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Argentina: Syngenta Brussels sprouts varieties recommended to achieve compliance with quality requirements
A protocol specifies the characteristics to be observed in Brussels spouts during the entire process from production to commercialisation.
The Argentinean Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries has recently approved a new quality protocol with which Brussels sprouts will have to comply in order to obtain the “Argentine Food a Natural Choice” seal.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
India: Increase in cauliflower and cabbage production in 2008/09 season
The acreage assigned to both cabbage and cauliflower crops showed an upward trend in the 3-year period from 2006 to 2009
Indian cauliflower production totalled 6.6 million tonnes during the 2008/09 season, an increase of 9.9% in comparison with the previous season, when 5.9 million tonnes were harvested, according to data released by the Horticulture division of the Indian Ministry of Agriculture.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Spain: Cabbage production decreased 22% between 2000 and 2007
Cauliflower production fell 8% during the same period
In 2000, a total of 308,710 tonnes of cabbage were harvested in Spain, but in 2007 production had decreased 22% to 239,973 tonnes, according to data from “Frutas y Hortalizas en España” (Fruit and Vegetables in Spain), the latest report published by Fundación Cajamar.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
France: Cauliflower and broccoli imports up 2.3% in the first 4 months of 2010
86.6% of imports came from Spain
French cauliflower and broccoli imports increased in volume in the first 4 months of this year, compared with the same period of 2009. A total of 17,196 tonnes was registered, 2.3% more than the 16,810 tonnes imported in the same period one year earlier, according to data provided by French Customs.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Syngenta’s first “Whole Crop Agronomy Open Day” held in the UK
New varieties of broccoli, together with renowned varieties of cauliflower and Brussels sprouts, were presented at the event.
Syngenta staged its first Whole Crop Agronomy Open Day in the UK on 15 June. The event, hosted by the Processors and Growers Research Organisation (PGRO) at its headquarters near Peterborough, aimed to give practical agronomy advice, as well as show innovative production systems.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Red, purple or blue fruits and vegetables may prevent cancer
EC research studies the impact of F&V pigments on human health
Anthocyanins, the pigments responsible for the red, blue and purple colour of several fruits and vegetables, could be highly beneficial to human health. A research project christened the Athena Project has been developed by the European Commission to investigate further in this field.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Amazon to offer F&V in Germany and UK
The aim is to offer buyers an efficient and convenient service
Since 1 July, Germans have been able to buy their fruits and vegetables from a new portal launched by the German branch of the international online distributor Amazon.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Americans are encouraged to eat more F&V to combat obesity
Report promotes a plant-based diet & physical activity to improve health
June 2010 saw the release of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee’s Report, which will form the basis of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans published by the USDA and HHS to promote nutrition education activities among the American population. This year’s publication emphasises an urgent need for American society to consume more fruits and vegetables if the goals of changing unhealthy eating patterns and reducing obesity are to be achieved.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Cabbage exports from China increased by 757% between 1997 and 2007
China, Indonesia, Syria and Uzbekistan have been the top Asian cabbage exporters since 1997
China was the top Asian cabbage exporter between 1997 and 2007, shipping a total of 278,000 tonnes in 2007. This country was also the leading cabbage producer in Asia over this period, recording a volume of 37 million tonnes in 2008, according to data from the Statistics Division of the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN (FAOSTAT).
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
EU: European Commission approves 19 programmes to promote agriculture
“EU programmes of this sort can really help our producers in an increasingly competitive world”
The programmes were approved in 14 Member States (Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom) to provide information on and to promote agricultural products in the European Union.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Australia: Analysis of top 5 fresh vegetable import sources and export destinations
The Middle East is gaining in importance as a destination for fresh vegetable exports, with the United Arab Emirates becoming the third most important market in 2008-2009
According to Ausveg data, in 2008-2009, Australia’s leading import sources of fresh vegetables were China, New Zealand, the United States, Peru and Mexico. With respect to exports, the most important destinations were Japan, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, New Zealand and Malaysia.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Spain: 62.8% of Spanish population planned their shopping in 2009
50% of the Spanish population prepared a list and kept to it when shopping in 2009, 1.4% more than in 2006
Shopping frequency remained stable during the period from April 2009 to March 2010, as did the number of items bought on each shopping trip, according to the consultancy group Kantar Worldpanel. It was also found that shoppers are becoming more sensitive to price.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Oman: Government aims to promote greenhouse technologies
Due to its climate and scarce water supplies, Oman has considerable potential for greenhouse farming
In a bid to support agricultural practices which use less water, the government of Oman is planning either to refurbish and modernise existing greenhouse operations or to relocate greenhouses and high water use field crops to other regions of the country. One potential area is the large region in western Oman between Thumrait and Muqsin, north of the Salalah crescent. According to the Oman Daily Observer, this area is relatively undeveloped, it has a good road and communications infrastructure, and there are potentially large undeveloped water resources.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
EU: Country of origin information compulsory in F&V labelling
Euro MPs choose the Guideline Daily Amounts scheme for food labelling over the colour code system.
