5 pages, While strategies may differ across geographical regions, FACS Extension professionals work to enhance nutrition education and increase food security in their communities. The four dimensions of food security developed by The Food and Agricultural Organization were reconceptualized to understand food security on an individual or at a community level. Using experiences from a summer internship with two urban counties, the EEUESA Model described here was designed to aid FACS Extension professionals in their efforts for nutrition education and to better understand how programming targets food security in their communities
5pgs, This time of year, fresh produce production is abundant in most U.S. states, with the North arriving to the party little later than those below the Mason Dixon line.
While retailers know how to source, merchandise and market locally grown programs, engaging consumers in a locally grown program can prove to be trickier than in the past. But there are a lot of opportunities.
7pgs, 12pgs, The Texas citrus industry is threatened by the presence of Mexican fruit fly. The objective of this study was to estimate the economic losses caused by this invasive pest. Economic impact is estimated in terms of loss in revenue and increase in operating costs. Under current quarantined areas and pest management strategies, the Texas citrus industry could experience an annual economic loss of $5.79 million. The analysis was extended to evaluate the economic impact associated with different quarantined area scenarios. This article can be used to increase awareness and adapted to estimate the economic impact of emerging invasive pest outbreaks.
Retailers learned some valuable lessons about the need to stay flexible, the importance of putting the employee and customer safety first, and the critical role supermarkets serve in times of crisis. Here’s what a couple of Hy-Vee execs had to say about what the pandemic taught them about produce operations.
2pgs, Animal intrusion into produce fields has been an obvious food safety risk for some time. More recently, the risks associated with proximity to animal agriculture and habitats — including evidence for commodities other than leafy greens — have received high-profile interest, demanding increased attention from the fresh produce industry.
15pgs, Research has suggested to not solely include cognitive processes but also affective processes in economic choice modeling. Studying Medjool dates, we conducted a laboratory experiment combining choice experiments and eye-tracking to account for cognitive processes. In addition, participants indicated their level of worry related to production practices to account for affective processes. Our results show that consumers worry more about pesticide residues than genetic modification in foods. They also pay more attention to labels related to these production practices compared to other labels; and the production practice labels received the highest willingness to pay (WTP). Results from linear regressions show that both cognitive and affective processes are associated with WTP. Especially in the full model for WTP for pesticide-free labeling an increase of attention by 1 s increases WTP on average by $0.10 and an increase of the level of worry from one category to the next increases WTP on average by $0.17. Overall, results show that including both cognitive and affective processes as explanatory variables is important when determining factors associated with WTP.
8 pages., Extension materials that are sensitive to changing demographics and culture increase relevance and compliance with food safety practices. Produce safety extension materials were developed for U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) produce growers to help with compliance with a new food safety rule. We developed employee training materials based on a needs assessment and behavioral change was evaluated six months after dissemination. The original materials were not seen as culturally appropriate but after modifications, improvements in food safety practices and behavior changes were observed. These results suggest that extension educators should seek feedback from target populations about potential interventions before implementation.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Executives for three global produce marketers report on the role of social media in reaching parents with children at home.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12129
Notes:
Online via AgriMarketing Weekly. 2 pages., Research among registered dietitians indicates potential negative impact on fruit and vegetable consumption among consumers caused by the so-called "dirty dozen" list published by the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
Online from publication. 2 pages., Identification of produce items cited as problematic and acceptable by the Environmental Working Group. Article indicates that more than 99 percent of produce samples tested for these reports have residue levels that are compliant with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards (which EWG considers insufficient).
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12131
Notes:
News release from the Pear Bureau Northwest introduces the first winner in a nationwide "Aisle of Red Pears" display challenge. This article features displays at the Fresh Thyme store in Iowa. 3 pages., "We have seen some amazing displays that are resulting in double digit sales increases."
Online from publisher. 3 pages., The chief merchandising office of a New-York-City-based online grocer, FreshDirect, describes methods used for successful online food shopping experiences for prospects and continuing customers. He observes that more than 30 percent of the grocer's customers shop exclusively from their "re-shop" baskets. However, he explains ways used to give customers reasons to branch out from their normal baskets.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Ideas for staffing and promoting sales of fruits and vegetables in the produce departments of retail food stores during the Easter season, which features nearly as heavy volume as Thanksgiving.
