France, troubles organic melon campaign

26 Aug, 2009 - Green Med Journal

The 2009 French organic melon campaign stayed stable, despite a delayed starting in imports from Senegal, Morocco and Spain that caused overlapping on the market at the beginning of June. ... read more...

USA: Kiwano Melons will catch your eye

Aug 11, 2009 - Examiner

The Kiwano melon (also known as a horned melon) cannot be overlooked once spotted in the produce section of the grocery store. The fruit seems alien, and is quite unknown in the United States. With its orange oval body and horns—which are sharper than they seem—the fruit is a native to Africa, although it is being harvested in New Zealand as well as parts of California. ... read more...

David will be in Japan! Any requests?

by David Ivanovic

I'll be in Japan for a couple of days, and I'll take that opportunity to meet some key players involved in exotics product imports and to share with you how they are marketed in this 130 million people market.

Mata!

Japan: Fruit fetishists given chance to pick up pyramid-shaped watermelon for princely 52,000 yen (approx. $US 500)

July 19, 2009 – Mainichi Shimbun

An unusual pyramid-shaped watermelon has drawn attention from customers in a department store here. The watermelon measures about 25 centimeters high and is priced at 52,500 yen. It was grown by a farmer in the town of Tsukigata in Hokkaido, by placing it in a specially-shaped plastic shell and  … read more…

Spain: Procomel launches Sugar Baby Gold

July 13, 2009 - Fruitnet.com

Spanish melon grower-exporter Procomel has lauched a new melon variety, branded Sugar Baby Gold, which it claims contains ... read more...

USA: Wet spring slows vegetable, melon planting

July 14, 2009 - South East Farm Press

A cool, wet spring delayed planting and crop progress across most U.S. spring and summer vegetable-producing areas, according to the USDA’s latest Vegetable and Melons Outlook Report. ... read more...

Japan: Method aids seedless melon production

July 14, 2009 - Japan Times

A Sapporo-based research institute has recently developed new technology to preserve the pollen of seedless watermelons for more than a year, raising hopes that fruit-growers can expand the market on a wide scale and create a new revenue source. ... read more...

USA: California Westside melon deal sees strong start

July 9, 2009 - The Packer

The California Westside cantaloupe and honeydew melon season has started with large sizes and good sugar content, but there's the potential for a production slowdown in mid- to late July. "The crop looks really good," said ... read more...

USA: Tastier, healthier melons aim of Texas A&M researchers

July 8, 2009 - The Battalion Online

Researchers with Texas A&M University and Texas Agrilife Research have mapped the melon genome in an effort to make melons tastier and healthier for consumers. "The point is to be able to develop molecular markers that are linked to important genes," said ... read more...

Turkey: Watermelons and cantaloupes sold before harvest this year

July 6, 2009 - Today's Zaman

Farmers deemed the prices of melons, which they left in the fields last year without harvesting them because prices failed to cover costs, satisfactory this year. The yield of a 1,000-square-meter field used for growing watermelons and cantaloupes which sold for TL 400 last year was sold for TL 1,250 before this year's harvest. Farmers in the Gölmarmara and Saruhanlı districts of Manisa province, an important center for ... read more...

Spain: 40,000 tons of melons face destruction in Murcia

July 6, 2009 - Typically Spanish

Farmers say they are making a loss with the prices now being paid by the large supermarkets Agrarian organisations in Murcia say they will continue to destroy 30% of the Cartagena campo’s melon crop, as long as farmers fail to cover their costs of producing the fruit. ... read more...

EU15: Higher Spanish production reduces imports

by David Ivanovic

Imports were down by 12% for the first quarter of 2009, April levels dipping by more than 16%. I suspect warmer temperatures in Spain lowered the demand for imported melons, but correct me if I'm wrong!

USA: Melon research sweetened with DNA sequence

June 26, 2009 - EurekAlert

People smell them, thump them and eyeball their shape. But ultimately, it's sweetness and a sense of healthy eating that lands a melon in a shopper's cart. Plant breeders now have a better chance to pinpoint such traits for new varieties, because the melon genome with hundreds of DNA markers has been mapped by scientists with Texas AgriLife Research. That means tastier and healthier melons are likely for future summer picnics. "This will help us anchor down some of the desirable genes to develop better melon varieties," said Dr. Kevin Crosby, who completed the study with Drs. Soon O. Park and Hye Hwang. "We can identify specific genes for higher ... read more...

Recession hits UK exotics consumption

note from David: well it's kind of official, look at my earlier posts for the data for papaya (http://papayatradefocus.blogspot.com - still a minor product compared to pineapples or mangoes) the dramatic first three months of 2009.

June 22, 2009 - Reefer Trend
The sales value of tropical fruits such as pineapples, mangoes and melons has dropped by 5.5% with volumes falling even more steeply

“A lot of Galia melon has been sold that was technically perfect, but lacking in flavour”

by Melon Today - June 2009

Q. Has Almería made a mistake with its Galia melon production strategy?
A. Yes, because it is placing its position in the European Galia market at risk. To date, Almería has been well-positioned in this market, due to its production of early melon with characteristics that are highly appreciated by the consumer. However, in this campaign the region has followed a strategy based on ... read more...

“You cannot sell a Galia melon that the grower would not be prepared to eat”

by Melon Today - June 2009

Q. What is your assessment of the early Galia melon campaign in Almería?
A. The season began with a low level of production and good demand from the European markets, so prices were not bad. During the first few weeks, Galia from Almería had a higher commercial value than melons from overseas and Morocco, due ... read more...

