Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Pesticides for Organic Production

On March 5, 2003, the EPA issued a final pesticide registration notice in the Federal Register indicating that if all active and inert ingredients of a product and all uses of that product meet the requirements of EPA’s final guidance (meet the criteria defined in the National Organic Program Rule), that product would be allowable under the National Organic Program. Information and examples of label language, especially on pesticide products exempt from FIFRA, and guidance on materials to be reviewed are listed at http://www.setonresourcecenter.com/register/2003/Mar/05/10477A.pdf as well as an EPA contact. This notice would effectively allow organic growers to use pesticide materials that have not already gone through the OMRI approval process.

Niche Markets for Oranges

Although per capita, fresh orange consumption declined 36% from 1960 to 2001, the good news is that more recent data indicates an increase from 9.5 to 12 lbs per capita from 1998-99 to 2001, according to the Economic Research Service. As a group, Hispanics consumed twice as much fresh oranges (27 lbs per capita) than white or black consumers but not as much as other ethnic groups (32 lbs per capita). Average consumption per person, regardless of ethnicity, was 14.75 lbs.

Fresh oranges, according to Sunkist Growers, are popular among those who cook their own meals, cook for larger families, shop daily, store fewer foods, and squeeze their own juice. Seniors also consume more fresh oranges (21.5 lbs per person), compared with those 2-11 and 40-59, eating about 15.5 lbs each. (But how do 2 year olds peel their own fruit?). Take home message: Cater to niche markets within small segments of the population.

Organic Apple Acreage Increases

Washington State University statistics show that organic apple acreage in 2002 doubled since 1998 in the state. WSU also estimates that Washington organic apple production accounts for 38% of the total U.S. volume, and 21% of worldwide acreage. The university estimates that growers can produce the same yield and quality as conventional fruit at 10% to 15% higher cost. Also as volume increases prices for organic apples approach that of conventional apples in the retail market. Packers are renovating facilities for segregating of organics, and retailers are more interested in bagging organic fruit to aid in segregation from conventional fruit.

California Fires Spare Citrus and Avocados

Between 1 to 2% of the southern California citrus and avocado (700 of our 60,00 avocado acres) crop was lost during the recent fires in southern California, with more assessments underway, representing about an $11 million loss in Ventura County alone.

Voluntary Labeling of GMO Food

The European Union, along with its recent vote to lift the 5-year ban on genetically modified foods, will be instituting strict labeling standards identifying GMOs as such. Opponents claim the new EU rule is impractical, burdensome, expensive, and will drive food producers to avoid using genetically modified ingredients rather than facilitating consumer choice as intended. If such a move to label GMOs would occur here in the U.S. it would be strongly opposed. Biotech and grocery groups in this country do support voluntary labeling, as does the Food and Drug Administration.

More Growers Join Organics Push

California growers of herbs, garlic, and specialty items are increasing their organic production. Quail Mountain Herbs, of Watsonville, Calif., has added organic acreage at its desert growing region in the Coachella Valley. The innovative project will include a 5-acre shade house with mesh small enough to keep most pests out. Geothermal water will be used to heat the soil and will also be used in their greenhouses. Jacobs Farm/ Del Cabo Inc., Pescadero, Calif. has year-round growing operations of 20 types of herbs in Mexico. In Virginia, Shenandoah Growers is expanding its organic production. Rock Garden South, Miami, Fla., now supplies several chain stores with certified organic retail packages. Frieda’s Inc. of Los Alamos, Calif. has introduced a line of organic specialty items such as baby carrots, broccoli, and celery hearts.

Organic Berries

California’s organic strawberries represent about 2% of the state’s 29,000 strawberry acres but this is still a 50% increase over the 2002 acreage. California growers are also increasing their organic blackberry and raspberry acreage and have been packing 8-ounce and 1-pound clamshell units, which prevent commingly of organic and conventional berries. Blackberries sell best in West Coast markets and raspberries in the northeastern states but strawberries are still the main organic berry crop nationally.