Nunes died Aug. 5 in Carmel Valley, California. His farming career stretched to more than 70 years.

Conventional and organic Foxy-branded produce is grown on more than 20,000 acres. Third and fourth generation Nunes family members run the company.

The Nunes Co. markets its vegetables and strawberries under the Foxy brand. Nunes’ farming career stretched to more than seven decades.

“Tom began his farming career over 70 years ago in the Salinas Valley and is known for his leadership and innovation in the produce industry,” family members said in a company news release.

In the early 1930s. Tom Nunes Sr. planted the family’s first seeds in California’s Salinas Valley. The Foxy brand was born when second-generation brothers Bob and Tom Nunes formed the Nunes Company in 1976.

Born into a farming family of Portuguese immigrants in Chualar, California, from a young age Nunes helped his father riding tractor and worked with him in the field. From those humble beginnings, Nunes started two successful grower-shippers and garnered produce industry awards and honors.

Despite the honors, Nunes would have said his greatest achievement and pleasure came from his family, including his three sons, daughter, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, according to a news release.

Nunes graduated from high school in 1946 and attended Stanford University, graduating with an economics degree. He married soon after graduation.

In 1955, after farming for several years with his father under the mantel of T. Nunes & Son, a friend, Bill “Chopper” Brown, suggested Nunes start a new company growing, harvesting, and shipping Iceberg lettuce. Nunes and each of five other partners invested $5,000 and grew 400 acres of Iceberg lettuce for their new company, Growers Exchange.

At Growers Exchange, Tom and his brother Bob Nunes began their life-long partnership, working six years together at Growers Exchange. In 1966, they left to form Nunes Bros. of California, an integrated grower-shipper of fresh vegetables.

The Salinas Valley Produce Industry recognized Tom’s leadership at Nunes Bros. by electing him to the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California’s board of directors, where was chairman 1967-1968.

After selling the brothers’ company to the United Fruit Co. (Chiquita), the two left the industry, but after no-compete contracts returned five years later to start The Nunes Company, in 1976.

Eventually the Company became an integrated grower-shipper which included shipping, cooling, growing, and harvesting operations.

“We had a great advantage of building a company and then selling it and getting to start over,” Tom once said. “It allowed us to look at what we did right and look at what we did wrong and build a better company.”

The company is run by the brothers’ sons, Tom (T4) in sales, David in growing and land base, Jimmy in farming, and Bob, Jr., Bob’s son, in cooling and harvesting. Tom M. Nunes (T5) is also involved. They have been instrumental in growing the company from a modest 1,200 acres to more than 20,000 acres in California, Arizona, and Nevada, according to the release.

The company’s Foxy brand has become recognized globally. Value-added operations, organic production and strawberries extended the reach of the brand in the ensuing years.

In 2018, Tom M. Nunes (T5), representing the third generation of the Nunes family, became president and carries on the traditions and culture created by Tom (T3) and maintained by his father, Tom (T4).

“One of the last things my grandfather said was ‘trust’ was the key to life,” Tom M. Nunes (T5) said in the release. “Grandpa lived that, and you can see it in the loyalty of employees returning to The Nunes Co. after the five-year hiatus, the growers’ willingness to accept a structure built on trust in the company, the many long-term employees, and the customers who trusted that the right high-quality product would be there every time. Our family lost our pillar, and the industry lost an important and influential leader.”

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In addition to the redesign of Red Tomato’s EcoCertified fruit totes and pouches, Red Tomato broadened the scope of the certification to include a variety of fruits and value-added agricultural products, providing a more cohesive and impactful brand for consumers and growers, according to a news release.

The redesigned packaging is timed for the 2024 apple season and includes paper totes, pouches, poly bags, and master cases. “The rebrand will help consumers choose EcoCertified fruit, which means they are investing in local and sustainable growing practices. EcoCertified is a promise of amazing fruit that is both local and ecologically grown,” according to the release.

EcoCertified is designed to be a grower brand, an integral part of their marketing stories, and to build a stronger, more recognizable certification that stands for sustainable, ecologically responsible farming practices.