Despite California water woes, West Side melon deal could hold steady for 2008

Produce News, by Brian Gaylord , 06/15/2009
Last year's West Side melon deal in California came in at 20.5 million 40- pound cartons. Jerry Munson, manager of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, said that the board anticipates a comparable year in 2009.

The 2008 final tally of 20.5 million 40-pound cartons was considerably higher than the projected 20 million 40-pound cartons and slightly higher than 21.4 million cartons generated in the West Side deal in 2007. How long the season goes … read more…

Spain: The melon campaign is facing lower prices and a fall in consumption

The melon campaign maintained last year’s melon production figures in the main producing areas, but faces lower prices under the current economic crisis and pressure from its major distribution.

The communities of Castilla-La Mancha, Andalusia and Murcia provide more than seventy percent of the total volume of melon.

In the last season, according to official figures, approximately 13,000 hectares were grown in Castilla-La Mancha with a total yield of 374,000 tons, an amount that is expected to be maintained.

However, cooperative ventures in farming and marketing in the melons "Mancha region", area of excellence for production of the melon “piel de sapo”, have expressed concerns about the effects of the economic crisis.

In this sense, they have warned of a drop in consumption, and more specifically a drop in buying habits of fruit and vegetables.

They added that some operators who usually buy the product in the area are going through a critical economic situation and that, given the lack of liquidity; they will decrease their purchases or attempt to establish "payment conditions which will be impossible for sellers to accept."

In the region of Murcia, which will soon launch the campaign, the exports of this fruit were increased last year to almost 150,900 tons, representing 43 percent of the national total, according to Proexport.

For the campaign, according to the organization, a decrease is expected in the area dedicated to melons (which lie within the 5,700 hectares) because, among other reasons, the pressure exerted on the distribution by its providers, in trying to maintain their profit margins at a time when production costs have risen.

Andalusia provides 23 percent of production in Spain, which makes it the second largest source in Spain of after Castilla-La Mancha, and production stood last year at 300,703 tons, of which 186,621 tons, Almería provided.

With regard to exports, according to data provided by Interprofessional Andalusia Hortyfruta, the principal markets for the Andaluz melons were France, Germany, Netherlands and United Kingdom, which account for 78 percent of total exports of this fruit.

In the province of Almería, the third largest of the country in production, industry sources have explained that prices are "very low" and that since the middle of last month, prices have reached estimates of up to twenty cents a kilo.

They added that they have cut different varieties, including "Cantaloupe" and "Galia" because, among other reasons, the very strong competition from countries like Morocco, and that this can even lead to the disappearance of the whole province.

Con información EFEAGRO

Publication date: 6/9/2009

The Market of Imported Cantaloupes in the USA (2008)

by David Ivanovic

In 2008, fresh cantaloupe imports in the US amounted to 420,000 mt, for a CIF value of US$135 million. Difficult climatic conditions in Central America, especially in Guatemala and Honduras, have reduced the fruit’s availability.

The demand for cantaloupe is counter-seasonal, and is concentrated between December and May. The peak is in March, with demand reaching 100,000 mt for March alone.

Reflex shows progress in integrated pest control in the open field with melon in Central America

AgriTrade 2009:

Milena Chinchilla Technical Coordinator for Reflex Central America SA, a company representative from Koppert Biological Systems in the region, talks about the project that also receives support from Rijk Zwaan, for integrated pest mainly aphids and whiteflies in melons.



The project was carried out at three farms in Costa Rica and one farm in Honduras. The project in Costa Rica has been completed and the one in Honduras was started about 4 weeks ago. Using two products within the range of Koppert it has been found to have good results. They have been able to control one side of the whitefly (and trips) through a predatory mite; on the other hand the control of aphids has been a major problem at least in Costa Rica, the Caribbean Gold a variety of Rijk Zwaan. This has been instrumental in controlling this pest. They have been found to be very tolerant to viruses transmitted by aphids. With genetic and chemical factors, combined with the biological, a control has been achieved in developing the best melon as per the experiments which were carried out in Costa Rica.

The project in Honduras will be ready in the coming days and it is expected to have similar results to those obtained in Costa Rica.

The implementation of these projects began in Central America in the amount of melons produced in the open field. In greenhouses, there is enough experience in pest control and they want to pass down that experience to growing outdoors. Pineapple, bananas and melons among other fruits would benefit from research done in greenhouses, which would be applied to the open field. Open field is a more difficult method, but if a careful development is done and there is a constant exchange between the experiences of producers and consultants it will be possible for it to work.


Contact:

Ing Milena Chinchilla Ramirez
Technical Coordinator
Reflex S.A. Central America
+ 506 2273-0981 (Office)
+ 506 8847-6492 (Mobile)
milena@reflexca.com

Publication date: 4/14/2009

Caribbean melon website launched

fruitnet.com 13 February 2009

A site dedicated to Rijk Zwaan's orange-fleshed cantaloupe melon has gone live this week

Plant breeding company Rijk Zwaan has announced the launch of a new website, www.caribbeanmelon.com, to help promote its orange-fleshed Caribbean melon brand.

The website outlines the characteristics of the fruit and the accompanying marketing concept, with descriptions of the various Caribbean varieties, an availability chart and contact information for different growing regions.

