Main StreetPO Box 350Fishers New York 14453-0350

Official Newspaper of the New York Apple Association Volume 6, Issue 9 February 2018

Inside: Governor: Budget Priorities to Benefit Apple Industry

Page 13

New York Apple Association and first generation apple growers Matt and Juanita Critz of Crtiz Farms of Cazenovia, Madison County (District 4) were named 2018 Businesses of the Year (for agribusiness and production agriculture, respectively) by the New York State Agricultural Society at an award ceremony held last month in Syracuse.

The award is presented annually in recognition of quality, innovation and leadership. NYAA received the honor for its work in supporting the New York apple industry while the Critz family was recognized for growing their 350-acre farm into a thriving business focused largely on entertainment and education. Critz Farms was recently

Jim Bittner is a firm believer in the old saying ‘if you are not at the table, you may be on the menu.’

It’s a philosophy that has served him well. Bittner owns Bittner-Singer Orchards in Appleton where

he and wife, Margo and children Kevin, David and Janet operate a thriving, customer-focused operation on Lake Ontario in western New York (District 6). The business is devoted to growing diverse apple varieties for wholesale and offering u-pick cherries, cherry juice, and more. They even have a winery named Marjim Manor (the name is a blend of the names ‘Margo’ and ‘Jim’) which is situated down the road in a sprawling historic home.

Last month, he received a high honor from the New York State Agricultural Society at an award ceremony in Syracuse

USAppleThe U.S. Apple Association

Government Affairs Committee met in Washington, D.C., last month to discuss trade issues, Farm Bill, agriculture, labor, food safety, research, pesticide policy and other business. Special Assistant to President Trump for Agriculture, Trade and Food Assistance Ray Starling also attended to answer

questions on trade and labor.NYAA board member Kaari

Stannard of New York Apple Sales, Inc. acts as chairperson for the Committee. Others from New York serving on the board include Mark Nicholson of Red Jacket Orchards (District 5), NYAA President Cynthia Haskins, and NYAA Board Chairman Jason Woodworth of Lamont Fruit Farm in Waterport (District 6).

JMS Studio & Gallery, Ltd.Front from left, NYS Dept. Ag & Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, Jim Bittner with wife, Margo Sue Bittner, Sandy Prokop, representative of New York Farm Bureau; Beth Claypoole, presi-dent of the New York State Agricultural Society. Back from left, the Bittners’ children Kevin Bittner, David Bittner and Janet Walker with Richard Church, chairman of the NYSAS award committee.

From left, guest speaker Ray Starling, board chairperson Kaari Stannard and USApple’s Director of Industry and Regu-latory Affairs Mark Seetin.

USApple Government Affairs Committee Meets in Washington, D.C.

Ag Society Awards Bittner Distinguished Service Citation

See Bittner, Page 16

JMS Studio & Gallery, Ltd.From left, NYAA Executive Assistant Joan Willis, New York State Department of Agricul-ture & Markets, Richard A. Ball, NYAA President & CEO Cynthia Haskins, NYAA Public Relations Manager Tami Bacon and Vice President Northeast Agribusiness & Feed Alli-ance John Clark, sponsor of the Business of the Year award.

NYAA Named Businessof Year by NYS Ag Society

See NYAA, Page 15

Core Report® February 2018

Retail ReviewNews from the retail marketing industry

Price Chopper Making Life Easier for CustomersNews Channel 2 Utica

Price Chopper is now offering home delivery to customers in Utica, Fulton, Oswego and Poughkeepsie. Customers in Utica can now order their groceries online at shop.pricechopper.com, and they’ll be delivered the same day.

The delivery service is through a partnership with Instacart, and Price Chopper is offering new Instacart customers a $10 discount for their first order of $35 or more, as well as waiving the delivery fee.

Delivery fees for grocery orders will depend on the order size and the desired delivery time. Price Chopper officials say that for orders over $35, Instacart typically charges $5.99 for orders placed two hours in advance and $7.99 for orders requested within one hour.

Delivery fees will be displayed during checkout before orders are placed.

Amazon Opens First Automated Grocery Store of the Future Reuters

Amazon.com Inc. opened its checkout-free grocery store month after more than a year of testing, moving forward on an experiment that could dramatically alter brick-and-mortar retail.

The Seattle store, known as Amazon Go, relies on cameras and sensors to track what shoppers remove from the shelves, and what they put back. Cash registers and checkout lines become superfluous - customers are billed after leaving the store using credit cards on file.

For grocers, the store’s opening heralds another potential disruption at the hands of the world’s largest online retailer, which bought high-end supermarket chain Whole Foods Market last year for $13.7 billion. Long lines can deter shoppers, so a company that figures out how to eradicate wait times will have an advantage -- but there have been challenges, according to a person familiar with the matter. These included correctly identifying shoppers with similar body types, the person said. When children were brought into the store during the trial, they caused havoc by moving items to incorrect places, the person added.

Kohl’s to Partner with Grocers or Convenience Stores to Fill Vacant SpaceCNBC.com

Kohl’s plans to partner with retailers like grocery stores or convenience stores to lease the white space left by the roughly 300 stores it has “right-sized” over the past several years, according to CEO Kevin Mansell. The department store has created operationally smaller, more profitable stores within its roughly 87,000-square-foot boxes. That downsizing leaves unused footage, which Mansell said would benefit from traffic-generating retailers like those that sell food.

The Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin-based retailer has already identified “a whole list of partners” to roll out across a number of its stores.

For potential Kohl’s partners, the department store brings with it strong real estate, big parking lots and its own traffic. A food and apparel duo would be able to compete against a number of retailers employing similar strategies, like Target and even Walmart.

Kroger’s New Technology Could Change Grocery Shopping ExperienceBusiness Insider

Kroger is rolling out a new technology to nearly 200 stores that could change grocery shopping as we know it. The technology, called Kroger Edge, will be installed on store shelves where paper price tags currently hang. It digitally displays pricing and nutritional information, as well as video ads and coupons for various products.

The technology gives Kroger the ability to instantly change prices and activate promotions across its stores, enabling it to undercut sales at other chains and freeing up employees who would otherwise change prices by hand.

In the future, the technology will communicate with customers’ smartphones to help them complete their shopping lists.

“As you walk down the aisle, it will highlight the next item for you to pick on your shopping list,” Hjelm said.

Walmart Closing 63 Sam’s Clubs, Converting Someto E-Commerce DCsThe Packer

The same day Walmart Inc. announced wage increases, paid parental leave and employee bonuses, the Bentonville, Arkansas-based company started a broad conversion and closure plan for warehouse format Sam’s Club.

On Jan. 11, the first of 63 planned Sam’s Club closures started, leaving some employees without notice. The closures account for about 10 percent of the company’s 650 Sam’s Club locations in the U.S.

The company plans to convert some of the club stores into e-commerce distribution centers, according to an article on Business Insider. Other stores will be open for a few weeks before closing permanently.

A Sam’s Club statement was posted on Twitter, saying:

“After a thorough review of our existing portfolio, we’ve decided to close a series of clubs and better align our locations with our strategy. Closing clubs is never easy and we’re committed to working with impacted members and associates through this transition.”

Wegmans Opening New Massachusetts LocationThe Metro West Daily News

Wegmans Food Markets is opening its new store at the Natick Mall outside Framingham, Mass., April 29.

The company is creating a two-floor, 146,500-square-foot supermarket in the former JCPenney space that includes more than 100 seats for in-store café dining and two restaurants. The store will feature escalators for shoppers and carts as well as elevators to help customers move between the floors.

Wegmans announced it would open a store in the Natick Mall in 2015, and the Planning Board approved the project in 2016. Workers renovated much of the store’s interior structure to support the added weight that comes with a grocery store.

The restaurants are The Burger Bar, which is found in some other Wegmans including the Medford location, and Blue Dalia Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar, a new concept for the New York-based supermarket chain.

Organic Grocer Earth Fare Opens Affluent Shoppers Turning to DiscountersRetail Leader

Affluent consumers, or those who make $100,000 a year or more, now shop at discount retailers 42 percent of the time, versus only 27 percent at full price retailers, with 36 percent saying their discount shopping has increased, according to a new survey from First Insight.

