Controlled Environment Archives - Fruit Growers News https://fruitgrowersnews.com/category/crop-management/controlled-environment/ News and information about the fruit industry. Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:51:42 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.5 Strawberries in Canadian greenhouse lighting project https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/strawberries-in-canadian-greenhouse-lighting-project/ Thu, 18 Apr 2024 11:00:42 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=40757 Strawberries are a part of Canada’s Center for Horticultural Innovation’s search for the best possible supplemental lighting to integrate into the greenhouse industry.

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Strawberries are a part of Canada’s Center for Horticultural Innovation’s search for the best possible supplemental lighting to integrate into the greenhouse industry.

The center plans to conduct strawberry trials in their experimental greenhouse, testing the trademarked Sollum Technologies’ dynamic smart LED solution against traditional LED lighting, according to a news release.

 

Based in Leamington, Ontario, the center is a dynamic institution committed to the study and development of horticultural practices, technologies and innovations. The facility serves as a hub for research, industry collaboration and knowledge dissemination. The facility’s staff of experienced and educated individuals strives to conduct research that will bridge the gaps within the industry, according to the release.

“Dynamic lighting appeals to us because of its flexibility and capability to grow an infinite variety of productions,” Matt Korpan, the center’s executive director of research and development, said in the release. “Sollum Technologies is offering a solution that is not only flexible but addresses many common lighting issues, thanks to dynamic features like spectral compensation and auto-dimming, so we are excited to test it in our R&D greenhouse and see how well it optimizes strawberry yield.”

Center for Horticultural Innovation

 

The center is only one of many companies based in Leamington, Canada’s greenhouse capital, working with Sollum.

“We take great pride in being chosen for research and development projects by companies like the SEF’s Center for Horticultural Innovation, who meet the highest standards,” Sam Soltaninejad, Sollum’s chief horticultural specialist, said in the release. “Our solution is designed to work seamlessly with surrounding greenhouse technologies, and we are confident that once the Center for Horticultural Innovation has tested our fixtures and SUN as a Service® platform on a particularly difficult crop like strawberries, they will be eager to integrate our products.”

The center is a division of South Essex Fabricating (SEF), a greenhouse manufacturer based in Leamington.

Founded in 2015, the Montréal-based Sollum Technologies is a lighting provider that develops multi-zone light management for greenhouse growers. Its design, development and manufacturing activities are concentrated in Quebec.

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CEA loan guarantee program bill supported https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/cea-loan-guarantee-program-bill-supported/ Mon, 15 Apr 2024 14:20:46 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=40745 The CEA Alliance applauds the introduction of the Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act of 2024.

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The CEA Alliance applauds the introduction of the Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act of 2024.

The bill, sponsored by Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Mike Braun (R-IN), is designed to provide critical alternative funding for the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry and other similar capital-intensive food supply chain-related industries by enhancing and making permanent USDA’s previous Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program, according to a news release.

“The CEA Alliance applauds Senators Sherrod Brown and Mike Braun for working together to ensure that America’s indoor farming industry has the financial tools it needs to continue to grow and scale,” Tom Stenzel, executive director of the CEA Alliance, said in the release. “Indoor farming is helping to build a more resilient fresh food supply chain. It is critical that the next farm bill enhances and makes permanent the Food Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program so that producers can access valuable financing to help the industry grow.”

CEA Alliance Controlled environment logoAt a time when the U.S. is importing more fresh food than ever before, Congress must advance critical legislation like the Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act to support innovative supply chain solutions such as indoor farming, Colin O’Neil, CEA Alliance’s chair of public policy working group and senior director of public policy & social impact for Bowery, said in the release.

Being able to grow fresh produce indoors all year round is a win for consumers, a win for the environment, and a win for the fresh food supply chain – greater support through programs like these will help the American indoor farming industry grow and thrive, he said in the release.