"Through intensive collaboration with growers, importers, processors and retailers a worldwide Caribbean network has been created, resulting in the joint development of a strong marketing concept," said Vincent van Wolferen, chain manager at Rijk Zwaan. "the website will be playing a significant part in this and will ensure that we are properly represented online as well."

The website will be kept fresh with a regular stream of news bulletins and announcements of forthcoming events.

US Melon news 18 FEB 2009

Cantaloupes: Demand has fallen off
considerably and there are ample supplies on
both the East and West Coasts. Larger sized
melons (9’s & 12’s)* dominate the volume
being shipped into domestic ports and that will
continue into next week. Florida and California
alike are receiving very good numbers on
Cantaloupes and shippers are looking to move
fruit. Quality has been very good on
Cantaloupes with excellent taste and high
sugar levels.

Honeydews: Honeydew supplies will remain
very good this week and with the light demand
there will continue to be good numbers
available in most all sizes and on both coasts.
Volume concentrations will be in the smaller
sized melons (6 & 8ct)* and that is where most
of the deals will be available. Quality has been
decent and sugar levels are slightly higher
giving way to better taste.

ietnam successfully grows Japanese melon

The Cuu Long Delta Rice Research Institute harvested 32 Fujiura melons from 16 vines, the largest fruit weighed 10 kilograms.

The institute sowed 20 vines but three died. After cropping, melons would be primarily processed by using machines to whittle the covers and pulp the fibers. The fibers would then be exposed to the sun on two occasions.

In future, if the Institute can improve the melons, they will provide seeds for farmers to grow and export to Japan.

Duong Dinh, responsible for plant structure at the Institute, said that they named this melon Fujiura after the Japanese company that provided the Institute with the seed. Fujiura also instructed them how to sow and take care of the plant.

This melon creeps over the ground and is like a long gourd but the shape is round. It is grown in Japan, where they process the fruit into many foods.


Source: english.vietnamnet.vn

Publication date: 2/16/2009

US: Honeydew importers hope to rebound from 2008

The Packer
By Jose Escobedo

(Feb. 11, 3:11 p.m.) NOGALES, Ariz. — Honeydew grower-shippers expect volumes to start coming in by the middle of February, despite fewer plantings this season in Mexico.

“By mid-February there should be the beginning of an increase in volume, due to expected larger sizes and warmer growing conditions,” said Robert Shipley, president of Shipley Sales Service, a company that has been importing honeydews since the early 1960s.

Last year the honeydew market was saturated, and as a consequence prices were down.

“The fall was very bad, and we had low prices,” said Brian Vandervoet, owner of Vandervoet & Associates. “We can only be optimistic and hope for better prices for spring 2009.”

Because of an exceptionally good 2007 season, many growers decided to increase their acreage. As a consequence, prices went down in 2008.

On Feb. 9, the U.S. Department of Agriculture priced honeydew imports from Costa Rica and Honduras for 2/3 cartons of size 5s at $10-12, size 6s at $10-12 and size 8s at $10-12.

On Feb. 2 last year, the USDA reported Caribbean honeydew imports for 2/3 cartons of size 5-6s for $8-8.85.

“The fall 2008 season took a slump after a terrific previous season,” said Miguel A. Suarez, president of MAS Melons & Grapes.

In the wake of a great 2007, many growers opted to boost their acreage, hoping to get bigger returns.

“More new people came in and began growing and as a result, the acreage increased,” Suarez said. “This led to an oversupply in the market, and prices went down and importers didn’t make a profit.”

For 2009, importers said growers in Mexico have opted to plant fewer honeydews.

“I think that the acreage will be lower this season, because fall 2008 was horrible,” Suarez said. “That was the worst season I have seen in 20 years.”

Despite the added acreage for many growers in Mexico, MAS Melons & Grapes has shown in the past that it has no real intentions for adding or decreasing acreage in the long run.

“Our acreage has been pretty constant with a 10% difference (up or down) in the last five years,” Suarez said. “We hardly ever change (beyond that).”

The company has a total of 740 acres of honeydew production in Mexico, and expects to ship 600,000 boxes of honeydews from the state of Colima from December to May.

On Jan. 30, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported a total of 161.8 million pounds of honeydews crossing through Nogales in 2008, compared with 156 million pounds in 2007.

Another factor that could help boost the Mexican honeydew deal and profit margins is the low volumes coming in from off shore.

“The market is established by the competition from Central America, so when Central America comes pouring in, our prices have to go down,” Shipley said. “Right now they are not coming in, so our prices are up.”

So far, Central American melons are not arriving in significant quantities, Shipley said Jan. 31.

“They are staring to dribble in, but not in their full volume. We are seeing less from Central America,” he said.

Today, melon growers in Mexico are experiencing the side effects of an economic recession in U.S. markets. Many will choose to plant less, and importers hope the 2009 season can only get better.

“I believe there will be less volume than last year,” Vandervoet said. “The prices in the fall were very low with the honeydews and consequently growers will likely not plant much in the spring.”

Other importers are optimistic that the spring deal will bring higher returns, especially in March.

“I think this season is going to be good,” said Shelly Harrison-Valdivia, vice president of Al Harrison Co. Distributors Inc. “Until the middle of February there is going to be very light volume, but we will go back to normal acreage in March.”

Harrison said that the weather south of the border has been very cooperative, especially in northern Mexico, where the spring crop is being planted.

“Weather in Mexico has been gorgeous, not only for central Mexico but also in northern Mexico,” Harrison said. “The spring deal will be planted in early February, and if the weather trends continue as they are there should be a very good crop.”

