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Nouveau robot Lommers pour la récolte d’asperges blanches : voir la documentation et les vidéos

Posted on by Lola

Nouveau robot Lommers pour la récolte d’asperges blanches : voir la documentation et les vidéos

Le robot repère les turions et les coupe

L’assistant récupère les asperges en les sortant du sol

Ce robot aurait une capacité théorique de récolter un turion toutes les 1,5 secondes soit 2400 asperges à l’heure ce qui est une belle performance

Posted on by Lola

New Zealand’s wonky asparagus initiative tackles food waste, supports growers

Following exceptional growing conditions, New Zealand asparagus growers have experienced a productive season.
However, the abundance of asparagus has led to an increase in spears not meeting supermarket standards due to their appearance.

Wonky Box, a food box company, addresses this issue by purchasing these ‘wonky’ asparagus at a reduced price, benefiting both Kiwi consumers and growers. ‘Wonky’ asparagus might have minor imperfections such as damaged tips or unusual shapes but retains the same taste and nutritional value as its perfect counterparts.

Angus Simms, co-founder of Wonky Box, emphasizes the freshness and nutritional value of their product, highlighting the efficiency of sourcing directly from growers. The company collaborates with three growers across New Zealand: Boyd’s Asparagus in Waikato, Tendertips in Levin, and LeaderBrand in Chertsey, Ashburton. LeaderBrand, for instance, produces over 2500 tonnes of asparagus, with some spears not reaching consumers due to minor flaws. Mike Arnold, South Island general manager for LeaderBrand, supports the initiative to reduce food waste and introduce more Kiwis to asparagus.

Wonky Box’s model ensures rapid delivery from farm to plate, minimizing food mile emissions and maintaining product freshness. This approach aligns with their commitment to sustainability and strong relationships with local growers. Simms also notes the challenge asparagus growers face competing in a market with an oversupply of cheaper produce but remains optimistic about providing affordable asparagus to consumers through Wonky Box.

Source: Stuff

 

Asparagus and avocado prices drop, cucumber prices surge This report provides a trend analysis of the volume and prices of Seasonal Perishable commodities. by USDA

Posted on by Lola
Seasonal commodities trend:

Asparagus and avocado prices drop, cucumber prices surge

This report provides a trend analysis of the volume and prices of Seasonal Perishable commodities. Volume represents the current week, and prices represent open (spot) market sales by first handlers on products of generally good quality and condition unless otherwise stated and may include promotional allowances or other incentives. The charts provide a graphic representation of the volume and prices of the major commodities this week based on seasonal volume.

Click to enlarge

Asparagus
Movement from Mexico crossings through Arizona, California and Texas is expected to increase. Trading is fairly slow. Prices are lower. Supplies are light, with an estimated 80% of production standard size. 11-pound cartons/crates bunched green standard is 18.75. Extra services are included. Prices represent few spot market sales. The movement of Peru imports through South Florida ports of entry is expected to decrease slightly. Trading is moderate. Prices are slightly lower. 11-pound cartons bunched green jumbo are mostly 25.85-30.75, extra-large are mostly 25.8528.75, large are mostly 22.75-23.75, standard are mostly 20.75-22.75. Quality is generally good.


Click to enlarge

Avocado
Movement from Mexico crossing through Texas is expected to increase. Trading of 32-40s is fairly active, others are fairly slow. Prices of 32-36s are higher, 40s are generally unchanged, others are lower. Heavy supplies of small-sized fruit, 60-84s, contributed to unstable and weakened prices. Supplies of 32-36s remain very light. Cartons of 2layers Hass 32-36s are mostly 70.25-72.25, 40s are mostly 62.25-64.25, 48s are mostly 53.25-55.25, 60s are mostly 32.25-34.25, 70s are mostly 21.25-23.25, and 84s are mostly 17.25-18.25; organic 48s are mostly 65.25-68.25, 60s are mostly 44.25-48.25, and 70s are mostly 36.25-38.25. Extra services are included.


Click to enlarge

Cucumber
Movement from Mexico crossings through Nogales, Arizona is expected to increase. Supplies of large are light. Trading early was fairly active, late is active. Prices are much higher. 1 1/9-bushel cartons medium are mostly 20.95-21.95, fair quality are mostly 16.95-18.95, ordinary quality are mostly 12.95-14.95; small are mostly 14.95-15.95; large are mostly 21.95-22.95. Cartons 24s are 9.95- 10.95, 36s are mostly 12.95. Quality is generally good. Most present shipments are from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. Movement from Mexico crossings through Texas is expected to increase slightly. Trading early was fairly active, late is active. Prices are much higher. 1 1/9-bushel cartons medium are mostly 28.95-30.95, fair quality are mostly 17.95-19.95, ordinary quality are mostly 13.95-14.95, large are mostly 30.95-34.95. Quality and condition are variable. Movement from Mexico crossings through Otay Mesa, California is expected to remain about the same.


Click to enlarge

To read the full report, click here.

For more information:
USDA
Tel: +1 (202) 720-2791
Email: press@usda.gov
www.usda.gov

 

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Namibia exports 70% of locally-grown asparagus by FreshPlaza

Posted on by Lola

Namibia exports 70% of locally-grown asparagus

In Namibia, a notable 70% of locally-grown asparagus finds its way to international markets, leaving a 30% share for domestic consumption, as highlighted by Otjimbele Agriculture’s managing director, Carlos Lerchundi.
During a recent press briefing, Lerchundi expressed satisfaction with the visibility of their asparagus in Namibian retail outlets, marking a significant leap from zero local presence to 30% within 14 months.

Despite initial resistance from locals concerned about potential environmental impacts, Otjimbele Agriculture has expanded its workforce to between 110 and 140, scaling up during the harvest period. Beyond asparagus, the company has diversified into maize, watermelon, and sweet potato cultivation, primarily targeting the South African market. Amidst efforts to bolster local market ties and support regional farmers’ access to broader markets, Otjimbele is engaging with the Etunda community and nearby areas to facilitate their entry into the market, leveraging the company’s northern facilities.

Source: the Namibian

 

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