“As Senators Brown and Braun recognize, bringing year-round food production back to American communities requires investment in new technologies, which the Supply Chain Guaranteed Loan Program supports,” Jed Portman, senior manager, public affairs at 80 Acres Farms, a vertical farming company based in Hamilton, Ohio, said in the release.

“Before an earlier version of the program was rescinded, 80 Acres Farms used it to finance its newest and largest farm, which has increased the company’s output dramatically. The U.S. just became a net importer of food, but USDA guaranteed loans can help innovative domestic producers reverse that trend, for a healthier, more sustainable, and more secure future. The 80 Acres Farms produce in stores across the Midwest and Southeast is proof.”

The House-companion legislation, H.R. 4873, was introduced last year by Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA), Max Miller (R-OH), Shontel Brown (D-OH), and Marcus Molinaro (R-NY). Their bill has since garnered additional bipartisan support from Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Jasmine Crockett (D-TX), Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), and Julia Brownley (D-CA).

The CEA Alliance recently sent a letter to the House and Senate Agriculture Committees urging them to include the Food Supply Chain Capacity and Resiliency Act and the Supporting Urban and Innovative Farming Act in the farm bill.

The CEA Alliance is a membership trade association representing and serving vertical farms and greenhouse producers growing fruits and vegetables in highly controlled indoor production environments.

 

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Funding round to help vertical farming operator Oishii https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/funding-round-to-help-vertical-farming-operator-oishii/ Wed, 28 Feb 2024 13:40:53 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=40321 Vertical farming operator Oishii has announced the closing of $134 million in Series B funding.

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Vertical farming operator Oishii has announced the closing of $134 million in Series B funding.

The funds should accelerate Oishii’s growth, according to a news release. Known as the world’s largest indoor vertical strawberry farm, the funding is designed to help the company open a solar-powered facility, expand distribution to new markets and continue to invest in advanced robotics and energy-saving innovations, according to the release.

Oishii“While 2023 was a turbulent year for vertical farming operations, Oishii has emerged as an industry innovator with its unique business model and steady growth trajectory,” company officials said in the release. “The company delivers a highly differentiated product – from the chef-favorite Omakase Berry to the flagship Koyo Berry and its revolutionary new Rubī Tomato. With plans to unveil another type of berry later this year, Oishii stands apart for its unrivaled ability to grow sophisticated produce beyond leafy greens, thanks to the many bees who live in its indoor farms and diligently pollinate each flower.”

Oishii’s commitment to efficiency is one of the reasons behind its success. Major breakthroughs include introducing state-of-the-art harvesting robots developed in partnership with investor Yaskawa, as well as optimizing the AI models that power bee pollination, environmental controls, and farm output to grow more with less energy and water, according to the release.

“We founded Oishii to solve some of the biggest food supply issues our world faces today – but to do so deliciously,” Hiroki Koga, Oishii’s CEO and co-founder, said in the release. “The time is now to take our technology from a promise of a better tomorrow to a proven reality – making good on the movement my predecessors in Japan started a decade ago. This capital will help us pave the way for mainstream adoption of vertical farming in the U.S., and we’re grateful to welcome many new partners to the Oishii family who share our vision of a sweeter future.”

While many in the industry prioritize short crop cycles and expansion, Oishii instead emphasizes taste over timelines and profitability over proliferation, Akira Shimada, president and CEO of NTT, a member of the investors.

As the only U.S. vertical farm to sell strawberries year-round, Oishii marries nature, technology, and farming techniques perfected for decades in Japan to grow its prized fruit. Grown pesticide-free, every delectable Oishii product bears the Non-GMO Project Verified seal and is always in season.

OishiiIn 2018, Oishii introduced its first strawberry, the Omakase Berry, which caught the attention of Michelin-starred chefs, tastemakers and consumers for its sweetness, aroma, and creamy texture. In 2023, the company unveiled its second strawberry, the Koyo Berry, known for its sweetness and balanced acidity. In December, Oishii introduced the jewel-like Rubī Tomato, known for its flavor, according to the release.

