Wal-Mart to lower produce prices, Really

The largest retailer of fresh produce, Wal-Mart, recently announced that it will lower the price of its produce in order to increase sales volume.  Anyone familiar with the Wal-Mart business model might question how this will be done without putting additional pressure on the growers who in some cases are already being squeezed too hard anyway.  Even more important than where and how lower prices can be accomplished by not hurting growers is:  Why do prices have to be lowered at all!

 Sometimes people and companies get into situations where they believe that lowering the price of items they are selling will increase the volume of those sales. Sure that makes sense to many, the lower the price the better opportunity that someone will choose your product over the competition. However, what if by lowering the price all you end up doing is forcing your suppliers out of business or to the brink of closing their doors when you don’t even need to lower your prices in the first place? What you really need to do is educate the customer on why buying the particular product at current price levels is already a value.

 So why will Wal-Mart lower their prices?  First, it is their business model to be the lowest priced in all categories sold.  Second, because the suppliers will allow the reduction. Third, because the publicity that lowered prices will bring simply brings in more customers regardless of the actual price. I understand all of these reasons, but because I support local growers I would much rather see Wal-Mart use their purchasing power to educate the consumer on the value of buying produce at fair prices.

For example, at my local supermarket and at many across the US one can buy a 10lb bag of fresh potatoes for $ 2.99 or less. The same $ 2.99 can buy a 12 oz bag of potato chips.  That makes fresh potatoes .29 cent per lb and the processed chips $ 3.98 per pound!  (By the way the grower is lucky to get .05 per pound).The value difference is beyond comparison although some may say I am not comparing apples to apples so-to-speak.  The real point is where can you pay .29 per lb for any type of nutritional food? It is already a value when comparing to other food sources.

 If that is the case then why do you have to lower the price more? It seems to be that what’s really needed is to educate the consumer more on the values of fresh produce as compared to other food products and as a by product, the growers will not have to lower prices that are already making it difficult for many of them to survive. Really, Wal-Mart? You’re lowering your produce prices why?  If Wal-Mart wants better publicity, why not show their customers they can help your family stay healthy, eat less expensively, and help local growers by buying Wal-Mart produce?   Or isn’t that as sexy as just lowering a price?

In a recent report food-borne illnesses, such as E. coli and salmonella, cost the United States $152 billion annually in healthcare and other losses. These types of bacteria sicken approximately 76 million people each year.  I believe our future may see even more of this issue with even more people dying and/or sickened by food-borne illness. There is a pleasant New Years thought!

Today’s economic pressures require food-producing companies to charge us less money for the products we eat.  If they do not continue to give us better value for their products, the public is choosing to purchase less expensive alternatives. This is one reason we continue to see a rise in the use of private store labels and generic labeled products. It has also helped to increase the profits for retail discount companies. This economic pressure pushes some food manufacturing companies to seek more cost efficient ways to increase production, which sometimes causes them to take liberties with food safety. (Or at least not to invest in the most recent technologies in food safety procedures)  I predict we will see more food related illness as the economic pressures continue and the American people continue to eat more (see my blog “You are Fat but good news so is your neighbor”). 

What can we do to prevent this from happening? Should we eat more organically grown and raised products? The government is considering legislation that would require more inspections of manufacturers and give the FDA new power to make recalls. I do not necessarily advocate either of these courses although there is nothing wrong with eating organically grown foods (that is another blog), but I do believe more government spending may not have a positive effect. Inspectors take samples and can only see a few things at any given time. Approximately 10 percent of an entire lot of any product is inspected, what about the other 90 percent?  In many cases food borne illnesses are not apparent until someone actually gets sick.  

