The event, to be held at 1864 Shyville Road, aims to provide both novice and experienced growers with insights into advanced production techniques.

Attendees will learn about orange rust-resistant cultivars, cover crops and beneficial microbes for tomatoes, long cane raspberry production systems, hardy fig cultivation, and grape production.

The event is supported by various agricultural grants and organizations, including Ohio Produce Growers & Marketers Association (OPGMA), the Ohio Vegetable & Small Fruit Research & Development Program (OVSFRDP), the Ohio Grape Industries Committee, and the USDA-NIFA (National Institute of Food and Agriculture).

Registration is $25. For more information and to register, visit go.osu.edu/fieldnight or call 614-247-9680. For accommodation requests, contact Bradford Sherman at sherman.1473@osu.edu.

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With origins as a marketing cooperative for strawberries, Naturipe has since transformed into a vertically integrated company owned by four distinct growing organizations. Its extensive network of growers cultivates blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, cranberries and even avocados. 

Today, Naturipe is a large producer of organic blueberries, with year-round production sourced from prime growing regions in California, Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Washington, Peru, Chile and Mexico. 

Earth-first philosophy 

Being organic is one part of the company’s strong commitment to the environment and sustainability.  “Naturipe growers use many practices to minimize their environmental footprints,” said Janis McIntosh, director of marketing innovation and sustainability for Naturipe Farms. “From good soil management to state-of-the-art technology, if it makes sense, they will implement it.” 

On the farm, sustainability practices include water management, integrated pest management (IPM), composting, mulching and the use of drones and other innovative tools.

“In addition, over one-quarter of our production is now packed and cooled with renewable energy,” McIntosh said. “New installations in New Jersey, California and Chile partially contribute to Naturipe lowering its carbon emissions by 100,000 metric tons.”

Pollinator health is another area in which Naturipe’s growers are highly focused. In fact, over the last few years, the growers have installed more than 1,000 acres of habitats throughout North and South America.

“Our pruning, composting and chop-and-drop techniques increase soil microbial diversity and improve carbon storage and water retention,” McIntosh said. “Our diversified pollinator habitat programs support our pollinator- reliant crops and the local ecosystem.”

Regenerative agriculture

Several of Naturipe’s crops, including avocados, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, are no-till crops with live-root systems year-round.

“Cover crops are planted to add additional nutrients and organic matter, such as bacteria, fungi, and several other microorganisms, which are crucial to the health and fertility of the soil,” McIntosh said. 

The regenerative practices add to the longevity of the crops.

“For over one hundred years, our family farms have utilized state-of-the- art practices that have allowed them to farm the same land for generations, providing fresh delicious berries to the local markets,” McIntosh said. “Benefits of regenerative practices include soil health, increased pollinator population, reduced water use, composting and dependence on conventional energy.”

Tech talk

Over the decades, Naturipe has continued to add new technology to the farms to enhance water conservation and soil health, contributing to sustainability and resource efficiency. 

“Our growers use precise metered drip irrigation, tiling and mulch systems to reduce their water footprint,” McIntosh said. “Tunnels can be used to extend growing seasons and improve plant and soil quality. Also, we have stringent IPM protocols, including biological, cultural and mechanical controls such as pest vacuums and netting.”

For more than 40 years, all growers have used drip irrigation systems to deliver water and nutrients directly to the root zone, but this has only become more advanced.

“Today, we utilize laser-level technology to optimize the delivery of vital nutrients, creating a more homogenous, even crop,” McIntosh said. “In addition, drones deliver predatory mites based on pest pressure and satellite imagery. Camera technology with AI can enhance our field management, including worker movement minimization. And our grower partner has developed Smartberry, a digital data recording, reporting and visualization platform.”

Ensuring food safety

Naturipe has the protocols in place to ensure the highest standards of food safety across its supply chain. 

For instance, all of its farms are audited annually by a third-party certifying body to a GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) benchmarked standard. Additionally, they all either have Global GAP or Primus GFS food safety audits.