Led by Japan’s telecommunications leader NTT, the round attracted a diverse group of investors with deep expertise in food tech, sustainable agriculture and automation. New investors include Bloom8, McWin Capital Partners, Mizuho Bank, Mitsubishi Shokuhin Co., Ltd., the Japan Green Investment Corporation for Carbon Neutrality (JICN) – a fund established by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, and respected industrial robotics company Yaskawa Electric Corporation.

The funding comes on the heels of expansion across the Northeast. In June 2023, Oishii launched its Koyo Berry in the DC area, before bringing the fruit to Maryland, Massachusetts, Connecticut and New Jersey. Oishii products are available at Whole Foods Market, FreshDirect, and in a number of specialty grocers. Each tray retails between $10-$15, according to the release.

Oishii has raised a total of $189 million since its founding in 2016.

Oishii was founded by Koga and Brendan Somerville, who met pursuing MBA degrees at Berkeley University. Somerville co-founded an avocado company in Uganda, while Koga worked as a consultant in agriculture technology in Japan. In 2017, the two built a northern New Jersey research facility and in 2022, Oishii opened Mugen Farm in Jersey City, New Jersey, touted as the world’s largest indoor strawberry farm which spans more than 74,000 square feet.

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Drone workshop focuses on farm use https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/drone-workshop-focuses-on-farm-use/ Mon, 29 Jan 2024 18:45:21 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=40075 The University of Arizona (UA) is scheduling a workshop designed to help growers considering using drones.

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The University of Arizona (UA) is scheduling a workshop designed to help growers considering using drones.

The Easy Drone Use for Better Farms Workshop is scheduled for Jan. 31.

University of Arizona College of Agriculture Life & Environmental Sciences UA logoThe workshop will be presented in-person and virtually. The event will be at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center.

The workshop is free.

“Register for the innovative drone workshop tailored for technicians, scientists, farmers, and students at the University of Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center,” organizers said in a news release. “Discover the fascinating intersection of drones and agriculture! Come explore how these innovative technologies are shaping the future of farming.”

Presenters include researchers from UA’s Biosystems Engineering Department, scientists from Arizona State University’s Center for Hydrologic Innovations Department, United States Department of Agriculture scientists and Pix4D Co., a supplier of photogrammetry software technology.

Topics covered in the half-day seminar include:

  • Usage for healthier crops and efficient water use
  • Easy-to-follow drone techniques for agriculture
  • Relevant insight from leading industry experts

Lunch will be provided.

Registration information is available here.

UA’s Biosystems Engineering Department is part of UA’s College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences. It develops systems to sustainably feed an increasing population through technology and  sustainable practices. The department works on many projects, including optimizing growth conditions in controlled environment agriculture, Irrigating crops sustainably, and analyzing big data sets generated from using sensors and controls.

The UA Maricopa Agricultural Center is on the south side of the Phoenix metropolitan area and adjacent to the Gila River Indian Reservation.

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Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit set for Chicago https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/indoor-agtech-innovation-summit-set-for-chicago/ Fri, 17 Nov 2023 13:00:12 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=39588 The 2024 edition of the Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit will be in Chicago.

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The 2024 edition of the Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit will be in Chicago.

The event is scheduled for June 24-25. This is an event for growers, retailers, technology providers, seed companies, investors and policymakers.

More than 500 indoor, controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and greenhouse leaders will join the summit to explore CEA at the center of sustainable food supply chains, according to a news release.

Indoor AgTech Innovation Summit logo 2024

The summit brings together the world’s leading growers, retailers, tech providers, seed companies and investors to meet, expand networks and produce fruitful partnerships.

The event is designed to address important topics, including multi-acre scale facility design, seed optimization for vertical growing, multi-million-dollar funding rounds, and margins.