The updated packaging will be available in stores making it easier for consumers to identify and purchase EcoCertified products. Insights from consumer research indicate a strong preference for clear, concise labeling that highlights the product’s sustainable attributes.

The most ecological farming practices differ by locale. More than 93% of U.S. certified organic apples are grown in eastern Washington. The climate in the Eastern U.S. is more rain, diseases and insects. The national organic standards do not offer viable treatments for eastern orchards
growing at a wholesale scale, according to the release.

“EcoCertified orchards are a powerful, resilient force in our region’s food system, combining the most ecological growing practices with the best of local foods,” said Angel Mendez, Red Tomato’s executive director, said in the release.

Red Tomato partnered with the Hartman Group, a marketing research firm specializing in the natural and organic grocery industry.

Keywords such as “sustainable growing practices,” “protect pollinators,” “promote tree and soil health,” and “growers care for the land, community, and earth” were instrumental in the design process. The packaging highlights the taste, ecological practices, and local sourcing that define EcoCertified. The front of the pouch proudly states, “Happy Bees. Healthy Trees. Amazing Apples.” while the back emphasizes the rigorous ecological practices that protect bees, ensure thriving orchards, and balance vital ecosystems, according to the release.

“It’s very hard for farmers to grow apples this way,” Diane Rast, Hartman’s creative director, said in the release. “I visit the farms. I have been designing for years and I know the challenge of communicating a complex idea dealing with sustainable growing practices with just a few words and a choice illustration.”

The EcoCertified program was launched in 2005, as a partnership of non-profit Red Tomato, the IPM Institute of North America and a network of farmers, scientists and fruit experts, to advance environmentally responsible growing practices for locally grown tree fruit in the Northeast.

The program’s goal is to support growers by bringing together the local and ecological growing practices, educating the public about their value, and building a market that keeps local orchards thriving and local apples abundant.

The program has certified more than 30 Northeast orchards, representing more than 2,000 acres. EcoCertified is actively expanding to new regional chapters east of the Rockies, with a focus on the Midwest (Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Illinois), Mid-Atlantic and Southeast.

Based in Rhode Island, Red Tomato works with partners throughout the U.S., including scientists and farmer networks, regional and national grocery stores, K-12 schools, community-based nonprofits, and other vendors. In addition to apples, Red Tomato also works with tomatoes and other vegetables.

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The U.S. Apple Association (USApple) named Baker, president of United Apple Sales LLC , as chair for the 2024-25 term.

Baker succeeds 2023-24 USApple chair Steve Clement, CEO of PNW Tree Fruit in Yakima, Washington.

The gavel was officially passed from Clement to Baker at USApple’s Aug. 14-16 board of directors meeting in Chicago at the completion of its Outlook conference on Friday, the show’s last day.

Raised on a fruit and vegetable farm in Ransomville, New York, near the shores of Lake Ontario north of Buffalo, New York, Baker follows a unique legacy, both in the apple business and in this esteemed industry leadership role, according to a news release.

Also located close to Lake Ontario, United grows and ships a large number of varieties of conventional apples and pears as well as organic Golden Delicious, Crispin and Ida Red apples.

In addition to Baker, other USApple’s 2024-25 elected board officers include:

• Vice chair: Steve Smith, vice president, marketing, Washington Fruit, Yakima, Washington
• Secretary: Philip Glaize III, head of operations/sales, Glaize Apples, Winchester, Virginia
• Treasurer: Kaari Stannard, president & CEO, New York Apple Sales, Glenmont, New York
• Immediate Past Chair: Steve Clement

Baker’s father, Paul Baker, was chair of USApple in 1989.

“This is a pivotal time to have someone with Brett’s experience and deep-rooted passion for agriculture at the helm of our board of directors,” Jim Bair, USApple’s president and CEO, said in the release. “His leadership will be essential to driving innovation and addressing challenges.”

Prior to joining the Lyndonville, New York-based United Apple Sales in 2010, Baker graduated from Cornell in 1999 and spent a handful of years on the family farm. Then, he went into the grocery retail business with Aldi for nine years.

