2018 Fall Grower News Magazine

FALL, 2018 |

Interpreting the Long-Anticipated PrimusGFS Version 3 Audit......... 12 GFVGA supports 4-H Pumpkin Growing Contest.......................... 13 Georgia Organics 84 Georgia School Districts Recognized for Farm to School Innovation at 2018 Golden Radish Awards................ 20

Fall Edition

volume

23 | No. 3

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Grower News -

Fall Edition A publication of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, P.O. Box 2945 LaGrange, Georgia 30241 (877) 99GFVGA FAX (706) 883-8215

Contents:

Charles Hall, Executive Director

GFVGA News: From the President...................................................................................... 4 GFVGA Members at The Washington Conference................................... 6 Schedule at a Glance for Southeast Regional Conference.................. 8 Interpreting the Long-Anticipated PrimusGFS Version 3 Audit.......... 10 GFVGA Supports 4-H Pumpkin Growing Contest................................... 14 Legislative News: The Washington Report............................................................................ 16 Industry News: CH Robinson Update................................................................................. 18 Commodity Corner: Georgia Watermelon Association Announces Annual Meeting and Queen Competition............................................................................ 20

President: Mike Bruorton

1st Vice-President: Aries Haygood

Secretary/Treasurer: Bill Brim

Directors:

Troy Bland Ken Corbett Ken Daniel Tom Daughtrey Drew Echols Russ Goodman Austin Hamilton Glenn Heard Mark Sanchez Sam Watson

Publication of any article or advertisement in the GFVGA News should not be deemed an endorsement by GFVGA of the opinions expressed or the products advertised. GFVGA reserves the right to refuse publication of any article, photograph, or advertisement deemed contrary to the objectives of GFVGA.

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Special placement and exclusive location is available. Generous discounts offered for frequency, association membership, and prepayment. For more information contact Kelley Atkinson: katkinson@asginfo.net .

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION:

Georgia Organics 84 Georgia School Districts Recognized for Farm to School Innovation at 2018 Golden Radish Awards............................. 21 Advertiser Index............................................................................................ 23

Fall Edition

Membership in GFVGA is open to any and all interested persons. Our organization’s goal is to enhance the business environment of our industry through education, friendship, research, participation and cooperation.

Membership forms are available by calling (877) 99GFVGA or (877) 994-3842.

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GFVGA News From the President The 2019 SE Regional Educational Conference and Tradeshow is just a few months away! I hope you have marked your calendar and made your hotel reservation for this outstanding industry event, January 1013, in Savannah, Georgia. The SE Regional is the LARGEST of its kind in the southeast, and brings together growers, vendors, suppliers and commodity groups.

From commodity specific production practices to financial insight and business strategies, you’ll find the answers to your toughest produce questions at this conference. We have great new additions to the program this year, including the North American Raspberry and Blackberry (NARBA) Annual Conference, and a Precision Agriculture specific educational conference. You’ll have numerous opportunities to interact, connect and network with suppliers and growers in the fruit industry. Visit our website, www.seregionalconference.com, for all the details on this conference and flip to pages 8-9 for a look at the schedule-at-a-glance.

GFVGA has been working hard on issues that affect the produce industry and Georgia’s agriculture over the last several months. We travelled to Capitol Hill again this September with nearly 500 other industry representatives at The Washington Conference. There, your GFVGA board members and staff sat down with United States congressmen to talk about child nutrition, immigration reform, and free and fair trade. In a time when our nations’ leaders are making decisions that affect our future, your GFVGA staff and representatives refuse to let the industry’s priorities fall to the wayside. Read more about our time in Washington D.C. on page 6.

Check out our Legislative Issues section on page 16 for the latest from Bob Redding with the Washington Report and be sure to contact your congressmen and women on your needs. There can never be enough communication from YOU the grower as to what is best as they make decisions to govern this country.

The Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association is working hard to meet the needs of its members, and our influence grows stronger as our numbers get larger. Encourage your colleagues and peers to become a part of this organization and find an ally for issues that directly affect the produce industry.

Looking forward to seeing all of you in Savannah!

Mike Bruorton, President Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association

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GFVGA News GFVGA JOINS HUNDREDS FOR UNITED’S WASHINGTON CONFERENCE GFVGA joined with hundreds of other produce industry representatives for the 2018 Washington Conference hosted by the United Fresh Produce Association. During this event, GFVGA had a chance to advocate with growers from other states to both Senate and House representatives on several agricultural issues.

During the congressional office visits, the groups discussed specialty crop needs in the Farm Bill and encouraged the representatives to complete the Conference Committee discussions and get a Bill passed as soon as possible. Other topics included labor and immigration. One of the primary issues discussed was NAFTA and the lack of protection in the agreement for SE producers to overcome unfair trade practices from Mexico.