“After a pivotal year for the CEA sector, the summit will explore what’s needed to ensure the indoor farming industry can continue innovating and growing into a crucial part of the global agri-food supply chain,” sponsors said in the release.

From multi-acre scale facility design to seed optimization for vertical growing, and from multi-million-dollar funding rounds to the fine margins of running profitable farms, an international speaking faculty will discuss the critical success factors for CEA in today’s economic environment.

An exhibition showcasing tech providers’ latest innovations, including climate controls, lighting, vertical farming towers and automation tech, is scheduled to show how forward thinking growers share advances in their growing techniques and expanding CEA to new crops, according to the release. A menu at the show is also scheduled to feature fresh produce from indoor farms.

The 2023 event featured 520 delegates, 64 growers, 91 speakers as well as exhibitors and investors.

The event is sponsored by rethink, a WilliamReed company based in the United Kingdom.

For more information, visit indooragtech.com.

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Southeastern Farmer of the Year award goes to Arkansas greenhouse tomato grower https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/southeastern-farmer-of-the-year-award-goes-to-arkansas-greenhouse-tomato-grower/ Thu, 19 Oct 2023 08:00:55 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=39292 Arkansas greenhouse tomato grower Steve Cobb has been named the overall winner of the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award for 2023.

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Arkansas greenhouse tomato grower Steve Cobb has been named the overall winner of the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year award for 2023.

Cobb Farms, of Lake City, Arkansas, is a partnership enterprise that began 50 years ago. On 4,500 acres, Cobb Farms grows produce, row crops and show pigs. The Cane Island Produce branch grows vegetables, specializing in year-round greenhouse tomatoes.

Steve Cobb

Other 2023 Farmer of the Year state winners include growers of peppers, blueberries, blackberries, watermelon and other vegetables:

  • Gary Cecil, Cecil Farms Produce, Owensboro, Kentucky, watermelons, peppers, mixed vegetables, greenhouse flowers, field corn and soybeans.
  • Brad O’Neal, Coosaw Farms, Fairfax, South Carolina, watermelons, blueberries, organic blueberries, blackberries, field corn, cotton, sorghum.
  • Wade Purvis, Purvis Farms, Immokalee, Florida. Green beans, specialty beans (lima and edamame), peas and watermelon.“Excellence in Agriculture is how I would describe this year’s State Farmers of the Year,” senior judge David Wildy said in the release. “They are a leading group of farmers and businessmen who represent their states with excellence.”

Cane Island Produce, Cobb’s family and employee partnership’s newest endeavor, sells through a local community network and on its Facebook page. Cane Island Produce has recently branched out from the initial greenhouse tomato operation into other vegetables such as purple hull peas, okra, green beans, cucumbers, squash, bell peppers and jalapeno peppers. The company has plans to add more greenhouses.

On Cane Island Farms, Erick Lyerly, a family member spouse, said they are constantly exploring new ideas and technology. “We are working with Valley Irrigation on automated irrigation risers and wells controlled by smartphone,” he said in a news release. “We’re also considering the idea of building solar arrays on our farm and leveraging technology, such as targeted treatment with drones. Each of our entities holds environmental conservation to the highest standards. We’re currently focused on irrigation practices and seed selection as well as timing and rate of input applications. Through our partnership with NRCS, we’re looking into implementation of regenerative agriculture production practices.”

Sunbelt Ag ExpoWhile this year’s winner was a difficult decision for the judging team “without question, this year’s winner represents precisely what the Southeastern Farmer of the Year program is all about,” Wildly said in the release. “He is a very humble individual who goes above and beyond to help others and his community. He and his family’s operation checked all the boxes. Without a doubt, this farmer has what it takes to ensure that this family operation will be successful and sustainable.”

In its 33rd year, the Southeastern Farmer of the Year award recognizes excellence in agricultural production and farm management along with leadership in farm and community organizations. The award also honors family contributions in producing safe and abundant supplies of food, fiber, and shelter products.