“It’s an honor to be elected as the chair of USApple,” Baker said in the release. “I am committed to continuing the work of my predecessors – including my own late father – to advocate for our industry, foster innovation, and overcome the challenges we face. As an industry working together, we can enact meaningful change through USApple.”

PNW Tree Fruit is associated with Sage Fruit, which grows, ships and markets conventional apples, pears, cherries and stone fruit and organic apples and pears.

United grows and ships a large number of varieties of conventional apples and pears as well as organic Golden Delicious, Crispin and Ida Red apples.

USApple is a national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. USApple’s members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and $23 billion in economic activity.

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Michigan is forecast to harvest 30.5 million bushels, which equates to 1.3 billion pounds, of apples during the 2024-25 calendar year, according to the Michigan Apple Committee.

That’s slightly lower than last year, when the state’s growers harvested 31.9 million bushels of apples, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Average annual crop size is approximately 25.9 million bushels.

Michigan’s official crop estimate was announced on Aug. 16 as part of the USApple Outlook meeting in Chicago. The 2024 estimate is above average for the Michigan apple industry, according to a news release.

“It is unusual to have three large crops in a row,” Diane Smith, the committee’s executive director, said in the release. “However, as growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan’s apple crop sizes will increase, and we will continue to see these larger crops.”

Warmer than normal temperatures in late winter and early spring caused buds to form early, leading to earlier bloom in May. Growers were fortunate this year to not experience significant frost and freeze events after that early bloom, meaning a plentiful crop being harvested about 10 days earlier than usual, according to the release.

“Michigan Apple growers share a common goal of producing flavorful, high-quality apples,” Smith said in the release. “They work with tree fruit researchers to implement the latest growing techniques and use new technology to monitor growing conditions. Michigan growers are committed to bringing the best quality fruit to the consumer.”

Many factors contribute to the size of an apple crop, including weather, bloom conditions and tree health. To make the estimate, growers and other industry experts report on what they are seeing in various regions of the state, then come to a consensus on the crop size estimate.

Michigan Apples are available nearly year-round from August to June. The largest and most valuable fruit crop in the state can be found at about 150 farm markets and cider mills in Michigan as well as more than 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S., according to Smith.

According to the USDA, there are more than 14.9 million apple trees in Michigan commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world.

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The forecast estimates the state will produce 2.2 million barrels of cranberries, a 12% rise from last year’s yield. Nationally, cranberry production is expected to reach 8.24 million barrels, up 2% from 2023.

Brian Wick, executive director of Massachusetts Cranberries, expressed cautious optimism about the harvest, despite recent hot and humid conditions that may affect fruit development. Wick noted that while the crop’s final size and quality will be influenced by upcoming weather, favorable conditions could still lead to a successful harvest.

Massachusetts is the second-largest cranberry-producing state in the U.S., with cranberries being the largest food commodity in the Commonwealth. The industry contributes $73.4 million annually and supports nearly 6,400 jobs.

For more details, visit cranberries.org.

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The Aug. 20-21 event in Valdosta, Georgia, will feature speakers from both state and federal organizations.

Nick Sumner, pesticide program manager at the GDA, will discuss pesticide regulations. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) will also speak, including Brian Testa, director of policy and regulation at the Office of Foreign Labor Certification, and Marcella Campbell, H-2A certifying officer.

Other speakers include Jennifer Dunn, deputy assistant commissioner for Field Operations South at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities, and Chad Martin, assistant area director at OSHA Savannah. The forum will cover topics such as labor certification, safety compliance, and chemical safety in agriculture.

Registration is open and the full schedule is available to view here.

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After record production last year, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according the USApple report released at the organization’s Aug. 14-16 annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.

The Outlook Report is based on recently released U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates.

USApple’s prediction differs from USDA’s forecast, which forecasts apple growers to produce 282 million bushels for the 2024/25 CY, a 2% decrease compared to 2023-24 .