Other significant survey findings about affluent shoppers indicate they will check Amazon before looking elsewhere but will not pay for two day shipping. Affluent shoppers are also using artificial intelligence to research electronics and apparel pricing and they are more likely to price compare at full price retailers than discount retailers.

Organic Grocer Earth Fare Opens Stores in D.C. AreaWashington Business Journal

Earth Fare, the latest organic grocer looking to establish a foothold in the D.C. area, recently opened its doors in Fairfax in what the chain’s CEO hopes will be the first of several opening in the region.

The Asheville, North Carolina-based chain, which carries mostly organic and sustainable products and has a “boot” list of forbidden ingredients such as high-fructose corn syrup and various preservatives, hopes to open between five and seven additional stores in the D.C. area during the next two years.

The 20,000-square-foot store is a bit smaller than the typical Earth Fare, which average 24,000 square feet. Most of the chain’s 45 stores in 10 states are traditional suburban locations with surface parking, although the company is also working on a more urban model that can fit into a mixed-use building and include underground parking.

The first of those is expected to open near Orlando, Fla., in 2019.

Earth Fare has been ramping up its growth since being acquired by Oak Hill Capital in 2012, pushing into the Midwest as far north as Michigan. The company expects to open 10 stores in 2018 and 13 stores in 2019, according to Scorpiniti. Five to seven of those will likely be in the D.C. area, though more of them will likely be in the latter half of that time frame, he said. The company is interested in hearing about sites in D.C. proper, he added.

Founded in 1975 as Dinner for the Earth, Earth Fare’s marketing now capitalizes heavily on the “eat clean” movement that’s taken hold in the past few years.

Trader Joe’s, Costco, Amazon Lead Consumer Preference StudySupermarket News

Trader Joe’s, Costco and Amazon topped a ranking of consumers’ preferred grocery destinations in new research from data analytics firm Dunnhumby.

The research is based on calculations that combine consumer survey data with financial performance metrics.

The result is reflected in what Dunnhumby has dubbed a “Retail Performance Index,” or RPI.

The RPI research surveyed 11,000 U.S. households to gauge their sentiment on 59 retailers. Rounding out numbers four through 10 on the list were, in order: H-E-B, Walmart, Wegmans, Aldi, Sam’s Club, Sprouts Farmers Market and Whole Foods Market.

February 2018 Core Report®

By Cynthia Haskins, PresidentNew York Apple Association

New York apple growers and NYAA will meet with state legislators in Albany on Tuesday, February 27. A month

later, on T h u r s d a y , March 15, a group will travel to Washington, D.C. to address representatives at the Federal level.

T h e i r mission is clear: to share with legislators and

decision makers exactly where New York growers stand on the critical issues.

Labor and trade are atop the list.Our growers need to secure a legal,

stable and reliable workforce and our elected officials need to understand the urgent need to improve the H-2A program. It needs to be easier – not more difficult-- for growers to hire stable seasonal workers. With so many people from other countries willing to do these jobs -- work that many in the U.S. will not perform – hiring shouldn’t be a hurdle.

Meanwhile, as the Trump Administration continues to negotiate the terms of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), it’s timely that New York apple growers remind his Administration and Congressional representative on the importance of trade. When we harvest the apples, we need a place to sell our fruit—whether to consumers in the U.S. or those in other countries.

And speaking of selling our apples – in today’s marketplace, marketing plays a more critical role than ever.

For the last several years, NYAA has been able to lean on New York state for funding for consumer advertising. This funding is in addition to the funds our growers pay into annually and it is used to educate consumers on buying New York apples. This is another tough budget year for the state so everything gets scrutinized but when we remind legislators that New York is the second largest apple producing state in the nation, it makes a difference. Ours is a significant industry and reminding them adds weight to our message.

In preparation for these legislative meetings, we partner with New York Farm Bureau and USApple who research the positions of our elected officials on labor, trade, food safety, the Farm Bill and Federal Nutrition Policy etc. They also brief us on the latest happenings and current bills that are in the works of may be coming down the pike.

Last year when we were in D.C., a Congressional aide told us they hadn’t heard from anyone in New York on a particular issue so they didn’t think it mattered to us when, in fact, it mattered a lot. Much like consumers who want to know who grows their food, our legislators want to hear from our growers and learn the issues.

If you are interested in joining NYAA on our legislative visits, contact NYAA. Groups are formed geographically. If you’ve never done this before, think about doing it now.

Groups are formed geographically. If you are interested in joining NYAA on our legislative visits, please reach out to me directly. We would appreciate your involvement.

Core Report® is published monthly by the New York

Apple Associationas a member service.

New York Apple Assn.Contact

P.O. Box 350, 7645 Main St. Fishers, NY 14453-0350Phone: (585) 924-2171, Fax: (585) 924-1629www.nyapplecountry.com

StaffCynthia Haskins, President & [email protected] Willis, Executive Assistant/Office [email protected] Bacon, PR [email protected] Hoard, Retail & Foodservice Account [email protected] McClurg, Account [email protected] Sarlund, Northeast Account [email protected]

Core Report onlinewww.nyapplecountry.com/core-report

Board of DirectorsWill Gunnison, District 1, Crown Point(518) 597-3363, [email protected]

Jay Toohill, District 1, Chazy 518-846-7171, [email protected] Chiaro, District 2, Hudson (518) 828-1151, [email protected]

David Jones, District 2, Germantown 518-537-6500, [email protected] Albinder, District 3, Milton (845) 795-2121, [email protected]

Kurt Borchert, District 3, Marlboro 845-236-7239, [email protected] Sarah Dressel, Vice Chairwoman, District 3, New Paltz(845) 255-0693, [email protected] Fleckenstien, District 4, Lafayette(315) 558-0188, [email protected]

Richard Endres, Treasurer, District 5, Sodus(315) 483-6815, [email protected] Furber, District 5, Sodus(315) 483-8529, [email protected]

Chris Hance, District 5, Pultneyville(315) 589-4212, [email protected]

Abram Peters, District 5, Pultneyville(585) 455-3600, [email protected]

Robert Brown III, District 6, Waterport 585-721-7723, [email protected] Stannard, District 6, Medina 518-477-7200, [email protected]

Jason Woodworth, Chairman, District 6, Waterport 585-682-4749, [email protected]

Industry Insights

Cynthia Haskins

2018 Legislative Visits Planned

Proposals Sought for Research and Grower Education Projects

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball recently announced up to $600,000 is available to help strengthen New York State’s specialty crop industry.

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in partnership with the New York Farm Viability Institute, is seeking proposals for research and grower education projects that aim to enhance the competitiveness of New York’s specialty crop producers and increase the long-term success of the State’s agricultural industry. The funding is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant program. Since the USDA began the program in 2006, New York State has awarded $11.1 million for 117 specialty crop projects across the State.

Commissioner Ball said, “Specialty crops are some of our most valuable

agricultural products, contributing more than $1 billion in sales each year. That success is driven by hard-working, innovative farmers and continued support for important research and outreach that tackle key issues in production, increase the health and resiliency of significant crops, and educate growers about new and improved practices on the farm. This grant program provides us an opportunity to build on those efforts and ensure that New York remains a national leader in specialty crop production for years to come.”

New York’s specialty crops include fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, maple syrup, honey, horticulture and nursery products. The Specialty Crop Block

See Grants, Page 14


By Elizabeth C. DribuschNew York Farm Bureau

New York Farm Bureau recently learned that Judge Richard McNally has granted our organization’s request to dismiss the New York Civil Liberties Union’s baseless lawsuit that sought to create collective bargaining rights for farmworkers.

The court’s decision is a major victory for New York’s family farms. NYFB argued in State Supreme Court in Albany last July that our system of government requires that the legislature change state law, not the courts. The court agreed.

In his decision, Judge McNally wrote, “…the plaintiffs and the State have not demonstrated that the Labor Law statues are racially discriminatory

or that farm workers are a suspect class entitled to constitutional protections. Any changes to the SERA (State Employee Relations Act) should emanate with the New York state Legislature as ‘the legislative power of this state shall be vested in the senate and the assembly.’”

