Sen. Joe Manchin and Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (middle two) cut a ribbon to celebrate the opening of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub’s new office at West Virginia University’s Innovation Corporation building on Aug. 21, 2024. (Liz Partsch photo)
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, according to supporters of the Appalachian Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub, known as ARCH 2.
Industry leaders and lawmakers gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of ARCH 2’s new program office on Aug. 21 at West Virginia University’s Innovation Corporation.
ARCH 2 is a regional hub that will consist of a host of different infrastructure like pipelines, power plants and underground storage sites, spanning West Virginia, eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and eastern Kentucky to primarily produce blue hydrogen. The goal is to create energy while reducing carbon emissions.
U.S. Sens. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) were among the attendees who spokfuele of the hub’s anticipated benefits.
“We are in a tremendous location right now, and all the investments that (have) been made for the state of West Virginia to take advantage of and be able to offer jobs and offer really careers, this is unbelievable, truly unbelievable. And unprecedented too,” Manchin said.
While attendees lauded this step forward, details surrounding ARCH 2 continue to be scant, with no new information on specific site locations and infrastructures released, and concerns from community members and environmental activists still being ignored.
The ceremony
The ceremony recognized the Department of Energy’s recent investment of $30 million into ARCH 2, awarded by the agency’s Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations. The money will go toward the project’s first phase which will consist of preliminary planning and development.
The investment came after roughly a year since the DOE unveiled the seven nationwide hydrogen hubs that would receive funding.
The ribbon cutting also celebrated the opening of the ARCH 2 office at the WVU’s Innovation Corporation and the project’s partnerships including the non-profit science and technology company Battelle, which is leading the project, as well as WVU and Marshall University.
Capito said the project wouldn’t be possible without the expertise from these various partnerships.
“I know that these things are extremely, extremely difficult, time-consuming (and) technical. Without the expertise of the partnerships that we see, we would never be to the point at which we are,” Capito said at the press conference.
What is ARCH 2?
Hydrogen is the future of energy production in the U.S., according to speakers at the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and is expected to prolong West Virginia’s legacy as the energy powerhouse of the country.
“Hydrogen, the fuel of the future, is in abundance here in this state. So much of what we have is in abundance in this state: coal, oil, gas, hydrogen, wind, solar, almost everything you can imagine,” said WVU President E. Gordon Gee. “Now we have an opportunity to capitalize on it, and to make certain that our future is a West Virginia future for the world.”
According to Battelle, ARCH 2 will create 21,000 jobs, 18,000 construction and 3,000 permanent, workforce development programs and energy savings for consumers as well as environmental benefits like improving air quality by reducing emissions.
ARCH 2 will primarily produce blue hydrogen — derived from natural gas — and create a small portion of green hydrogen — derived from clean energy sources.
In order to make the process of blue hydrogen clean, however, a process called carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is essential to catch emissions and inject them into the ground.
Yet, many environmental activists and scientists say that blue hydrogen, even with CCS, will not be clean. They add CCS, also known as Class VI wells, has never been practiced successfully.
According to U.S. EPA data, there are only eight active Class VI wells in the United States, most of which are in North Dakota. Of the eight active wells, only two wells are in the injection phase. No Class VI wells exist in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
Manchin blames the lack of CCS projects in the U.S. due to the EPA’s slow permitting process. As of August 2024, 204 well applications and projects are currently under review by the EPA.
“We’ve proven it to be done commercial, (but) the administration is dragging their feet on the Class VI well permit so it makes it hard for (companies) to get into that,” Manchin said in an interview with Farm and Dairy.
Many states, including West Virginia, are applying for primacy so that state agencies can permit their own Class VI wells.
The 2024 Bayer Cotton Grower of the Year winner Scott Balsillie (right) with his wife Shonel. Photo: Cotton Australia
Cotton winners announced
GTA names life members
Rice awards presented
Durham wins Brownhill Cup
ACIAR names executive team
McFarlane joins Pacific Seeds
Cropify team expands
Moore wins Farrer Memorial Medal
Lewis joins T-Ports
Bird steps on to GPSA Board
Egerton wins AgriFutures award
Gongs for AIR EP, Long
Cotton winners announced
Scott Balsillie, farm manager for Eastern Australia Agriculture in Dirranbandi, has been named the 2024 Bayer Cotton Grower of the year, while the AgriRisk High Achiever award recipients are Steve and Bridget McVeigh from Dalby on the Darling Downs.
AgriRisk High Achiever award recipients Steve and Bridget McVeigh. Photo: Cotton Australia
The cotton industry’s top awards for the year were announced as part of the biennial Australian Cotton Conference on the Gold Coast held earlier this month.
Mr Balsillie started working full-time in cotton 25 years ago, and today runs farms Clyde and Kia Ora, which combined grow up to 6500ha of cotton.
He has focused on improving water efficiency through the bankless conversion from siphons, achieving huge benefits in labour and water savings, machine efficiencies and yield benefits.
“It’s all the 1 percenters that you get right that give you the amazing crop at the end,” Mr Balsillie said.
The McVeighs’ run Loch Eaton near Dalby, where they grow more than 1000ha of irrigated and dryland cotton.
