Reedley, CA – As the California winter citrus season commences, Fruit World, a prominent fresh produce provider, heralds the arrival of this eagerly anticipated period. Adding a sustainable twist to their celebration, Fruit World recently shared the news of their EFI (Equitable Food Initiative) certification for their Reedley facility.
The reverberations of this certification have echoed throughout the Fruit World community, extending from their dedicated growers and farmworkers to their cherished customer base. This achievement stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment and diligence exhibited by all those involved in their operations.
Bianca Kaprielian, Founder and CEO of Fruit World, radiates pride as she states, “This certification marks a monumental accomplishment. We wholeheartedly embrace our mission of establishing an equitable and sustainable food system, and this milestone underscores the alignment of our actions with our principles.”
The commencement of the California citrus season is marked by an elegant delay this year, starting two to three weeks later than usual. However, this extended anticipation only heightens the excitement for what promises to be a spectacular showcase of winter citrus delights.
Kicking off the season is the much-anticipated organic lemon program, a perennial favorite renowned for its freshness from the desert region. Alongside, sweet limes have made a grand entrance, with grapefruit set to join the winter citrus ensemble by the close of the month.
November ushers in a procession of citrus treasures, featuring Navels and mandarins, while December will witness the shipment of Minneolas, Cara Cara, and Blood Oranges, further enriching the citrus lineup.
In this month of November, Kaprielian is poised to share her insights alongside industry experts as part of a panel during the Organic Grower Summit. Their discussion will revolve around the impending Strengthening Organic Enforcement (SOE) rule, exploring the strategies and preparations required within the grower community in response to these regulatory changes.
Kaprielian remarked, “The revisions to the USDA National Organic Program regulations carry significant weight. While the intention to minimize organic fraud is commendable, we are also cognizant of the challenges these changes may pose for organic produce growers, buyers, and sellers.” This insightful discussion will shed light on the dynamic landscape of organic agriculture, as stakeholders adapt to ensure the integrity of organic products in the market.