Charles Hall, GFVGA Executive Director, called the meeting productive and said it allowed the group to educate non-ag representatives concerning NAFTA/ USMCA issues.

“The lack of trade protection for our growers in this agreement is a critical problem,” Hall said. “It is our responsibility to educate legislators that southeastern fruit and vegetable growers must have some relief if there is to be fair trade.”

Georgia produce industry members making visits to congressional offices included: Drew Echols, 2nd Vice President - GFVGA, Jaemor Farms; Aries Haygood, 1st Vice President - GFVGA, M & T Farms; Beth Oleson, Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association; Lee Woodham, Fresh Point Atlanta, Inc.; Mary Blackmon, Farm Star Living; and Paul Thompson, Georgia Department of Agriculture.

Offices visited include: Senator Johnny Isakson, Senator David Perdue, Congressman Drew Ferguson, Congressman John Lewis, Congressman David Scott, Congressman Doug Collins and Congressman Austin Scott.

Georgia representatives making visits carried a summary of Georgia’s fresh produce impact document with them. (Featured on page 7)

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Paul Thompson (left), Georgia Department of Agriculture, and Drew Echols (right), GFVGA Board Member, meet with congressional representatives during The Washington Conference.

Beth Oleson, Director of Food Safety and Education for GFVGA also attended the United Fresh Food Safety and Technology (FS&T) Council Meeting.

“The focus of this year’s Council meeting was where will the market place and FDA try to take food safety in the coming years. Will final product testing become mandatory for raw, whole fresh produce just like it is for processed foods? How is the industry going to work together to gather useful data to tell the success story of how food safety is being implemented and is working?” said Oleson.

The next Washington Conference will be held September 24-26, 2019 in Washington, D.C. For more information, visit http://www. unitedfresh.org/events-programs/thewashington-conference/.

For more information on how to reach out to your district representative or on current public policy issues affecting the produce industry, contact Charles Hall at GFVGA office: 1-877-994-3842.

GFVGA News FRUIT & VEGETABLE

STATE PROFILE

GEORGIA

STATE FRUIT & VEGETABLE PRODUCTION ° $720.7 Million Value of fruits, vegetables, berries, potatoes, melons and tree nuts ° 246,296 Acres of fruits, vegetables, berries, potatoes, melons and tree nuts PRODUCE BUSINESS & EMPLOYMENT ° 5,786 Farms ° 24,320 Farm employees ° 249 Produce shippers, wholesalers and businesses ° $327.5 Million Value in fresh fruit, fresh vegetable and tree nut exports OPPORTUNITY FOR FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CONSUMPTION ° 32.2% Prevalence of childhood obesity ages 10-17; National rank: #18 ° 92% of school districts need at least one piece of equipment to better serve nutritious foods ° 98% of schools are meeting the current school nutrition standards ° 93% of parents support serving a fruit or vegetable in school meals NEED FOR BETTER HEALTH ° 646,702 Children participating in school breakfast; breakfasts served 109,117,948 ° 1,224,627 Children participating in school lunch; lunches served 207,117,377 ° 253,652 Participants in the Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC) ° 1,611,668 Participants in SNAP Program ° 200 Schools have received salad bars through the United Fresh Start Foundation/Let’s Move Salad Bars To Schools Initiative

IMPACT OF FEDERAL FRUIT & VEGETABLE PROGRAMS ° $9,262,468 Total funding from the Farm Bill Specialty Crop Block Grant Program for 157

projects to increase competitiveness and profitability of producers from 2008-2016. ° $437,895 To fund the Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Program in 152 elementary schools this year

° $28,916,394 Estimated annually for fruit and vegetable vouchers for WIC participants.

Sources: USDA 2012 Agriculture Census; USDA, FNS; USDA, AMS; USDA, ERS; Blue Book Services; The State of Obesity: Better Policies for a Healthier America 2017; The Pew Charitable Trusts, “Serving Healthy School Meals” and “States Need Updated School Kitchen Equipment”

Fall Edition

7

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS THURSDAY, JANUARY 10, 2019

7:30 AM Registration Open

7:30 AM – 6:00 PM Produce Safety Alliance Grower Course* 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM NARBA Conference*

10:00 AM GFVGA Board of Director’s Meeting

12:00 PM Lunch

Lunch available for full Four Day and Thursday only preregistrations

12:00 PM – 4:30 PM Biological Control in Southeast Vegetables Working Group* 12:00 – 5:00 PM SE Regional Educational Sessions zz

Business Operations

5:00 PM GFVGA Annual Meeting

FRIDAY, JANUARY 11, 2019

7:00 AM Registration Open

9:00 AM Southeast Regional Trade Show Open

9:00 AM – 4:00 PM In-Service Training: Mechanical Harvest of Highbush Blueberry 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM SE Regional Educational Sessions zz zz zz zz zz

Blueberry Caneberry Food Safety Organic Peach

zz zz zz zz

Roadside Markets Strawberry Vegetable Watermelon

12:00 PM Lunch with Exhibitors

Lunch included in Four Day and Friday PRE-REGISTRATION, you should receive a lunch ticket when you register.

