Archive for the ‘Peach Growers’ Category

The Gap Between Farmers and Consumers

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009

While working on a summer long project called PPNTV, we had a chance to talk to Organic stone fruit grower Vern Peterson. PPNTV is a collection of videos from California peach, plum and nectarine growers. They want to help bridge the gap between producers and consumers.  California grows 70% of the nations peaches and not all of the growers have the ability to participate in farmers market programs outside of the San Joaquin Valley. They still understand however, that special connection consumers and growers have at the farmers market.

So, in that same spirit, California peach growers want to give their consumers the opportunity to start a dialogue. Comments on www.IHeartPeaches.com or on the growers PPNTV page on YouTube or Vimeo will get back to the growers - they grow with the consumer in mind and would love to hear from them.

Vern Peterson - Consumer Disconnect From Farmers from PPN TV on Vimeo.

A Refreshing Take on a Dirty List

Monday, September 14th, 2009

In this article from townhall.com the author Angela Logomasini shares her thoughts about the health benefits of, amongst other things, peaches. The article starts with reference to a Good Morning America segment that aired recently that featured the E.W.G.’s “Dirty Dozen” list. While the “Dirty Dozen” list isn’t new it was refreshing to see that Angela’s response wasn’t typical. (A typical response is reposing the list and telling people that eating peaches is bad for you)

She cited research from the Harvard School of Public Health and quoted researcher Dr. Luis Cisneros Texas A&M University:

Cisneros notes: “Stone fruits are super fruits with plums as emerging stars.” In fact, studies conducted by Cisneros and Bryne find anti-oxidants in plums are as high as those found in blueberries, which are usually touted as the number one source for these cancer-fighting chemicals. Peaches and nectarines also tested quite high in for anti-oxidant value. Cisneros and Bryne are developing a red-skinned peach that could prove even more beneficial.”

Along with Angela’s research findings there is more research that puts the “Dirty Dozen” list in terms we can better understand. California peach growers along with other groups of farmers have soon to be published research balancing the argument.

Excerpt from their findings: Dr. Robert Krieger, a toxicologist with the Personal Chemical Exposure Program, University of California, states that if you consider the highest residues found from the past three years, a child, a teen or an adult would have to eat 400 to nearly 16,000 servings a day to reach the science based no effect level. The no effect level simply means that you still won´t see any negative health effects, even after consuming those extreme amounts of fruit.



California Stone Fruit Industry Book

Thursday, August 27th, 2009

The book titled “The Perfect Fruit: Good Breeding, Bad Seeds, and the Hunt for the Elusive Pluot” is a look into the California stone fruit industry, its breeders, farmers, history and commerce, its controversies and intrigue.

Click here to buy the book on Amazon

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C. William “Bill” Chandler

Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009

 

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Bill attended UC Davis where he majored in Ag Economics, and is a strong proponent of education and ag research. He believes it is vital that the farming industry remains strong, so that good food can be provided for future generations.

Bill is a third-generation grower, producing peaches, plums and nectarines on his own land for his farm, Chandler farms in Selma, California (Better know as the raisin capital of the world.) He is continuing the family farming tradition begun by his grandfather in 1888; he even lives in the same house that he was raised in.  

Bill prefers his peaches right off the tree because it’s high in sugar and versatile enough to enjoy in many ways. 

Organic Peach Grower in LA Times

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Anxiety, fear , and frustration are some of the feelings Organic peach grower David Mas Masumoto described in this LA Times article. Masumoto grows over 80-acres of organic peaches in California’s San Joaquin Valley.  In the article  he shared some of his emotions and  experiences with the land he goes through every year while tending his orchards. Masumoto is a third generation Japanese / America artist – farmer who has a unique approach to educating people about his family farm. Along with literary works like his book Epitaph for a Peach, his farm annually hosts a peach tree adoption program. Every year the public has the opportunity to adopt an Elberta peach tree. Masumoto and his group tend to the trees for the year, including pruning, irrigation and pest control. When it comes to harvest, whomever has adopted the tree is responsible for harvesting the fruit themselves. It’s a unique way to get connected with the land, promote responsibly ag practices and get your hands on some tasty certified organic peaches.

 


Bob and Karen Reimer

Monday, May 11th, 2009

 

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It’s  important to get to know who grows your food even if you can’t get in the car and come to an orchard. As third-generation grower/packer, Bob established his own farming business in 1978. He and his wife, Karen, live on the ranch where they grow California peaches, plums and nectarines, and where she is involved in the financial operation of the business. Bob picks his fruit at the peak of flavor and nutritional value, carefully placing each piece in a tote which is gentle on the fruit and prevents bruising and blemishes. Peaches still have to be picked by hand due to their delicate nature. Bob and Karen take real pride in being California peach, plum and nectarine growers.

When it comes to favorite fruits, Bob is a fan of  O’Henry peaches  as well as Red Roy nectarines. Karen loves Diamond Bright nectarines right off the tree, and also enjoys O’Henry peaches sliced onto just about anything!