Online from publisher. 3 pages., In this commentary, the Executive Director of the Alliance for Food and Farming argues that the "dirty dozen" list published annually by the Environmental Working Group is "scientifically unsupportable, negatively impacts consumers and it is insulting to farmers and farm workers working hard every day to provide produce to consumers." She says, "If we have learned anything from the pandemic, it is that science (not rhetoric or false claims) needs to guide our health and safety choices."
Online via the publication. 3 pages., Findings of a poll by The Packer indicated that "properly administered social responsibility programs
do exactly that, or at least can be a significant factor in helping accomplish that goal." They can help ensure that workers are treated well according to health and safety standards and compensated fairly. Such programs also provide to the wider company a greater sense of purpose that workers' jobs
contribute to something greater than profits.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Food store produce specialist urges produce managers to get summer extra-help staff members identified early and begin to train them by mid-April. "June is too late, you know." The busiest quarter of the year for fruits and vegetables is often run with the least-experienced people, due in part to summer vacation schedules of experienced personnel.
USA: International Food Information Council, Washington, D.C.
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12153
Notes:
Online from publisher. 3 pages., Author suggests that say one form of produce is safer and more nutritional than another should be avoided. Cites top seven things to remember about eating healthy and safe foods "when this year's (or any year's) "Dirty Dozen and Clean Fifteen" lists invade your social media streams."
Online from publication. 5 pages., Summarizes findings of a survey among members of a nationwide consumer panel. Charts identify ranked percentages of respondents who had bought 20 fruits and 20 vegetables during the past 12 months.
Online from publisher. 4 pages., "There are several ways to ensure profitability when considering whether to add distribution or delivery services to your company. Those same methods also can help you evaluate whether the services you already offer are making you money."
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12122
Notes:
Online from organization. 34 pages., "State of the Plate" research during 2020 indicates that Americans have decreased their fruit and vegetable eating occasions by nearly 10 percent since 2004. Foundation suggests a behavioral framework for a path forward.
Via online issue. 3 pages., Results of a 2020 study by the Produce for Better Health Foundation indicate that fruit and vegetable consumption in the U.S. has declined almost 10 percent since 2004.
Online from publication. 4 pages., Suggestions from a New York City-based exotic fruit influencer and leadership developer Angela Scarfia in leading an online workshop about marketing produce brands and companies on social media.
Online from publisher. 4 pages., Article features findings of a Packer survey about social responsibility. The summary includes brief responses by 11 leaders in the produce industry about the meaning of social responsibility.
Online from publisher. 2 pages., Announces a new series of stickers placed on individual bananas. These stickers feature a combination of vitamins and nutrients found in Chiquita bananas.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Report on retail grocers using retail display sleeves to capture the attention of shoppers seeking a suitable side dish for their prepared, at-home meals. Cited as specially effective for secondary display at the meat counter or in the seafood department. "MountainKing's display sleeves present images of various meal possibilities with the company's different potato varieties."
Online from periodical. 4 pages., In a report from the Packer's 2021 Global Organic Produce Expo, author cited speakers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Organic Trade Association. They indicated that the trend arrow is still pointing up for organic produce. Data from 2019 indicated that numerous organic fruit and vegetable crops have seen sharp increases since 2016. The Association estimated that about 14 percent of all produce sold in the U.S. is organic.
Online from periodical. 5 pages., Article reports on promotion approaches that retailers are finding useful in marketing apples during the COVID-19 pandemic.
4 pages, Online subscription. 4 pages., Summary of grocery shopping patterns during the first 10 months of 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic began in the U.S.
Online from publication. 4 pages., Outlook perspectives from a panel of leaders of three of the largest organic fresh produce companies during the Organic Grower Summit Roundtable, December 9, 2020.
International: Autogrow Systems Limited and Agritecture LLC
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D12004
Notes:
Online in issue of The Packer. 27 pages., This is the second Census to be conducted and ran from July 8 to September 4, 2020. It was promoted through Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, industry partners and various online media and industry channels. The 371 respondents were from 58 countries with the largest percentage from the United States, India and the United Kingdom. Respondents were growers and small to large businesses. Twenty percent founded their business in 2020.
Online from publication. 7 pages., Merchandiser of fresh produce explains how theater events in a produce department can create fun and excitement and can make memorable impressions on customers.
Online from periodical. 7 pages., Senior merchandiser of a produce wholesaler reports recent examples of successful events and displays in retail marketing of mushrooms and apples. "So, produce world, what will your customers see next when the curtain rises in your department? Create theater, create opportunity, and create sales!"