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4:45 PM Welcome Reception Trade Show Floor

5:45PM Live Auction Trade Show Floor

6:15PM Trade Show Closes

Evening Dinner on your own

*Separate registration required

AT A GLANCE SATURDAY, JANUARY 12, 2019

8:00 AM Awards Breakfast*

8:00 AM Registration Open

sponsored by:

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM SE Regional Educational Sessions zz zz zz zz zz zz zz

Blueberry Business Operations Food Safety Muscadine Peach Vegetable Vidalia Onion

9:00 AM Southeast Regional Trade Show Open 12:00 PM Lunch with Exhibitors

Lunch included in Four Day and Saturday PRE-REGISTRATION, you should receive a lunch ticket when you register.

2:00 PM Silent Auction Closes

2:30 PM Trade Show Closes

5:30 PM Reception By the River

Westin Savannah Harbor

(open to all attendees)

SUNDAY, JANUARY 13, 2019

8:00 AM Worship Service

8:30 AM Industry Roundtable Discussion

Westin Savannah Harbor

Westin Savannah Harbor

10:30 AM Convention Adjourns! *Separate registration required

Fall Edition

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GFVGA News INTERPRETING THE LONG-ANTICIPATED PRIMUSGFS VERSION 3 AUDIT

BY KATIE ODROBINA After years of rumors version 3 of the PrimusGFS audit has finally materialized. The new version of the audit features some significant changes from previous versions and becomes mandatory for implementation January 1, 2019. Most of the changes are aimed at incorporating the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) requirements which are spelled out in the Produce Safety Rule and/or the Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule.

Modified Format The traditional 3 module format of the PrimusGFS audit has been replaced with a new 7 module format. The audit itself still covers the same components, but they have been spread out to make applicability to specific operations easier to determine and an optional module for preventive controls has been added.

Module

Section Title

Applicability

1

Food Safety Management System (FSMS)

All operations

2

Farm (GAP)

Farm operations

3

Indoor Agriculture (GAP)

Greenhouse operations

4

Harvest Crew (GAP)

Harvest operations

5

Facility (GMP)

All facility operations

6

Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)

All facility operations

7

Preventive Control (PC)

Optional for facility operations

Unannounced Audits

Audit Scoring

Version 3 of the PrimusGFS audit allows for the choice of an announced or unannounced audit which is reflected on the audit certificate. The applicant is able to give a date range for the audit to take place (i.e. production season) and to specify blackout dates. Be on the lookout for specific buyer requirements that dictate whether an audit must be announced vs. unannounced for 2019.

As on past versions of the PrimusGFS audit, each module is scored and there is an overall total score for the operation. The module score is calculated for each module as a percentage of the total points obtained divided by the total points possible for the module. The overall total score is the percentage of the total points obtained in the entire audit divided by the total points possible for the audit. The operation must achieve at least an 85% overall audit score on the day of the audit and at least a 90% overall audit score following corrective actions to be able to achieve certification.

As part of the GFSI benchmarking, each audit Certification Body (CB) and all organizations being audited must agree to participate in surveillance audits.

The CB dictates which organization(s) will be surveyed and alerts the organization within 48 hours of the surveillance audit. The organization can only reject a surveillance audit 1 time with a justifiable reason and if it is rejected a second time then all current audit certifications will be suspended.

Unlike previous versions of the audit, all modules of version 3 of the audit are scored with the ability to achieve partial points. In the past, GAP-specific modules were scored total conformance or non-conformance.

Now all modules have the option of being scored with total conformance, minor deficiency, major deficiency and non-conformance.

(continued)

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GFVGA News Specific Food Safety Management System Changes Several additions/modifications have been made to the Food Safety Management System (FSMS) module.

The biggest change is that in accordance with FSMA requirements, all records must be kept (and provided for review upon request) for at least 2 years. This will include all growing/harvest/production seasons for commodities audited.

Customized food safety consulting tailored to produce operations nationwide.

Other FSMS changes include: •

Documented and implemented training management system (in addition to training records) is now required.

•

Consideration of industry-specific guidelines/ best practices in the scoring.

