Wednesday, January 10, 2001
In this Issue:
PEAR THINK TANK
SPECIAL DECEMBER BOARD MEETING
WORLD APPLE AND PEAR ASSOCIATION
Industry Conducts Think Tank Meeting
On December 5, 2000, the California Pear Advisory Board held a Pear “Think Tank” Meeting in Sacramento, CA where industry members discussed issues relevant to the current and future needs of the California pear industry. This meeting was initiated as a direct result from the Promotion and Trade Committee’s findings, which identified the competitive factors that have changed in the last 3-4 years, which directly effect the sales, consumption, and merchandising and promotion of California Bartlett pears. Participation included growers, shippers, sales agents, CPAB office and field staff, and agency representatives (advertising/export/public relations).
CPAB contracted Kerry Tucker from Nuffer, Smith & Tucker to moderate the meeting. The moderator provided a setting, that allowed the participants to discuss short and long-term goals that address low product prices, supply/demand imbalance, trust and communication among shippers, market and product innovation, and promotion ideas. Other issues discussed were product storage, capital limitations, globalization, retail consolidation, decreased demand for canned product, consumer awareness, and alternative uses for land.
While many important topics were discussed, one topic provided an immediate, short-term relief for farmers. Industry members identified that there was a current pest management problem with the amount of acreage in the state that will not be farmed in the future. As an immediate course of action, a recommendation was made that CPAB staff assess the appropriate avenues in which to develop a program that controls the pest and disease impact of abandoned orchards and the burden it places on farming near-by acreage.
Special Pear Advisory Board Meeting Called
On December 19, 2000, the Pear Advisory Board held a meeting in Williams, CA to discuss the proposed “Abandoned Orchard Removal Program”. This program addresses the pest and disease impact of abandoned orchards. CPAB’s Executive Director, Chris Zanobini, explained to the Board that he gathered and analyzed information based in part on the input from the think tank meeting. CPAB followed up by preparing a document describing critical issues facing the California pear industry as it relates to abandoned orchards. The document described in detail the elevated costs incurred to farm in the area of an abandoned orchard and the fact that the pear industry can not afford to have increased pest pressures threaten or destroy the current reduced risk pest management program established over the past 15 years. The Board reviewed the document, assessed the situation and unanimously approved a one- year pilot program to remove abandoned orchards for mitigation of pest and disease outbreaks. The program specifically would provide $250.00 per acre to the landowner for removal of abandoned orchards. The removal must occur prior to the 2001-growing season. The cost of the proposed program would not exceed $2.00 per ton assessed in the 2001 season. Further, the executive director would establish a grower committee to meet with the state, as well as set deadlines and dates and other specific details for the program.
The next step was for the Board to obtain the approval and authority from the California Department of Food and Agriculture.
Abandoned Pear Orchard Program Rejected by CDFA
After many telephone conversations and meetings with California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) economists and administrators, the proposed one-year “Abandoned Orchard Removal Program” was submitted to the CDFA for review. CDFA’s next step was to determine whether or not the California Pear Advisory Board had the appropriate language in its order to conduct a program of this nature.
After thorough review and consideration, CDFA determined that the California Pear Advisory Board currently does not have the authority to conduct a program to assist with the removal of abandoned pear orchards and will not be executing such a program under any circumstance for the 2001 season. The rejection was based on the missing “pest eradication” language within the order. As a result of the decision, CPAB is in the process of discussing different options with various departments within CDFA to try and obtain assistance in dealing with our pest management problems.
The CPAB executive director will keep the pear industry apprised of any future opportunities should they become available. If you have any questions, please call or email Chris Zanobini at 916-441-0432 or chris@calpear.com.
World Apple and Pear Association
Representatives from leading European and Southern Hemisphere apple and pear producing countries set up an international association for world apple and pear producers. Its purpose is to provide a forum to discuss issues affecting apple and pear producers worldwide and to exchange market and production information, as well as scientific data. The organization will also be an interface for discussing supply and demand issues and suppressed prices around the world.
In October 2000, members of the newly formed World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA) gathered at the Annual Produce Marketing Association Convention and Exposition in Anaheim, CA. Members asked the California Pear Advisory Board, representing the California pear industry, to participate in the first annual meeting to be held in August of 2001.
At the November 2000 meeting, the Board authorized Chris Zanobini to participate in the first WAPA meeting to determine if membership is worthwhile for the California pear industry. Oversupply and the need to increase consumption are the key issues that will be addressed at the association meeting.
Research Funding Meeting
January 18, 2001 – Davis, CA
Contact Bob McClain for more information at 916-441-0432 or bob@calpear.com .
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