“I’m a big believer in development, diversification and technology,” Mr McVeigh said.
“We are always looking at water and labour-saving technologies and looking to adopt the latest tech.”
The recipient of the CRDC Chris Lehmann Young Cotton Achiever of the Year Award is Sharna Holman who is currently undertaking PhD research focusing on the pest status of cluster caterpillar in northern Australia, addressing sustainable cotton production challenges.
The recipient of the Cotton Seed Distributors Researcher of the Year Award is Lisa Bird who plays a pivotal role in management of the industry’s insecticide resistance program with her team at the NSW Department of Primary Industries’ Australian Cotton Research Institute.
The prestigious Incitec Pivot Fertilisers Service to the Cotton Industry Award went to Ross Munro from BMC Partnerships in Moree.
Mr Munro started his relationship with cotton in the 1970s working alongside his father, before later using his experience to team up with Danny and John Burke to form the BMC partnership.
“The award recipients have been recognised for their intelligent and forward-focused approach to growing cotton, and that’s something all the nominees, and the industry as a whole, share,” Cotton Australia chief executive officer Adam Kay said.
“Importantly, alongside the growers recognised as part of the awards program, we have other industry representatives including researchers and the up-and-coming participants who will make a difference for years to come.”
GTA names life members
Grain Trade Australia awarded Geoff Farnsworth and Lyndon Asser life memberships at the Australia Grains Industry Conference gala dinner last month.
Mr Farnsworth has been an integral part of GTA for more than 20 years, providing valuable legal counsel and advice to GTA boards, chairs and CEOs.
He has served on the GTA Board and many of its committees and has been an integral part GTA’s self-regulatory framework that includes standard-form contracts, trade rules, and the dispute-resolution system.
Mr Asser has recently retired after a long and distinguished career with Viterra and its predecessors in Australia going back to the Australian Barley Board.
“His conduct over a long career in this great industry embodies how we all should conduct ourselves in market with customers, amongst the trade and with our colleagues,” GTA said in presenting the award.
Mr Farnsworth and Mr Asser join existing life members: Chris Kelly; Merv May; Terry Deacon, and Geoff Honey.
Rice awards presented
Josh and Emily Small of Rivena Nominees, from Deniliquin, took out the illustrious C24 SunRice Grower of the Year Award at the 6th annual Rice Industry Awards Gala Dinner held at Moama earlier this month.
Josh and Emily Small; SunRice Group Chairman, Laurie Arthur. Photo: SunRice
The Smalls were celebrated for their impressive adoption of technology and practices to increase water-use efficiency using innovation and technology to improve the way their farm operates.
The Port of Melbourne Highest Yield Awards for the highest yield across various regions went to: Russ Family Farming, Western Murray Valley; Mardenoora Farming, Eastern Murray Valley; FW G & FW Hibbert, Coleambally Irrigation Area; and Allawah Family Trust, Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.
The Grower Industry Contribution Award went to Bill Holden of Deniliquin, while the Excellence in Extension, Research and Advisory Award winners were Brian and Tina Dunn.
The Yenda Producers Specialist Grain Yield Awards for highest yields by rice variety went to: Patrick Sergi of Widgelli Sergrow Pty Ltd (Topaz), Murrami based Tony Mallamace of Mallamace Family Trust (Langi), Charles McDonald, Barham representing Widderin Past Co (Opus), Antony Vagg of Amaloo Pastoral Co (Koshikari) and Deniliquin based Graeme and Libby Barker of GE & EH Barker (Sherpa).
SunRice Group Grower Services team members Eleanor Fondacaro, Melissa Lyons, and Lisa O’Callaghan were recipients of the Honorary Councillor Award.
All three have worked for SunRice Group for a collective 102 years.
Durham wins Brownhill Cup
Nombi grower Ross Durham has won the Brownhill Cup.
Presented at the AgQuip Grower Forum in Gunnedah last week, the award recognises conservation farming and efficient management practices.
Gordon Brownhill, Brownhill Cup 2024 winner Ross Durham, mental health ambassador Brad Hogg, and independent agronomist Jim Hunt.
Grower Gordon Brownhill presented the award, and said Mr Durham’s conservation farming system and experience in diverse cropping rotations have allowed him to protect his soil resource and be responsive to price opportunities and seasonal conditions.
“Over the years, Mr Durham has modified and designed equipment to counter some of the early challenges of using a zero-tillage farming system to increase water-use efficiency and improve soil fertility, and he has generously shared his knowledge and time with his peers, researchers and the younger generation,” Mr Brownhill said.
The Brownhill Cup was donated by the Brownhill family of Merrilong, Spring Ridge, as a perpetual trophy to encourage landholders to adopt conservation-farming and efficient management practices.
The competition began in 1983 as the Livestock and Grain Producers’ Association Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year held between Quirindi, Currabubula/Werris Creek, Pottinger, Gunnedah and Boggabri district councils.
ACIAR names executive team
The Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research has officially announced its executive team, with James Quilty as general manager research; Laura Timmins as general manager partnerships, and Paul Morgan as general manager corporate.