The court previously granted NYFB intervenor status in the lawsuit. Our organization petitioned the court in 2016 to become a defendant, only after the governor and attorney general refused to uphold and defend the State Labor Relations Act from the lawsuit filed by NYCLU.

NYFB has long opposed farmworker collective bargaining for one simple reason. Farms do not have a standard eight-hour workday. Last year’s growing season demonstrated that. Weeks of heavy rains followed by

shorter bouts of sunshine forced farmers and their employees to squeeze in weeks of work into just a few dry days. Work never stops inside the barn. For instance, cows need to be fed and milked multiple times every day.

A farmworker strike or confining work agreements could jeopardize an entire crop or the health of an animal. Everyone who works in farming understands this, including farmworkers. Farmers have great respect for the people who they employ, and this court victory does not diminish that. They value their employees’ commitment, work ethic, and the partnership it takes to get the job done on the farm.

NYFB has represented farmers for more than a century, and the ruling will go down as another defining moment in Farm Bureau’s long history. NYFB

will always stand up for our members, either in court or at the Capitol, to ensure that their rights are protected and their voices are heard,” NYFB President David Fisher said.

“This case is a testament to the generosity and support of NYFB’s members. Despite tough financial times for many farms, our members dug deep and fully supported this case through their voluntary contributions to our NYFB Legal Defense Fund, allowing us to vigorously defend our state labor law and our farmers, when our elected officials turned their backs on their duty,” NYFB Chief Executive Officer Jeffery Kirby said.

The NYCLU has stated it will appeal the decision. NYFB remains committed to protecting its members, and looks forward to defending Judge McNally’s decision.

By Paul [email protected]

In 2018 the New York state minimum wage will rise to $10.40. The adverse effect wage rate will become$12.83. It offers little consolation to you that in Michigan and Washington their adverse effect wage rates are higher. The reality is that the cost of labor on our fruit farms is steadily increasing. While this is at a steady increase there is no certainly that our apple prices to the farm gate will also increase. The question of the day is how to accomplish the work for the least amount of hand labor?

I have, as a farmer and now in this role, always struggled watching farms invest huge sums of capital in pruning of undesirable vegetation and hand thinning too many apples from the

trees. The reality that green small apples have at times so little return that they cannot even cover harvest costs yet the total p r o d u c t i o n . The question then how do

we address the needs of producing high returning fruit at the lowest cost?

The New York State Horticulture Society has successfully made the argument to the New York State Senate that we should match research funds to invest in applied fruit research. We have in truth not really tied the need for research to the reality that labor

costs appear to be on an ever increasing level. I think the time has come that we need to step up this discussion to emphasize the fact that improved orchard practices reduce the need for additional labor.

To reduce labor offers us the ability to invest in those doing the actual labor and still keep our production costs competitive.

Everywhere you look today you are seeing business leaders making moves to use robots or somehow transfer tasks to the consumer such as we are seeing in self-checking lines in stores for example. Fruit production is not immune to this. It is clear that in order to remain competitive we need to invest in research that will allow our labor to do more in less time. Our fork lifts today often are removing four bins at a time rather than the traditional

two. Once in the packing houses we are making incredible strides to increase the efficiency of packing our crops. This same energy needs to be applied in our orchards. Necessity often is the driving force to improvements.

There is no sign that labor availability or costs will become better for us moving forward. That being a given I think we must embrace new methods of doing the same tasks. Applied research investments may well be the greatest way to reduce the costs of labor on your farms. I encourage each of you to consider this reality and then encourage your legislator that we need to increase our investments in applied fruit research. The trick will be how do we make fewer hands accomplish more?

Paul Baker is the executive director of the New York State Horticultural Society.

Baker

The Hort ReportNews from the New York State Horticultural Society

How to Reduce the Cost of Labor in 2018

N.Y. Farm Bureau Successful in Defending Family Farms from NYCLU Lawsuit

2018 LAKE ONTARIO WINTER FRuIT SCHOOLFebruary 5 – Lockport, NYFebruary 6 – Newark, NYDEC re-certification credits available;For details go to: https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/ Register online at: https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=875

FEBRuARY 20-21, 2018

ENY Fruit & Vegetable Conference(Fruit Schools)The Desmond Conference CenterAlbany, NYContact: Dan Donohue, 518-322-7812

FEBRuARY 26, 2018

NYAA Board of Directors MeetingHilton AlbanyAlbany, NY

FEBRuARY 27, 2018NYAA Board of Directors Legislative Meetings.Albany, NY

MARCH 5, 2018

NYFB Taste of NY ReceptionAlbany, NY

MARCH 6, 2018

NYFB Lobby DayAlbany, NY

MARCH 15, 2018

USApple Capitol Hill DayWashington, DC

MARCH 16-17, 2018

USApple spring Committee & Board Meetings.Washington, DC

Calendar


By Michael MarshPresident & CEO National Council of Ag Employers

Being raised in a small town on the high plains of eastern Wyoming, I have always felt close kinship to my friends and neighbors who worked the soil, planted seed and prayed Mother Nature would provide conditions allowing harvest of a bumper crop at a good price. I admired their hard work and determination because it’s not easy work and, if the rain doesn’t come and the grasshoppers or hail do, there’s not much to pay the bills that grew the crop.

In fact, (don’t tell OSHA), but one of my very first on farm experiences was as a three-year-old atop an open cab Massey Harris combine harvesting Homer Stroud’s wheat. I don’t recall the cab even having a shade or an umbrella above my head, but I remember being fascinated watching jackrabbits bound away as we mowed along. I also recall scooping up a handful of that freshly harvested wheat and crunching it between my teeth.

There were so many terrific things about growing up not near a city that I can’t count them all. There were probably things I missed out on I’m sure but the environs of my spot in rural America was,

in my mind, the greatest place to be.You could be sure that every day

would lead to a new adventure. Whether it was riding my bike with my buddies out to the creek to fish all day and then cursing the puncture weeds that had flattened my tires when it was time to ride home, or playing basketball at the neighbor’s house until we couldn’t see the rim or mom yelling out the door that it was time for dinner. For a tiny woman, her voice could sure carry.

But, it was also a place, driven by the

agricultural heritage that surrounded it, where you learned life lessons. You learned that a person’s word was their bond and that values really mean something. I could earn an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. You understood that you pitched in if your neighbor needed a hand setting water or mending a fence, because they’d be there for you if your car broke down and you needed a ride. Neighbors were, neighborly.

In that small town, I also discovered that if my friends and I were out getting into mischief on a long summer day, my parents always knew about it before I got home so it was always best to toe a tight line.

I moved away from my small town after college but the experiences and lessons I learned stick with me. Now I find myself living in one of the most interesting cities on earth advocating on behalf of some of those same people and lots of others now too, who taught me those life lessons.

It gives me great satisfaction, at the direction of the dedicated NCAE

board of directors, to push back against regulatory challenges and seek solutions that work for agricultural employers. It gives me hope that with the help of committed colleagues we can keep the Congress from coming up with new laws that eat away at farmers’ and ranchers’ profitability. It gives me energy to wake up each morning knowing the battles we fight in Washington, D.C., can help to assure that this generation of agriculturalists leaves a stronger legacy to the next.

We will have concluded our NCAE annual meeting by the time this article is published, and I will be anxious to share with you in the next article what transpired there. We have a full slate of gangbuster speakers scheduled to address our membership and I hope to have met some of you at the meeting. If you’re not yet a member, please consider joining us as one for our next. You’ll be in the company of good neighbors.

You know you can take the boy out of the country, but you can’t take the country out of the boy. Thank God, at heart, I’m a country boy.

