Port of Oakland celebrates ‘major’ hydrogen investment

The Port of Oakland officials hosted U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), California Governor Gavin Newsom, and U.S. Department of Energy Under Secretary David Crane for a Port tour.

This was part of the August 30 celebration marking the official launch of the first Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) Hydrogen Hub in the nation, supporting a $1.2 billion federal investment in California for hydrogen projects.

Port Board President, Michael Colbruno and Executive Director, Danny Wan gave a Port tour on board the WETA’s (Water Emergency Transportation Authority) newest fuel cell ferry Sea Change. The tour focused on hydrogen and zero-emissions projects at the Oakland Seaport.

“We are grateful to the Biden-Harris Administration and Newsom Administration for making federal funding available to build the nation’s first Hydrogen Hub in Oakland,” said Port of Oakland executive director, Danny Wan. “We are on the road to zero emissions at the Port, but it requires major investments. Thank you to the US Department of Energy, US Senator Padilla, and Governor Newsom for your leadership, ARCHES for supporting hydrogen projects that serve Northern California, and for selecting Oakland to be a part of this clean energy hub.”

California is the first state in the US to launch a Hydrogen Hub. ARCHES is California’s initiative to accelerate renewable hydrogen projects and the required infrastructure.

The Hydrogen Hub will support hydrogen as an energy source for electricity generation, vehicles, and manufacturing. Emissions from renewable hydrogen when used as fuel are only air and water.

The federal designated California as one of seven regions to receive funds from the  $7 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. As a result, the domestic market for low-cost clean hydrogen would be expanded. Today, there are 30 zero-emissions hydrogen fuel cell trucks in service at Oakland. This is the largest deployment of hydrogen fuel cell, heavy-duty trucks in the nation. The hydrogen fueling station is located next to the Port of Oakland.

The Senator and Governor along with other local, state, and federal officials, took a harbor tour where they could watch Port operations up close from the water. Then the group went to East Bay Municipal Utility District where they could see the nation’s first commercial hydrogen fueling station for trucks that haul freight to and from ports.

Hydrogen and many other zero-emissions-related projects at the Port, contribute to improving air quality and public health in the East Bay.

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More Chilean Hass avocado available this season

A significant increase is expected for the new Hass avocado season in Chile, which begins in September.

According to estimates by the Chilean Avocado Committee, for the 2024-25 cycle, a harvest of 200,000 tons is projected, an increase of one-third over the 150,000 tons of the previous period.

“This growth is due to a better fruit set in the productive hectares, driven by more favorable weather conditions, which makes this season the best in the last three years,” said Carmen Gloria Lüttges, president of the association.

It is projected that 55% of the total production will be destined for domestic consumption, with 110,000 tons.

“The domestic market will continue to be a priority, since Chileans are one of the largest consumers of Hass avocados in the world, second only to Mexico. This demonstrates the important national vocation of this fruit and the avocado’s tradition of consumption, consolidating itself as one of the crops that allocates the highest percentage of its production to local consumption,” said Lüttges.

In addition, 90,000 tons of Chilean Hass avocado are expected to be exported, with Europe as the main destination (74%), followed by Latin America (10.9%), Asia (10.2%), and the United States (5.3%).

“In the case of Latin America, Argentina will continue to play a preponderant role, since it has become a great consumer of this fruit considering its nutritional properties and excellent flavor”, adds the president of the Avocado Committee, who also specifies that all these figures will be continuously updated over time, as the season progresses.

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How Agriculture News Can Help Farmers Make Informed Decisions

Just like any other industry in the country, staying up to date with the latest news is the best way to make informed decisions about everything you do for your company and the top stories from agriculture news will shape the way you run everything from farms to technology. Agriculture is very reliant on global demand and it doesn’t matter if you’re raising cattle and hogs or farming wheat, grain, and soybeans. Producers have to have access to research to stay ahead of demand and make plans for their prices to get the most out of everything they sell throughout the year.

That’s why growers from California to Florida need a news source that gives them all the working information they need about every topic from the USDA to what the end consumer is buying for beans and corn. No matter what product you sell, information is always power and it’s the only way to improve our outlook, year after year. The only way for farmers to know what’s in store is to follow the top stories about agriculture and a trusted news source is the only way to get it.