ACIAR’s executive team: Dr James Quilty, Laura Timmins Prof Wendy Umberger, and Paul Morgan. Photo: ACIAR
They join ACIAR chief executive officer Wendy Umberger, who took over from Andrew Campbell in July last year.
“I am excited for our new executive team to unite ACIAR with a clear strategic direction to strengthen partnerships, work more closely with partner countries and have a strong emphasis on climate action in new research investments,” Professor Umberger said.
Dr Quilty joined ACIAR in in 2019 as the research program manager for soil and land management and before this role worked for seven years at the International Rice Research Institute, based in The Philippines.
Before joining ACIAR, Ms Timmins was assistant secretary of the Agriculture Trade and Market Access Branch in the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
From 2014 to 2016, she served as an agricultural counsellor to Indonesia, and has worked as a vet in private and government practice in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Mr Morgan brings 30 years’ experience leading corporate and enabling programs across the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to ACIAR and has represented the Australian Government on postings to Damascus, Beirut, Abu Dhabi, Accra, Geneva, and Baghdad.
McFarlane joins Pacific Seeds
Pacific Seeds welcomes Asha McFarlane as territory manager northern Western Australia.
Asha McFarlane
As a third-generation wheat and sheep farmer from Doodlakine, WA, Ms McFarlane brings local farming knowledge and enthusiasm to role which will be an advantage for WA farmers and rural supply stores.
Pacific Seeds national sales manager Bradley Jamieson said the appointment was crucial to supporting customers in WA.
“Pacific Seeds and local growers will see a real benefit to having in-field knowledge backed by world-class R&D and the best seed varieties on the market,” Mr Jamieson said.
Ms McFarlane will work with growers and agents throughout the northern Wheatbelt.
Cropify team expands
Adelaide-based company Cropify has appointed Jade Saunders as its grain quality manager.
Jade Saunders.
Mr Saunders started with Cropify early last month, and has come to the company from the National Association of Testing Laboratories.
His experience includes many years working in quality control at Viterra, as well as positions in the malting and food sectors.
“We are thrilled to have Jade join us in this critical role,” Cropify CEO and co-founder Anna Falkiner said.
“Jade’s wealth of experience in grain quality and national technical committees is invaluable to the commercialisation of our objective grain-grading solution.”
Next month, the Cropify team will be expanding further with the appointment of Rebecca Spence as grain quality officer.
Ms Spence comes to Cropify after having worked at Intertek, AmSpec, Viterra, and Dublin Clean Grain.
Moore wins Farrer Memorial Medal
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development plant pathologist Kevin Moore last week was awarded the prestigious 2023 Farrer Memorial Medal in recognition of his distinguished career and invaluable contributions to chickpea research.
Dr Kevin Moore with the 2023 Farrer Memorial Medal. Photo: Farrer Memorial Trust
Dr Moore joined the then NSW Department of Agriculture in 1966 and has since undertaken significant work in developing sustainable and effective disease-management strategies, particularly for chickpeas.
His research has helped tackle Ascochyta blight, a significant threat to chickpea yields, by advancing resistant varieties and integrated disease-management practices.
Beyond the laboratory, Dr Moore’s commitment to education and extension services has empowered countless growers with the knowledge and tools to combat plant diseases.
His efforts have not only enhanced crop resilience but have also contributed to the economic stability and growth of Australia’s agricultural sector.
The Farrer Memorial Trust was established in the memory of plant breeder William James Farrer and has, since 1936, provided encouragement and inspiration to those engaged in cropping agricultural science via the presentation of the annual Farrer Memorial Medal and student scholarships.
T-Ports CEO Nathan Kent and grower relations officer Hayley Lewis at the recent Cleve Field Days. Photo: T-Ports
Lewis joins T-Ports
T-Ports has appointed Hayley Lewis as its grower relations officer.
Prior to joining T-Ports, Ms Lewis worked in operational roles on Eyre Peninsula, and has also managed the University of Adelaide’s grain laboratory at the Waite Institute.
“Through her technical knowledge, innovation and creativity, Hayley has influenced her workplaces positively by tailoring services to suit the specific needs of her customer base,” T-Ports CEO Nathan Kent said.
“Hayley has also harnessed valued one-on-one relationships by leveraging her strong interpersonal skills and her ability to conduct herself respectfully and with integrity at all times, qualities held in high regard at T-Ports.”
Bird steps on to GPSA Board
The Grain Producers South Australia Board has been bolstered by the appointment of Julie Bird as a new independent director.
Julie Bird.
Ms Bird’s early career path included teaching and working on a family horticulture property, before taking on roles with Quality Fruit Marketing and the Almond Board of Australia.
She has served eight years on the board of Plant Health Australia and is currently chair of Horticulture Innovation Australia and Australian Seafood Industries, and is a director of the Cotton Research and Development Corporation.
GPSA chair John Gladigau said he was looking forward to the contribution Ms Bird can make to the SA grain industry.
“Her background in agriculture, especially in representing diverse sectors, will be invaluable in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the grain industry,” Mr Gladigau said.