•

Extension of product release procedure and records to include harvest of produce.

•

Documented and implemented food fraud vulnerability assessment (FFVA) (different from food defense plan) is now required.

Specific GAP-Level Changes The GAP-specific modules remain largely unchanged in terms of content requirements although many questions have been re-written and/or moved in placement within the individual modules. When reviewing the audit documentation, the agronomic inputs, irrigation/water use and pesticide usage requirements are now separated from the general “Questions and Expectations” and/ or “Checklists”. Make sure to refer to “Tables 1 – 3” for the appropriate requirements; these are not optional components to the audit.

With agricultural water, the PrimusGFS audit is requiring testing for generic E. coli prior to use and at least monthly while in use for all water sources. The scoring guidelines indicate that if there is a valid risk assessment then less frequent testing is acceptable although there must be at least 1 test per season. More stringent regulatory requirements must be followed. Presently, FDA is not yet enforcing the agricultural water testing requirements of the Produce Safety Rule. Also, failure to show an auditor documented corrective actions for high levels of generic E. coli in water sources may result in an automatic failure of the audit. (continued)

Fall Edition

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www.producefoodsafetyservices.com 11

GFVGA News Other GAP changes include: •

There are some new questions concerning cross-contamination of the growing areas including a new “automatic failure” question on contamination of growing area/product/water from seepage/runoff.

•

Chemical fill stations are now specifically scored.

•

A documented chemical inventory of fertilizer and pesticides is required.

Specific Facility Changes The largest change to the facility portion of the audit comes from the testing/analysis portion of the audit requirements. These questions have been re-worked and gone up significantly in point value meaning that operations that have not participated in testing programs may need to consider implementing a program for 2019.

There is still a requirement for routine verification of sanitation using rapid post sanitation checks such as ATP measurements. This question’s point value has been tripled and “routine” has been defined as “weekly” sampling.

The microbial testing portion of the audit has been re-written. The program now needs a documented testing program (i.e. standard operating procedure) that covers water (including drinking water), ice, environmental (food and non-food contact) and compressed air/gas testing. Records and appropriate corrective actions are reviewed as part of the audit. An out of specification test result without documented corrective actions may lead to an automatic failure of the audit due to product contamination.

Other GMP changes include:

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•

Hand washing water no longer has to be “hot”.

•

Worker identification (e.g. badges) is required in operations with more than 20 workers.

•

Documented site and facility floor plans are now required.

•

Documented visual monitoring and/or inspection of re-circulated wash systems for organic build-up is now required.

•

Documented verification of cleaning/sanitization chemical concentrations is now required.

•

Cleaning/sanitation program must address air filters in equipment.

Specific HACCP Changes The HACCP module remains largely unchanged.

However, the audit does ask for the HACCP Coordinator having taken an accredited HACCP course within the last 5 years. Also, there must be documented on-site verification of the process flow.

Optional Module 7: Preventive Controls Module 7 is a new module for the PrimusGFS audit which applies only to facility audits and is completely optional.

The module is aimed at addressing the requirements of the FDA’s Preventive Controls for Human Food Rule. This module should be approached as a starting point for establishing the Food Safety Plan that FDA requires for organizations which meet the FDA “facility” definition. Compliance with Module 7 requirements does not guarantee compliance with FDA requirements.

There are differences between the audit requirements and terminology and the FDA’s expectations and terminology.

Bottom-Line Existing food safety programs will need to be reviewed and revised for 2019 to come into full compliance with the new version of the PrimusGFS audit. On a positive note, this revision will also help to align the program with FDA’s FSMA requirements.

Katie Odrobina is a senior consultant with Produce Food Safety Services specializing in food safety and has extensive experience working with growers, packers and processors around the country to develop and implement food safety programs. For more information, questions or consulting services please contact Katie Odrobina directly at 706-8810092 or kodrobina@asginfo.net.

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Legislative News Washington Report

- By Robert Redding

Hurricane Michael Devastates Georgia’s Specialty Crops Hurricane Michael hit Georgia’s fall vegetables and pecan industries at a particularly vulnerable time. The University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (UGA CAES) Extension Service has evaluated storm damage with their team on the ground and reports: Georgia’s vegetable industry was valued at $1.14 billion in 2016. Approximately 35-40% of Georgia’s vegetable income is connected to the fall growing season. In cases such as sweet corn, losses exceeded 90%, but losses for partially harvested fall crops were lower (20-30%). The most affected vegetable crops were sweet corn, peppers (bell and specialty), eggplants, cucumber, squash, tomatoes, snap beans, and early-planted cabbage and greens. Estimated losses from Hurricane Michael are $480,314,376 for vegetables in Georgia, although this estimate does not include infrastructural damages. These numbers are based on preliminary estimates formulated between October 12-16, 2018, and are subject to change given new information.