Latest News and Updates

Staying up to date with the latest agriculture news is the only way to make the right decisions and know if your prices will be turning a profit from your cattle, corn, hogs, wheat, grain, or whatever you sell and you never want to go into a year blind. International trade is in a slump and one of the nation’s leading meat sellers is being investigated by the FSIS. That will have far-reaching impacts on cattle and grain and farmers need to know about it and adjust their plans accordingly.

It’s just one more reason that keeping up with the top stories about agriculture is going to affect your prices and give you a roadmap for what’s ahead of you. The more you know about what’s going on with cattle and wheat, the better you’ll be able to sell them and keep your farms working and producing. Growers will also improve their businesses by knowing what’s happening with industry technology and by knowing what’s happening in the news to get the best return on all the work it takes to operate.

Policy and Regulation

Policy and regulation are always at the forefront of the market and knowing what the policy makers are discussing and the regulations that are being considered is the only way to keep our farms running efficiently. Nothing changes a politician’s mind faster than his constituency’s votes and it’s important to make your voice heard by knowing what’s being considered and how it will affect your livelihood. There’s no excuse to let a bad policy get passed when you could have gotten ahead of it and been active in the decision.

Products like corn, wheat, and grain are always on the discussion table and you have the power to change the course of the industry when you’re educated on the facts and top of the news. The sooner you find out about something that will harm farmers, the sooner you can ensure it doesn’t happen. No one else is going to going to keep producers safe, and it doesn’t matter if you’re in California or Maine.

Agribusiness and Markets

As with any business, the market dictates how it functions and it’s important to know what’s in store so you can plan accordingly and get in front of the trends before they happen. You never want to be reactive to any situations that come along, especially when you’re in the agribusiness and your entire livelihood is based on what you can produce during the growing months of your area. Whether it’s soybeans or hogs, what you see and how much you earn on it is dictated by the market and you have to know how it’s trending right now.

It’s not difficult to find out this information and it’s always best to get it as early as you can, which is why you need a source that always has your best interests in mind. The right news platform will give you the information you need without watering it down or adding its spin to the events that shape your life. Once you find that new platform, you’ll be in the best possible position to keep your business growing and flourishing in any climate.

Emerging Trends and Technologies

The emerging technologies and the trends that shape the future of agriculture should be high on your list of information to digest and there’s always a platform ready to let you know everything you need to stay on top of it. Once again, knowledge is power and you need a source of knowledge that lets you know what’s going on and what you should be looking out for as your business evolves. Farmers are a key demographic for other industries and they’re constantly putting out innovations and technologies that can make your job easier.

The only way to get in on the ground floor of the next revolution is to know that it’s coming and what it has to offer you that the competition doesn’t. Global demand informs these innovators on what’s needed but it’s the farms and agriculture that decide if they work or not. Stay on top of the news and you’ll have access to a whole new world of ways to get your product to market.



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Camposol anticipates early volumes for the 2024-25 blueberry season

As the southern hemisphere prepares for its main blueberry season, industry forecasts predict higher volumes compared to the 2023-24 season. However, supplies from Peru are expected to experience delays, with peak arrivals expected around November.

Despite this, Camposol is positioned to be one of the few suppliers that will deliver significant volumes in the early stages of the season.

The company is optimistic about matching last season’s strong performance, with expectations of higher overall volumes and availability extending into February.

Along with offering early volumes in the 2024/25 season, the company said it remains firmly committed to superior quality and sustainability, responding to the growing global demand for responsibly grown fresh produce.

In addition to its established presence in Northern Europe, Camposol is expanding its reach into Southern and Eastern European markets, where growing blueberry consumption is increasing customer interest.

This strategic expansion is aligned with the company’s long-term goal of diversifying its market presence and strengthening its leading position in the global fruit sector.

“We are confident in our ability to deliver on our commitments not only in volume but also in the superior quality that defines Camposol. Our strategic focus and our commitment to innovation allow us to maintain our leadership in the sector. Looking ahead, we are excited about exploring new markets and building lasting relationships with customers seeking premium blueberries with an emphasis on sustainability and responsible production practices,” commented Ricardo Naranjo, Camposol’s interim CEO.