Ms Bird is excited about the opportunity to draw on her past experiences in agriculture and contribute to the SA grain industry’s future.
“While this has been in other sectors of agriculture, there is a lot of similarity in underlying issues and needs,” Ms Bird said.
Egerton wins AgriFutures award
Northern Territorian visionary and First Nations affairs advocate Tanya Egerton has been named the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award National winner with Victorian rural health campaigner, Grace Larson, announced as national runner-up.
As founder and CEO of Circulanation and the Remote OpShop Project, Ms Egerton was celebrated for her work in empowering the entrepreneurial aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across remote Australia.
Tanya Egerton.
Both women, along with their fellow national finalists, were honoured for their exceptional contributions to rural communities and industries during at a ceremony held at Canberra’s Parliament House this month.
The 2024 cohort also included:
Rebecca Keeley, Canberra, ACT;
Kate Lamason, Cairns, Qld;
Belle Binder, Devonport, Tas;
Mandy Walker, Wongan Hills, WA; and,
Nikki Atkinson, Flinders Rangers, SA.
The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is Australia’s premier award recognising and supporting the vital role women play in rural and regional businesses, industries and communities.
“This is a significant honour, and I am deeply appreciative of AgriFutures and Westpac for their belief in my mission to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” Ms Egerton said.
AgriFutures Australia managing director John Harvey praised Ms Egerton for her outstanding contributions to Indigenous communities in remote Australia.
“Her innovative approach and dedication to transforming remote areas resonates deeply with the core values of the Award,” Mr Harvey said.
Gongs for AIR EP, Long
Ag Innovation Research Eyre Peninsula and industry facilitator Jeanette Long have taken home awards at the AgExForum24 gala awards dinner held in Adelaide on August 5.
Mark Stanley, Jeanette Long and Leet Wilksch.
AIR EP took out the Primary Industries and Resources South Australia Grower Group Award while Jeanette Long won the Ag Excellence Perpetual Award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture.
In only four years of operation, AIR EP’s team has been successful in securing funding for 60 projects with a cumulative value of about $8 million.
“The demonstrated dedication and success in acquiring funding to deliver a comprehensive portfolio of projects underscores its effectiveness in advocating for the needs of the local agricultural community,” South Australian Research Development Institute acting executive chair Hannah Brown said.
Ms Long is a significant contributor to a myriad of agricultural organisations including the Australasian Pacific Extension Network, Ag Excellence and most recently Women together Learning (WoTL).
She has worked throughout Australia and New Zealand with extension personnel and farmers and also provides mentoring support to many young extension professionals.
“Ag Ex has been the recipient of Jeanette’s tireless efforts as chair and committee member for many years and as shown again at today’s forum, she continues to give her time for the benefit of this room and the broader agricultural industry,” Ag Ex chair Leet Wilksch said.
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The integrated communications campaign organizes its proprietary NYC event and several other trade and press activations amid category growth
New York, NY, August 27, 2024 – Wines of Georgia, the organization that represents and promotes the wines of the country of Georgia and is financed by theNational Wine Agency of Georgia, which is a legal entity under the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the country’s wineries, is excited to announce its second Grand Tasting and Masterclass event in New York City on September 26. The largest of the campaign’s series of trade and press activities scheduled for the 2024 program year, the event targets NY-based wine trade and media to learn more about Georgian wine through a day of immersive tasting and educational masterclass events that showcase a wide variety of wines and styles from the region. In addition to the upcoming walkaround tasting, Wines of Georgia will participate in TEXSOM as one of the conference’s largest regional sponsors, August 25-27, and host two trips to Georgia dedicated to wine professionals.
An opportunity to engage and educate key opinion leaders in the US wine industry, the events reflect the campaign’s vision to further raise awareness for the category as it continues to grow in value. According to the International Wine and Spirits Record (IWSR), the value of Georgian wine in the US increased 3.5% from 2018 – 2023, the highest growth compared to competing emerging wine regions. Additionally, Georgia has exported 54.5 million liters of wine worth $156.7 million to 61 countries in the first six months of 2024, which includes a significant increase in exports to the United States. The data marks the highest rate of US export growth recorded in recent years, with a 53% volume increase and a 46% rise in value compared to the same period in 2023.
Tamta Kvelaidze, Head of Marketing & PR at the Georgian National Wine Agency, says, “As we continue to invest in the US as a key market for Georgian wine, we are pleased to witness the increased valuation of exports. This positive momentum is exciting to observe in a strategic market where we aim to gain a higher level of interest in our country’s wine and diversity of offerings, by strengthening our relationships with trade and press to ultimately reach the US wine consumer.”
Building on the category’s sustained success in the US market, Wines of Georgia will host its second annual Grand Tasting and Masterclass event at the end of September in New York, inviting hundreds of trade and media professionals to expand their knowledge of the many styles of Georgian wine from dynamic terroirs across the region. This year, over 150 wines from more than 50 producers will be presented during the event, maximizing its impact with a more extensive catalog of producers for attendees to connect with and gain a deeper understanding of Georgian wines, from traditional to more modern expressions, and including reds, whites, ambers, rosés and sparkling wines.