USApple states the figures are more comprehensive than USDA data, which only examine the top seven apple-producing states.

USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds their production back into USDA’s figures, according to a news release.

It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day, according to the release.

“Growers from across the U.S. are reporting the crop quality is excellent,” Chris Gerlach, the report’s author and USApple’s vice president of insights and analytics, said in a news release.

“Despite various challenges, the resilience and dedication of our growers have led to another promising year for apple production,” Gerlach said in the release. “The data we’ve gathered not only highlights the strength of our industry, but also underscores the importance of innovation and adaptability in ensuring a bountiful harvest.”

Varietal mix

At the varietal level, Galas are expected to retain the top spot with more than 48 million bushels produced. The following is a listing of the top five varieties’ share of the market:

• Gala (17%)
• Red Delicious (12.3%)
• Granny Smith (10%)
• Honeycrisp (9.8%)
• Fuji (9.4%)

In general, the varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Pink Lady/Cripps Pink and Cosmic Crisp. Fuji, Rome and “other” varieties have remained relatively consistent compared to 2019/20 production volumes. Varieties on the decline include Gala and Red Delicious, according to the release.

“We still see strong Honeycrisp production, but it’s tempered this year,” Gerlach said in the release. “With volumes aligning more closely with Gala and Red Delicious, we may see production levels stabilize rather than increase dramatically in the future.”

Trade

According to USDA trade data, fresh apple exports totaled 46.4 million bushels in the 2023/24 CY). This is around 14 million bushels higher than 2022/23 export levels – an astonishing 44% year-over-year increase, according to the release.

During the same period, fresh apple imports dropped by around one million bushels, a 15% decline. The joint effects of increasing exports and decreasing imports caused the already net positive fresh apple trade balance to grow to more than 42 million bushels.

The surge in fresh apple exports is largely attributed to the abundant domestic supply, competitive pricing abroad, and favorable positive trade policies, according to the release.

“Thanks to the removal of previously imposed tariffs on our apples, exports to India are up nearly 4,000% year over year. We are optimistic that this critical market will continue to grow in volume and value,” Gerlach said in the release.

After the presentation of USDA’s numbers, USApple members at the Chicago meeting met in-person to discuss current growing conditions to formulate a more up-to-date production estimate.

The final USApple 2024/25 crop year forecast is an adjustment of the USDA numbers based on those conversations, according to the release.

Global production

According to United Nations (UN) data, worldwide apple production surpassed 5 billion bushels for the first time in 2022 (the latest available datapoint).

In 2022, China alone was responsible for producing 2.5 billion bushels, around half of the world’s total supply. In 2021, Turkey overtook the U.S. to become the world’s second largest apple producer and maintained that spot in 2022, even widening the gap between us (with 253 million bushels, 5% of world production). The U.S., in the third spot, was credited with 232 million bushels and 4.6% of world production. Rounding out the top five were Poland (4.4%) and India (2.7%).

USApple’s Industry Outlook 2024 provides data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade. Authored by Gerlach, the report takes an in-depth look at the trends and forces, from political headwinds to weather events, that shape the U.S. apple industry.

Launched in 2022, USApple’s Newton Database & Dashboard is a one-stop-shop for apple-related statistics. Newton consolidates data from USApple and multiple USDA sources in to one place, providing users updated information on apple production, utilization, trade, prices, storages, movement, economic impacts and more. The USApple member benefit gives users the ability to view preset reports or create custom queries for download, according to the release.

USApple is a national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. USApple’s members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and $23 billion in economic activity.

The conference is in its 129th year.

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She succeeds Ray Hammerschmidt, who plans to retire.

Byrne, who holds a doctoral degree, has worked at MSU as the plant pathology diagnostician since 1999, after earning a B.S. in plant science from Cornell University and an M.S. and Ph.D. in plant pathology from MSU.

In addition to her diagnostic role, Byrne teaches plant pathology to students in the MSU Institute of Agricultural Technology and has served alongside Hammerschmidt as the associate director for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network since 2003.