“All growers have food safety personnel on-site trained in the latest food safety regulations and procedures, the produce rule or preventive controls training,” McIntosh said. “They also have robust IPM and GAP, a good agricultural practices program that guides all daily practices and ensures the best and safest berries are produced and sold. All fields are inspected just before harvest to ensure no contamination has occurred.”

All data is recorded into the company’s SAP platform so it can trace back and forth any product shipped.

“This system quickly allows us to find any of our products in minutes,” McIntosh said. “We also use an asset-based carrier that tracks the temperature and location of our product in real time to ensure there is no break in the cold chain until it reaches our customers. All products and trucks prior to loading undergo quality checks and inspections.”

Reducing carbon footprint

Since 2020, Naturipe’s growers have made significant investments in solar energy as they continue to look for ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

“In 2023, our grower in Chile celebrated the installation of the largest floating solar plant in South America,” McIntosh said. “Also last year, our flagship cooler in Watsonville, California installed rooftop and solar parking canopies to power their operation. In 2024, we are celebrating the installation of six acres of solar panels in Delano, California, powering one of our largest blueberry operations.”

Social responsibility

Naturipe was among the first companies to sign onto the ethical charter developed by the PMA International Fresh Produce Association and United Fresh. The charter outlines social responsibility issues and standards to ensure farmworker safety and security.

The company is also active participants and on the advisory board for the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP), a farm-level assessment and training to ensure every farm worker is treated fairly and employee safety comes first.

“In addition, many of our farms have also had a third-party social responsibility audit to ensure worker safety and that every worker is treated with respect,” McIntosh said. “While some of our growers are Fair Trade certified, all our growers are active in the communities they grow in. They support local charities, provide much-needed health and dental services, and even build playgrounds and ball fields.”

Article written by Keith Loria, Contributing Writer

A graduate of the University of Miami, Keith Loria is an award- winning journalist who has been writing for almost 20 years. View his recent writing at keithloria.contently.com.

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The expansion brings the Omakase and Koyo berries to markets in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Boston and Washington, D.C.

“We’re excited to join these vibrant local food communities,” said Rita Hudetz, chief commercial officer at Oishii. “Oishii may be the future of farming, but we are still a farm.”

Grown in indoor vertical farms, Oishii’s berries are pesticide-free, non-GMO and available year-round. A tray of Omakase berries costs $11.99, while Koyo berries are $9.99.

The move follows Oishii’s growth, including a $134 million Series B funding in February and the opening of their largest farm in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, in June. This new facility enhances production capacity by over 20 times using advanced AI and robotics.

Information on farm market locations is available online.

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This initiative, in collaboration with Walmart Global Tech’s Sparkubate program, seeks to secure supply surety, reduce food waste and ensure fresh produce for shoppers.

The pilot will deploy Agritask’s remote sensing and data analytics tools in various U.S. and Mexican regions to provide real-time, hyperlocal insights on crops from select Walmart suppliers. The technology will monitor temperature fluctuations and moisture levels, significantly impacting crop growth, quality, transport, and shelf life.

“Dealing with challenges in purchasing and planning accuracy in agriculture due to data discrepancies and environmental uncertainties can be tough. Agritask’s technology has the potential to fill vital information gaps that sourcing managers often face when predicting yield,” said Kyle Carlyle, vice president of sourcing innovation and surety of supply at Walmart.

“Teaming up with Agritask enables Walmart to delve into more streamlined and sustainable sourcing practices, ensuring we consistently deliver fresh, high-quality products to meet customer demand,” added Carlyle.

“Walmart’s global scale and commitment to strengthening sustainable supply chains make them the ideal partner for Agritask’s tech solutions. Together, we are uniquely positioned to implement scalable, climate-smart, and risk-ready solutions that optimize sourcing from the ground up,” said Ofir Ardon, CEO of Agritask in the recent announcement of the partnership.