At TEXSOM, Wines of Georgia will participate in the conference for a third consecutive year at the end of August, promoting the country’s variety of styles and wineries with two tables at each of the six sessions during the grand tasting, where it will present wines from top Georgian producers. The campaign will also sponsor a trade lunch, during which sommeliers and other wine professionals will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with Georgian wines in their wide range of expressions and high quality.
In September, the campaign will execute two educational trips to Georgia, one for wine press and one for retail buyers. The two trips will immerse members of the wine trade with Georgia and its wine history, modern innovation, and culture, by connecting leading US wine reviewers and retailers with wineries and experiences that exemplify the region’s unique winemaking industry.
One of the most historically significant winemaking regions in the world, Georgia boasts a diverse, rich wine culture as both the birthplace of winemaking and a country that constantly innovates and showcases the best quality wines from its more than 525 indigenous grape varieties that are planted over approximately 55,000 hectares (nearly 136,000 acres) of vineyards. From its 8,000-year-old winemaking history to its ancient qvevri winemaking tradition that holds the status of National Monument of Intangible Cultural Heritage from UNESCO, there is great potential for Georgian wine in the US, where the IWSR reports 26% of consumers associate the country and its wines with “wines [they] would like to know more about.” The Wines of Georgia campaign is thrilled to meet this interest from US consumers with strategic trade and press activities to increase awareness and broaden knowledge on Georgian wine.
Wines of Georgia is a promotional campaign financed by the National Wine Agency of Georgia and wineries to educate the US wine trade and general public about the history, culture, quality and universal appeal of Georgian wines and the country’s qvevri winemaking tradition.
California’s table grape industry has rebounded from last year’s challenging weather, and as the season advances, grapes are already reaching Asian markets, including Japan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Singapore, and South Korea, among others, offering high-quality fruit.
Exports are in full swing, and shipments are anticipated to reach their peak during this period of the season.
The state’s production is estimated to reach 94.4 million 19-pound boxes this season. Industry players have indicated to Freshfruitportal.com that the season will be good, with over 20 export market destinations.
Marketing campaign
The California Table Grape Commission informed that an aggressive global campaign targeting 21 markets worldwide including eight in Asia is designed to motivate retailers to stock and shoppers to purchase California grapes through the fall and early winter.
The Commission is highlighting California grapes as a healthy snack that complements everyday meals, holiday celebrations, and gift-giving. Marketing efforts are aligned with high-volume promotional periods in each market.
Campaign elements include in-store and digital promotions, shopper app promotions, social media advertising, and influencer outreach.
“Each market represents a unique opportunity to promote California grapes in a culturally relevant and demand-driving fashion,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission which funds the campaign.
“The next few months will see high volumes shipped worldwide,” said Nave, adding that using the latest data available, seven of the eight target markets in Asia have already pulled more fruit in 2024 than in 2023.
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) hosted the 2024 triannual, trilateral meeting with its North American counterparts, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Confederación Nacional de Organizaciones Ganaderas (CNOG) on the sidelines of the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
The trilateral meeting gives an opportunity for leadership to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing beef producers across Canada, the United States and Mexico. Topics at this year’s trilateral focused on trade policy, the upcoming review of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA/USMCA/T-MEC) in 2026, and international engagement on antimicrobial resistance.
“The beef industry is highly integrated across North America and with the upcoming review of CUSMA in 2026, it is crucial for us to have these trilateral meetings with our friends to the south. With the challenges that our sector is facing globally, we are stronger working together, to push back against non-tariff barriers and other unscientific international policies that impact beef producers,” said Nathan Phinney, CCA president.
“NCBA greatly values our relationships with our Canadian and Mexican counterparts and our ability to come together as allies to tackle issues facing cattle producers across North America,” NCBA President Mark Eisele said. “In addition to discussing international trade and animal health concerns, I am also encouraged that CCA, CNOG and NCBA continue standing together to push back against lab-grown proteins. These lab-grown protein companies are trying to capitalize from the incredible reputation of real beef in their efforts to sell ultra-processed products created in bioreactors. Together, we are working to ensure lab-grown proteins are properly regulated and transparently labeled to avoid consumer confusion with our products that are made with only one ingredient, beef.”
Through CUSMA, beef producers across all three countries benefit from the market-based demand for our product. As we approach the 2026 review, the combined leadership of CCA, NCBA and CNOG emphasizes the success that it continues to bring to our industry.
At the same time, we’re looking at opportunities to work together against global challenges including non-tariff barriers we’re facing in other jurisdictions and international commitments that impact the cattle sector. Despite recognizing antimicrobial resistance as an urgent global one-health threat, the North American beef sector is aligned and pushing back against unfounded antimicrobial reduction targets without considering sector specific needs. Responsible antimicrobial stewardship is essential to supporting the health and welfare of cattle, which includes increased access to veterinary products.
CCA, NCBA and CNOG leadership determined a unified approach to address international challenges facing the countries’ producers and will continue to work on these files together, in lead up to the next trilateral meeting in San Antonio in 2025.
Looking at the futures market being traded in Shanghai, analysts at Asia-based container consultancy Linerlytica are predicting box freight rates from Asia to Europe will tumble by more than 70% by June next year.