US Melon news 09 FEB 2009

Cantaloupes: Supplies on Honduras and
Costa Rica cantaloupes are very good this
week. Sizing is to the large side (9/12ct)* for
both growing areas, and will continue that way
for about 10-14 days. Florida and New Jersey
distribution points will continue receiving the
majority of the fruit arrivals between them and
the West Coast (L.A.). MARKET LOWER

Honeydews: Similar to that of Cantaloupes,
Honeydew availability is very good and large
improvements over previous weeks. Fruit from
both Honduras and Costa Rica is available and
quality is very good. There is a wide range of
sizing available and there are deals available
on the smaller fruit. MARKET LOWER

Turkey: Prepare for costlier melon

The watermelon production in the southern city of Adana covers a substantial prorportion of Turkey’s total watermelon production. However, this year, Adana watermelon has lost its attractively.

Many producers have been orienting toward growing alternative products in the region. If the supply-demand balance shifted that would result in a pricier watermelon at the markets.


Source: hurriyet.com.tr

Publication date: 2/9/2009

Murcia: over 5,700 hectareas devoted to melon production

Region of Murcia vegetable exports increase by 11%

Germany consumes one of every three vegetables that Murcia sells abroad, importing 301,543 tonnes of vegetable produce between January and October 2008.

The regional sector aims to carry on growing and to do so it has set its sights on the Eastern European countries, to which it already destines significant volumes of its vegetable production.

Tradition and innovation go hand in hand in vegetable farming in the Region of Murcia, which has found that the excellent food quality and safety of its produce are the best tools with which to conquer international markets, the main consumers of vegetables grown in the Region.

Hence, over the first ten months last year, the Region of Murcia exported a total of 869,770 tonnes of vegetable produce to its various markets, which represents a 11,4% increase over figures for the same period 2007, in which foreign markets consumed 780,694 tonnes of Murcian vegetables.

European Union countries are the main buyers of the Region’s vegetable produce. More specifically, the list of countries receiving our vegetables is headed by the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands and Italy; these five accounting for 80% of the Region’s vegetable exports overall.

Despite proximity and tradition making these countries the principal consumer of Murcian vegetables, the endeavour and dynamism of the region’s producer-marketer sector are adding new destinations to the list of markets to receive our vegetable produce.

Thus, in recent times there has been a rising demand from countries like Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Russia.

Germany consumes one in every three vegetables Murcia exports

The German market heads the buyer ranking of Murcian vegetables. Hence, between the months of January and October last year, this country bought a total of 301,543 tonnes of vegetables exported from the Region of Murcia in said period.

The United Kingdom, France and the Netherlands follow Germany in the list of receivers of the region’s vegetable produce, with total imports of 278,266, 151,952 and 104,520 tonnes, respectively for the first ten months of 2008.

The Eastern European countries, on the other hand, revealed themselves to be new destination markets for Murcia’s vegetables, whereby countries like Poland (19,563 t), Hungary (3,436 t), Slovakia (2,496 t), Russia (2,367 t) and Slovenia (1,075 t) are currently our main buyers in the east.

Over 48,000 hectares devoted to vegetable production

The figures of the acreage devoted to this kind of crops in our Region and which now, according to the latest information published by the Regional Government Agriculture and Water Department, stand at 48,214 hectares, evidences Murcia’s vegetable-growing vocation.

By product type, lettuce (12,788 Ha.), cauliflower and broccoli (11,021 Ha.) artichokes (7,098 Ha.), melon (5,700 Ha.), tomatoes (4,118 Ha.) and peppers (1,799 Ha.) are the vegetable crops occupying the largest acreages in our Region.

In production terms tomatoes (380,270 t), lettuce (301,687 t), melon (248,288 t), broccoli (151,090 t) and peppers (128,618 t) top the regional vegetable production list.

Tradition and innovation

The last two decades have been key for the development of the vegetable sector in Murcia, which thanks to its high quality has become a true benchmark in the various markets in which it operates.

Food quality and safety are, undoubtedly, the two features which best define Murcia’s vegetable produce. For its part, this sector in the Region has gradually been improving the distribution channels for its products, fostering the use of the most modern technologies and promoting “Agricultura Limpia” (Clean Agriculture).

In this context the “Agricultura Limpia” scheme promoted by the Regional Government Agriculture and Water Department has led the Region to become one of the most outstanding autonomous communities in Spain in the field of biological and biotechnological pest control and the replacement of phytosanitary products.

A delegation of over 300 professionals from the sector in Murcia will be travelling to Berlin to take part in the 16th edition of “Fruit Logisitica”, the most important agrifood event of those held in Europe and which will act as a privileged showcase for exhibiting its novelties and what the sector has to offer.

Syngenta Seeds Vegetables Melon Today - February 2009

Region of Murcia brands a quality benchmark in the European markets

Once again, the Region of Murcia will be taking part in “Fruit Logistica”, the trade fair to be held in Berlin from 4th to 6th February, exhibiting the best attributes of the Region’s agrifood products.

The Region of Murcia is committed to developing quality brands which award our agrifood products added value, enabling them to be easily identified by the most demanding consumers from foreign markets.

The diversity of produce, the outcome of its various microclimates and soils, makes Murcian farming an emblem; a synonym of the very highest quality. Hence, this region has, for decades, been known as the market garden of Europe.

Murcia is currently the second most important autonomous community in Spain in terms of vegetable exports and the third for fruits. The agrifood sector in Murcia accounts for ten per cent of the region’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it employs fourteen per cent of the population, exports coming to some €1,500 million.

