Sustainability Expert Defends Big Business

Lizzy Schultz

FoodD_PetersonPic Terms like local, organic, natural and sustainable dominate the marketplace, but what does it all mean? One of the most tangible examples of sustainability is the use of drastically fewer resources over time, something many areas of agriculture, especially the dairy industry, can say is true of their production methods. Regardless of this fact, many large-scale production operations face a majority of the criticism from the sustainability movement.

The concept of sustainability was central to the latest installment of Food Dialogues held recently at the Dairy Strong conference in Madison, Wis., co-sponsored by U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance (USFRA) and Dairy Strong. Hundreds of attendees gathered as Michael Specter, a food and science staff writer with The New Yorker, moderated a diverse panel that included a registered dietitian, a conservationist, and a fifth-generation dairy farmer, to discuss how consumers and farmers define sustainability and the various methods and technologies used on farms, small and large, to protect the environment.

Sustainability is a topic that one panelist, Steve Peterson, centered his entire career around. Peterson is the former Director of Sourcing Sustainability at General Mills, with 28 years of experience in the company, and a lifelong farmer. He operates a crop and beef farm in central Minnesota, and his work on sustainability with General Mills extended not only throughout the US supply chain, but allowed him to influence producers overseas, in Africa and Asia. He is very respected throughout the food industry, and is considered an expert on sustainability.

Peterson sat down for an interview after the discussion, where he elaborated on several topics the panelists brought up, focusing on the skewed public perception of the important role business plays in sustainability.

“There’s a common assumption that ‘local’ and ‘small’ and ‘organic’ are all so good and that anything ‘big’ is bad when it comes to businesses, and that’s just not the case,” Peterson said. “Big is not bad, and in fact, big is really good. It brings affordability, and it brings safety. The cost of food in the US is less than 10 percent of our disposable income, I think it’s around 7 or 8 percent, which is the lowest of anywhere in the world, and we take that for granted. My father always said that we need a good food shortage in the United States, and then people will appreciate what they have.”

Peterson also highlighted a few of the valuable roles that large businesses play surrounding the concept of sustainable food production.

“A man named Jason Clay, one of the directors of World Wildlife Fund (WWF), was one of the first to say that we realistically just can’t go to millions of farmers around the world, but we can go to a handful of companies, and influence them to take their own influence to help move the dial on sustainability,” he said. “What’s really been exciting for companies like General Mills is that this push towards sustainability has brought us closer to producers.”

Listen to my full interview with Steve here:
Interview with Steve Peterson, Sustainability Expert

Ag Groups, Audio, Environment, Food, Sustainability, USFRA

UF Helps Launch Olive Groves in Florida

Kelly Marshall

University_of_Florida_logoBuying extra virgin olive oil from olives grown in Florida may soon become a reality.  Richard Williams is one of 50 growers managing 300 acres of olive groves in the state where his in-laws have been growing citrus for six generations.

“Planting olives is not for the faint of heart by any stretch of the imagination. This is so new that we are learning every day,” said Williams, whose wife Lisa helps run Florida Olive Systems, Inc. “But it’s a new opportunity to reinvent ourselves after catastrophic losses to citrus greening.”

With the citrus greening disease decimating citrus crops, causing $7.8 billion in lost revenue for Florida, Williams has been searching for other options.  He started by visiting olive growers in Texas, Georgia and California.  He also invited experts from Italy, Spain and Greece to visit and share their expertise.

He began in 2012 with 20 acres of Arbequina, Abrosana, and Koroneiki olives.  In addition he has 16 olive varieties under observation in containers.

“I looked at consumption the United States, and we are the number three consumers of olive oil in the world,” Williams said. “But I also thought, ‘Can I really compete with the Italians and Greeks who have been producing olive oil for thousands of years?’ That was the same thinking on blueberries and now Florida has a thriving blueberry industry.”

Williams has the right idea, said Jennifer Gillett-Kaufman, a UF/IFAS entomology professor who is leading the study of olive production in Florida. “Imagine buying extra virgin olive oil from olives grown in Florida. That may soon become a reality as we explore olives as a new crop in the state,” she said.

In 1995, Americans consumed 22 million gallons of olive oil; currently we consume approximately 80 million gallons of olive oil and that number is growing, Gillett-Kaufman said. “There is a huge increase and it’s just going up because of the health benefits,” she said.

A team at the University of Florida is helping to explore options as well.  Their scientists have planted five olive groves and are exploring different varieties.  Some team members are researching pests and insect disease, while other analyze horticulture data.  UF is working with researchers in Georgia and Texas, as well as the USDA to discover if olives can become a viable crop in Florida.

Olive groves offer another benefit to the state, as the crop uses a third of the water and half of the nutrients and fertilizer of citrus. That, combined with the success of the oil produced so far, has created a lot of excitement.