Varietal development program

Camposol’s proprietary variety development program reached its eighth year and began the process of varietal replacement. The company plans to replace almost 50% of all its blueberry fields in the coming years, significantly increasing production capacity to meet growing demand.

Over the next 12 months, with around 200 hectares of new varieties scheduled to be planted, production is expected to start in 2025.


Related article: The uncertainty of the Southern Hemisphere’s blueberry season

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From food waste to fish to leafy greens

A Jade Perch and aquaponics trial with the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), has validated Australian sustainability innovator Food Recycle’s technologies to turn commercial food waste into animal feed. Food Recycle, which is currently crowdfunding via Swarmer to commercialize its circular economy technology and scale up in Australia and New Zealand, says the evidence-based research done by the CSIRO is invaluable in delivering optimum results.

“Food Recycle’s patented process delivers on sustainability, circular economy, and food security outcomes for the global community, so it’s vital that our processes are scientifically validated to achieve the outcomes they are designed for,” says Food Recycle CEO, Norm Boyle.

The trial follows similarly rigorous trials with layer hens, prawns, and barramundi, conducted by CSIRO, Western Sydney University (WSU), and University of New England (UNE), all of which saw favorable results using a food waste diet from Food Recycle’s systems.

“The Swarmer campaign is a unique opportunity for the public to be a part of this sustainability journey and invest in shares in Food Recycle, starting from $250,” says Boyle.

Aquaponics trial
The Jade Perch aquaponics trial was conducted at the CSIRO’s research facility at Bribie Island, Queensland, and led by Dr Ha Truong, CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food Business Researcher. In the trial, Jade Perch was fed a food waste diet, then fish waste was recycled, and the nutrients were used for growing leafy greens.

“We wanted to determine if using more sustainable and local ingredients would be beneficial for the growth of the fish and plants,” said Dr Truong.

“The results of the trial confirmed the technical viability, and showed that upcycling waste produced high-quality foods for the future,” she added.

Click here for the video

A truly circular solution
For every 100kg of food the world produces, 30kg is wasted, according to multiple sources, including the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water. Food Recycle’s mission is to eliminate this food waste problem with circular solutions that also help with food security.

“If the 30kg of wasted food goes through a Food Recycle facility, it can produce 15kg of aquaculture feed. When given to Jade Perch, this creates 10kg of fish, and through aquaponics, it also creates 80kg of leafy greens,” says Boyle.

“This Aussie fish can be farmed around the world. Instead of 30kg of food waste going to landfill, 10kg of fish and 80kg of leafy greens goes back to supermarket shelves – that’s what Food Recycle is all about,” he adds.

For more information:
www.foodrecycle.com



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The Top Seven

These are FreshFruitPortal.com’s top seven stories of the week.


Colombian avocados see triple-digit export growth to U.S.

The Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) announced that the volume of avocado shipments to the U.S. tripled during the first semester of 2024 year-on-year. 

The information is based on a review of the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) Volume Data Dashboard and Category Data Dashboard.


Peruvian Blueberry Association Proarándanos adjusts blueberry exports estimate

The Peruvian Blueberry Growers & Exporters Association (Proarándanos) is forecasting a decrease in blueberry exports this coming season.

In the organization’s latest export projection update, Proarándanos forecasts that during the 2024/25 campaign, fresh blueberry shipments will reach a total volume of 293,841 tons, a 5.3% decrease compared to the June 2023 estimate of 310,317 tons.


Camposol Holdings PLC second quarter results show increase in sales

Peruvian-headquartered Camposol posted an 18% year-on-year increase in sales in the second financial quarter to $182 million despite a decrease in volume sold, interim CEO Ricardo Naranjo said on an earnings call.

Naranjo said this was possible thanks to the company’s “adequate coordination between field operations and distribution companies.


Berries Paradise elects César Ortiz as new CEO

Berries Paradise announced a leadership transition as the company enters what they say is an exciting new chapter. After a decade of successful leadership under Roberto Samano, Berries Paradise extended its gratitude for his invaluable contributions to the company’s growth and success. Roberto’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in establishing Berries Paradise as a leader in the industry.