For more than 20 years, Hammerschmidt, a PhD, served as the faculty coordinator for the MSU diagnostics lab and the director for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network. His work during this time has grown and strengthened the training and networking capacity of diagnosticians to benefit MSU Plant & Pest Diagnostics clients and the regional and national networks, according to a news release.

In addition to those roles, Hammerschmidt is an accomplished professor of plant pathology, focusing on physiology and biochemistry of disease and disease resistance in cucurbits, potatoes, cherries, arabidopsis (small flowering plants related to cabbage and mustard), and soybeans.

Hammerschmidt also taught MSU’s core plant pathology class, two graduate plant pathology courses and served in various administrative roles including the chair of the former Department of Plant Pathology, interim director of MSU Extension and Project GREEEN advisor.

In July 2022, after almost 42 years of dedicated service to MSU and the greater community, Hammerschmidt retired. He stayed on as professor emeritus and worked part time on research, Project GREEEN and the transition of leadership of the Plant & Pest Diagnostics and North Central Plant Diagnostic Network. He plans to “retire again” at the end of 2024.

When asked about his successor, Hammerschmidt commented, “I’m very pleased that Dr. Byrne has accepted the directorship of Plant & Pest Diagnostics. She is already very well-known for her excellence as a plant pathology diagnostician and Plant & Pest Diagnostics team member. She has a very clear vision for how the Plant & Pest Diagnostics will continue to provide excellent service while growing and evolving to meet changing needs. As the associate director of North Central Plant Diagnostic Network, she has provided valuable assistance and guidance to both me and members at the regional and national levels. I have no doubt that Jan will excel in her new position and continue to move diagnostics forward!”

MSU has offered plant-related diagnostic services to the public and local and national agricultural communities for more than 25 years. Services include identification of plant pests and plant health analysis spanning pathology, entomology, nematology and abiotic issues.

As the North Central Plant Diagnostic Regional Center for the North Central Plant Diagnostic Network, MSU has faculty and staff devoted to each of these diagnostic disciplines and continues to expand its capabilities through advances in molecular diagnostics.

The services at Plant & Pest Diagnostics will remain unchanged and Byrne will continue to serve as the plant pathology diagnostician and teach in her new leadership position.

— Erin Hill, Michigan State University Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences

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The marketers of the SweeTango apple variety are forecasting this year’s harvest to bring a fifth more production.

In a crowded apple market, it’s now retailers’ chance to impress shoppers with the most exciting apple — the trademarked SweeTango variety, according to a news release from the Next Big Thing, an Emmas, Pennsylvania, growers’ cooperative that promotes the variety.

“This harvest, growers forecast a longer season, with 20% more apples compared to prior years,” according to the release. “Growers also report apples will be bigger, juicier, and better in bulk, but whether supplying in bags or stacking them on the shelves, they’ll have a selection for any retailer’s needs.”

Stemilt Growers’ Brianna Shales is optimistic about the harvest.

“We’re harvesting and packing SweeTango apples in Washington State, and excited about the volume and quality we are seeing so far in the new crop,” Shales said in the release. “SweeTango consistently ranks in the top 10 apple varieties in October, which is one of the biggest apple promotion months each year. With increased volumes of SweeTango, we can delight SweeTango fans even longer with additional promotions and activity at the point of sale into the winter months that will highlight its fantastic crunch and honey-sweet flavor.”

SweeTango apples are available conventionally and organic.

One is never enough. SweeTango’s “superfan” base can’t resist the sweet, citrusy, and honey-spiced flavor, plus the apple’s award-winning crunch. Whether eaten fresh and whole, sliced and spread with almond butter, or to elevate a charcuterie plate, SweeTango meets any occasion. Dedicated shoppers have affirmed the apple as a proven winner for retailers, and will be rushing for more this season, according to the release.

“SweeTango is an apple that sells itself,” Shelby Miller of Applewood Fresh said in the release. “It hits all 5 senses, from premium taste to strong shelf appeal, it is that consistency consumers look forward to year after year.”