Thank God, at Heart, I’m a Country Boy

Marsh

Guest Worker Program Finds Increased Use By Tom KarstThe Packer

As produce growers scramble to find legal help, positions certified under the Department of Labor’s H-2A agricultural guest worker program have expanded 43 percent in the last

two years. And, with questions about

immigration enforcement and reform efforts under the Trump administration, the trend will continue, said Jon DeVaney, vice-chairman of the National Council of Agricultural Employers and executive director of the Washington State Tree Fruit

Association.DeVaney said Jan. 16 there is a lot

of discussion about what might be included in a Capitol Hill spending bill necessary to avoid a government shutdown January. Some of the possibilities include a fix for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program and possibly other elements

relating to immigration reform and enforcement.

“What I’m hearing it is really uncertain what may be included, and there is a strong desire to include a DACA fix and limited funding for

See H-2A, Page 14


The U.S. Apple Association has announced its class of 2018 Young Apple Leaders, including three young leaders from New York state: Alicia Abendroth of Abendroth’s Apple Ridge Orchard in Wolcott, Beth Brown of Orchard Dale Fruit Co., in Waterport, and Daniel Prairie of Prairie’s Orchard in Malone. In all, 18 accomplished and aspiring young men and women were selected by the organization to join with, and learn from, USApple leaders as they advocate on important issues impacting growers and apple-related agribusiness.

The 2018 class will hit the ground running on March 15 as part of USApple’s Capitol Hill Day. Joining USApple members from across the nation, the young leaders will meet with members of Congress to discuss hard-hitting issues affecting the future of the apple industry.

“It is a critical time in the apple industry as growers continue to work toward solutions on trade, labor reform, ever-increasing regulations and production costs,” said Jim Bair, president and CEO of USApple. “What is being debated and decided in Washington today will have long-term implications for the current and next generation of apple producers. That’s why it’s crucial these young leaders start putting their shoulder to the wheel.”

The YAL program equips the next

generation of American apple growers and leaders with an understanding of federal regulatory and legislative apple issues, and provides an opportunity to learn from peers and apple leaders from around the country. Young apple growers and individuals in apple-related businesses who are at the start of their career through the age of 35 are eligible to participate. Now in its ninth year, the YAL program has been a great success in grooming future leaders. Several previous participants have already worked their way up through committees and onto the USApple Board of Directors.

Sponsors of the 2018 YAL program include: Domex Superfresh Growers, Farm Credit East, Knouse Foods, Michigan Apples, New York Apple Sales, Inc., Ohio Apples, Northwest Farm Credit Services and Yakima Fresh.

“We are very proud to sponsor this program again this year,” said NYAS President & CEO/CFO Kaari Stannard. “It is an excellent program that brings together young leaders from all growing states to collaborate and learn about USApple and the industry.”

For more information on USApple’s Young Apple Leaders program or to view the full class, visit www.usapple.com

Alicia AbendrothAbendroth’s Apple RidgeOrchardWolcottAbendroth comes from an orchard

background in both Germany and Upstate New York. Her family b u s i n e s s c u r r e n t l y farms 400 acres of fruit in the Lake O n t a r i o region with farms in both

Sodus, and Wolcott. Born in the U.S., she grew up bilingually between the U.S. and Germany. Her first two years of her college career were spent studying horticulture in the Rheingau of Germany and then transferred to Cornell to further pursue a career in apple production. During her time at Cornell, she focused on fruit production and acquired a minor in viticulture and oenology. In addition, she has done an array of industry internships and is ambitious to keep expanding and improving the farm production.

Beth BrownOrchard Dale Fruit Co.WaterportBrown is proud to be part of an eighth

generation fruit farm located near the shore of Lake Ontario in Waterport that has approximately 300 acres dedicated to apples and small fruits. Growing up on a fresh market vegetable farm and then transitioning to the fruit industry has given her a broad perspective on working in agriculture. She attended

SUNY Oswego where she obtained a degree in B u s i n e s s Administration and spent seven years working in the Human R e s o u r c e s field. She began her role

on her husband’s family farm four years ago. There, she oversees all aspects of the areas of human resources, financials and food safety. Having both an agriculture background along with experience outside of the industry has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to their business.

Daniel PrairiePrairie’s OrchardMalone

P r a i r i e resides in Malone with his wife, Brandyn, and two children, Grace and Noah. The family owns and operates P r a i r i e ’ s Orchard, a 6 acre orchard g r o w i n g

mostly traditional varieties. Planting began in April 2014 with 2017 being their inaugural selling season via roadside stand. Orchard expansion and a bakery are in the family’s future plans.

The family states supplying the community and surrounding area with a locally grown first rate product brings them much pride and satisfaction. Prairie is also a participating member of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Eastern New York Commercial Horticultural Program.

To learn more about the program, visit www.usapple.com.

2018 Young Apple Leaders from New York Announced

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated seven counties in New York as primary natural disaster areas due to losses and damages caused by excessive rain that occurred from April 1, 2017, and continuing. Those counties are Franklin, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Otsego, Schoharie, and Seneca.

Farmers in the following counties in New York also qualify for natural assistance because their counties are contiguous. Those counties are Albany, Cayuga, Chenango, Clinton, Delaware, Erie, Essex, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Oneida, St. Lawrence, Schenectady, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins, Wayne, and Yates.

All counties listed above were designated natural disaster areas on Dec. 13, 2017, making all qualified farm operators in the designated areas eligible for FSA’s emergency (EM) loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months

from the date of the declaration to apply for loans to help cover part of their actual losses. FSA will consider each loan application on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and repayment ability. FSA has a variety of programs, in addition to the EM loan program, to help eligible farmers recover from adversity.

Other FSA programs that can provide assistance, but do not require a disaster declaration, include Operating and Farm Ownership Loans; the Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program; and the Tree Assistance Program.

Interested farmers may contact their local USDA service centers for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available online at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov.

Seven Counties Named Primary Natural Disaster Areas Due to Excessive Rain


Empire StateProducers Expo

Growers from around New York state attended the 2018 Empire State Producers Expo last month in Syracuse. The three-day event featured a trade show and edu-cational conferences on topics ranging from soil health and wildlife management to social media marketing and cider.

Seated from left, Warren Abbott and Andrew Meier of Abbott Farms (District 4). Back row, social media presenter Sarah Cornelisse of Penn State with apple growers Amanda Steinkraus of Little Tree Orchard, Douglas Minard of W.G. Minard & Sons, Christine Morjello of Apple Hills Farms and Beth Meier of Abbott Farms.

A session on chemical control was well-attended as shown here with N.Y. apple grow-er Warren Abbott (center) and those around him listening attentively to a presentation by Tesa Graswitz of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Guest speakers for this session included John Wise of Michigan State and Art Agnello from Cornell University.

Apple growers David DeFisher of DeFisher Fruit Farms in Williamson (District 5), Joe Nicholson of Red Jacket Orchards in Geneva (District 5) and Jason Oakes of LynOaken Farms in Medina (District 6) participated in a panel on cider.

New Fruit, Vegetable Conference Plannedin Albany, Feb. 20-21

The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program (ENYCHP), a regional program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, is hosting the Eastern New York Fruit and Vegetable Conference at the Desmond Conference Center in Albany, Feb. 20 and 21. This new, two-day event focuses on tree fruit, vegetable, and berry production, as well as agricultural business management.

Commercial apple growers will find relevant topics being presented at the even that cover the most important issues impacting the industry in Eastern New York including disease management updates, presentations on fire blight management, current rootstock technologies, a look at new varieties from the Cornell Apple Breeding Program and more. For berry growers, topics include integrating low tunnels into day neutral strawberry

production, Spotted Wing Drosophila control, and soil management – and for vegetable growers, topics include tools for bird control, utilizing bio-controls, managing sweet corn pests, and precision water and nutrient systems. Those attending the Business Management Session will also learn about resources available to farmers with a Latino workforce, media relations on the farm, and CSAs in Eastern New York.

A large industry trade show will also take place throughout the event. All commercial growers are invited to attend- beginning farmers, farming veterans, organic, and commercial growers are welcome. DEC credits will be available.

For details and online registration go to https://enych.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=881. Pre- Register by Feb. 13 for a discounted rate.

General EntryDrawing Underway for TCS NYC Marathon

The application for the general-entry drawing for the 2018 TCS New York City Marathon set for Nov. 4, 2018 is open through Feb. 15. Entry drawing will take place on Feb. 28. For more information, visit www.tcsnycmarathon.com/plan-your-race/run-in-2018.