First day of Kroger and Albertson merger in court

Monday marked the first day of hearings on the Federal Trade Commission’s multi-state lawsuit against Kroger’s acquisition of Albertsons. Both legal teams delivered their opening remarks about the $24.6 billion merger at the U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon. 

Both chains, Kroger and Albertsons, argue that the merger will help them compete against rivals like Costco, Walmart, and Amazon, but the FTC says the merger would result in less competition and even higher grocery prices.


Q&A: The guidelines of the new president of Proarándanos in Peru

Last week, the Association of Producers and Exporters of Blueberries of Peru (Proarándanos) held elections to select the new Board of Directors for the 2024-2026 term.

Miguel Bentín, a representative of Family Farms Perú, was appointed as the new president of Proarándanos. He discussed his management guidelines and industry outlook with FreshFruitPortal.com.


Fresh Del Monte appoints new Innovation and Business Development Director

Vegetable and fruits producer, marketer, and distributor Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. announced the appointment of Dr. Nizar Haddad as Director of Innovation and Business Development at Fresh Del Monte, and General Manager of De l’Ora Bio, a Fresh Del Monte-led partnership with Vellsam Materias Bioactivas.

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Panama Canal updates Transit Reservation System rates

Panama Canal Authority will introduce modifications to the Transit Reservation System rates as part of the Complementary Maritime Services Tariffs.

Adjustments include the new long-term slot allocation (LoTSA) method, a new plan designed to provide “certainty, predictability, and reliability,” the entity said in a release.

The Panama Canal Authority explained that the main objectives of these modifications to the Transit Reservation System rates are to improve the level of service, improve the management of supply and demand, and optimize transit operations.

The fares related to the new LoTSA scheme will be effective September 1, 2024, and adjustments to charges, changes to the fare structure, and the introduction of new fares will be effective January 1, 2025.


Related articles: Panama Canal increases vessel draft to 45 feet ahead of schedule


The modifications were designed to create flexibility in interchange services and quota substitution. In addition, charges are included to discourage last-minute cancellations and provide transit alternatives for vessels that have not obtained a slot and have already arrived in Canal waters. This is to optimize lane capacity and minimize waiting times.

These changes will provide a better customer experience and convenience while ensuring efficient use of Canal resources.

Updated rates can be viewed here.

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Iowa OKs Summit permit, but roadblocks remain to carbon pipeline project

The Iowa Utilities Commission has issued a permit for the main route of Summit Carbon Solutions’ liquid carbon dioxide pipeline through the state, which the company touted as another step toward building the 2,500-mile project next year.

The commission, formerly the Iowa Utilities Board, said conditions included in its earlier final decision and order remain. On June 25, the IUC said Summit cannot start construction until it gets approval for a sequestration site in North Dakota and approval of pipeline routes in that state and South Dakota. It also cannot begin building “trunk or lateral lines to ethanol plants in Minnesota and Nebraska until approvals are granted in those states” the commission said June 25.

The commission dismissed most objections from landowners as “meritless,” but did agree with one issue they raised: The commission said Summit’s “statement of confidence that it should be able to obtain the $100 million insurance policy prior to commencing construction” is not “a filing of proof of insurance as required by the commission. Summit Carbon is still required to file proof of insurance prior to commencing construction.”

The permit is for about 688 miles in Iowa. The company still has more than a dozen applications pending for connections to individual ethanol plants, for which it is is conducting informational meetings.

The company also got a win in state court in North Dakota Wednesday when a Bottineau County District Court Judge dismissed claims by landowners that state laws allowing “pore space amalgamation” are unconstitutional.

“Landowners own the pore space beneath their land, and the pore space storage of CO2 offers the potential for significant additional income to many landowners across the State,” the office of Attorney General Drew Wrigley said in a news release.

The state allows its Industrial Commission “to amalgamate (or pool) the ownership interests in pore space reservoirs when a supermajority of the impacted owners want their interests in the reservoir developed, so long as all owners, including any dissenting minority of owners, receive their equitable share of compensation,” the North Dakota Attorney General’s Office said in a news release. “The vast majority of landowners have voluntarily agreed to have their pore space reservoir interests used for CO2 storage in exchange for appropriate compensation.”