State winners of the Sunbelt Expo award received a $2,500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Expo from the sponsors. Cobb received a $15,000 cash prize from the sponsors as well as other prizes.

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USDA enhances, adds specialty crop, organic insurance options https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/usda-enhances-adds-specialty-crop-organic-insurance-options/ Fri, 06 Oct 2023 14:28:54 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=39210 The USDA is beefing up crop insurance options for specialty crop and organic producers, including rolling out new and expanded options based on feedback from farmers and ranchers.

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The USDA is beefing up crop insurance options for specialty crop and organic producers, including rolling out new and expanded options based on feedback from farmers and ranchers.

To do this, USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) accelerated its outreach efforts to hear directly from producers across the country by hosting in-person and virtual roadshows and making investments in risk management education. These improvements are part of a comprehensive effort to improve risk management tools and other programs for a wide variety of producers as well as expand access to organic markets.

“We’re committed to working with specialty crop and organic producers to develop crop insurance options that fit their needs,” Marcia Bunger, RMA administrator, said in a news release. “We’ve listened, and we’re proud of our efforts to deliver crop insurance options that meet the needs of producers as well as to share information on available crop insurance options.

“This is part of USDA’s commitment to reach underserved and underreached producers and to help producers access new and better markets,”  she said in the release.

From 1990 to 2022, liabilities for insured specialty crops rose from $1 billion to more than $23 billion. Over the past 20 years, the number of individual specialty crops insured under crop insurance programs increased by 27%. Currently, there are more than 70 individual specialty crops insured under crop insurance programs.

There are seven new insurance programs.

Transitional and Organic Grower Assistance Program (TOGA)

blueberries_organic-USDA
Photo courtesy of USDA

In 2022, RMA offered this new program to reduce a producer’s overall crop insurance premium bill, allowing them to continue using organic agricultural systems. Premium benefits for TOGA included: 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for all crops in transition, $5 per acre premium benefit for certified organic grain and feed crops, and 10 percentage points of premium subsidy for all Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) policies covering any number of crops in transition to organic or crops with the certified organic practice.

Tropical Storm Coverage

For crop year 2023 and succeeding years, RMA added a new option to Hurricane Insurance Protection – Wind Index (HIP-WI) for named tropical storm weather events. The Tropical Storm Option covers damage caused by strong weather systems not categorized as hurricanes. Both a wind and precipitation trigger must occur for an indemnity to be paid. This new option helped many producers recover after Hurricane Idalia this year. About 60% of eligible policies elected this option.

Grapevine

Photo courtesy of Cornell University

Beginning in crop year 2024, producers can insure all types of grapevines in select counties in California, Idaho, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington. This policy complements the existing Grape crop insurance program that covers the fruit growing on the vine. The policy covers freeze, fire, hail, flood, failure of irrigation water supply, and other causes of loss.

Controlled Environment

Beginning in crop year 2024, producers can insure plants produced in a controlled environment against disease that occurs in their facility. This program will provide the following benefits: simple application and policy renewal process, like the Nursery Value Select program, and insurance for controlled environment producer-selected plant categories. In addition to specialty crop and organic producers, this policy will greatly benefit urban producers.

Kiwifruit

Beginning in crop year 2024, producers in 12 California counties can insure their kiwifruit against unforeseen weather perils and other naturally occurring perils. The program covers three varietal group types: Hayward; Reds and Golds; and Mega. The Hayward variety currently makes up 92% of the California crop followed by non-Hayward varieties, including reds and golds and one green variety marketed as Mega Kiwi.

Pomegranate

Beginning in crop year 2023, pomegranate producers in select California counties can receive yield-based insurance coverage for standard weather, natural, and environmental perils as well as quality losses. Coverage is available for two varietal groups: “Early” and the “Wonderful” varieties and all others. The program also recognizes the different utilization values of fresh fruit, arils, and juice.

