Apples, Grapes, Raisins, Alfalfa / / Cold Storage By Sean Currans Task Force Centurion
Times have changed since ◦ Agricultural technologies continually advance ◦ International quality Begins with field production practices Carefully preserved during harvest Post-harvest sorting Cold storage
1. Rapid introduction to current Best Management Practices. 2. Introduction to top experts. 3. Open doors for business.
CROPS Apples Grapes Raisins Alfalfa Technologies, Supplies, Marketing Crop Management, pruning, irrigation Cold storage Post harvesting handling Equipment & Supplies Fruit broker introduction
orchard management irrigation dwarfing rootstock & varieties harvest
post harvest handling
Vine management is 80% Variety trials are needed
Irrigation and water management very important. Afghan grapes probably over-watered Risk disease and lower quality fruit
And Raisins Dried-on-Vine (DOV)
Introduction to Nathel International ◦ See US packing houses ◦ Learn export requirements ◦ See examples packaging & handling See US fruit and vegetable value chains ◦ Farmer ◦ Packer ◦ Distributor ◦ Retail stores
Several installations Typical uses Questions answered Design alternatives Cold and Controlled Atmosphere
Commercial alfalfa production is a solution and opportunity.
Baled hay stores and ships. Make hay in summer Feed livestock in winter
US premium alfalfa value = $275/MT Afghan alfalfa value = $400/MT ? One jerib will produce 2.3MT Gross revenue = $920/jerib ? Meet Phoenix Institute for Desert Agriculture and discuss/arrange two month California alfalfa production training.
Afghan businessmen who want to invest in agricultural. Cost: Estimate $15,000 for 12 days (includes airfare) Self-paid by participant. Group size: 10 minimum, 20 maximum. Probable timing: September 2013 Participants must commit by May 15. Participants must apply for US visa by May 29.
Apples, Grapes, Raisins, Alfalfa / / Cold Storage Opening Doors & Business Opportunity Are there 10 to 20 who want this opportunity? Questions?