UGA CAES Extension also highlighted the damage for Georgia’s pecan industry, the largest pecan producing state in the U.S.: The state’s pecan industry suffered a $100 million loss from this year’s crop plus $260 million in lost trees. An additional $200 million in future profits will be lost over the next decade as new orchards are planted and existing orchards are reestablished, said Lenny Wells, UGA Extension pecan specialist.

Between 30 and 40 percent of the pecan trees were destroyed in Dougherty, Lee and Mitchell counties, where 30 percent of Georgia’s pecan crop is produced. In areas less severely affected by the storm, growers with trees that are still standing will be able to harvest a lot of the nuts that were blown to the ground, Wells said.

Overall, Wells believes that half of Georgia’s pecan crop has been lost for this year.

Members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation are

16

already communicating with congressional leaders about assistance for growers who have suffered losses due to Hurricane Michael. President Trump, Vice President Pence and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Sonny Perdue have visited impacted areas and met with grower leaders. Georgia Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black has coordinated many of these meetings.

There are several options for assistance for growers.

GFVGA sends hurricane relief updates to members.

USDA’s Farm Service Agency has held hurricane related briefings and includes disaster assistance options on their website.

It is anticipated that Congress will address disaster assistance when it returns in November. The last supplemental appropriations legislation provided assistance for growers that suffered losses from 2017 disasters, hurricanes, fire and flood. USDA implemented the Wildfires and Hurricane Indemnity Program(WHIP) based on this congressional funding.

U.S. Senator Perdue Raises NAFTA Concerns With USTR Fruit and Vegetable Issues Not Addressed U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA) has written U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer raising concerns that “seasonality reforms” as proposed by the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (GFVGA) were not included in the recent U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). GFVGA and other Georgia agricultural organizations had written Senator Perdue noting that “until the seasonality reforms being called for under the Trade Priority and Accountability Act (TPAA) are instituted, our producers in the Southeast will have no means of securing relief against the onslaught of unfair Mexican prices during our annual marketing periods”.

Senator Perdue requested that USTR Lighthizer “share the Administration’s plans to adhere to TPAA objectives, and the Administration’s Summary of Objectives for the NAFTA Renegotiation to “seek a separate domestic industry provision for perishable and seasonal products in AD/CVD proceedings”.

Senator Perdue serves on the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee. (continued)

Legislative News Washington Report

- Continued

2018 Farm Bill Update U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committee Chairs and Ranking Members continue to meet on outstanding issues for the 2018 Farm Bill. Although the Conference Committee is not holding formal meetings, leaders are meeting in person and by phone during the congressional recess. The House and Senate are slated to return to Capitol Hill the week of November 12. There are concerns that Hurricane Michael relief could delay the bill.

If Congress does not pass the Farm Bill by the end of the year, a continuation of the 2014 Bill will have to be considered.

From his post as both Chairman of the Agriculture Committee and as a senior member of the Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction on trade, Roberts has long been outspoken on the benefits of increased access to foreign markets for American farmers and ranchers. Roberts has taken his concerns directly to President Trump, U.S. Trade Representative Bob Lighthizer, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross, and other high-ranking officials in the administration on numerous occasions.

The U.S. Senate leadership has indicated that the new USMCA will not be addressed by Congress until 2019.

Trade Update U.S. Senator Pat Roberts, R-Kan., Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement after President Trump formally notified Congress of intent to begin trade negotiations.

I am very encouraged by the administration’s announcement to pursue trade agreements with Japan, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. President Trump and Trade Representative Lighthizer recognize these are critical markets for farmers, ranchers, and other businesses, representing hundreds of billions of dollars in exports of U.S. goods and services.

I appreciate the Trump administration’s work to ensure American agriculture has a seat at the negotiating table.

As the Trade Promotion Authority process plays out, I look forward to consulting with the administration especially as it relates to the role of agriculture in these negotiations.

On Sept. 13, Chairman Roberts held a hearing to gain insight from the Trump administration on its trade efforts. Roberts stressed the importance of maintaining a good relationship with our closest trading partners.

Fall Edition

17

Industry News WHAT ROLE DOES TRUCKING PLAY IN YOUR BUSINESS? C.H. Robinson Update

Many would argue that the role of transportation services within business has been changing over the past few years. I agree. But I also ask: is transportation what has really changed? Or is transportation only becoming increasingly important because of everything else that has changed?

Look at the sweeping advances in technology, the disruption to labor, and the influence consumers now have on demand planning and supply chain strategy. Those are the true influencers driving change in our industry—and on transportation services.