Take responsibility for what goes in your mouth. This means not only the calories you intake but what products you are eating. Do some basic research on the food companies’ products you commonly consume. The internet is a great resource; look for food safety methods utilized, product methods, and send emails to the companies if you have questions.  (If they fail to answer your questions that should raise some red flags about their products) With fresh produce, (here comes the plug), buying local produce would allow you to ask the farmer how he raises the product and what food safety methods they use.  Most of the time new and more extensive food safety methods cost the producers more money. When you compare what products your family eats, maybe good food safety practices should take priority over price. Yes, you may pay more to be safe!

Keep in mind that even if you do all the right things, there is no guarantee that you or your family won’t get sick from the foods you choose, but making wise choices lessens the chances significantly.  The good news is that our bodies produce defenses against most of these bacteria so our own immune systems keep many of the germs from bothering us at all and if you do get sick, it will probably be mild and short.  AND MAYBE YOU DO GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR.

Local is as trendy as eating apple pie!

I just read an editorial in “The Packer”, a produce newspaper, www.thepacker.com, by Mr. Andy Nelson entitled ““Local” might lose its trendy sheen”. Yes I have a horse in the local produce ring (www.findlocalproduce.net) but I must disagree with Mr. Nelson and others that say the local produce movement is only a trend and will lose it strength like organic fruits and macro diets.  Yes, the local produce movement is hotter now but consumers and retailers across the country have been promoting locally grown produce for many years because they have found for many of their customers it is a way of life.  And we all know, the customer is king! 

I understand the argument that the cost for producing the commodities and transporting them to marketplace maybe about the same for locally grown produce. I contend food miles are not always measured in the same way. Not all costs are measure in dollars and cents.  There are other cost measurements to consider like, environmental saving, freshness of product, and shelf life. Some measurements are even harder to quantify like being a good neighbor and supporting local businesses as they support you.  But the most important measurement is the judgment of the general public.  Consumers have chosen for many years to buy local produce for a simple measurement, it tastes better and lasts longer. A lot of things have changed in America, but most of the time it is because there is rational reason to make the changes. Change for the sake of changing, excuse the pun, can simply be fruitless! Trends change, basic ways of life continue.  

Is it trendy to be a good neighbor?  I contend most people’s behavior is based on history and the best measurement of future behavior is past history.  If this indicator is correct the local produce movement will continue to be strong. .At the end of the day everyone has to decide for themselves, trend or not.  Since our independence Americans have decided to do the right thing for the right reason which has been why the USA has always been the land of the free and brave. So, like being an American, I choose the trend of baseball and apple pie. Local apple pie!

The Fox should be in the Hen House

I have written blogs before about how important I feel it is to continuing to up the ante on this nation’s food safety.  I am not advocating governmental invention in all issues but I do think when basic survival needs of the general public are concerned, like food, air, and water, laws must be in place to protect the general public. So now it IS time to have the fox in the hen house.

The latest egg crisis is making the food safety issue a hot item again.  Despite bipartisan support and the House of Representatives passing a 2009 version of new legislation, the Senate has stalled any revisions to our antiquated food safety rules. Can you believe that some FDA regulated facilities can go a decade or more without food safety inspections? How about that recalls on food products are voluntary to the manufactures and that that valuable time is wasted as federal regulators negotiate with the manufactures before the public can be notified. Yes, I think the government should have more power to suspend or shut down plants that have poor safety records. Indeed we would all benefit from the ability to better track food borne illness and stop or slow them down before they spread. 

As we continue to spinning our wheels about how to create jobs I am willing to pay a little more money for the foods I eat if I know that the government has put more people to work inspecting the places they are manufactured, processed and packaged.  Charge me the extra couple pennies on the dozen eggs if it requires manufactures to hire new employees to implement new and better food safety regulations in order to meet higher federally enforced food safety standards. I don’t mind paying for the fox to be in the hen house if at the end of the day we have to pay our health and peace of mind and know that the foods we eat will be safer.    

Bad news you are fat, Good news you are not alone.