Shellfish

Beginning in crop year 2024, producers can insure their commercially cultivated oysters that are grown using containerized methods. This program offers production-based coverage on an individual producer basis. This insurance option provides coverage against four perils including: named storms, excessive heat, freeze, and low salinity and will be available in select counties in Alabama, California, Florida, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.  

The Risk Management Agency has also made improvements to existing insurance programs.

Whole-Farm Revenue Protection Program (WFRP)

Several improvements will begin in the 2024 policy year: allowing all eligible producers to qualify for 80% and 85% coverage levels; allowing producers to purchase catastrophic coverage level policies for individual crops with WFRP; expanding yield history to a 10-year maximum (from four years) for all crops not covered by another federal crop insurance policy; making the policy more affordable for single commodity producers; and allowing producers to customize their coverage by choosing whether WFRP will consider other federal crop insurance policies as primary insurance when calculating premium and revenue to count during claim time.

Micro Farm

Several updates were made to Micro Farm including: moving the sales closing date to a less busy time of year to help agents dedicate time to marketing the program, allowing producers to purchase other federal crop insurance with Micro Farm, allowing vertically integrated entities to be eligible and making the Expanding Operations feature available.

Pistachios

Several revisions were made to the Pistachio policy including: allowing insurance for producers with fewer than four years of production records under the new Transitional Yields (T-Yields); clarifying simple average approved yield for APH databases containing T-Yields; clarifying variability adjustment requirements for actual production history databases; and allowing assigned yields and temporary yields if indicated in the Special Provisions.

Quality Loss Option (QLO)

RMA is making the QLO available to several initial specialty crops, including California avocados, blueberries, cranberries, grapes, peaches, stone fruit, and table grapes.  RMA plans to make the option available to additional specialty crops in the upcoming months after further review.

The agency has implemented outreach efforts and risk management education to inform producers of the new and improved RMA program offerings.

Washington-apples-bins
Photo courtesy Washington State Tree Fruit Association

Over the past two years, RMA has engaged with more than 700,000 producers and crop insurance professionals through a multi-faceted outreach approach, interacting with 60,000 stakeholders at 560 events across the nation and hosting 39 in-person and virtual listening sessions to discuss prevented planting updates, apples and cherries. Additionally, RMA hosted more than 3,000 producers during the “RMA Roadshow” that featured in-person and virtual events across the country. The Roadshow informed producers about updates and improvements to WFRP and Micro Farm.

In August, RMA awarded about $6.5 million to 22 organizations to educate underserved, specialty, small-scale and organic producers on farm risk management and climate-smart farm practices. Through Risk Management Education (RME), RMA partners with organizations, such as nonprofits and land grant universities, to develop training and resources for producers about risk management options. The almost $6.5 million investment builds on the $6.5 million that RMA has already provided in partnerships since 2021.

Specialty crop producers can learn more on RMA’s Specialty Crop Page  or by contacting one of RMA’s specialty crop liaisons, who serve as points of contact for local specialty crop producers. Organic producers can learn more at RMA’s Organic webpage. Producers can receive the most up-to-date information about RMA insurance options for specialty crops by subscribing to GovDelivery.

Crop insurance is sold and delivered solely through private crop insurance agents. A list of crop insurance agents is available at all USDA Service Centers and online at the RMA agent locator. Learn more about crop insurance and the modern farm safety net at rma.usda.gov or by contacting your RMA Regional Office.

Top photo courtesy of Homegrown Organic Farms.

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USDA Horticultural Research Laboratory adds vertical farming labs https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/usda-horticultural-research-laboratory-adds-vertical-farming-labs/ Wed, 20 Sep 2023 16:36:45 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=39108 AmplifiedAg, an agricultural technology company focused in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), was awarded the contract from the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Fort Pierce, Florida, to supply vertical farming research labs to the agency’s Horticultural Research Laboratory.