As an annual sponsor of the event, the New York Apple Association is allotted a small number of guaranteed entries.

If you are a grower or industry member who has applied through the general-entry drawing but did not get in, contact Joan Willis at

[email protected] to inquire about the availability of guaranteed entries. These entries are not listed on New York Road Runners’ Marathon website.

Core Report® is online at:www.nyapplecountry.com/core-report


Secretary of Agriculture AppointsTed Furber to Farm Service Agency

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced Farm Service Agency State Committee Appointees in January including Theodore Furber of Wayne County (District 5).

State committees are selected by the secretary, serve at the pleasure of the secretary, and are responsible for carrying out FSA’s farm programs within delegated authorities. Committee members serve as a liaison between USDA and the producers in each state across the nation by keeping them informed and hearing their appeals and complaints.

The committees are made up mostly of active farmers and ranchers, representing their peers and ensuring USDA’s programs are supporting the American harvest.

The Farm Service Agency is the United States Department of Agriculture agency into which were merged several predecessor agencies, including

the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service. The ASCS was, as the FSA is now, primarily tasked with the implementation of farm conservation and regulation laws around the country. The Administrator of FSA reports to the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services.

The current Acting Administrator is Chris Beyerhelm. The FSA (ASCS) of each state is led by a politically appointed State Executive Director (SED).

U.S. Apple Association HiresDirector of Consumer Health, Media RelationsBy Chris KogerThe Packer

The U.S. Apple Association has hired Tracy Grondine as director of consumer health and media relations.

Grondine’s experience includes communications roles in agriculture and energy sectors, with 11 years as director of media relations for the American Farm Bureau Federation. Most recently, Grondine was with the Retirement Security Initiative, managing communications for pension reform, and she’s also worked with the National Corn Growers Association and a public relations firm, focusing on

crisis communication.“Tracy’s strong background in

agricultural associations will pay

dividends as we will be better able to synchronize our communications and government affairs programs,” U.S. Apple Association president and CEO Jim Bair said in the release. “Her ability to see the whole playing field will be a valuable asset for USApple.”

Grondine also has experience in managing relations with television, radio and print media, particularly in crisis communications, according to

the release.She succeeds Korenna Wilson, who

joined the association in December 2016 and is now media officer with the LOR Foundation.

Furber

Tracy Grondine takes over for Korenna Wilson, who worked at the United States Apple Association since 2016.

Keep up on all the latest news from the

NYAA at:nyapplecountry.com


Labor Discussed at Becker Forum‘Farm Employment Practices:

Planning for the Future’ was the theme of this year’s Becker Forum hosted last month in Syracuse as part of the Empire State Producers Expo. Speakers included attorneys Ann Margaret Pointer and Joshua Viau from the Atlanta law office of Fisher Phillips who spoke on the topics of Federal labor regulations and accurate wage recording.

Other speakers included Kristi Boswell, senior advisor for the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Purdue; Melissa Buckley from the New York state Department of Labor and Kameron and Mark Martens, agri-placement specialists from Oklahoma speaking about the H-2A program.

The forum concluded with a grower forum featuring apple growers Peter Russell of Russell Farms in Appleton, Kathleen Walker of Lakeview Orchards in Burt and Allison DeMarree of DeMarree Fruit Farms in Williamson.

From left, apple growers Pete Russell of Russell Farms, Kathleen Walker of Lakeview Orchards and Allison DeMarree of DeMarree Fruit Farms with moderator Paul Baker of the New York State Horticultural Society.

New State Rule to Expand Existing Safety Regulations for Food RetailersBy John CropleyThe Daily Gazette

State regulators have rolled out a new letter-based grading system for food safety at hundreds of stores across the state.

Supermarkets and other food retailers must now prominently display the rating given to them by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets after inspections by the department’s Division of Food Safety and Inspection. The ratings, and their meanings, are: ‘A’ for no critical deficiencies found, store is in substantial compliance with rules; ‘B’ for critical deficiencies (those creating a risk of foodborne illness) were found but were corrected at time of inspection; and ‘C’ critical deficiencies were found but were not or could not be corrected.

The new rule took effect Jan 1. The department requires that the notice of inspection be posted in plain sight near each public entrance to a store; retailer face a $600 fine if they fail to comply. Customers can also request their own copies of the inspection notice.

The department said the grades will help customers better understand the sanitary conditions in stores and provide store owners with an educational opportunity.

Agriculture and Markets made the change after meeting with stakeholders, including the Food Industry Alliance

of New York State, which has 800 corporate members ranging from supermarkets and convenience stores to wholesalers and cooperatives.

Food Industry Alliance President and CEO Michael Rosen said there are two broad types of food safety: The first is beyond the direct control of the retailer -- state and federal recalls of products produced elsewhere and found to have problems. The second is proper hygiene, food storage and food preparation on the store’s part.

“Those are issues under our control,” he said. “Our members take safety very seriously.”

Larger companies have professionals who do nothing but set and maintain safety standards, he added.

“We have a food safety committee that meets with the Department [of Agriculture and Markets] several times a year,” Rosen said. “We have a pretty good story to tell.”

The Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Food Safety and Inspection inspects the state’s food retailers at least once a year, looking for critical and general deficiencies. Critical deficiencies are those that could lead to foodborne illnesses, such as problems with food condition, cooking and storage temperatures, or employee sanitary practices. Even critical deficiency precludes an A rating under the new rules.

General deficiencies are those that are not health threats but could negatively affect operation of the store, such as its

design, maintenance and cleanliness. Stores can have general deficiencies and still earn an A rating. Food Safety and Inspection is the largest division of Agriculture and Markets, with about 150 full-time employees.

Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said in a prepared statement: “Consumers want to know now more than ever

about their food, including how it was handled from farm to table. That means our retail food establishments need to be doing their part, making sure they are implementing good food safety practices and posting the results of their inspection in a location visible to all consumers. We hope this change will not only inform consumers but also help educate our store owners.”

E-mailing CongressTo find your

Congressperson’sWeb site, visit:

www.house.gov orwww.senate.gov.


By Susan [email protected]

Whether you turn on the television or open up a newspaper or magazine, in January it’s all about forming

healthy habits, e x e r c i s e , and making good food choices. We’re f o r t u n a t e to offer and promote a product that fits in that mix quite nicely.

The old W e l c h proverb, “An apple a day

keeps the doctor away”, is a phrase we’re all familiar with and there have been many studies to back it up. In fact, Medical News Today featured an article this past spring about the top 10 healthy foods and apples were ranked No. 1. Rich in antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber, apples may reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

To help consumers get off on the right start for the New Year, one local metro New York retailer has launched the “Fuel Better” campaign equipped with product and meal suggestions to

help increase energy levels throughout the day. As a result, the Produce section has been a major beneficiary of the program. When you fill up on healthy items, it leaves less room for junk food and items lacking in nutrients and vitamins.

Talking with our customers, they’ve had a good season thus far with our New York apple varieties and they are signing on to promote them during our winter ad program from January through February to help sell through our supply. Featured often in ads this time of year are our bagged varieties. Their pricing is attractive and they are full of apples sized perfectly for a healthy snack in children’s lunch bags.

These days, there are so many apple varieties to choose from. With freight costs being what they are, local, New York Apple varieties have benefitted because they don’t come saddled with large costs to transport across the country.

Good Selling.

Susan Sarlund

Get Off to a Good Start with New York Apples

Getting a product to appear in a movie scene, play or television show can have a big impact on consumers. Arranging for product placement though is costly and difficult, unless your product just happens to be ‘everywhere’ – which may have been the case for New York apples recently. Last month, ‘New York

Apple Country’ bags appeared prominently in scene shot in a New York City grocery store for the hit television program, Blue Bloods. The late-night police drama starring Tom Selleck airs Wednesdays on CBS and more than a few Core Report readers took notice. It pays to look for New York apples.