“The extra virgin olive oil that we produce has been independently tested and shown to contain some exciting anti-inflammatory properties that are apparently not found in all olive oils sold,” he said. “We want to responsibly study this, let people come in and see what we are doing. We need more people to plant responsibly, put out test groves and use the University of Florida to provide the science and other assistance.”

Agribusiness, Research, specialty crops

#TPP Signed Amid Protests in New Zealand

Cindy Zimmerman

tpp-signProtesters nearly shut down the city of Auckland, New Zealand yesterday, but the ceremonial signing of the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) went on as scheduled.

Trade ministers representing Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, United States, and Vietnam gathered for the signing of the historic agreement concluded four months ago in Atlanta. The ministers released a joint statement noting that the “signing of the agreement signals an important milestone and the beginning of the next phase for TPP. Our focus now turns to the completion of our respective domestic processes.”

During a press conference following the signing, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman was asked if he thought Congress would pass TPP. “We are working with our stakeholders, our members of Congress, the leadership of Congress, educating everybody as to what’s in the agreement, addressing their questions and concerns,” said Froman. “I’m confident at the end of the day, because of the strong benefits to the U.S. economy … that members of Congress will see the benefits for their constituents and we’ll have the necessary bipartisan support to be approved.”

Listen to Froman’s statement here: USTR Froman at TPP signing ceremony

National Corn Growers Association president Chip Bowling issued a statement in support of the TPP as the signing was complete. “This agreement is good for both corn farmers and our friends and partners in the livestock industry,” said Bowling. “That’s why NCGA members will be going to Capitol Hill in the coming months, asking Congress to vote in favor of the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement in 2016.”

National Farmers Union, however, would have been among the Auckland protesters. “TPP is modeled after the failed deals of the past, and it is destined to fail,” said NFU president Roger Johnson. “TPP is a bad deal for rural and urban America alike.”

Audio, International, NCBA, Trade

Vilsack Puts Cottonseed Decision in Hands of Congress

Cindy Zimmerman

cottonseed-cottonincAgriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has reportedly informed Congress that he has no legal authority to approve a request from cotton growers that cottonseed be designated as an oilseed to qualify for farm programs. The secretary told reporters about the decision Wednesday at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture meeting in Washington DC.

In response to press reports, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) argued in a statement that USDA does possess the authority to take the requested action which would help alleviate the financial stress cotton farmers are experiencing with low global prices. “Time and again the Secretary has used the tools made available to him under the law to respond to a crisis in agriculture. The current economic situation for cotton farmers is dire and it warrants the same urgent and meaningful action by the Department,” says Conaway. “The Department has not only the legal authority to designate cottonseed as an ‘other oilseed,’ but the responsibility to act, and I trust that the Secretary is sensitive to the situation and shares my commitment and the commitment of so many others that this matter must be meaningfully responded to in a timely way.”

The National Cotton Council expressed disappointment in the news. “We continue to believe, like a broad group of Members of Congress, that USDA clearly has this authority as described in the current farm bill. Our industry remains committed to pursuing a cottonseed designation and policy to help provide long-term stability to the industry.” The council notes that U.S. cotton acreage is at its lowest level in more than 30 years, exports are the lowest in 15 years and cotton prices at the lowest level since 2009.

Both the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Farmers Union also expressed similar sentiments. “While we are disappointed in the USDA ruling, AFBF stands ready to work with leadership of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees and other congressional ag leaders to explore ways to overcome the legal barriers USDA has cited,” said AFBF president Zippy Duvall.

AFBF, Cotton

China Company to Buy Syngenta

Cindy Zimmerman

*UPDATED with audio*

syngenta-logoHere’s some big news of the day. Syngenta announced today that ChemChina has offered to acquire the company for $43 billion.

The Board of Directors of Syngenta considers that the proposed transaction respects the interests of all stakeholders and is unanimously recommending the offer to shareholders. There is committed financing for the deal and a strong commitment to pursue regulatory clearances. A Swiss and U.S. tender offer will commence in the coming weeks and the transaction is expected to conclude by the end of the year.

Syngenta’s existing management will continue to run the company. After closing, a ten member Board of Directors will be chaired by Ren Jianxin, Chairman of ChemChina, and will include four of the existing Syngenta Board members. ChemChina is committed to maintaining the highest governance standards with a view to an IPO of the business in the years to come.

Syngenta already has a full multi-media website devoted to the deal – syngenta-growth.com.

Syngenta Chief Operating Officer Davor Piskof held a press call with reporters Monday to talk about the deal, noting that the offer will allow Syngenta “to continue as a stand alone company,” and keep its commitment to research and innovation. “To ensure that Syngenta remains Syngenta (is) one of the most important elements of this transaction,” said Piskof, adding that it “helps preserve choice for growers at a time when we’re seeing a lot of consolidation.”