What role does trucking play in your business?

In my experience, companies approach trucking in one of two ways—an expense center or a strategic element of business performance.

All too often, I hear customers say, “We’ve always done it this way” when referring to the business processes and timing of events related to transportation. Just recently, I visited a customer who fell back on that reasoning, and that simple reason was unsatisfying to senior leadership. For many years, their same processes worked well

18

because transportation was historically elastic and had low relative costs to inventory and the company’s overall supply chain.

But that’s not always the case anymore as transportation costs are rising and market capacity is not offering a growth pace that the growing demand requires. This customer realized that it is time to change how they think about transportation.

In today’s market, transportation requires increasing levels of strategy.

Accordingly, many historical approaches to transportation are found to be less effective. Challenge yourself and your organization. Look at your requirements for surface transportation. Ask why each expectation is there, and if it still needs to be part of your process.

If your organization doesn’t view trucking as a strategic initiative, ask yourself why not. Or better yet, bring in an outside perspective like C.H. Robinson to help you move beyond what has always been.

Where is the transportation market going?

Opinions are mixed regarding if available capacity is expanding or shrinking. I do hear agreement that demand is currently growing faster than the supply is—thus creating sustained market tension. The key to answering questions about the future of the market, lie in whether or not you believe the level of demand for transportation will continue to stress the supply of equipment.

If you think economic demand will soften in the near future, existing market tensions could dissipate, allowing supply to potentially catch up to demand, yielding a more balanced market. This would likely require new labor to enter the trucking industry as truck drivers’ wages rise.

What supply chain processes and expectations should we influence?

So, let’s say our “new normal” continues: a very highly utilized fleet and sustained management toward a balanced market. If labor pressures continue to add tension to a tight market, what we’ve always done simply won’t cut it. Now is the time to take a more strategic approach to your truckload shipping. You will need to determine what supply chain process changes will have the most beneficial results to combat market conditions.

At C.H. Robinson, we can help you benchmark your surface freight strategies based on your unique attributes. We’ll use your unique information combined with our portfolio of research based insights to offer opportunities you can use to influence your truckload route guides and price paid.

Also, be sure to read our white paper, How to Thrive During a Tight Capacity Market, which offers 12 ways to get you thinking more strategically about truckload capacity.

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Testing Services Salmonella E.Coli O157: H7 Listeria spp.

Listeria Monocytogenese EHEC-Non O157 Total Coliforms Generic E.Coli Fecal Coliforms Yeast/Mold Bacillius cereus Multi-Residue Screening (contact lab for more testing options)

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...Each and every member of the food industry, from farm to fork, must create a culture where food safety is paramount

ISO17025 Accredited Laboratory

IMPROVING GROWTH

WITH SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY SINCE 1976 With increasing focus geared towards the Food Safety industry, we have developed a state-of-the -art microbiological and pesticide division. Producers, distributors and end-users alike need assurance that products are safe for consumption.

Waters Agricultural Laboratories can provide wholesalers, producers and distributors the tools necessary for that critical peace of mind.

Commodity Corner GWA ANNOUNCES ANNUAL MEETING AND QUEEN COMPETITION

2018 Georgia Watermelon Queen, Savannah Hartley

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The Georgia Watermelon Association (GWA) is proud to announce its Annual Meeting and Watermelon Queen Competition is scheduled for January 25-27, 2019 at the King and Prince Golf and Beach Resort at St. Simons Island, Georgia.

The three-day conference offers exhibits, networking and educational sessions.

New to the list of recreational activities being offered at the conference is an off-shore, guided fishing expedition! For those who don’t want to participate in the fishing trip, the GWA is also hosting their annual golf tournament at the Hampton Golf Course. The highlight of the weekend occurs Saturday evening at the Annual Banquet when the 2019 Georgia Watermelon Queen is crowned. The Queen is chosen to promote the watermelon industry as their public relations representative throughout the year and will be very busy traveling across Georgia and the United States educating consumers and increasing awareness of the benefits of eating watermelon. If you know of someone who would like participate in the 2019 GWA Queen Competition, contact us at the GWA office (phone number below). Don’t forget to make your hotel reservations today! Call the King & Prince at 1-800-342-0212 to reserve your room. More information about the conference can be found at www.georgiawatermelonassociation.org or contact Dawn Cheplick 706-845-8575 or email dcheplick@asginfo.net.