Product Placementfor N.Y. Apples on CBS


Cider Tasting and Education Event Set for Feb. 27 in Hilton

Cider has the potential to be a high-revenue sales channel for New York’s apple growers but many growers haven’t had an opportunity to become familiar with premium ciders made from the kind of fruit that is in high demand among New York cider makers.

On Tuesday, Feb. 27, a tasting and education session will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. led by grower-cider makers from the Finger Lakes and Lake Ontario and hosted by the New York Cider Association. The event takes place at the Blue Barn Cidery, 928 Manitou Road in Hilton, following a lunch served on site at noon.

Featured speakers include: Ryan Burk of Angry Orchard in Walden, Ian Merwin of Black Diamond Farm and Cidery in Trumansburg, Jonathan Oakes of LynnOaken Farm/Steampunk Cidery in Medina and Autumn Stoscheck of Eve’s Cidery in Van Etten.

Attendees will come away with a clear understanding of what qualities cider makers are seeking in the fruit they ferment, how those qualities are expressed in the glass, how cider is made in the orchard and the cellar, and how cider makers talk about their craft and products, paving the way for productive interaction between your farm and cideries in New York and beyond.

This event is made possible by contributions from the following Cornell University faculty and staff: Chris Gerling, Enology Extension Associate, Manager of the New York Wine Analytical Laboratory; Craig

Kahlke, Area Extension Educator, Lake Ontario Fruit Program; Anna Katherine Mansfield, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Enology, and Gregory Peck, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Horticulture. The

educational session is being produced in partnership between Angry Orchard, Glynwood, and the New York Cider Association.

To register, email [email protected].

New Farm Meadery License Includedin Gov. Cuomo’s 2019 Executive BudgetNew York State Press Office

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that the FY 2019 Budget includes a proposal to create a license for farm meaderies, a new license similar to those already available to farm wineries, breweries, distilleries and cideries.

Mead, commonly referred to as “honey wine” is an alcoholic beverage that is created by fermenting honey with water, which can be infused with fruits, spices, herbs and flowers.

“New York is the number one producer of honey in the Northeast, and by increasing opportunities for farms

to produce mead, our thriving craft beverage manufacturing sector will continue to grow,” Governor Cuomo said. “The creation of the farm meadery license will help strengthen these two great New York industries, and further add to our tourism economy, fueling growth in every corner of this great state.”

The farm meadery license will authorize the establishment and licensure of farm meaderies for the manufacture and sale of mead made from New York State produced honey. The provision also allows farm meaderies to produce “braggot,”

a malt beverage made from honey, in addition to malt, hops, fruits, spices, herbs and other agricultural products. In order to obtain a farm meadery license, the mead or braggot must be made exclusively from honey produced in New York State and no more than 250,000 gallons may be produced annually. Farm meaderies will be allowed to sell by the glass, offer tastings of, and sell to go not only mead and braggot, but also any New York State farm produced beer, wine, cider and spirits.

As with other New York farm licenses, farm meaderies will have the privilege of self-distribution, in addition to the ability to market and sell their products through existing wholesalers. Farm meaderies will also be permitted to open restaurants and gift shops, and have the ability to operate up to five no-fee offsite branch stores anywhere in the state. As with New York manufactured hard cider, New York mead will be sold in both grocery stores as well as liquor and wine stores. The annual cost for the

new license is $75. Currently, only farm wineries, which must be located on a farm, and commercial wineries, which cost $3,025 in licensing and bond fees, may produce honey wine.

While the smallest segment of the craft manufacturing industry, mead is also the fastest growing. A 2017 industry report compiled by the American Mead Makers Association found that the number of meaderies in the United States increased from just 30 in 2003 to 300 in early 2016. In addition to strengthening New York’s thriving craft beverage sector, the creation of a farm meadery license will also further support honey production in New York.

New York remains the number one honey producer in the Northeast, with honey production steadily rising over the past five years. The total value of New York’s honey production was nearly $12 million in 2016, growing by over $1 million from the 2015 and increasing by over $6 million from 2011. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, for beekeepers with five or more colonies, New York honey production grew by 33 percent, from 2.74 million pounds in 2011 to 3.65 million pounds in 2016. Additionally, crops such as apples, cherries, blueberries, squash, pumpkins, and others rely heavily on the presence of pollinators, with New York’s honeybees pollinating nearly half-a-billion-dollars worth of farm crops each year.

US Apple Associationis online at

www.usapple.org


Cuomo’s 2019 Budget PrioritiesBenefit N.Y. Apple IndustryNYS Governor’s Office

Several initiatives identified in New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s recently unveiled FY 2019 Executive Budget benefit the New York apple industry including many that are associated with a $769 million increase in school aid.

School programs impacting New York apple growers include the No Student Goes Hungry program which adds funding to ensure that students of all ages, backgrounds and financial situations have access to healthy, locally-sourced meals designed to address child hunger.Through the program, the state bans “lunch shaming,” supports breakfast after the bell, expands the Farm to School Program and increases the use of farm-fresh, locally grown foods at school.

In the realm of higher education, the budget requires food pantries on all SUNY and CUNY campuses as part of the No Student Goes Hungry initiative. As a result, all SUNY and CUNY schools will be required to either provide physical food pantries on campus or enable students to receive food through a separate arrangement that is stigma-free so all students on college campuses have access to healthy food options.

Other highlights of this budget include $1.1 million for the Taste NY program.

This program promotes the wide variety of foods and beverages grown and produced in the state, making them readily available and recognizable to New Yorkers and the public around the globe. $27.3 million is earmarked

for the New York State Grown and Certified program. This program is designed to strengthen consumer confidence in New York products, address food product labeling, and assist New York farmers so they can take advantage of the growing demand for local, high quality food. $625,000 is for the FreshConnect farmers’ market program, which benefits farmers and consumers alike by awarding competitive grants to create and expand farmers’ markets in underserved communities.

Expanding the Farm to School Program is also included.

The budget doubles the state’s existing Farm to School grant program from $750,000 to $1.5 million. This program helps connect schools with local farmers, offering technical

assistance and capacity in the school to source local products. Lastly, there is an increase for the Use of Farm‐Fresh, Locally Grown Foods at School program.

To incentivize schools to use more local farm-fresh products, the Budget increases the reimbursement schools receive for lunches from the current $0.06 per meal to $0.25 per meal for any school district that purchases at least 30 percent of its food from New York farmers and growers.

For the eighth consecutive year, the budget is balanced and holds spending growth below two percent.

General Fund Reserves are also up, now at $2.5 billion from a low of $1 billion ten years ago and including $500 million for debt management.

When Will Organic Growth Plateau? By Tom BurfieldThe Packer

Organic produce sales have been inching upward annually for years, and no one in the industry seems to know when that growth will plateau.

Some thought the economic downturn that kicked off in 2008 might put the brakes on the category’s upward spiral, said Jim Grabowski, director of marketing for Watsonville, Calif.-based Well-Pict Inc. But that didn’t happen.

After sputtering for two or three years, the growth took off again.

“It has been growing steadily every year,” Grabowski said. “I don’t see it ending for a while.”

In the state of Washington, abundance supplies of apples and pears are transitioning to organic right now, so organic supplies “are definitely going to keep growing,” said Loren Foss, organic manager for Wenatchee-based CMI Orchards LLC, which markets the Daisy Girl brand.

How long that transition will continue depends on how well markets do, he said.

As organic tonnage increased, there was some concern that it would be difficult to move all the fruit, he said.

“But it’s actually been quite smooth thus far,” Foss said. “We’ve had substantial gains the last two years as a state.”

Scott Mabs, chief executive officer for Homegrown Organic Farms, Porterville, Calif., said he expects organic growth to begin to slow, either from “the struggle of being able to supply the demand in certain commodities or the reality that at some point you are going to reach saturation.”

“There’s only 100% to work with,” he said. “At some point, there will be saturation.”

It’s difficult to determine when that saturation point will be reached, he said.

“It’s a consumer-driven question, and consumer behavior is hard to predict,” Mabs said.

“Organic has become much more

mainstream,” said Bill Litvin, senior vice president sales and national accounts manager for Giorgio Fresh Co., Blandon, Pa.