The Containerized Freight Index Futures (CoFIF) has been in existence for a year now, traded at the Shanghai International Energy Exchange, a subsidiary of Shanghai Future Exchange.
“Although the drop is not as severe as the freight rate collapse seen at the end of 2022, current freight futures prices anticipate continuous declines over the coming 12 months, with no rebound expected at the end of this year and no repeat of this year’s post Chinese New Year rate rally in 2025,” Linerlytica suggested in a market update.
Carriers have failed to check the rate decline so far, with the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) dropping by 12% to North Europe from its peak in July with last week’s 7.3% decline overshadowing the relatively mild 1% to 3% week over week declines seen over the previous four weeks.
“Europe/Med rates will likely continue to soften due to the increase in capacity as newbuild vessels continue to be put in operation,” HSBC noted in a freight market report this week.
Ninety-six percent of the drivers who participated in the vote chose to join Teamsters Local 528.
The workers at the Georgia facility are set to become the grocer’s second fulfillment center employees to unionize with the labor organization.
Dive Insight:
The workers at the Georgia facility are seeking better wages, guaranteed retirement benefits and “secure a strong voice on the job,” the union said.
The Teamsters said they plan to help the drivers secure a “strong” contract. The facility has a unit of 30 drivers.
A Kroger spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment about the workers’ decision to unionize.
The e-commerce facility located in Forest Park, Georgia, opened in February 2022 to provide grocery delivery service in the greater Atlanta area. The facility connects with two “spoke” sites in Birmingham, Alabama, and Nashville and is part of the network of e-commerce warehouses Kroger has developed with Ocado.
In May, drivers at a Kroger automated warehouse near Detroit voted to join the Teamsters, becoming the first of the grocer’s facilities to do so.
The Teamsters, which represents about 22,000 employees at stores, distribution centers and manufacturing plants operated by the grocery giants, said last summer it decided tooppose the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons after discussions with the companies “to protect the most basic interests” of workers.
Conagra Brands Inc., Chicago, used Natural Products Expo West to launch a range of new items including meals and entrées.
Four new Blake’s comfort meal entries include Homestyle Meatloaf, Country Fried Chicken, Roasted Chicken and BBQ Seasoned Pork. Debuting under the evol brand were Hot Honey Chicken, Garlic Herb Steak, Chicken Adobo, and Meatballs and Orzo. Conagra also extended evol’s bowl entrée line with a new Garlic Shrimp Cavatappi. Joining the Frontera Mexican cuisine line were new Chicken Enchiladas with Chile Verde Sauce, and Cheese Enchiladas with Red Enchilada Sauce.
Joining the Gardein Ultimate Plant-Based Bowls line was a new Chick’n Fried Rice variety. Conagra also bolstered its plant-based Purple Carrot meals line with a Vegetable Tikka Masala and a Sweet & Sour Cauliflower.
No Passport Needed
Saffron Road Foods, Stamford, Conn., introduced four frozen entrées to transport tastebuds to Korea, Thailand, and Mexico with “no passport needed.” New offerings include Korean Fire-Roasted Chicken, Vegetable Bibimbap, Drunken Noodles and Fire-Roasted Adobo Chicken. All four offerings are Certified Gluten-Free and Halal.
“Perfectly-portioned, better-for-you meals, like Saffron Road, offer valuable nutrition and are often high in protein, catering to the needs and preferences of health-conscious consumers,” said Saffron Road Founder & CEO Adnan Durrani. “Additionally, given the surge in menu prices at restaurants, Saffron Road’s meals prepared at home provide huge value and are a convenient alternative to takeout. Indeed, our delicious, clean-label, authentic, and globally inspired meals are a win-win for the health-conscious, adventure-seeking, and the budget-minded, alike.”
More Organic Options
Organic and natural foods specialist Amy’s Kitchen Inc., Petaluma, Calif., greeted the new year with two new entrées: Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach Bowl and Mole Enchiladas. Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach Bowl and Mole Enchiladas are sold nationwide at Walmart, Meijer, and Wegmans at a suggested retail price of $6.69
“These new products mark the beginning of an exciting year for Amy’s innovation pipeline. Our Penne with Mushrooms & Spinach Bowl and Mole Enchiladas showcase how we will push culinary boundaries in 2024 and beyond with delicious organic meal options that are cooked from scratch,” said Fred Scarpulla, Amy’s chief culinary officer.
Authentic Formula
Deep Foods Inc., Union, N.J., extended its frozen entrée line with Matar Paneer. Officials say it features fresh paneer cheese crafted at Deep Indian Kitchen’s dairy plant in upstate New York. It’s combined with a creamy, tomato-based sauce, peas and comes spiced with mild, slightly sweet flavors like cashew and turmeric. It is served over cumin rice and delivers 14g of protein per serving.
“The demand for vegetarian options that feature global flavors continues to grow, and we are thrilled to extend our line of frozen Indian entrees to enable a superior in-home experience of one of the most popular Indian dishes, Matar Paneer,” said Kiernan Laughlin, general manager.
