The last OSC CMC member who voted against the Ocean Spray Non-block
Feds to buy sauce
8/29/00 (see update below) The USDA announced Monday that
it's buying 5.5 million pounds* of sauce from Ocean Spray at a cost of $2
million for the school lunch program.
George Chartier, USDA spokesman, stated in an AP article "What
we're hoping to do is to work with schools to introduce students to the
idea of cranberry sauce, as not merely a seasonal treat around the
holidays, but as a year-around source of nutrients.''
In the same article, Ocean Spray's Chris Phillips said "Every
bit helps, the real onus is on companies like Ocean Spray and others to
juice up demand on our own through product development efforts.''
*8/30/00 Updated Ed. Note: Ocean Spray reports that the government is purchasing approximately 8.3 million pounds of product, or the equivalent of about 24,600 bbls. of cranberries.
While this figure may sound impressive to the uninformed, it really represents the production of just one mid-sized cranberry grower. However, the purchase of sauce for school lunch programs is being touted by the USDA and this gives needed publicity both to the plight of the growers and the health benefits of cranberries. Today (Wednesday), on the National Public Radio Program, Here and Now , Enrique Figueroa was interviewed (click to listen). He made a point of explaining how children can be introduced to cranberry sauce as a year round food, and they in turn can encourage their parents to buy sauce for meals at home. So, while the impact of this purchase on the surplus is minimal, the eventual benefit is likely to be realized in increased sales.
8/30/00: Cranberry settlement faces review,
from the Trenton Times
"Federal regulators are
reviewing the state's recent settlement with a Burlington County
cranberry grower, who is charged with destroying wetlands in the
Pine Barrens, to determine if the "punishment fits the
crime," a spokeswoman for the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency said yesterday."
HERE
Cranberry Marketing Committee August meeting
8/29/00 The Cranberry Marketing Committee had its August meeting in Plymouth, Mass. on Monday (8/28/00). Rumors that there would be a last ditch effort to have the marketing order rescinded proved to be unfounded.
In the morning approximately thirty-seven guests were in attendance. The afternoon saw more than half of them leave. Several cranberry growers came from Wisconsin, Oregon and New Jersey to participate. There was ample opportunity to make statements and engage in discussion with the committee from the floor. There were also animated discussions in the hallways and at the back of the room during breaks.
The CMC assessment to grower was increased from $ .06 a bbl to $ .08 with no debate.
While there was some acrimony between factions, in general there was a spirit of cooperation. No one handler dominated the meeting and there seemed to be genuine consensus on all major issues.
Appeals
Promotion and a controversy
Amendments and a new proposal
Cranberry Institute presentation
Committee
pictures
New Web site: Plymouth County Conservation District (PCCD)