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AmplifiedAg, an agricultural technology company focused in controlled environment agriculture (CEA), was awarded the contract from the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) in Fort Pierce, Florida, to supply vertical farming research labs to the agency’s Horticultural Research Laboratory.

The labs will be customized to carry out CEA vegetable production research unique to the Fort Pierce laboratory.

AmplifiedAg has also supplied 16 vertical farming labs to the USDA-ARS U.S. Vegetable Research Lab in Charleston, South Carolina, designed to support its wide range of CEA research in vegetable growing processes, LED spectrum analysis, renewable energy, plant pathology, and plant breeding and selection for controlled environments.

“The USDA has done a tremendous job of supporting research efforts in controlled environment agriculture, urban farming, and sustainable farming practices, and we’re extremely proud to be a provider for their continued innovation and research at ARS laboratories across the country,” Don Taylor, CEO and founder of AmplifiedAg, said in a news release.

In addition to supplying labs for third-party research, AmplifiedAg has an extensive research and development program that includes CEA cultivation of tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, potatoes, rice, medicinal herbs and saplings such as Loblolly pines. The company is also collaborating with farms on the development of healthy fruits and vegetable transplants for greenhouse and field production.

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Chief commercial officer named at vertical farming operator Oishii https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/chief-commercial-officer-named-at-vertical-farming-operator-oishii/ Tue, 15 Aug 2023 11:00:26 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=38783 Oishii, a vertical farming operator, has appointed Rita Hudetz as chief commercial officer.

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Oishii, a vertical farming operator, has appointed Rita Hudetz as chief commercial officer.

Rita Hudetz

Hudetz’s consumer packaged goods background will add to Oishii’s executive leadership team. Hudetz will lead Oishii’s growth strategy, scaling the company’s retail footprint, overseeing new market entries and driving product launches, according to a news release.

“Innately blending operations experience with a long track record of successfully managing customer and distributor relationships, Hudetz will accelerate Oishii’s mission to reimagine the future of food through the company’s indoor vertical strawberry farms,” the company said in the release.

Hudetz brings more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and operations for retail and consumer packaged goods brands. Prior to joining Oishii, Hudetz was general manager of Milk Bar’s Grocery Division, where she expanded the company’s ice cream business, developed a new Crunchies cookies line and negotiated a partnership with General Mills to release a line of Milk Bar cookie doughs.

Oishii, a vertical farming operator that grows strawberries, has named a chief commercial officer.

She also was chief operating officer of the Universal Standard fashion leader, where she changed the company’s operations to accelerate revenue growth and support improved profitability. As the chief executive officer of Hu Kitchen, Hudetz expanded the chocolate bar line and helped to build national distribution and online platforms. Hudetz also led the company during a venture investment from a Mondelez snack division in 2019. Hudetz was at PepsiCo where she was promoted to director of strategy in PepsiCo’s Global Nutrition group.

“As an operator and strategist, Rita’s accomplishments are unparalleled. We are so glad to have her on our team during a major inflection point for Oishii’s brand,” Brendan Somerville, Oishii’s co-founder and chief operating officer, said in the release. “We’re growing quickly in a time when others are slowing. Rita’s expertise will help us bring our delicious, clean strawberries to consumers nationwide.”

Oishii — which means ‘delicious’ in Japanese – grows non-GMO Project Verified and pesticide- free berries in modern indoor vertical farms. The company touts itself as the first vertical farming company to perfect the strawberry at commercial scale. It marries nature, technology and farming techniques perfected for decades in Japan to grow its prized fruit, which is pollinated naturally with bees and grown with zero pesticides, according to the release.

“Mission matters to me – and the team at Oishii has demonstrated how committed they are to disrupting the agriculture industry with a superior, pesticide-free product that consumers love,” Hudetz . “I was sold on Oishii after I watched my two daughters choose the delicious berries over candy. As a mom, I’m proud to be working on a product that I feel will pave the way for the future of food. I am honored to officially be part of the team as we enter a major period of accelerated growth and as our technology continues to perform.”