Online from the periodical. 2 pages., Reports marketing communications and leadership perspectives of Jeff Cady, the Produce Market Guide "Produce Retailer of the Year."
Online from publisher. 2 pages., "The effects of misinformation during a pandemic, especially via social media, highlight how important it is for produce companies to have a clear, correct, calm message." Author cites importance of being sensitive to the needs of those being served. Cites examples of adjusted messaging during the COVID-19 pamdemic.
Online from publication. 3 pages., "Retailers care about sustainability because consumers care, but for many the pursuit of sustainability tends to be more of an afterthought than top priority. Sustainability is valued highly by growers, retailers and consumers, but there is not always common understanding of what it means."
Online from publication. 1 page., Describes growth of consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables in the U.S., beginning in 1970 with introduction of the popular Miss Chiquita character and follow-up promotional efforts.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Author compares the produce departments of two food stores, in terms of appearance, organization, selection, and staff assistance. Emphasizes how loyal customer retention affects grocery bills, which are "everyone's single-largest bill, behind a mortgage or rent."
Online from publication. 5 pages., Summary of a survey among U.S. consumers, performed by Aimpoint Research for The Packer. Findings suggested that the lack of a concrete definition of sustainability points to the need to earn consumers' trust regarding the food industry.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Report of a panel discussion at the Produce Marketing Association's Fresh Summit. Includes reference to need in marketing communications for greater orientation to consumer needs and desires.
Online from publication. 3 oages,, Sponsored article summarizes IRI survey data on seasonality of potato sales, purchase levels, and shopper responses to several display strategies.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Report of USDA decision to suspend a report used to set wages for guest workers in the H-2A program in 2021, with examples of responses and implications.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Report of success with using an avocado grove as the setting for a virtual meeting with customers. The concept involves videos and photos from the Index Fresh company's field department, "allowing the sales team to provide more in-depth information and personalized advice to customers.
Online from publication. 3 pages., Author reports on a panel discussion about managing workforce challenges in a COVID-19 environment. Speakers advised that during pandemics or other challenging situations employers should communicate with their employees and other stakeholders, even when plans and next steps are not in place. Other counsel: be transparent, tell (and show) employees that you care and are doing something, provide opportunity for them to talk, ask questions, create an anonymous hotline. send email updates.
Online from publication. 2 pages., Report of a Food Impact Award presented to Food Fight GA, an organization established during the COVID-19 pandemic to help Atlanta-area restaurant workers and farmers who supply the restaurants. The organization distributed nearly 4,000 produce boxes to restaurant workers and farmers.
Online from periodical. 3 pages., Article reports observations from several marketers of potatoes. One marketing director observed, "We anticipate consumers will still maintain their shift to eating at home even when we approach a new normal."
Online from periodical. 2 pages., Describes promotion activities of an apple growers cooperative, The Next Big Thing. with growers in Canada and five U.S. states.
Online from periodical. 3 pages., Author described the responsibilities and importance of the produce manager/specialist. "These hardworking individuals live in two worlds; they have one foot in the stores and one foot in the corporate office." Emphasized the need for communications leadership among the teams with whom they work.
Online from publication. 3 pages., "As we find evermore convenient ways to serve customers and work smarter, let's not lose the human touch. We all need it, no matter our age or location."
Via online issue. 6 pages., Part of a series about how to succeed in produce display contests. This article emphasizes how display contests grow shopping basket size, expose new items to customers, help create an engaging image, build teamwork within the store, generate fun, and allow your community and beyond to see your work. "In the end, it really is all about having fun."
Via online issue. 3 pages., Summary of panel discussion at a Virtual Town Hall meeting of the Produce Marketing Association. Panelists noted how greenhouse technologies can soften the blow of climate change.
11 pages, We conducted a needs assessment to determine food safety resources required by produce growers in Georgia. Most respondents were farm owners (52.5%), food safety managers (48.3%), and/or farm managers (34.2%). The most requested topics for training included how to improve food safety management skills and how to manage a food safety program. Of 120 respondents, 25 were unsure whether their operations were required to comply with the Produce Safety Rule. This information will guide Georgia food safety educators in developing materials and curricula for growers throughout Georgia. Additionally, our survey and findings may be of use to Extension professionals elsewhere in the Southeast and beyond.
Online from publications. 3 pages., Report of thoughts about dealing with foodservice staffing and labor challenges from the chief operating officer of DNO Produce, Columbus, Ohio.