Murcia’s farming sector has always endeavoured to develop the utmost food quality and safety, together with the incorporation of the most modern technologies, to adapt its produce to a higher dynamic pace, in keeping with the needs of today’s consumer.

Commitment to innovation

In its commitment to innovation and quality, the Regional Authorities offer financial aid to foster the swapping over to varieties which are more in line with market demands, to boost the incorporation of young farmers, to advise and modernise farm businesses, to promote organic and integrated agriculture, to encourage sustainable rural development, etc. Always with the aim of increasing the Region’s farming sector and making it more competitive.

Hence, one of the most important lines of action for the Regional Government Agriculture Department comes under its “Agricultura Limpia” (Clean Agriculture) Scheme, where a variety of biological and biotechnological pest control techniques are used in order to raise the quality of the Region’s farm produce on international markets. Furthermore, pest control activities have intensified on products coming from other countries.

Syngenta Seeds Vegetables Melon Today - February 2009

US Melon news 02 FEB 2009

Cantaloupes: Supplies on Honduras
cantaloupes have improved and Costa Rica
fruit is starting to arrive this week. Florida and
New Jersey distribution points will be receiving
the majority of the fruit arrivals and West Coast
(L.A.) will be the lighter of the two areas for
sure again this week. Cantaloupe supplies
look to continue improving over the next 7-10
days which will in turn give way to more
aggressive pricing. MARKET LOWER

Honeydews: Honeydew supplies are better
this week with the influence of Costa Rica fruit
along with the supplies already arriving from
Honduras. Supplies will keep improving into
next week and quality is very good from both
new areas. MARKET LOWER

US Melon news 28 JAN 2009

Cantaloupes: Supplies on Honduras
Cantaloupes look to improve by weeks end and
Costa Rica supplies will be arriving then as
well. Florida and New Jersey distribution
points will be receiving the majority of the fruit
arrivals and West Coast (L.A.)* will be the
lighter of the two areas for sure. Cantaloupe
supplies look to have continued improvement
over the next 7-10 days which will in turn give
way to more aggressive pricing. MARKET
STEADY

Honeydews: Honeydew supplies remain light
and yields from Honduras are down overall.
The Honeydews continue to be in few hands,
but look to be improving over the next 7 days.
Similar to that of Cantaloupes, Costa Rica fruit
is starting to arrive, but only in light numbers.
Expect supplies to be much better next week
and market conditions will improve as well.
MARKET STEADY

US Melon news 26 JAN 2009

Cantaloupes: Supplies on Honduras
Cantaloupes continue to fall short of the current
demand pressure again this week. They are
still behind due to rain delayed planting gaps,
and as the newest area importing fruit, this will
put continued stress on the already light
supplies of available fruit until the week of
February 2nd. Costa Rica, should have their first
arrivals toward the end of this week, but
supplies will be light to start with. Cantaloupes
will remain tight over the next 2 weeks.
MARKET STRONG

Honeydews: Honeydew supplies remain light
again this week and yields from Honduras are
down overall. The Honeydews continue to be
in few hands, but look to be improving over the
next 2 weeks. Similar to that of Cantaloupes,
Costa Rica fruit should start arriving towards
the end of this week. MARKET STRONG

Calif farmers idle crops, veggie prices may rise

Consumers may pay more for spring lettuce and summer melons in grocery stores across the country now that California farmers have started abandoning their fields in response to a crippling drought.

California's sweeping Central Valley grows most of the country's fruits and vegetables in normal years, but this winter thousands of acres are turning to dust as the state hurtles into the worst drought in nearly two decades.

Federal officials' recent announcement that the water supply they pump through the nation's largest farm state would drop further was enough to move John "Dusty" Giacone to forego growing vegetables so he can save his share to drip-irrigate 1,000 acres of almond trees.

"Taking water from a farmer is like taking a pipe from a plumber," said Giacone, a fourth-generation farmer in the tiny community of Mendota. "How do you conduct business?"

The giants of California agribusiness are the biggest economic engine in the valley, which produces every cantaloupe on store shelves in summer months, and the bulk of the nation's lettuce crop each spring and fall.

This year, officials in Fresno County predict farmers will only grow about 6,000 acres of lettuce, roughly half the acreage devoted to greens in 2005.

That alone could cause a slight bump in consumer prices, unless lettuce companies can make up for the shortage by growing in areas with an abundant water supply, or the cost of cooling, packaging and shipping the crop suddenly goes down, experts say.

"Lettuce comes off the field and goes straight into the market, and if there's nothing coming off the field then the marketing chain goes dry, and prices go up," said Gary Lucier, an agricultural economist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.

While the dry weather has exacerbated the problem, farmers' water woes are not all drought-related.

Supplies for crops and cities also have been restricted by several court decisions cutting back allocations that flow through a freshwater estuary called the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, the main conduit that sends water to nearly two-thirds of Californians. Environmental groups and federal scientists say the delta's massive pumps are one of the factors pushing a native fish to the brink of extinction.

Last year, federal water deliveries were just 40 percent of the normal allocations, fallowing hundreds of thousands of acres and causing nearly $309 million in crop losses statewide. That prompted Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to issue a disaster declaration, ordering state water managers to expedite any requests to move water around the state, in part so high-value crops like wine grapes, almonds and pistachio trees would stand a chance of surviving.

Federal reservoirs are now at their lowest level since 1992.