I really like President Obama’s and the First Lady’s initiatives to work on the problem of child obesity in the United States.  Current statistics indicate that our population, including our children, have become a society of obese people. About two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight, and almost one-third are obese, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 to 2004. www.win.niddk.nih.gov. One can argue the specific definition of being overweight but you cannot argue that when you look around in a public setting  most people you see could lose several pounds and in most cases many pounds. Children model their parents and people in the United States are overweight.  

We all know the problems that can develop from being overweight and since I am not a medical doctor, just a PHD (Produce Handler Deluxe,) this blog advocates the use of fruits and vegetables to reduce calorie intake which is the direct cause of weight increases. Although we know that exercise is great for many reasons do not be fooled! A normal 30 minutes of exercise burns about 300 calories, just about the same amount found in a can of soda pop. I am not saying do not exercise, but I am saying that if you want to control weight or lose weight you must put less in your mouth! 

One of the many benefits of eating fruits and vegetables is that they are filling while giving you nutritional value. Yes they have calories too, but using fruits and vegetables to replace empty nutritional foods will help us, particularly our kids, to curb out of control appetites. When I was a kid there was nothing appealing about eating fruits and vegetables, but today the produce industry has focused marketing on producing many kid-friendly items. (www.fruitandveggiegru.com/extrasection/produceandkids). 
 

Now the plug for local produce. Although I am advocating for all produce, local or not, I think that buying local produce to help provide a balanced diet is the socially responsible thing to do. While teaching your children how to eat nutritionally balanced diets, why not instruct them on living in a friendlier environment? The nature of local produce, using less miles to get to the end users, reduces bio-carbons in our environment. We all know in these economic times it is important to teach your kids how to get value out of products, budgeting, and basic general economics. One applicable lesson is to teach them that buying produce from local growers helps stimulate the local economy and generate positive effects for your family and them. 

So while I applaud our President and First Lady’s attempts to help us lose weight, I would rather congratulate you and your children for supporting the local produce movement.       

How can we save the People of Haiti? FRUIT?

If you have read any of my blogs, particularly “Attention Congress”, here is a simple plan for creating jobs and you will once again be reminded that I advocate teaching people how to grow food. Why? Some of the simplest reasons are –you will not have to buy as much, it provides a sense of accomplishment to eat what you raise, plus it is generally good for the environment and economy, not to mention healthier the closer your food consumption is to bringing it in from the field. One of the more complex theories is that by growing foodstuffs an entire country may be able to pick itself up from the devastating throws of natural disasters and be able to become self sufficient, a basic microcosm of what I would like to see us do in the United States. So let’s try it in Haiti.

I have read a number of articles that suggest the only way that Haiti will ever be able to recover from the earthquake is through continual support from other world countries. Here is a different twist. Even though many of world’s countries have pledged a total of billions of dollars of support to Haiti after the earthquake, only about 3-5 % has actually released the funds pledged to Haiti. If they are like me maybe they want to send money and aid, but are reluctant without an infrastructure in place to get the funds to the end users. Perhaps they are concerned the donations are being misused and more importantly, wasted. I am not advocating withholding aid. I suggest a two prong attack to this problem that will likely be ongoing for many more years. First, work on a sound infrastructure. I suggest the United Nations set up a logistics model with the Haitian government that can be utilized no matter which political party is in power. While this infrastructure is being put in place we teach the Haitian people how to utilize their greatest assets, that being growing and marketing of fruit. Specifically coffee is their number one export and mangoes, their number two cash crop.

After the January 12th earthquake in Haiti former Presidents Bush and Clinton have been charged with managing a fund to help rebuilt Haiti. They have met with a number of mango growers and President Clinton has been quoted as saying that he is confident that mangoes will help the country grow into prosperity and they are trying to get a grant for half a million dollars to help these 25,000 mango growers. I believe they are on the right course of action to affect long term economic stability in this country. Although I agree with this course of action I am concerned that without the proper infrastructure in place, specifically transportation logistics and proper farming techniques, this initiative will be unfruitful (no pun intended).