This pilot is Walmart’s latest effort to leverage technology for a sustainable and resilient supply chain, following previous initiatives like unspun’s 3D weaving technology and Rubi Laboratory’s carbon capture pilot.

For more information, visit Walmart’s website.

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“We are excited that visitors to the Jersey Shore have this opportunity to sample Jersey Fresh blueberries during National Blueberry Day,” said NJDA Secretary Ed Wengryn. “This event has been very popular since starting in 2021, and we anticipate high demand for delicious Jersey Fresh blueberries.”

In 2023, blueberries were New Jersey’s top crop, with a production value of $92.1 million, according to the USDA’s National Agriculture Statistics Service. The state ranks among the top seven in the U.S. for blueberry production, harvesting 50 million pounds on 10,800 acres last year.

The National Blueberry Day promotion is organized in collaboration with the New Jersey Blueberry Industry Advisory Council. For more information on where to find Jersey Fresh blueberries and related recipes, visit FindJerseyFresh.com.

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The funding is part of $300 million allocated to 66 U.S. organizations under the USDA’s new Regional Agricultural Promotion Program (RAPP), designed to build demand for American food and farm exports in high-potential markets worldwide.

Fruit concerns include:

• Washington Apple Commission, $7 million
• Pear Bureau Northwest, $4 million
• California Cherry Marketing and Research Board, $750,000
• Cherry Marketing Institute, $450,000
• U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, $1.3 million,
• Cranberry Institute, $1 million
• California Table Grape Commission, $3.3 million
• California Prune Board, $4.2 million
• California Fresh Fruit Association, $1 million
• California Agricultural Export Council, $1 million
• Washington State Fruit Commission, $900,000
• New York Wine and Grape Foundation, $1.3 million,
• Northwest Wine Promotion Coalition, $2.4 million
• Organic Trade Association, $2.5 million

The full list of recipients is here.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack authorized $1.2 billion in Commodity Credit Corp. funding in launching RAPP to help U.S. exporters expand their customer base beyond established markets, focusing on regions including Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.

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MSU’s 2024 preharvest Extension meeting is scheduled for June 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Trevor Nichols Research Center in Fennville, Michigan.

The event will include a brief industry update, and presentations from MSU blueberry specialists with recommendations on harvest-time insect and disease management, new plantings, irrigation, and WPS during harvest. If time allows, organizers plan to visit ongoing trials in the Trevor Nichols Research Center’s experimental plots.

The event will offer two restricted use pesticide (RUP) credits for growers attending the meeting.

There is no cost for attending, but organizers recommend preregistering online. Growers can preregister at: events.anr.msu.edu/BlueberryPreHarvest2024/

The preregistration should help organizers estimate attendance, handouts, dinner and refreshments. Sign up will begin at 5:30 p.m. and a light dinner of pizza is scheduled to be served before the meeting begins.

For more information, contact Carlos Garcia-Salazar, MSU Extension small fruit educator at the MSU Extension Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute, Fillmore Complex in Ottawa County at garcias4@msu.edu or Cheyenne Sloan, blueberry and small fruit educator in southwest Michigan at MSU’s Van Buren County Extension office in Paw Paw, Michigan, at sloanche@msu.edu.

The Trevor Nichols Research Center is at 6237 124th Ave, Fennville, MI, 49408.

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Topping $9.6 billion, organic produce sales in the U.S. grew by 1.6% in 2023, while volume declined 0.1%, according to the State of Organic Produce 2023 report.

The report produced by OPN with data analysis by Category Partners showed conventional produce sharing a similar trend, with a year-over-year sales increase of 1.9% and nearly flat volume growth of 0.1%, according to a news release.

Repeating its percentage shares of the prior two years, organic produce made up 12% of all retail produce sales in 2023 and accounted for 7% of total produce volume, according to the release.

The 68-page State of Organic Produce 2023 report provides an overall view of organic produce retail performance in 2023 as well as specific insights into the top 20 organic produce categories.