With such a grim outlook, many California farmers including Giacone are investing millions to drill down hundreds of feet in search of new water sources.

Depending on how much it rains this winter, federal water supplies could be slashed down to nothing this year, forcing farmers to rely solely on brackish well water. But the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation won't make an official decision until late February, said Ron Milligan, the agency's Central Valley operations manager.

The state Department of Water Resources, which also ships farmers water, has promised to deliver 15 percent of the normal allocations in October, but conditions are so dire that that's now in doubt, too.

"The consequences are expected to be pretty horrible in terms of farmers' revenue, but what's really disconcerting are the possible job losses," said Wendy Martin, who leads the agency's drought division. "Those communities that can least weather an economic downturn are going to be some of the places that are hit the hardest."

Richard Howitt, a professor of agriculture economics at the University of California, Davis, estimates that $1.6 billion in agriculture-related wages, and as many as 60,000 jobs across the valley will be lost in the coming months due to dwindling water.

Analysts haven't yet provided any estimates of crop losses this year. But Bill Diedrich, an almond grower on the valley's parched western edge, said he's already worried he may lose some of his nut trees in the drought.

"The real story here is food security," Diedrich told Milligan and other officials speaking at a conference in Reno, Nev. "It's an absolute emergency and anything to get water flowing quickly is needed."

In the meantime, the forecast appears to be worsening: Meteorologists are predicting a dry spring, and a new state survey shows the population of threatened fish is at its lowest point in 42 years, more imperiled than previously believed.

"This has devastating effects not only for the guys out there in the fields with the weed whackers, but it affects the whole farming industry," said Thomas Nyberg, Fresno County's deputy agricultural commissioner. "I'm just praying for rain."


Source: mercurynews.com

Publication date: 1/26/2009

US Melon news 29 DEC 2008

Cantaloupes: Supplies on Honduras
Cantaloupes continue to fall short of the current
demand pressure. They are still behind due to
rain delayed planting gaps, and as the newest
area importing fruit, this will put continued
stress on the already light supplies of available
fruit until the week of February 2nd. Costa Rica,
also a large growing area for some of the main
importers, is still about 12-13 days away from
the first fruit arrivals. Cantaloupes will remain
tight over the next 2 weeks. MARKET
STRONGER

Honeydews: Honeydew supplies remain very
low, but demand has slowed for the finish of
this week. Similar to Cantaloupes, Honduras
has only light supplies coming in, and the
honeydews are in very few hands. Costa Rica
is still 2 weeks away on Honeydew arrivals and
supplies will remain light going into and through
next week. MARKET STEADY

UK: Environment secretary on food labelling

Source: The Telegraph

UK’s Environment Secretary Hilary Benn said that supermarkets and companies needed to label products more clearly to show consumers exactly where their food was coming from. Under current European regulations, a product's country of origin was the place where it had undergone its last significant process, but this could hide where it had really come from. Mr Benn suggested a voluntary labelling scheme for retailers and caterers that would show the country of origin. The Food and Drink Federation, however, said it would be an expensive move to label products like pizza or pies that had a number of ingredients. Speaking at the Oxford Farming Conference, Mr Benn said consumers could help boost the agricultural industry by eating healthier, locally produced food that was also more environmentally friendly because of less transport.

Robin Maynard, Soil Association Campaigns Director, commented that Hilary Benn should know there was already a label that delivered what he was calling for: the Soil Association's organic symbol, which offered a 'one-stop shop' for consumers wanting food free from bad ingredients, providing high animal welfare and care for the environment. Given organic farming used 26% less energy to produce the same amount of food as non-organic agriculture, organic farmers would be top contenders for Mr Benn's 'low-carbon farming award'. Robin Maynard continued that it was time the Secretary of State and Defra finally acknowledged that there was a burgeoning body of British farmers doing exactly what he and the public said they want, producing sustainable, climate-friendly food that was what our long-term food security depended on above all.


http://www.telegraph.co.uk

14.01.2009

Itaueira transformed its Yellow Honey Dew melon

In 2009 Itaueira will participate as an exhibitor at Fruitlogistica in Berlin for the 5th consecutive year. The company is expanding its presence in the European market thanks to the quality of its products.

Itaueira has transformed its Yellow Honey Dew melon (brand marks REI, CEPI and DUNORT) from just a commodity to a noble product, due to the different taste it offers to its consumers, turning tasting a melon into a pleasurable experience.
The company has also made it easier for the consumer to pick out melons in the store. Every commercialized fruit is already ripe, sweet and tasty, ready to eat.

The work developed by Itaueira has already been recognized by some competitors, who are now putting their melons into nets, trying to take advantage of this traditional packaging Itaueira has been using since 2001.



The company has increased the number of melons offered to the market every year, since the first harvest in 1999. The plan is to expand by 30% in 2009, to serve new markets.

In Europe, Itaueira products are already distributed by importers in The Netherlands, Spain, Italy and United Kingdom.

Since December 2008, Itaueira has been exporting to North America, where our distributors have been very impressed with our superior quality, safety, traceability, environment preservation, sustainability and social conscience.

The crowning glory was at the beginning of 2009; Itaueira received the PIF – Melon certification (Integrated Production) from Inmetro, Ibametro, Embrapa and The Brazilian Agricultural Secretary Office, with the authorization of the IAF – International Accreditation Forum.

According to OILB (International Organization of Biological Fight), Integrated Production assures the nomination of Premium Fruit to those certificated, due to its superior category above the other certificated fruits.