“It is very difficult to tell how long organic sales will continue to grow at the current rate,” he said, “but for now, we are continuing to see steady growth in the category.”

“The organic market has its limits,” said Ricardo Crisantes, general manager of Wholesum Family Farms, Nogales, Ariz.

Plateau in Sight?For the first time, he said he’s heard

growers of leafy greens and salad mix talk about growth plateauing.

Organic produce has attracted the attention of a number of growers, he said, and many have started production or at least launched organic trials in recent years.

But that growth can’t go on forever.“There’s a limit,” he said. “I don’t see

it in the next five years, but I could be wrong.”

Addie Pobst, organic integrity and logistics coordinator for Viva Tierra Organic Inc., Mount Vernon, Wash., also believes the growth in organics will plateau once demand has been met. But she doesn’t see that happening anytime soon.

“We’ve got a ways to go,” she said. “We’ve had strong growth.”

At Boskovich Farms Inc., Oxnard, Calif., organic sales manager Darrell Beyer thinks the organic category will continue to grow.

“As product becomes more available, it will be used in more and more items,” he said.

Brianna Shales, communications manager for Wenatchee-based Stemilt Growers Inc., said better-quality products and a strong economy have helped spur the growth of organics.

“The economy is in a good place right now, and that always seems to be a good match for organic sales,” she said.

Millennial Fans“Shoppers from Gen Y and Gen Z

are very focused on eating healthy and plant-based foods,” Shales said.

“For many, organic fits into that.”CMI’s Foss said millennials’ affinity

for organics will help the category grow for the immediate future.

“The younger generation is paying more attention to what they’re putting into their bodies in terms of chemicals and things of that sort as well as what’s going into the ground,” he said.

Millennial consumers and younger

customers “are kind of tuned to organics,” Well-Pict’s Grabowski said.

Crisantes of Wholesum Family Farms said research and development into improving yields and maintaining quality is key.

“That’s what we need to be price competitive and still be in business,” he said.


By Ashley NickleThe Packer

An unfamiliar concept for many at the start of 2017, blockchain now has sufficient interest from the produce industry that the Produce Marketing Association has formed a task force to follow its development and will be working with retailer pilots of the technology.

Walmart brought blockchain to the forefront when it conducted a U.S. trial with sliced mangoes and in August partnered with IBM, Dole and Driscoll’s to further test the digital ledger technology, which companies

believe could significantly improve food safety and operational efficiency.

Ed Treacy, vice president of supply chain efficiencies for PMA, will serve as an industry representative on Walmart and Wegmans pilots, to provide insight on how the technology could work for produce.

PMA wants to ensure that retailers of all sizes are aware of blockchain capabilities.

“We do know they’re working with Dole and Driscoll’s, but they are very sophisticated from a technology and systems and data perspective,” Treacy said. “Not everybody is a Dole and a Driscoll’s.”

Companies are paying attention; a PMA webinar about blockchain had high attendance and even higher playbacks, Treacy said.

“I think the retailers are being very respectful of the entire industry by collaborating to figure out how we’re going to use this and apply it with standards and procedures and what information — rather than Walmart

doing it one way and Wegmans doing it another way and Kroger doing it a third way,” Treacy said.

Companies represented on PMA’s task force include Mission Produce, Tanimura & Antle, Robinson Fresh and Domex Superfresh Growers.

United Fresh Produce Association and the Canadian Produce Marketing Association will have representatives on the task force as observers.

Big potentialFrank Yiannas, vice president of

food safety for Walmart, has been a proponent of blockchain, and faster traceability is a big reason.

In its earlier pilot, Walmart traced the source of mangoes in seconds, compared to nearly a full week using conventional methods, Yiannas said during the PMA webinar.

“What we’re doing we don’t think just benefits Walmart or the Walmart customer,” Yiannas said.

“For example, we’ve heard from farmers that they like the idea of a blockchain solution because when

these food scares happen, they’re all guilty until proven innocent, and (now with blockchain) they can clear their good name, they can continue to sell their mangoes or their papayas or their spinach.”

Blockchain should also be useful for sharing food safety information like certifications and audits, which blockchain — and frameworks like Trellis, developed by PMA — allows to be processed as data instead of just as a PDF.

“That (information) can move up the supply chain and then people can actually take that and plug it into their data warehouses and do proper analysis on it and truly assess the risk that they will have of handling and selling of the product,” Treacy said.

Enhanced efficiency is another bonus for blockchain, by enhancing visibility throughout the supply chain.

Yiannas gave an example from the pilot with mangoes. During the test, it was noted that a shipment sat at the U.S.-Mexico border for several days.

Grant program will provide eligible not-for-profit organizations, educational institutions and local governments up to $100,000 for projects that address or enhance specific opportunities, needs, or challenges impacting specialty crop production in New York. Projects may focus on boosting efficiencies, reducing costs, managing pests, or fostering innovation to strengthen the viability and competitiveness of specialty crop producers throughout the state.

Grant funds will only be awarded to applicants whose projects have statewide significance to the specialty crop industry and do not only benefit a single organization, institution, individual or commercial product.

Applicants must submit their proposals by Sunday, Feb. 18, 2018. The application is available at http://www.nyfvi.org/default.aspx?PageID=2489. For more information on the Specialty Crop Block Grant program, visit: https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/slide/SpecialtyCrop.html.

The Specialty Crop Block Grant program is administered through the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets in coordination with the NYFVI, which evaluates the proposals and submits its recommendations to the Department.

border enforcement,” he said. On the other hand, there have been other proposals floated in the House that would do broader immigration reform — including agricultural guest worker program reform and mandatory E-verify.

H-2A Growth A tightening labor market in general

— and especially for agriculture — have more growers turning to the H-2A program.

“It is not the easiest program to use, but it is basically the only option available,” he said.

In particular, DeVaney said as the program grows, the Department of Labor is finding it difficult to keep pace with the need for more H-2A workers.

Department of Labor statistics show the number of positions certified for

the program have increased from 139,832 in fiscal year 2015 to 200,049 positions in fiscal year 2017, for the year ending Sept. 30.

DeVaney said each year for the past decade or so has seen an increase in H-2A workers and it’s a safe bet it will expand in 2018.

“The more there is discussion around additional internal immigration enforcement, the more employers feel the need to make sure they have workers whose documentation is in order, which necessitates a shift to the H-2A program,” DeVaney said.

The top five states for the H-2A program workers in fiscal year 2017 were Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Washington and California.

The Department of Labor’s list of top ten employers of H-2A workers in fiscal year 2017 were the North Carolina Growers Association, Washington Farm Labor Association, Fresh Harvest Inc., Zirkle Fruit Co., Elkhorn Packing, Stemilt Ag Services LLC,

R&R Harvesting, Foothill Packing, Peri & Sons Farms, and the Virgina Agricultural Growers Association.

The top 10 crops for the H-2A program in fiscal year 2017, by positions certified with change compared with a year ago, were:

•Berries: 21,946 workers, up 11 percent

•Apples: 12,697 workers, up 6.3 percent;

•Tobacco: 12,534 workers, up 6.3 percent;

•Fruits and vegetables: 12,465 workers, up 6.2 percent;

•General farm workers: 12,037 workers, up 6 percent;

•Melons: 8,535 workers, up 4.3 percent;

•Corn: 7,818 workers, up 3.9 percent;•Peppers: 6,903 workers, up 3.5

percent;•Sweet potatoes: 6,662 workers, up

3.3 percent; and •Hay and straw: 6,411 workers, up

3.2 percent.

H-2AContinued from Page 5

GrantsContinued from Page 3

Industry Stakeholders Create New Coalition to Advocate for NAFTA By Anna-Lisa Laca The Packer

A broad group of stakeholders in the food system joined together to create a new coalition to advocate for America’s involvement in free trade agreements, specifically the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Stakeholders involved in the new organization, called Americans for Farmers and Families, range from the American Farm Bureau Federation to Walmart.