Country of origin information is now compulsory in all European fruit and vegetable labelling, as it is for all other food products, following a vote taken by Euro MPs in June. Through this legislation, the European Parliament has set the new regulations for food packaging in the EU.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Granada summit leads to a trade agreement between EU and Morocco
The objective of this trade agreement is to begin negotiations for full liberalisation of both markets.
Representatives of the EU and Morocco met in Granada (Spain) last March to initiate an agreement that will accelerate the liberalisation of trade between both parties.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
Fresh convenience sector: a real venue for innovation in the produce business
Fresh Convenience Congress came to London for the first time on 22-24 June 2010
The first-ever Fresh Convenience Congress saw prepared and fresh-cut produce players meet in London last week to mark a way forward for the growing category.
Fresh Convenience Congress - July 2010
UK: BGA to promote broccoli consumption on Father’s Day
Broccoli consumption may reduce risk of contracting prostate cancer
As part of the Love Your Greens campaign and under the motto of “What better gift is there than the gift of health?”, the British Brassica Growers Association chose Father’s Day to promote broccoli consumption among men.
S&G Brassicas Today - July 2010
The Asian continent was the top broccoli and cauliflower producer during 2008
Asia represented 80% of world broccoli and cauliflower production reaching 54 million tonnes
World cabbage production totalled almost 18 million tonnes in 2008, 32% more than 10 years before. Asia was the top broccoli and cauliflower-producing continent, reaching 14.4 million tonnes in 2008 and accounting for 80% of global production. The Asian continent also reached higher growth (44%) between 1998 and 2008.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
France: Vegetable consumption falls 4% in Jan-April 2010
Vegetable prices rise by 8%
The French consumed fewer vegetables in the first four months of 2010 than they did in the same period of 2009. To be precise, vegetable consumption fell 4% in this period, according to Interfel, the French Association of Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Producers and Distributors.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
China and India led Asian broccoli and cauliflower production in 2008
The most Asiatic populated countries accounted for 92% have dominated broccoli and cauliflower production between 2004 and 2008
China maintains its position as top broccoli and cauliflower producer in the Asiatic continent, having harvested a volume of more than 8 million tonnes in 2008, 13% more than in 2004.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
The world’s first mechanised broccoli harvester can be found in Tasmania
Farm mechanisation in the brassica sector continues to develop
Dobmac Agricultural Machinery has developed a mechanised broccoli harvester, the first machine of its kind worldwide. The company says that it will cut harvesting costs and improve productivity.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Italy overtakes Spain as the top European broccoli and cauliflower producer in 2008
Italy, Spain, France, Poland and the UK have been the top 5 broccoli and cauliflower producers since 2004
With a broccoli and cauliflower harvest of 460,663 tonnes in 2008, Italy has overtaken Spain as the leading producer in Europe. Spain had been the top producer since 1997. Between 2004 and 2008 Italian broccoli and cauliflower production showed an increase of 11%. In 2008, Italy accounted for 20% of total production in the European market.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Spain: Brassica consumption up 8% in the first quarter of 2010
Household vegetable consumption increases by 5.5%.
Brassica consumption in Spanish households reached 30,819 tonnes in the first three months of 2010, an increase of 8% in comparison with the same period in 2009, when 28,530 tonnes were consumed, according to the Spanish Ministry of the Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM).
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Broccoli and Tomato eaten together can prevent prostate cancer
Eating whole products is better than consuming their components
The bioactive content of broccoli and tomatoes may enhance efficacy in the prevention of prostate cancer. These are the conclusions to be drawn from research carried out by scientists from the University of Illinois and the Ohio State University. The research also shows that broccoli and tomatoes are better at reducing prostate tumours when both are part of the daily diet than when they are eaten alone.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Italy: Brassica imports down 59% in first 2 months of 2010
Cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli exports fell 51% in same period
Italy imported 2,467 tonnes of cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli during the first two months of 2010, 59% less than during the same period of 2009. Over the same 2-month period, brassica exports fell 51% compared with 2009 to a total of 17,309 tonnes, according to data from Istat (Italian National Institute of Statistics).