Commodity Corner 84 GEORGIA SCHOOL DISTRICTS RECOGNIZED FOR FARM TO SCHOOL INNOVATION AT 2018 GOLDEN RADISH AWARDS Eighty-four of Georgia’s 181 school districts received recognition for farm to school excellence at the Fifth Annual Golden Radish Awards at the Georgia Freight Depot. These districts served more than 1.3 million students a whopping 109 million school meals with locally grown food. They also taught more than 61,000 curriculum-based lessons incorporating food and agriculture.

The Golden Radish Awards honor Georgia school districts for best practices in farm to school programs. Best practices include local food procurement, exposing students to new foods through taste tests and incorporating cooking and gardening activities into class curriculums. This year, the Golden Radish Partners - Georgia Organics, Georgia’s Departments of Agriculture (GDOA), Education (GaDOE), Public Health (GDPH), Early Care and Learning (DECAL) and the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension (UGA Extension) presented an Outstanding District Award and five new awards to recognize farm to school innovation.

Carrollton City Schools received the Outstanding District Award for establishing a STEM focused farm to school model encompassing school gardening and an after school culinary club. Carrollton also served food from local farms during school meals and forged numerous community partnerships.

Warren County Public Schools received the first ever Organic Radish Award from Georgia Organics. The Organic Radish Award was created to recognize school districts preparing future farmers to meet the ever-growing market demand for Certified Organic and sustainably raised food. Warren received the distinction for teaching organic growing practices, incorporating Certified Organic growers in the agricultural education program, and sourcing Certified Organic food for school meals. “Georgia Organics is delighted to recognize the innovative farm to school initiatives that prepare our future farmers for economic prosperity. We are proudly celebrating Certified Organic food procurement, the teaching of organic growing methods and the involvement of Certified Organic farmers in programs throughout the state,” said President and CEO of Georgia Organics Alice Rolls.

Warren County Public Schools also received the Outstanding Extension Farm to School Program Award from UGA Extension. UGA Extension established this

award to honor the teaching of cutting-edge agricultural techniques that prepare future farmers for leadership and prosperity. Warren County Public Schools received the Outstanding Extension Farm to School Program Award to recognize the comprehensive school garden plan, complete with harvest parade and three-acre production garden, as a model for our state. Associate Dean for UGA Extension, Dr. Laura Perry Johnson commented; “School gardens introduce new generations to the world of agriculture. They build a broader understanding of where our food comes from and what it takes to get it to the table, and they prepare future farmers to produce food innovatively, in ways that maximize resources and nurture our environment,”.

Additional 2018 Farm to School Innovation Awardees included: • GaDOE presented a Farm to School Farmer of the Year award to farmer Lisa Dojan of Fisheads Aquaponics for her exemplary work with Georgia students.

• DPH presented an Innovative Partnership Award to Clarke County School District for their partnerships with local restaurants, Americorps, UGA “Grow It, Know It”, UGA Extension, local farmers, and the local food bank.

• GDA presented a Georgia Grown Award to educator Diana Cole from Barrow County.

• Bright from the Start: Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) presented the inaugural Baby Golden Radish Award to the Bleckley County School District for creating an innovative and exemplary Farm to Early Care and Education Program that advances the learning and development of its Pre-K and Head Start students.

The 2017-18 school year was a record-breaking year for farm to school growth in Georgia, and all participants were thrilled to celebrate at the Golden Radish Awards. While the Innovation Award winning districts are leading the way, all of the 2018 Golden Radish Award winning districts are working to advance food, nutrition, and agriculture education throughout the state.

(continued) Fall Edition

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Commodity Corner THE 84 SCHOOL SYSTEMS BEING RECOGNIZED ARE: OUTSTANDING DISTRICT Carrollton City School District PLATINUM Baldwin County School District Barrow County School System Bartow County School System Bleckley County School District Burke County Public School System Carrollton City Schools Cherokee County School District Clarke County School District Dade County Schools Effingham County Schools Elbert County School District Fannin County School System Fulton County Schools Gainesville City School System Henry County Schools Jackson County Schools Laurens County Schools Paulding County School District Sumter County Schools Tift County Schools Valdosta City Schools Warren County Public Schools

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GOLD Atlanta Public Schools City Schools of Decatur Clayton County Public Schools Cobb County School District Coweta County School System DeKalb County School District Dougherty County School System Fayette County Public Schools Floyd County Schools Gwinnett County Public Schools Hart County Charter System Marietta City Schools Morgan County Charter School System Newton County Schools Rockdale County Public Schools Savannah-Chatham County Public School System Treutlen County Schools Trion City Schools Wayne County School System SILVER Atlanta Neighborhood Charter School Brantley County School System