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has three members, the governor, attorney general and state agriculture commissioner. 

Landowners, including the Northwest Landowners Association, brought the lawsuit. The North Dakota Farm Bureau intervened on their side.

Meanwhile, Summit is facing an adverse decision from the South Dakota Supreme Court last week that said the company does not qualify as a “common carrier” and thus cannot exercise eminent domain to secure the rights to its pipeline route.

“[A] pipeline cannot become a common carrier simply by declaring itself to be one,” the court said Aug. 21 in a unanimous decision. It remanded the matter to the circuit court.

Summit reiterated its statement from last week saying it’s “evaluating the South Dakota Supreme Court’s decision and look forward to providing the information requested to the District Court that reaffirms our role as a common carrier, and that CO2 is a commodity.”

Asked if its timeline remained the same, Summit spokesperson Sabrina Zenor said the company still plans to start construction in 2025 and begin operations in 2026. 

For more news, go to www.Agri-Pulse.com.



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APHIS modifies conditions for Sweet Orange scab-quarantine

Effective immediately, the U.S. Departmet of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is revising the conditions for the interstate movement of citrus nursery stock (CNS) and updating the inspection requirements for CNS to be eligible for shipment. This Federal Order also updates the “APHIS-Approved Packinghouse Procedures for Elsinoë australis, Causal Agent of Sweet Orange Scab (SOS)” for the movement of regulated fruit which is maintained on the APHIS sweet orange scab webpage

Specifically, this Federal Order establishes the requirements that allow CNS grown and maintained outdoors or not grown and maintained in an APHIS-approved structure in SOS-quarantined areas to be moved through commercial citrus-producing areas not quarantined for SOS under a limited permit. Additionally, these conditions allow movement to non-contiguous SOS-quarantined areas under a limited permit.

Previously, APHIS allowed CNS grown and maintained outdoors or not grown and maintained in an APHIS-approved structure in SOS-quarantined areas to be moved only to non-commercial citrus-producing areas with a limited permit and did not allow the movement of CNS to non-contiguous quarantine areas. To be eligible for such movement, the nursery must enter into a compliance agreement with APHIS that specifies the conditions for movement, including that material must be safeguarded during transit. This amendment expands market access for citrus nursery growers while sufficiently mitigating the risk of disseminating SOS to areas outside the quarantined area through the movement of CNS.


Related articles: California is now free of fruit fly


This Federal Order also modifies the requirements to ship CNS from an APHIS-approved structure in an SOS-quarantined area under a certificate to align with the CNS protocol found on the APHIS citrus diseases webpage, which provides standards and requirements for the interstate movement of CNS from areas quarantined for citrus pests and pathogens. APHIS is updating the inspection requirements for CNS to be eligible for shipment. Specifically, this Federal Order removes the requirement for a pre-shipment inspection, establishes the requirement for three consecutive monthly negative inspection cycles within a 90-day period, and clarifies the language related to monthly inspection cycles.

Additionally, to consolidate requirements for the movement of all regulated articles from SOS quarantine areas, this Federal Order adds a section that references the requirements for the movement of rutaceous leaves for consumption. The “Protocol for the Interstate Movement of Fresh, Mature Rutaceous Leaves for Consumption” can be found on the APHIS citrus diseases webpage.

Furthermore, this Federal Order adds necessary language informing stakeholders that descriptions of all areas quarantined for SOS will be published on the APHIS sweet orange scab webpage. After such a change is made, APHIS will notify State, Territory, and Tribal Plant Regulatory Officials about the change and describe the changes.

Finally, APHIS is updating the APHIS-Approved Packinghouse Procedures for SOS for the movement of regulated fruit. After a review of the efficacy of sodium hypochlorite treatments, APHIS is modifying the required pH range for the sodium hypochlorite solution to 5.5 to 7.0 (previously 6.0 to 7.5) to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. This change aligns with the requirements listed in the APHIS Domestic Treatment Manual for citrus canker. If any further changes are made to the packinghouse procedures, the Administrator will notify State, Territory, and Tribal regulatory authorities that a change has occurred and describe the changes to the document.

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