Listen to entire call here to learn more: Syngenta COO Davor Piskof

Agribusiness, Audio, International, Syngenta

Policy Priorities for Ag Retailers

Chuck Zimmerman

ara-cooperThe Agricultural Retailers Association is holding its winter board meeting in Washington, DC after a day of visits on Capitol Hill. Before the meeting started I visited with ARA Chairman, Harold Cooper, Premier Ag. We talked about the policy priorities for ARA this year.

The first and foremost one he says is the retail exemption to OSHA’s Process Safety Management regulations. You can read a letter from ARA to OSHA on this subject here which explains this in detail. The EPA’s WOTUS rule is another big issue for ARA.

Harold and his fellow board members stormed the Hill yesterday meeting with many Senators and Representatives on these issues.

You can listen to my interview with Harold here: Harold Cooper, Premier Ag

Ag Groups, ARA, Audio, Farm Policy

Zimfo Bytes

Talia Goes

Zimfo Bytes

  • Western Growers will launch its first Tech Talk Series on Tuesday, February 9 at 4:00 p.m. at its Center for Innovation & Technology in Salinas, Calif.
  • U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) was selected as the 2015 Wheat Leader of the Year by the National Association of Wheat Growers (NAWG) board of directors.
  • FCS Financial will award up to 35 scholarships, each at $1,500, to children or grandchildren of FCS Financial members.
  • The ninth annual George Washington Carver Award will recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to building the biobased economy by applying industrial biotechnology to create sustainable and environmentally friendlier products.
Zimfo Bytes

NCGA Dialogues on Behalf of Members

Kelly Marshall

NCGA-LogoTo better serve their members the National Corn Growers Association gathers their state affiliate staff and select grower volunteers every two years to discuss challenges and opportunities for the organization.

Staff and growers from Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin gathered in Santa Fe for presentations and discussions.  The group addressed issues like attracting new members, building member diversity, and engaging members through the use of technology, as well as dialoging on ways to ensure farm families are represented well by the state and national organizations.

“This was a great opportunity to bring together people who are working day in and out to build and serve membership throughout the country,” said NCGA Grower Services Action Team Chairwoman Patty Mann, a grower from Ohio. “NCGA and its affiliates have always been forward-thinking and dedicated to increasing membership – and increasing member support and activity. These meetings help people from around the country share ideas and best practices to benefit all the organizations.”

The NCGA Grower Services Action team will meet directly after this symposium to define and implement membership, leadership, and communications programs.

Ag Groups, NCGA

Senate Ag Congratulates Farm Credit on 100 Years

John Davis

Farm Credit 100Farm Credit gets to celebrate its 100th anniversary with some well wishes from the Senate Agriculture Committee. This news release from the committee says Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., introduced S.Res. 349, a resolution acknowledging the Farm Credit System’s anniversary and continued service to meet the credit and financial needs of rural communities.

On July 17, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson signed into law the Federal Farm Loan Act establishing the Farm Credit System. Through the enactment of the Farm Credit Act of 1971, Congress deemed the Farm Credit System’s permanent job to support rural communities and agricultural producers.

The Farm Credit System is a network of independently owned cooperatives controlled by borrowers. The Farm Credit System supports the next generation of agricultural producers by annually providing billions of dollars in loans for beginning producers and by financially supporting organizations such as 4-H and FFA.

Cosponsors include Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C.; Joni Ernst, R-Iowa; Thad Cochran, R-Miss.; Charles Grassley R-Iowa; Michael Bennet, D-Colo.; Robert Casey D-Pa.; and Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D. All cosponsors are members of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

Farm Credit

Do Iowa Caucus Results Reflect Ag Views?

Jamie Johansen

New Holland ZimmPollOur latest ZimmPoll asked the question, “What’s your planting intentions prediction for 2016?”

Are you still debating what will inhabit your fields this growing season. If so, it’s crunch time. It looks like many will be planting more soybeans this year or keeping it similar to 2015.

Here are the poll results:

  • More corn, less soybeans – 7%
  • Less corn, more soybeans – 7%
  • More corn and soybeans – 6%
  • More soybeans, less corn – 27%
  • Similar to last year – 27%
  • No idea – 26%

Our new ZimmPoll is now live and asks the question, Do Iowa Caucus results reflect ag views?

In a new Agri-Pulse poll of how U.S. farmers and ranchers plan to vote for president, respondents overwhelmingly said they’ll support a Republican, and 40 percent of those are Trump supporters. That compares to 15 percent for Sen. Ted Cruz, 11 percent for Sen. Marco Rubio and 10 percent for Ben Carson. Now that we have the Iowa Caucus results, do you feel they are a reflection of agricultures view?

ZimmPoll