Carroll County Schools Columbia County School District Douglas County School System Forsyth County Schools Lee County School System Lowndes County School District Lumpkin County School System Madison County School District Muscogee County School District Polk School District Toombs County Schools BRONZE Bibb County School District Buford City Schools Butts County School System Calhoun City School System Coffee County School System Dalton Public Schools Dawson County School System Dublin City Schools Emanuel County School System Glascock County School System Glynn County School System Habersham County Schools Hall County Schools

Harris County School District Irwin County School System Johnson County Schools Lincoln County School District Pickens County Schools Richmond County School System Stephens County School System Wilkinson County Board of Education HONORARY Dooly County School System Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Grady County Schools Griffin-Spalding County School System Scintilla Charter Academy DODEA Americas Southeast District Union County Schools Ware County School District Wilcox County Schools

Advertiser Index Advertiser. .......................................... Page

Advertiser. .......................................... Page

Agri Supply......................................................................... 26

Rinker Systems.................................................................. 23

http://www.agrisupply.com/

http://www.rinkersystems.com/

919.772.9722

407.351.8488

Brandt................................................................................ IFC

Sakata Seed........................................................................ 13

http://www.brandt.com 800.300.6559

KoolJet................................................................................ 22 http://www.kooljet.com/contact/ 519.688.6803

Produce Food Safety Services......................................... 11 https://www.producefoodsafetyservices.com 706.407.2551

http:/www.sakata.com 408.778.7758

Seedway, Inc......................................................................... 5 http://www.seedway.com/ 800.952.7333

Waters Ag Labs.................................................................. 19 http://www.watersag.com/ 229.336.7216

Raven Industries................................................................ 15 http://www.ravenind.com 605.335.0714

Fall Edition

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GA Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association 251 S.L. White Blvd.

LaGrange, GA 30241

Your Focus is Produce. Our Focus is You. WHAT WE DO FOR THE INDUSTRY The GFVGA provides programs and services to our membership designed to increase production efficiencies, provide educational opportunities, promote new markets, monitor legislation, encourage applied research and improve communications among GFVGA members and industry suppliers.

The primary goal of GFVGA legislative involvement is to have a voice in the decision making process for our industry. As such, the GFVGA maintains an aggressive program to represent growers in Atlanta and in Washington and the association diligently works to keep members informed of upcoming legislative actions affecting the industry.

THE MISSION 1) To provide a viable and united voice to represent the fruit and vegetable industry in Georgia.

We're advocating for you on:  Farm Bill Legislation

2) To encourage efficient production, packing, handling, storing, and processing of fruit and vegetables.

 Pesticide Issues

 Immigration Reform

 Food Labeling

 Nutrition Standards

 Food Safety Legislation

3) To develop marketing and promotional programs to increase public awareness of the health benefits of eating fruits and vegetables and to encourage consumption of more Georgia products.

Since the GFVGA was organized in 1996, association members, officers, directors and staff have represented fruit and vegetable growers with testimony at congressional hearings, capitol visits and committee meetings.

4) To support applied research that benefits the industry.

Promote.

Product promotion is a priority for the association. Supported by member sponsorships, the GFVGA marketing program is working hard to help market and promote Georgia produce. GFVGA participates in shows such as PMA, United Fresh, and SE Produce Council. In 2016, the GFVGA worked to further the association's mission to increase fruit and vegetable consumption by updating and contributing to the consumer outreach blog, called Produce Bites, which was launched in 2015. The blog includes recipes, nutritional information and production information. We also serve as an ally for growers facing changes in their market, helping create marketing programs to reinstate trust in our growers’ product.

Serve.

In recent years the need for third party food safety certifications of farms and packing facilities has become increasingly important. To serve the members of GFVGA, Georgia Good Agricultural Practices Food Safety Program (GA GAPP) was created in 2001. In an effort to more clearly state the program’s mission and more efficiently communicate its primary purpose, the program has since been rebranded as Produce Food Safety Services (PFSS).

PFSS now offers clients with economically affordable options for developing all aspects of a customized food safety program.

Examples include SOPs, logs, risk assessments, HACCP plans and microbiological plans as well as mock audits and audit escorts.

GFVGA members now receive a discount on any services received from PFSS. Speak.

In 2011, GFVGA received the Produce Advocate of the Year Award from the United Fresh Produce Association for our work in magnifying the voices of our members and the produce industry.

Communicate.

Whether it is through the quarterly GFVGA Update Newsletter, the annual Southeast Regional Fruit and Vegetable Conference, member updates, research projects or other means, the Association strives to provide information to increase member’s knowledge and profits.

Become a part of the team that advocates daily for the produce industry.

Join in our efforts for the 2018 year.

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER? • JOIN NOW for a year, or prepay for 2 years and receive a discount.

• Visit www.gfvga.org/membership to join online.

• Call our office 877-994-3842.