Oishii logoWhile Oishii strawberries aren’t USDA certified organic, the company promotes them as superior to organic. “Our berries are better than organic,” according to Oishii’s website. “We only use natural pest control methods with zero sprays or pesticides, not even organic ones.”

Oishii’s indoor farming operations grow Omakase and Koyo berries, both Japanese strawberry cultivars, in pesticide-free environments in the company’s vertical farms in Jersey City, New Jersey, outside of Manhattan.

 

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Biological crop protection and pollination pioneer dies https://fruitgrowersnews.com/news/biological-crop-protection-and-pollination-pioneer-dies/ Mon, 26 Jun 2023 15:40:40 +0000 https://fruitgrowersnews.com/?post_type=news&p=38335 Peter Koppert, a pioneer in biological crop protection and natural pollination, has died.

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Peter Koppert, a pioneer in biological crop protection and natural pollination, has died.

Koppert, founder of Koppert Biological Systems BV in the Netherlands, was 73.

Up until only a couple of weeks before his June 20 death, Koppert remained closely involved with the company through his role as a member of the company’s advisory board.

Peter Koppert
Peter Koppert

“With deep sadness, we share the passing of Peter Koppert,” Koppert officials said on the company’s website. “Our beloved founder passed away on June 20 after a brief illness at the age of 73. With Peter’s passing, we lose our dedicated founder, a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and brother. His death leaves a deep void in our hearts.”

Koppert Biological Systems Inc. – USA (KBSI) is based in Howell, Michigan.

“Peter fulfilled an unforgettable role in the history of Koppert,” according to the company. “He got involved in his father’s cucumber business at a young age. Together, they started the search for alternatives to chemical pest control and found a natural solution. With great enthusiasm, Peter, along with his wife Diny, implemented biological pest control in their cucumber crop and in greenhouses of growers nearby. Soon after his father became ill, Peter took over the business and focused entirely on the production and sales of natural solutions. Following his father’s passing, Peter, along with his brother Paul, and their cousin Henri, carried on the business. Under their leadership, our company grew into the pioneering global market leader it is today.”

“With his determination, his vision, and his unwavering passion, Peter left an unforgettable impression. Not only on our company, but also on many of us as individuals. His legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him and worked with him.”

“We will remember Peter as a visionary and a warm personality. Peter showed that a company is also about interpersonal connections and about making a positive impact on the world. He managed to integrate this warmth into the DNA of our company, something that our employees continue to appreciate and cherish. His vision and passion have shaped Koppert and will remain a source of inspiration for all of us.

Koppert Biological Systems “On behalf of all the employees of Koppert, we offer our sincere condolences to Diny, Peter’s family and his loved ones. May they find strength and support in the beautiful memories they have of him.

Those wishing to express support and condolences can do so here.

KBSI is a market leader in biological crop protection and natural pollination. The family-run company develops and produces state-of-the-art biological systems which are used by professional growers including greenhouse growers throughout the world.

Koppert was founded in 1967 when cucumber grower Jan Koppert searched for a new solution for fighting pests and diseases as the pesticides he was using became less effective. He was the first to find and introduce a natural solution: a natural enemy, the Phytoseiulus persimilis mite, to combat spider mite. The results prompted Jan Koppert to produce his solution for his fellow growers.

Jan Koppert’s sons Peter and Paul and nephew Henri Oosthoek transformed the small pioneering company into a global operation with 30 subsidiaries operating in more than 100 countries. The company has since expanded its range of beneficial insects, introduced natural pollinators and explored and developed microbial products and biostimulants. Koppert’s natural solutions provide a sustainable alternative for chemical pesticides and set in motion a transformation towards sustainable, according to the company’s website.

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