By total sales, berries held the top organic produce spot for the second year in a row in 2023, raking in $1.6 billion. Packaged salads followed close behind, with sales of $1.51 billion, and apples took a distant third with sales of $660 million.

The banana category continued to be the top-volume mover of the organic fresh produce sector in 2023, with 538 million pounds sold, and berries eclipsed carrots to narrowly take second place with a volume of 251 million pounds.

As was the case in 2022, year-over-year sales performance among individual organic produce categories in 2023 varied quite widely: broccoli (7.5%), citrus (7.1%), and berries (6%) showed the best growth, while avocados (−6.6%), kale (−5.9%), and packaged salads (−3%) were the worst performers.

Regarding sales by volume, year-over-year organic produce performance also ranged widely. Citrus had a standout year with a volume increase of 18.2%. Cucumbers (8.6%) and broccoli (6.3%) also performed well. The widest year-over-year loss was found in celery (−16.6%), which was at least in part due to wet and cold weather in California. The next-worst volume performers in 2023 were grapes (−10.4%) and bell peppers (−7%).

Read more of the report here.

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Launched in stores in April and available through September, betterful blueberries are grown in California and Oregon. The betterful blueberries are marketed as a way to change the way consumers think about fresh blueberries, according to a news release.

betterful pioneered a regenerative approach to growing its berries. Regenerative agriculture focuses on restoring natural resources, rebuilding landscapes, and revitalizing the rural communities where betterful blueberries are grown.

At the center of regenerative agriculture is soil health, which provides the nutrients needed to grow great tasting blueberries. The soil and the berries’ deep root systems hold c02 in the soil that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Experts agree regenerative agriculture is an important step in mitigating the effects of climate change, according to the release.

In 2024 after a rigorous certification process, betterful’s Oregon farms will officially become Regenerative Organic Certified, a new certification that meets the highest standards in the world for soil health, animal welfare, and farmworker fairness. To date they’ve certified 227 farms and ranches across the U.S., and betterful will be proud to be among the first blueberries to be Regenerative Organic Certified, according to the release.

betterful started with the idea that good choices taste better. The brand’s mission is to enhance every stage of the growing, harvesting, and delivery process to provide berries that are tastier, fresher, and healthier for our planet.

“As betterful blueberries continue to hit the shelves of leading retailers this spring, we are excited to bring a new level of flavor and sustainability to consumers,” Sunnia Gull, AC Foods’ vice president of marketing, said in the release. “Our regenerative organic approach not only delivers exceptional taste but also reflects our dedication to nurturing the planet for future generations.”

betterful is dedicated to sustainable farming practices that deliver flavor and quality. As betterful kicks off its first season, consumers can savor great taste and a commitment to nurturing the planet, according to the release.

betterful blueberries are available in select Whole Foods, Sprouts, Bi-Rite, NewLeaf, Berkeley Bowl Marketplace and Oliver’s locations.

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According to the latest sales data, berries top 2023 organic fresh produce sales.

For the second year in a row, organic berries, which include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, took the top sales spot, raking in $1.66 billion in 2023 and growing 6% from the prior year, according to a report from the Organic Produce Network (OPN).

With 251 million pounds sold (up 3.8% from 2022), berries were one of the top volume categories as well, second only to bananas, according to the report.

The data reflects the state of organic produce, according to a news release.

Organic berries scored a price premium of 56% over conventional, indicating consumers were willing to pay significantly more for the organic version of these popular fruits, according to the report.

An OPN news release quotes Brian Bocock, Naturipe’s vice president of product management, and characterizes him as a a berry expert.

“We’re seeing consistent demand for organic blueberries as the health-conscious consumer continues to seek out products with that USDA organic seal. We’ve also seen that consumers are increasingly reaching for larger pack sizes,” Bocock said in the release.

The 68-page State of Organic Produce 2023 report provides an overall view of organic produce retail performance in 2023 as well as specific insights into the top 20 organic produce categories.

Download the full report here.

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