Itaueira is the first melon grower in Brazil to receive this certification, being GlobalGAP certified for 4 years and having the Carrefour Seal of Origin Warranty since 2006.

More info:
Adriana Prado
+55 85 4008-9113
Itaueira
www.itaueira.com.br
adrianaprado@itaueira.com.br

Publication date: 1/15/2009

US Melon news 14 JAN 2009

You melon-news seekers are really spoiled!

Cantaloupes: Extremely light supplies of
Cantaloupes in all ports of entry have put them,
along with the Honeydews, in a demand
exceeds supply situation. Honduras
cantaloupes are behind due to rain delayed
planting gaps, and as the newest area
importing fruit, this will put stress on the already
light supplies of available fruit. Costa Rica, also
a large growing area for some of the main
importers, is still about 2+ weeks away from
fruit arrival. These factors, coupled with the
very strong demand look to keep Cantaloupes
tight for the next 2-3 weeks and markets will be
very strong. MARKET HIGHER

Honeydews: Honeydews remain in a demand
exceeds supply situation and it looks as though
it will continue into and through next week.
Similar to Cantaloupes, Guatemala is finished
their pick on the first cycle of fruit, ONLY limited
sizes are available from Honduras, and the fruit
is in very few hands. Most of the Honduras fruit
is not quite ready due to the aforementioned
rain delayed planting gaps, and Costa Rica is
still a ways away. All sizes are short and it
looks to remain that way until Honduras fruit
starts to arrive and provide some relief.
MARKET HIGHER

US Melon news 12 JAN 2009

Cantaloupes: The last of the Guatemala first
cycle fruit and the beginning of Honduras fruit
is arriving in only LIGHT volume this week.
Honduras cantaloupes are behind due to rain
delayed planting gaps, and as the next area
importing fruit, this will put stress on the already
light supplies. Costa Rica, also a large growing
area for some of the main importers, is still
about 2-3 weeks away from fruit arrival. These
factors, coupled with the very strong demand
look to keep Cantaloupes TIGHT for the next 2-
3 weeks. MARKET HIGHER

Honeydews: Honeydews are in a demand
exceeds supply situation for the at least this
week and it could possibly continue into next
week. Similar to Cantaloupes, Guatemala is
finished their pick on the first cycle of fruit,
ONLY limited sizes are available, and the fruit
is in VERY FEW HANDS. Honduras fruit is not
quite ready due to the aforementioned rain
delayed planting gaps, and Costa Rica is still a
long ways away. ALL SIZES are short and it
looks to remain that way until Honduras fruit
starts to arrive and provide some relief.
MARKET SHARPLY HIGHER

USA: Melon oversupply predicted for spring

A prolonged rainy season in Central America could lead to an oversupply of melons in March as growers work to make up the shortfall

An oversupply of melons could be shaping up for the North American market in the spring, according to import sources, due to a severe Central American rainy season, which pushed back the start of the region’s melon growing season by several weeks.

Exports from Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras and Guatemala were badly affected towards the end of last year and with growers expected to increase plantings during the second growing cycle buyers are predicting a potential oversupply of US and Canadian supplies.

“It could be that March will be when all the Central American growers will be in the market with their fruit,” Mauro Suazo of Suazo Agrotrading in Florida told Fruitnet.com. “If so, only the best quality fruit will sell.”

“We had a hot market at the beginning of November, with substantially lower yields than normal, especially from Guatemala which was particularly badly hit by the inclement weather. Anyone who had fruit at that point was shipping to the US.”

Central America is North America’s main source for melons, including cantaloupes, honeydews and watermelons.

Fruitnet.com 08 January 2009

Spain: Melon exports down 7% in October 2008

339,853 tonnes of melons exported in Jan-Oct 2008

Spanish pepper exports totalled 341,641 tonnes from January to October 2008, an increase of 25% in comparison with the same period in 2007, according to the Spanish Federation of Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Exporters (FEPEX). Spain is the world's leading exporter of fruit and vegetables and one of the biggest producers as well.

F&V October exports

Export figures for all fruit and vegetables from Spain totalled 643,512 tonnes in October 2008, an increase of 8% in comparison with October 2007. In terms of their value, exports increased 8,5% to a total of EUR 519 million.

F&V October imports

F&V import figures showed a decrease of 13% in October 2008, totalling 213,514 tonnes. In terms of their value, imports decreased 7,5% to a total of EUR 122,5 million.

Syngenta Seeds Vegetables Melon Today – January 2009

Castilla-La Mancha Region accounts for 35.28% of Spain’s melon cultivation acreage

MELON CULTIVATION ACREAGE BY REGION IN SPAIN (2008)



In terms of acreage, Castilla-La Mancha is the most important melon-producing region in Spain, with a cultivation area of some 13,262 hectares, according to estimations made by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food for 2008.

Melons are transplanted in the region of Castilla-La Mancha from mid-April to early July, and 20-25% of the region’s production is exported to European countries such as Portugal, France, the UK, Belgium and Germany, according to UCAMAN, the Federation of Agricultural Co-operatives in Castilla-La Mancha.


Syngenta Seeds Vegetables Melon Today – January 2009

UK: Imported fresh produce prices to soar

David says: Will exotics be affected? Of course


The cost of fresh fruit and vegetables will soar this year as European farmers shun the plunging pound. British importers believe shoppers will face increases as high as 20 per cent in coming weeks, with some produce disappearing from our shelves altogether. All sorts of fresh produce is affected but potatoes, onions and tomatoes are particularly at risk from fluctuating prices.