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Convenience sector growing fast in the UK
Convenience stores are increasingly demanding fresh food.
The UK convenience sector has shown rapid growth during the last ten years. In 2010, the value of this sector reached 30.9 billion pounds, an increase of approximately 6.3% compared with 2009 and 61.8% more than in the year 2000, when the sector was worth 19.2 billion pounds, according to a recent IGD report entitled Convenience Retailing 2010, Future Trading Strategies.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Vegetables volume sales increased 5% during the first quarter of 2010
Q1 Report shows signs of positive sales trends
Over the first quarter of 2010, dollar and volume performance for produce were mostly positive, according to FreshFacts on Retail, the quarterly research report of the United Fresh Foundation. Sales data shows that while produce prices remained relatively flat, shoppers increased their produce purchases compared to a year ago resulting in over three percent growth in sales and volume.
United Fresh Produce Association - June 2010
Fruit and vegetables: Major retail outlets in France to reduce their margins
The agreement has largely satisfied farmers and distributors alike
On Monday, 17 May, major retail outlets in France pledged to reduce their margins on fruit and vegetables, according to a plan promoted by Nicolas Sarkozy to avoid repeated crises in the sector. Through this agreement, Nicolas Sarkozy seeks to provide French producers with more visibility on prices, assuring them that their income will be more secure.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Europeans consumed 14% less vegetables in 2008
Freshfel Europe releases the 2009 edition of its Consumption Monitor revealing a fall in fresh vegetable consumption
Total gross supply of vegetable per capita stood at 103,54 kg in 2008 (compared with an average of 120,68 kg over the previous five years), according to the Freshfel Monitor 2009. This represents a decrease in vegetable consumption of 14.2% in 2008, compared with an average consumption over the previous five years.
Kenya and Egypt led African cabbage production in 2008
Kenya, Egypt, Ethiopia, Niger and South Africa have been top cabbage producers in the continent since 1998
Kenya and Egypt are the undisputed leaders of cabbage production in Africa. Kenya harvested a volume of more than 609,292 tonnes in 2008, while Egypt produced 575,000 tonnes. Each of these countries accounted for around 30% of total production in the African market.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Spain: Brassicas imports fall 49.34% & their value decreases 40.49%
Volume of brassicas exports remains stable while their value falls 8.48% in first quarter of 2010
Spain imported 1,735 tonnes of brassicas during the first quarter of 2010, 49.34% less than in the same period last year. Over the same period, brassicas exports remained stable compared with 2009 accounting for 138,874 tonnes.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Australia: Cabbage production up 7%, cauliflower and broccoli production down 45% between 2003 and 2008
Disease resistance is the key characteristic of Australian brassicas
Southern Australia is the main region of Australia where brassicas are grown. On the one hand, cabbage acreage increased by 7% over the 6-year period from 2003 to 2008, while on the other hand, broccoli and cauliflower production decreased by 45% to below the volume of cabbage production since 2006.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
First Polish broccoli can be found on the market
Poland boasts the fourth largest broccoli acreage
The first local new crop broccoli can be found in the south of Poland. “Their supply is still small and probably won’t grow quickly. However, the price of broccoli doesn’t differ from those of previous years in the same period,” publishes Fresh Market. Poland also experienced bad weather conditions and inundation in this area had negative consequences on crops.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
South African cabbage production falls in 2009
Since the 2004/05 season, cabbage production has fallen slightly almost every year
South African cabbage production decreased last season to a total of 141,000 tonnes, according to the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. This decrease confirms the downward trend shown by cabbage production in this country since the 2004/05 season.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Preventing obesity starts with fruit and vegetable consumption
The European Obesity day aims to drive actions at a European level to address the epidemic of obesity
On the eve of the first European Obesity Day on 22 May, Freshfel Europe took the opportunity to insist on the relevance of a diet rich in fresh fruit and vegetables in preventing obesity.
Freshfel - June 2010 - June 2010
Fresh-cut consumption up 10.2% in Italy
Vegetable consumption increases 5.4% in the first quarter of 2010
During the first quarter of 2010, Italian families bought 10.2% more fresh-cut products compared with the same period of 2009. Fresh vegetable sales also prospered during this 3-month period, showing an increase of 5.4%, according to data from Ismea (Institute of Services for the Agrifood Market).
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
Romania: Value of retail market expected to grow 132% over 10-year period
Traditional markets continue to be essential for fruit and vegetables
In recent years, the retail market in Romania has experienced enormous growth. According to the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture, the value of the retail market is expected to increase by 132% over the 10-year period from 2007 to 2017.
S&G Brassicas Today - June 2010