“Farm Belt voters supported President Trump by a three-to-one margin in the last election and they are counting on President Trump to improve NAFTA in the modernization negotiations,” said John Bode, president and CEO of the Corn Refiners Association and a member of AFF’s

leadership committee. “It’s not an exaggeration to say many farmers are still farming today because of NAFTA. We know that President Trump has a lot of experience negotiating good deals. We support him in updating and improving NAFTA.”

In his speech at the American Farm Bureau Federation Convention, President Trump said that he plans to use NAFTA to help farmers and manufacturers do better.

“To level the playing field for our great American exporters, our farmers and ranchers, as well as our manufacturers, we’re reviewing all of our trade agreements to make sure that they are fair and reciprocal,” he said. “On NAFTA, I am working very hard to get a better deal for our country and for our farmers and for our manufacturers. It’s under negotiation as we speak. It’s not the easiest negotiation, but we’re

going to make it fair for people again.”Since being signed in 1994, NAFTA

has been attributed to boosting the economy, creating jobs and helping Mexico and Canada become the United States’ largest trading partners.

Here’s a list of groups involved in the coalition: American Bakers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Frozen Food Institute, American Fruit and Vegetable Processors and Growers Coalition, American Peanut Product Manufacturers, Inc., American Soybean Association, Association of American Railroads, Corn Refiners Association, Distilled Spirits Council, Food Marketing Institute, Fresh Produce Association of the Americas, Global Cold Chain Alliance, Grocery Manufacturers Association, Indiana Dairy Producers, International Dairy Foods Association, Midwest Food

Products Association, Missouri Rice Research and Merchandising Council,National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, National Corn Growers Association, National Grain and Feed Association, National Grocers Association, National Milk Producers Federation,National Oilseed Processors Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Renderers Association, National Restaurant Association, National Turkey Federation, North American Millers Association, Retail Industry Leaders Association, SNAC International, Sweetener Users Association, Texas Rice Council, The Hardwood Federation, The National Association of Wheat Growers, US Apple Association, US Rice Producers Association, USA Rice, Walmart, Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association

Produce Industry Keeping Tabs on Blockchain


recognized by the New York State Department of Economic Development as the winner of the New York State Agritourism Business of the Year.

Previous recipients of the agribusiness Business of the Year Award include Wegman’s Food Markets and Farm Fresh First, LLC

while previous recipients of the production agriculture award (from the apple industry) include: Crist Bros. Orchard of Walden (District 3) in 2008, Becker Farms of Gasport (District 6) in 2013; and Red Jacket Orchard of Geneva (District 5) in 2014.

Also earning notable recognition by the Agricultural Society were apple grower Jim Bittner of Bittner-Singer Orchard in Appleton (District 6) who was awarded the

Distinguished Service Citation (see article on Page 1), and Kast Farms of Albion (District 6) which was named the recipient of the Next Generation Farmer Award.

Kast Farms is a New York State Century Farm which began in 1884 and is today run by brothers John and Brett, the family’s fifth generation of farmers. Together, they work 4,500 acres of land containing diversified fruit, vegetables and grain.

Both brothers originally pursued

careers off the farm and out of state but returned within the last 10 years to grow the family business. They have since increased, owned and leased acreage and created their own land limited liability corporation, adding another 600 acres of crop land.

Today, the Kast Farm uses precision technology for planning, fertilizing and spraying and work closely with Cornell University and others on new varieties of apples including SnapDragon® and RubyFrost®.

NYAAContinued from Page 1

JMS Studio & Gallery, Ltd.NYAA Business of the Year Award (Production Agriculture) – Matt and Juanita Critz.

MS Studio & Gallery, Ltd.Next Generation Farmer Award – Cheryl Kast with husband John and his brother Brett and wife Amanda.


where the organization recognized him for his service to the industry and bestowed upon him one of its highest honors: the Distinguished Service Citation.

Accompanied by extended family, Bittner received the award before a crowd of peers, professional organizations, distinguished Cornell faculty, and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball.

Noting how he “tirelessly led many New York agricultural organizations” (including serving as chairperson for the Council of Agricultural Organizations), the Ag Society recognized the fact that from 2011 to 2017 Bittner chaired the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) where -- as a founding board member in 2003 -- he led the organization with “a level head, steady hand and inquisitive spirit.”

“Over the last decade, the NYFVI board has pushed for farm-level impact in all projects selected for $15 million in total funding,” said David Grusenmeyer, NYFVI executive director. “This diligence has delivered a 7:1 return on investment – but it wasn’t easy. The organization went through some tough times and was forced to halt projects; but Jim’s leadership, commitment and faith in the organization’s mission – to improve the economic viability of New York’s farms – kept the organization intact.”

Today, NYFVI operates out of an office in Syracuse with a staff and has a clearly articulated plan, a revitalized

governance structure with additional board members, and is poised for growth.

“Jim understands the intersection of regulation, policy and agriculture and the importance of outreach to policy makers,” wrote the Ag Society, noting his long list of accomplishments.

Bittner is a long-time leader in Niagara County and New York Farm Bureau, and travels regularly to visit lawmakers in Albany and Washington, D.C. He is a member of the U.S. Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching (CARET) delegation for New York, which advocates for federal dollars to support agricultural research and education programs at Land Grant colleges. He serves on the New York State Advisory Council on Agriculture, the New York Specialty Crop Advisory Committee, the Agriculture Labor Advisory Group, and the SILO Committee, which is focused on improving coordination among state agencies. He is a longtime member of the CALS Deans’ Advisory Council and has served on the board of the New York Horticultural Society.

In his community, Bittner is a longtime member of the Barker Lions Club where he received the Melvin Jones Award, the highest honor in Lionism. He is also a strong supporter of the Lewiston Kiwanis Club and its Niagara County Peach Festival where

he has supplied more than 13,000 pounds of Niagara County peaches.

When asked about his service and the honors he’s received, Bittner simply says, “I love farming”—a truth that’s quite apparent.

In fact, one can see how much Jim loves farming by how quickly he can produce an elegant jar of cherries grown in his orchard and sold in Saks Fifth Avenue stores, evidence of the fact that he was one of the last maraschino cherry growers in the state.

One can hear how much he loves farming by the way he talks about growing up on a small farm outside Lockport and being encouraged to be active in 4H and FFA. “I got used to participating at an early age and just never stopped,” he explained.

And one can sense how much he loves farming from the gratitude he expresses for the people he has met along the way, particularly the mentors who encouraged and guided him early on to make the transition from dairy to fruit farming.

Every day, he thinks about paying it forward, planning for the future and positioning his business for the next generation in innovative ways that meet consumer needs and preferences.

“Moving to higher density plantings and new varieties is costly. It takes careful planning,” he said. So, he keeps his eye on the consumer. For instance, Bittner grows organically – something that was believed to be nearly impossible to do in western New York but yet its working and attracting interest from others.

“I don’t buy into the organic consumer’s position that the fruit is better…but I do believe in growing for markets” he said, noting that the

organic trend is continuing to gain speed. And, of course, he likes the price premium.

“Besides running my own farm business, my goal has been to represent and promote New York agriculture,” added Bittner. “So many decisions are made that affect agriculture by so many people who have no idea how farms and agriculture work. If our industry does not have a voice in those decisions, I really feel you may just as well kiss our farm businesses good bye. Everyone who feels the future of farming is important needs to step off their farm once in a while and get involved in securing that future.”

Bittner believes one of the biggest consumer issues facing the industry today is the distance between growers and the people who buy their foods. Consumers are hungry for a connection and that hunger is feeding the locally grown movement. Even if it is only once a year, Bittner believes that growers would serve their businesses and industry well by taking part in an event that would bring them in contact with consumers, a fair or an in-store demonstration.

“I understand why people don’t do it,” said Bittner. “Many just aren’t comfortable talking in a group or they don’t know how to connect with politicians who don’t have a good understanding of agriculture; but the solution is simple: start the conversation on common ground. Food is something we all have in common and are interested in. Start the discussion from the perspective of the three things most audiences relate to: food prices, availability and safety – with a focus on availability. Growers will be glad they did.”

BittnerContinued from Page 1 ‘I love

farming.’—Jim Bittner,

Bittner-Singer Orchards

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