Producers and growers on the Continent are losing out because of sterling's slide and are putting up their prices for the UK market to compensate or bypassing it altogether in favour of their eurozone neighbours who have not been hit by sterling’s currency slump.

In weeks the pound has lost almost a quarter of its value against the euro, creating a nightmare for importers.

While independent shops will be hardest hit because they don’t have the commercial muscle of the major supermarket chains, even retail giants like Tesco and Sainsbury’s will be forced to up prices, if pressure on margins continues.

Some analysts believe even more greengrocers will disappear from our high streets. Simon Lane, managing director of importers Fruco plc, said: “The problem is that the producers and growers have the option to sell to other markets in the EC. “Margins when dealing with sterling are being squeezed all round and inevitably people here will have to pay more for their fresh produce.” More than 3,000 greengrocers have vanished from Britain’s high streets in the past decade.

Alex Liasi, of wholesalers 4degreesC in London’s New Spitalfields market, said: “One of our farmers in Spain says he is currently losing £500 on every lorry load of fresh produce he sends to the UK. “A lot of produce is now being shipped to Russia because they are prepared to pay more than we are.


Fruit and vegetable prices are already at risk from controversial European Union rules which would see many of the pesticides used by UK farmers outlawed.


Source: internationalsupermarketnews.com

Publication date: 1/8/2009

US Melon news 07 JAN 2009

Cantaloupes: No Change Guatemala is finished picking their first cycle of fruit and with the planting gap earlier in the year due to rain, this week and next week’s incoming supplies will be affected. This is paving the way for continued light supplies. Honduras is also behind as the next area to import fruit, which could keep Cantaloupes light in supply for the next 2-3 weeks. There are still good supplies of the smaller sizes (15ct)* available now there are deals available! MARKET HIGHER

Honeydews: Honeydews are extremely tight and will remain so through this week and well into next. Similar to Cantaloupes, Guatemala is finishing their pick on the first cycle of fruit, ONLY limited sizes are available, and the fruit is in very few hands. Large sizes are especially short and it looks to remain that way until Honduras fruit starts to arrive and provide some relief in about 10-14 days. MARKET HIGHER

Cambodia: Local melon growers enjoy sweet success

Tens of thousands of melons are grown every year in the Kingdom as local farmers cash in on increasing local demand. Almost unknown in Cambodia until a few years ago, the honeydew melon has become a hit in the Kingdom, with local farmers looking to cash in on the Mediterranean fruit. Kim San credits himself with being the first farmer to grow the fruit, which is low in fat, cholesterol and sodium, but high in vitamins C and B6, after importing seeds in 2006.

"We still only supply a few supermarkets such as Lucky Market in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap," said Kim San from his farm about 40 kilometres from Phnom Penh. He added, however, that buyers offer him about US$1.30 per kilogram - high, by the standards of the produce market - and that demand is rising.

Nontraditional crop

High food prices and government efforts to tap export markers are leading farmers to expand beyond traditional crops and take advantage of the country's ample water supplies and warm climate. Other farmers are catching wind of Kim San's success, and new operations are starting in Kandal and Siem Reap provinces.
The honeydew melon is not native to Cambodia, and seeds are imported from Thailand, which has a large local melon market.

Cambodia's tropical soils are unsuited for the early stages of development, so farmers buy peat moss that is imported from the Netherlands in order to get their crops rooted.

Kim San said that honing his techniques has boosted crop yields from 10,000 melons per year to about 30,000 from his two melon farms in Kandal province's Kean Svay district and Udong district in Kampong Speu province.

"If we have enough manpower and a bigger market for the products, we will be able to increase the harvest to 100,000 [melons] a year," he said.

Kim San has employed between five and six workers on his two farms.
More than 10 families in Siem Reap have been taught to grow melons by a Thai produce supplier, according to Kim San and other farmers in the melon trade.

Inherent risks

Although Cambodia's hot weather makes for speedy growth, farmers also face the challenge of melon-destroying mold and pests such as insects. Melons are thought to originate in drier regions of southern Europe and North Africa, making them vulnerable to tropical humidity and blights. "We don't have greenhouses to grow the melons like in other countries," Kim San said.

"But we have to find practical techniques to protect against diseases because they can spread very quickly in this climate," he added. Keeping melons healthy means daily inspections, especially during the humid rainy season. Kim San said it takes about two-and-a-half months until a melon matures. Melons weigh 2.5 kilograms on average, but some can weigh up to four kilograms.

Melon grower Pheoun Tith, 20, said that the new fruit is a profitable, but high-maintenance crop. "We need to work very hard to take care of melons before they are one month old, but once the skin thickens they are easier to grow," Phoeun Tith said. He said he has been working for a year on the farm and is paid $50 per month, in addition to free meals.

Local demand

Heng Darith, a fresh products purchaser for the Lucky Market Group, said that the company used to buy all of its melons from Thailand and Vietnam, but is now relying on local supplies. "We normally order melons from outside, but when local farms can supply our demand we buy from them," Heng Darith said.

"The only problem is they cannot produce enough," he added. Lucky is the largest seller of melons in Cambodia, but purchase orders are made according to market demand. "Lucky buys about 40 to 60 kilograms of melon per day, and most customers are foreigners," Heng Darith said.

"But more and more Khmer people are buying them," he added.


Source: phnompenhpost.com



Publication date: 1/7/2009