As an advocate of local produce I love the fact that fruit could be the economic stimulus to help Haiti recover and rebuild itself. I caution us to make sure tools are in place to make this a success. Maybe if this model of turning lemons in lemonade works in earthquake ruined Haiti it could be applied to economically stricken areas of the United States. I wonder and hope and ask us all why not.

Special Night, Special Place in Savannah Georgia-Noble Fare

To begin it was my sixth wedding anniversary so we made reservations at one of our favorite places to eat in Savannah, GA. When we started this site we told you that we would review various restaurants that we visit in an effect to support those that try to feature local produce. Today let me tell you a little about Noble Fare, located at 321 Jefferson St. Savannah, Ga. 912-443-3210 www.noblefare.com. We believe that Chef/owner, Patrick McNamara, has found the perfect formula for a successful eating establishment.

Maybe it is because Patrick was born and raised in my hometown Cleveland, Ohio, where food is nearly as sacred as the fan support for the city’s sports teams. Or maybe it was the fact that when Patrick was 18 and his birthday present from his parents was luggage to start his life, he chose to eventually find his way to Savannah. Or maybe it was his education at Johnson and Wales Culinary Arts. Whatever the combination, Patrick has poured his experience and creativity into his food at Noble Fare.

Last evening we ate from the seven course tasting menu, but before I describe some of the food let me mention the other important ingredients I feel a good restaurant should have. First the ambience-It’s edgy yet serene, with a black ceiling, deep red drapes, crystal chandelier lighting, great wall covering. It’s intimate and romantic/cozy with seating for somewhere around 30, but also has a full bar with a few seats available as well. The waiter that served us was attentive and not overbearing, but most importantly he knew what he was serving, how it was prepared and communicated to us in a very articulate fashion – a perfect compliment to the food itself.

Because it was a special day for us we let Chef Patrick make his own food selections for our 7 course tasting menu. This is always available to the public with or without wine pairings. I cannot recall all the specific items, but we had offerings of scallops, heirloom tomatoes, duck, steak, raw tuna, sorbet and an egg-less custard dessert. Each one seemed better than the last not only in taste, but in artistic presentation. Chef’s combinations of sauces combined all the taste sensations. Many of the dishes utilized local vegetables from various parts of Georgia. After speaking with Chef Patrick he told me he tries to incorporate as many local items in his meals as he can, but wishes he had more to choose from around the Savannah area.

For me it was a very special meal that I got to share with my most special person. My wife and I walked away with great memories of what will be thought of as one of the very best dinner experiences we’ve ever had! Thank you, Chef Patrick, for supporting local produce and giving us a memorable evening.

Attention: Congress here is a simple plan for creating new jobs
As my father got older he told me that he was sorry that I would not be getting any large inheritance but that because he taught me to be to a salesman I would never go hungry. I have eaten pretty well and believe similarly that we need to teach people how to fish (so to speak) instead of giving them fish. Congress is looking for ways to create jobs in all the wrong places-lets build bridges to nowhere, give money to small business people that don’t know anything about business and invest in alternative energy that has questionable applications. Here is MY plan-I prefer teaching people how to farm for food so they can eat today and tomorrow.
I guess I am a dumb produce guy but I need some help to understand what Congress does. They pass farm subsidies that pay farmers not to grow crops because if they over- produce their, prices will go down and then they cannot make a fair living. What if the same farmers produce their crops and get government funds to help employ people that help with increased crop production as well as teach the process of farming at the same time? Too many crops? We don’t have any hungry or starving people in the United States of America? (The USDA says in 2008 we have about 49 million people, 32 million adults and 17 million children, that don’t get enough food or as they call it, are food insecure). In addition, we have a humungous trade deficit and maybe we could trade food to help reduce it. Can’t someone figure out a way to feed the 13 percent of the world population that is starving to death today? (Yes, I am angry!)
So after the economic recovery and I do believe we will recover, what will we have accomplished if we continue with the present Congressional ideas: We taught people to build bridges where they are not needed, we subsidized small business people but have not taught them how to run them successfully, and cannot figure out how to use wind power to run our I-Pods that our ever successful car manufactures put into their redesigned 10 mile per gallon SUV that our 16-year-old children need to drive back and forth to school in. I would much rather teach people how to farm so that in good times or bad they can feed themselves and maybe me and you too.
I know some Democrats will take exception to this plan because it is too simple and I left out how we are supposed to create jobs for the people that are allergic to work; besides the Republicans may like it. And some Republicans will take exception to this plan because it is too simple and anything too simple costs a lot of money and besides, the Democrats may like it. Here is a novel idea! How about you guys in Congress find something to NOT DISAGRREE (yes two negatives are a positive so to AGREE) on that helps the people of the UNITED STATES of AMERICA!

