“California cherry growers will be relying much more on domestic sales this season and we’re thankful for retail distribution channels that are keeping food moving to U.S. consumers.”. “This season we want everyone to know that extra precautions are being taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among the essential workers who bring cherries to people around the world.”, According to Zanobini, California cherry growers are expecting to harvest about 7 million 18-pound boxes this year.

“We’re having daily safety meetings, equipment is being sanitized frequently, additional handwashing is required, non-employees are not allowed in our facilities or offices, we’re regularly checking our workers for signs of illness.”.

Sign up for the Morning Ag Clips below! More information about California cherries including health tips, recipes and answers to questions specific to COVID-19 can be found at www.calcherry.com. (Photo: Business Wire). Stonebarger explains that his operation and many others are slowing down sorting lines so they can operate with fewer people per shift and workers can be spaced farther apart. Sweet cherries, when eaten regularly, can bring health benefits for blood sugar management and heart disease prevention2. The glycemic index measures a food’s impact on blood sugar levels. (Courtesy Photo), Breakthrough in fighting agricultural plant diseases, NMPF offers webinar on dairy economy as DMC deadline approaches, Focusing on Longevity with Angus Herd Improvement Records, CDFA seeks comments on Farm to School grant program, State winners for wheat growers' 2020 contest announced, Momentous harvest season for some beginning farmers. Dairy retail sales increase during COVID-19. The AP news staff was not involved in its creation. Cherries are a good source of potassium, which may help manage blood pressure and protect against certain forms of heart disease, such as hypertension and stroke. Would you like to keep up with the latest local and national agriculture news, every business day? California cherry harvest underway Signals a sweet way to boost someone's mood . Please let us know if you're having issues with commenting. Including sweet cherries in meals and snacks can be a simple way to provide improved nutrition and appealing flavor for American families. A serving size of 21 sweet cherries provides fiber, a shortfall nutrient most Americans don’t consume enough of. The glycemic index measures a food’s impact on blood sugar levels. Packing facilities can be more challenging to manage because these operations use teams who work together to grade, size, sort, pack and load the millions of boxes of cherries that will harvest in a short time frame spanning about six weeks. It’s pretty easy to implement social distancing while harvesting cherries since pickers are outside and work one-to-a-tree. Sweet cherries are now harvesting in California and available in stores nationwide. “We know most Americans struggle to eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables,” Harbstreet adds. Press release content from Business Wire. A serving size of 21 sweet cherries provides fiber, a shortfall nutrient most Americans don’t consume enough of. (Photo: Business Wire), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news, https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200504005634/en/. Workers can social distance while picking this year's cherry crop now harvesting in California. The 2020 harvest season kicked off in late April, signaling the start of what the California Cherry Board calls the “sweetest six weeks of summer.” The largest cherry-growing region in the state, located near Lodi, is expected to hit peak harvest by mid-May. According to Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Cherry Board, the cherry growers, packers, and shippers represented by his organization are diligently working to allow for social distancing, more frequent handwashing, and increased sanitation efforts for equipment used during cherry harvest. The COVID-19 pandemic is driving a growing desire to support health and well-being while mitigating daily stress. The 2020 harvest season kicked off in late April, signaling the start of what the California Cherry Board calls the “sweetest six weeks of summer.” The largest cherry-growing region in the state, located near Lodi, is expected to hit peak harvest by mid-May. Harvest of California cherries started in late April in the southern-most growing areas near Bakersfield and Fresno. California cherries are naturally sweet yet are ranked among the lowest glycemic index fruits. In addition to the long-term health benefits of cherries, consumers can trust the produce industry is taking all necessary precautions to ensure short-term safety as well.

For more information, including a COVID-19 Resource Center, visit http://calcherry.com. California Cherry Festivals in 2020 Update for 2020 and Coronavirus: Keep in mind that some of the festivals below may be canceled or altered for 2020. The Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), is the only national organization dedicated to helping consumers live happier, healthier lives by eating more fruits and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried, and 100% juice, every single day. SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2020--. (Photo: Business Wire) Workers can social distance while picking this year's cherry crop now harvesting in California. In addition to the long-term health benefits of cherries, consumers can trust the produce industry is taking all necessary precautions to ensure short-term safety as well. Before cherries are packaged for sale in bags, clamshells, or bulk displays, they are run through sanitized water systems. Including sweet cherries in meals and snacks can be a simple way to provide improved nutrition and appealing flavor for American families. Sweet cherries are now harvesting in California and available in stores nationwide. PUBLISHED ON May 14, 2020. “Fresh cherries from California can support physical and mental wellbeing,” says Cara Harbstreet, a registered dietitian and nutrition communications consultant. Do not use soap, detergents or other sprays.”. California cherries are naturally sweet yet are ranked among the lowest glycemic index fruits. “Our workforce is critically important to us and to making sure we get this year’s crop of cherries to market.”. The California cherry crop is down but far from out this year. View the full release here: “Fresh cherries from California can support physical and mental wellbeing,” says Cara Harbstreet, a registered dietitian and nutrition communications consultant. Cherries are a good source of potassium, which may help manage blood pressure and protect against certain forms of heart disease, such as hypertension and stroke.

California Cherry Harvest Brings Hope, Health and Extra Precautions. “We know most Americans struggle to eat the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables,” Harbstreet adds. “California cherries offer consumers a simple and delicious way to enjoy the many known health benefits of cherries.” At a time when many families are more mindful than ever with shopping budgets and local travel, sweet cherries offer considerable value at the grocery store, especially during the 2020 harvest season. Zanobini emphasizes that cherries have many health benefits and contain compounds that help build your immune system and can prevent illness. ... California harvest starts soon May 4, 2020 by Chris Koger. Headquartered in Sacramento, their mission is to provide crop updates, marketing resources, and information for customers in local and global markets. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200504005634/en/, Workers can social distance while picking this year’s cherry crop now harvesting in California.