January/February 2021 - 26

THE PULSE
INDUSTRY
INSIDER
Lettuce tops certified organic production list
The USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
released its latest survey of national organic food production
in October. The first organic survey was initiated in 2008 and
was conducted as part of the Census of Agriculture as a special
study. The 2008 and 2014 surveys collected data from certified
and exempt organic operations, while all other surveys (including
the 2011 and 2019 surveys) collected data only from certified
organic operations.
The 2019 survey revealed area devoted to fresh and processing
vegetables certified as organic has increased 90% since 2011.
California (60% of organic area), Washington (7%), Arizona (4%),
Oregon (4%) and Wisconsin (3%), were the top five states in terms
of organic vegetable area.
Lettuce, tomatoes and spinach were the top three certified
vegetables in terms of acres harvested. The number of farms
producing certified organic vegetables increased 65% between
2011 and 2019 with farm numbers rising in most states. Texas
was the only state with at least 1,000 acres in certified organic
vegetables to register a reduction in farms.
Lettuce (of all types) replaced tomatoes as the top certified
organic vegetable in 2019 in terms of both volume and value
of sales. Lettuce has been the sales leader among organic
vegetables for several years, but tomatoes had long been the
volume leader. This largely reflects the enduring popularity of
bagged salad mixes which has driven growth in romaine and leaf
lettuces in general. About one-tenth of U.S. lettuce area is now
sold as certified organic.
Organic culture has become an important factor in the
spinach industry. Approximately 70,000 acres of spinach is
harvested in the U.S. under all forms of crop culture. Based on
the 2019 organic survey, about one-third of this acreage is now
certified as organic. This compares with about 15% of cauliflower,
11-12% of carrots and celery, 5% of sweet potatoes and 3% of
tomato area.
Driven by rising interest in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and
Indian foods, consumption and production of chickpeas (garbanzo
beans) has been trending higher. As a result, over 6,000 acres
were reported to be certified organic in 2019. Certified organic
garbanzo beans, which were grouped with dry beans in 2011 but
are now reported separately, had sales of $7 million in 2019.
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during the pandemic. Less than six months later, the fast-food
giant is walking back on that decision.
Citing widespread outcry from consumers, Taco Bell announced
in mid-January that it's bringing potatoes, including its popular
Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes and Spicy Potato Soft Taco, back to its
menu starting March 11.
Feedback from consumers included a wave of social media
posts and online petitions on sites, such as change.org.
Taco Bell's Global Chief Food Innovation Officer Liz Matthews
told Business Insider she felt she heard from " everybody in the
entire country " regarding the removal of potatoes from
the menu.
In addition, Taco Bell is teaming with Beyond Meat to create a
plant-based protein for further menu options in the future.
Triangle debuts new VFFS bagger
Triangle Package Machinery Company recently announced its
new Delta vertical form fill seal (VFFS) bagger.
The Delta bagger is easy to operate and offers quick and easy
changeovers of forming tubes, film rolls and sealing jaws. With
numerous smart technology features, such as IO Link enabled
sensors, it's designed to grow with businesses as technology evolves.
The Delta VFFS bagger can run up to 100 bags per minute,
including pillow, gusseted, flat bottom, and EZ Stand bags. It's
rugged, sanitary design
features a stainless steel
frame and a pivoting control
box that allows access from
all sides, making washdown
and maintenance simple
and efficient.
With many end users
facing such challenges as a
reduced workforce and less
skilled operators, the Delta
bagging machine includes
key features that include:
* PLC recipes control
sensors and actuators for easy and consistent setup
* Optional RFID log-in for controlled access
* Rockwell Automation CompactLogix PLC
* Pneumatic valves located for visibility during operation and
easy access for maintenance
Taco Bell to bring back potatoes, partner with
Beyond Meat
In August 2020, Taco Bell opted to eliminate potatoes from its
menu in order to reduce SKUs and speed up service for drive-thru
26 JANUARY/ FEBRUARY 2 021
* Optional split control box for access to low voltage hardware
without disconnecting power
* Designed and built in the U.S.
The Delta intermittent motion bagger can be integrated with a
combination weigher, auger, cup filler or liquid pump.
http://www.produceprocessing.net http://www.change.org
January/February 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of January/February 2021