Who wants these Jobs anyway?

Like many of you I have been following the laws that Arizona has passed concerning illegal immigrants. I am particularly interested in the outcome of these laws as it will affect the work force in the produce industry. I know that I don’t have all the answers to these difficult issues, but I do know many of the jobs that these illegal immigrants perform are not wanted by the general population of our country.

Have you ever been to a working farm and watched the workers harvesting the crops in the fields? This is back breaking labor that even most USA citizens that have been unemployed for years would not perform. Bending down all day in the heat and sun to pick up several pounds of watermelon, hand picking crops, or harvesting with dangerous implements in a variety of inclement conditions isn’t for the faint at heart. So if not them then whom, who will harvest these crops and how much more would the growers have to pay to bring them to market if these illegal immigrants don’t do the work.

One might says they don’t care, it doesn’t affect them. We all eat and most of us eat fruits and vegetables of some kind or another. If costs rise to remove crops from the field and growers pay more, then the end users, you and I, pay more. Not only would cost go up but the entire logistics for the harvests of these crops will become a nightmare as workers will be harder to find.

Yes, I believe that when people come to this country legally or illegally that they, like the generations of immigrants before them, should assimilate into the US culture. I am not advocating for them to lose their cultural identity, but I am saying that if the country is good enough to provide you with a job to support your family then one should at least learn the predominant language and expect to pay taxes. Before we say all these immigrants need to leave, one should ask what jobs are they performing here, are they taking them away from US citizens and what are the long term ramifications? Whatever side of the immigration fence you fall on (pun intend) let’s answer the question –who wants these jobs anyhow?

Big Deal No Oil

I was listening to a TV show last night and they were forecasting what the world might be like if there was no oil. Since I only heard the end of the show my take on what it may be like should not be considered a synopsis of those ideas. My projections are not based on facts, just hypotheses and wishes. Here they are:

1. There would be a lot less pollution as cars and factories are the major cause of air pollutions and would be limited to other forms of cleaner methods to operate.
2. Bicycles, trains and maybe walking would replace cars and air transportation-more manual power might cause us to be healthier with the exercise it would force upon us.
3. Food sources would be local-most people would grow their own food as there would be no way to transport it hundreds or thousands of miles to the end users.
4. More interpersonal communication-power plants would be a premium and TV’s, cell phones and computers might be the exception and replaced with one-on-one communication, a written letter, or ones own creative mind to entertain one other. Who knows! Families might spend more quality time together!
5. Other sources of power would have to be really developed instead of just given lip service during a high price market or part of a political platform. Solar, wind, bio- fuels and new methods would power us.
6. I mentioned less pollution, but what about no oil leaks and resultant damage to the environment due to our own greed of consumption?
7. Peace in the Middle East- Maybe if the economic advantages that oil brings to a country were now off the table, parties fighting in the Middle East could actually sit down and find a lasting peace.

Well like I said, each of these are guesses and wishes, but why can’t they be real? Why can’t we start today to grow and support our local food sources? Most people used to have their own gardens. Now we can have those and community type farms. No oil? No big deal! As a mater of fact it seems to me to be a safer, healthier, simpler and better way of life. What do you think?