Kaari Stannard of New York’s Yes! Apples shares her insight.

“Especially now that school’s back in session, SweeTangos are in high demand as the perfect snack for kid’s lunches,” Stannard said in the release. “Parents always come back for more because their kids actually finish them. Everyone will be filling their carts with crisp, sweet, and zesty, so stock up to keep customers smiling.”

According to growers, they will start shipping from across the country shortly after Labor Day. There’s no better time to supply shoppers with their favorite — in tandem with the brand’s coordinated, coast-to-coast marketing and sales support, according to the release.

SweeTango’s top priority is to reach new consumers with in-store activations.

“Our season is starting earlier and sticking around longer, and we’ve been growing to match that demand. We are here to help retail create excitement around SweeTango to drive sales and build customer loyalty,” Brian Coates, Applewood Fresh’s vice president, said in the release.

To alert long-time fans that SweeTangos are back in the market, while also creating awareness among new fans, the brand invests in digital video advertisements geo-targeted to SweeTango retailers’ markets. A store locator on the brand’s website, SweeTango.com, helps consumers find SweeTango retailers near them.

SweeTango boasts a strong social media presence across platforms, which the brand uses to activate its loyal fanbase. Efforts are aligned to activate a wider range audience, including Millennial and Gen Z consumers who love consistent and exceptional apples, and are known to remain dedicated to brands they believe in, according to the release.

“We’re excited about our new packaging design that will absolutely engage shoppers. Our range of package options meets any of your store’s needs for both conventional and organic apples,” Jen Miller, Next Big Thing’s executive director, said in the release

“Even more exciting, we’ll be launching a new packaging-focused social campaign this season to promote engagement with our brand in stores, making sure that all SweeTango fans stay in-the-know about where to find and buy their favorite apple. That means your stores can anticipate more demand than ever.”

The Next Big Thing’s 50 family growers grow the variety in five time zones from Nova Scotia to Washington state. The co-op licenses, grows and markets premium and managed varieties of apples, beginning with SweeTango.

— Top photo courtesy of KC Bailey

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The event is scheduled for Aug. 20-21 in Tifton, Georgia. It is coordinated by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA).

Speakers and topics include:

• Updates & preparations for future changes in the H2A & H2B guest worker programs, Ellen Hendley, AgWorks H2
• GFVGA & Southeast Legal Foundation’s H2A lawsuit, Braden Boucek and Kimberly Hermann
• Purdue University software solution to automate back office paperwork for ag labor, Scott Prince, Croft

• Georgia housing update from Technical College System of Georgia’s (TCSG) Work Force Development, Felipe Pacheo, Gabriela Munoz, Migrant Seasonal Farmworker program, Carla Calderon-Bonilla, Foreign Labor Certification Program

• Future engagement of H2A services in agriculture

• Karen Kirchler, deputy commissioner, Rossany Rios, Workforce Development, TCSG

• Litigation trends & wage/hour update, Marty Heller, Fisher Phillips

• What to do (and not) to do in response to OSHA’s proposed heat rule, Fisher Phillips

• Grower Panel hosted by Chris Butts, GFVGA

The event brings together regulators and renowned experts from the ag labor industry. The forum’s format and design encourage active engagement, enabling ag employers, HR managers, and administrators to collaboratively tackle the ongoing and dynamic challenge of securing and sustaining a reliable workforce within a complex regulatory landscape, according to a news release.

This event is designed for owners, operators, office managers, personnel managers and service providers for the produce, nursery, landscape, dairy, cotton, and any other agricultural professional dealing with agricultural labor relations.

Presenting sponsors include the Georgia Farm Bureau, Georgia Agribusiness Council, the Vidalia Onion Committee, the Georgia Watermelon Association, the Georgia Pecan Growers Association, the Georgia Pecan Commission, AgWorks H2, Big Force, and the Georgia Green Industry Association.

The conference will remain at the University of Georgia Tifton Conference Center and continue to offer a comprehensive two-day program of updates and discussions tailored for agricultural employers, according to the release.

Learn more about the event here.

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