Crave-able Comfort
This spring saw Bellisio Foods Inc., Minneapolis, extend its Boston Market At Home frozen retail line with new entrées, sides and snacks. Two new entrées are Chicken Fajita Rice and Chicken Cordon Bleu.
“Boston Market Frozen Retail is a great, convenient solution for consumers who seek modern and classic comfort foods but don’t want to make meals from scratch,” said Nicole Grimmius, Bellisio vice president of marketing and innovation. “We are thrilled to expand the Boston Market portfolio with innovations that reflect new and evolving eating occasions.”
On Trend—At Target
Sustainably grown fruit and vegetable specialist Daily Harvest, New York, N.Y., said it began distributing frozen Smoothies, Harvest Bowls and “Pops” at Target stores nationwide.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Target to bring an assortment of delicious, quick-to-prep Daily Harvest food to their guests across the country. Target is a crucial discovery retailer for us as we broaden our reach from online DTC to freezer aisles coast-to-coast,” said Daily Harvest Chief Commercial Officer Annie Streit.
Seafood Simplified
Scott & Jon’s, Auburn, Me., introduced a line of three new Scott & Jon’s 10-Minute Meals. Developed for stovetop preparation are new Shrimp Alfredo, Shrimp Fajita, and Shrimp Scampi. Each multi-serve meal includes portions of shrimp, vegetables, and home-made sauces or seasoning blends, the company says.
“We are thrilled to introduce 10-Minute Meals, which provide a time-saving solution for families seeking healthy and satisfying seafood meals,” remarked Scott Demers, co-founder of Scott & Jon’s. “We understand that today’s consumers are searching for convenient meal hacks that do not compromise on flavor or healthfulness. Our 10-Minute Meals fulfill this demand while offering the flexibility to cater to diverse dietary preferences within families.”
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Campbell Soup sold its Pop Secret popcorn brand to an independent food company for an undisclosed amount as the CPG giant looks to focus its snacking portfolio.
The brand was purchased by Our Home, which makes offerings such as Popchips, RW Garcia and Sonoma Creamery. Both Our Home and Campbell Soup are headquartered in New Jersey.
Pop Secret generated net sales of approximately $120 million in fiscal 2024, according to Campbell Soup.
“This marks another step in our journey to strategically focus our Snacks portfolio,” Chris Foley, president of Campbell’s Snacks, said in a statement. “The sale of Pop Secret will drive greater focus and accelerated growth across our Snacks division and portfolio of leading brands.”
Aaron Greenwald, founder and CEO of Our Home, said Pop Secret’s widespread consumption and recognition, “combined with our extensive manufacturing capabilities, create a unique platform for growth and innovation in the market.”
As part of its Sovos acquisition, Campbell Soup also added Noosa yogurt to its portfolio. The soup and snacks maker said when the deal closed that it planned to evaluate strategic alternatives for the dairy brand.
What comes after the ‘pop’ of a Pringles Mexican Street Corn can? A hit-the-spot taste of potato seasoned with zesty elote flavor.
That’s how Kellanova describes the introduction of its new Pringles flavor that’s rolling out to the C-Store channel.
Pringles Mexican Street Corn will be exclusively available in 7-Eleven from August 28, but only while supplies last.
The ingeniously shaped chips are light and obviously crispy, but pack a punch with roasted spices, citrus zest and a little kick of cayenne pepper. It’s also touted as ‘a tantalizing taste experience that keeps you coming back, stack after stack’.
Pringles Mexican Street Corn will also be available at select grocery retailers throughout the US.
Warburtons
Britain’s largest bakery brand has added two new products to its category-leading Protein range. Protein Soft Pittas and Protein Flatbreads are made with a blend of pulse flours and linseed to provide 8g of protein per product. They’re also high in fiber and vegan.
Consumer interest in protein-rich products continues to grow, evident in the demand for Warburton’s Protein range. According to the company, its Protein Thin Bagels and Protein Power Loaf have seen volume sales growing by 33% and 124% respectively (latest 12 weeks vs last year).
Warburtons has become the number one pitta brand in the UK following the success of its Soft Pittas range. Like the white, wholemeal and gluten-free variants, Protein Soft Pittas have a soft, fluffy texture and is perfect for filling, dipping or enjoyed toasted on its own as a snack. The four pack of Protein Soft Pittas come in at just 151 calories each.
The Protein Flatbreads, similarly, can be enjoyed cold or toasted and come pre-sliced for convenience, packing just 147 calories each.
“Bakery is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet, and providing consumers with new, exciting products with additional nutritional benefits is really important to us,” said chairman Jonathan Warburton.
“We have seen our existing Protein range grow in popularity over the past 12 months and our new products, which taste great (if I do say so myself), will offer consumers even more choice, great quality and 8g of protein in each one.”
“Introducing Protein Soft Pittas and Protein Flatbreads to our Protein range further illustrates our commitment to innovation and our desire to exceed consumers expectations in the quality, taste and offering of our products.“
The Protein Soft Pittas and Flatbreads will be on shelves in Tesco and Iceland from September 2, with an RRP of £1.50 and £1.75 respectively, and in Co-op, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury’s later in September.
Parenting Mental Health’s cupcake
Former Great British Bake Off contestant Dan Hunter has created an exclusive cupcake recipe for Parenting Mental Health. PMH is one of the few charities in the UK that specifically helps parents who are supporting a child with mental health challenges and whose needs and impact for positive change are all too often overlooked.
The recipe for raspberry and almond cupcakes is part of a fundraising pack that encourages supporters, families and workplaces to host their own Big Picnic on Thursday, August 29 – to raise awareness the charity.
“I really enjoyed coming up with this recipe for such a fantastic cause, and I hope families, friends and colleagues will have just as much fun making it for themselves,” said Hunter.
Added charity founder Suzanne Alderson, “We are incredibly grateful to Dan for coming up with this delicious recipe, which we are sure will be a huge hit with families, friends and colleagues choosing to come together to host their own Big Picnic this summer. Whether people choose to serve the cupcakes at their picnics, plan a family baking session or host a bake sale and donate the proceeds to Parenting Mental Health, we are sure the cupcakes will go down a treat.”
Raspberry and almond cupcakes
Makes 12 cupcakes
115g unsalted butter softened
200g caster sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp almond extract
100g flaked almonds
1½ tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
120g whole milk
Frosting
115g unsalted butter softened
60g raspberry jam
250g icing sugar
2 tbsp whole milk
12 raspberries to decorate
Preheat the oven to 170 degrees, line a muffin tin with cupcake cases. In a large bowl or a stand mixer with the beater attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add the eggs in one at time.
In a separate bowl sift in the flour, baking powder and stir through the salt. Add the almond extract and the dry ingredients into the butter and sugar mix, alternating with the milk. Fold through the almonds. Fill the cupcake cases two-thirds full and bake for 20-25 min. Allow to cool.
Beat the butter until light and creamy then add in the jam. Gradually add in the icing sugar, then add enough milk to make it a spreadable consistency. Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, pipe on the icing and add the raspberry.
Cheeky Cocktails
Cheeky’s syrups provide a simple way to add creativity to daily routines, turning ordinary moments into memorable experiences. Its alcohol-free Marcona Almond Orgeat and Habanero Hot Honey Syrup are not just for adult cocktails, they’re also great for making kids’ drinks and snacks both fun and flavorful.
The syrups were designed with versatility in mind, whether it’s for after-school snacks, weekend treats or even special occasions.
Mix with fruit juices and sparkling water to create fun mocktails that are perfect for special occasions or weekend gatherings.
Use as an ingredient in baking or to enhance milkshakes, smoothies and ice cream toppings.
Pack a punch with a light drizzle of Habanero Hot Honey over pizza or popcorn or try the Marcona Almond Orgeat over sliced apples or pears.
Cheeky’s natural syrups are made with 100% real ingredients, without any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.
Both are available online for an RRP of $15 (Marcona Almond Orgeat) and $10 (Habanero Hot Honey) per 4oz bottle.
Dole Packaged Foods
The fruit specialist is celebrating its 25th anniversary of its iconic Fruit Bowls line with three new, tropical flavors: Pineapple Tidbits, Pineapple Tidbits in Coconut Water and Diced Mango.
Perfect for on-the-go snacking, breakfast or as a healthy dessert option, Dole Fruit Bowls are designed for consumers of all ages. All three are non-GMO and offer a range of nutritional benefits.
Made with the best fruit nature has to offer, Pineapple Tidbits are packed in water and sweetened naturally with stevia extract. Pineapple Tidbits in Coconut Water combines juicy pineapple with hydrating coconut water for a naturally sweet treat that’s an excellent source of vitamin C. Diced Mango provides a burst of tropical sweetness with every bite, made with 100% juice and no added sugar.
Available online and in selected retail stores.
PorkRinds.com
The ‘hub’ for pork rind lovers – and home to brands like Southern Recipe pork rinds – has announced its second annual collegiate sports celebration, dubbed the ‘Crunch Time Hero of the Week’ award, a sponsorship program designed to highlight outstanding football players during the regular college football season.
Until November 30, a collegiate player who has a phenomenal play or a significant tackle during the regular season will be eligible for the award. Each week, one football player will be chosen, based on his previous weeks’ plays and tackles. At the end of the season, each of the 13 weekly winners will be eligible for the award, which will be determined by a fan vote on PorkRinds.com. The package includes notoriety and promotion as the pork rind ‘hero’, as well as a celebratory trophy and a generous supply of pork rinds to share with friends and family. The Crunch Time Hero of the Year will be invited to attend bigger professional football media events as the collegiate season closes and the NFL season begins culminating in biggest game of 2025 in New Orleans.
“Just like our crunch time players make game-winning plays on the field, pork rinds are the best crunch time decision in the snack aisle,” said VP of Sales and Marketing Mark Singleton.
“The annual ‘Crunch Time Hero of the Week’ program is our celebration of the unsung heroes on the football field who get the job done.”
A division of Rudolph Foods, PorkRinds.com offers a variety of pork rind brands that are naturally high in protein, low in carbohydrates and gluten free.
