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The Future of Our Food

July 27, 2017

Expert Florida Berry Grower Joins Talks on the Next Farm Bill: Technology & Innovation in Specialty Crops

PLANT CITY, Fla. (July 20, 2017) – Gary Wishnatzki, owner of Wish Farms® – Florida berry grower and a leader in the U.S. agricultural industry – spoke in Washington D.C. at the Public Hearing: The Next Farm Bill: Technology & Innovation in Specialty Crops as an industry adviser. Wish Farms has provided high-quality produce since 1922, and now specializes in strawberries, blueberries and blackberries.

The House Agriculture Committee Chairman, K. Michael Conaway, said, “Support for specialty crop producers is an essential part of the farm bill…. As we approach the next farm bill, our goal is to ensure that the policy we craft serves the needs of all our producers, including those in the specialty crop industry.”

Most specialty crop growers agree that the availability of labor is the greatest challenge that their industry faces. The rising cost of labor is merely a secondary problem. Soon, even Mexico will not have enough labor to harvest the crops that are being grown in Mexico.

When asked what that meant for American farms, Gary Wishnatzki, Owner of Wish Farms and Co-Founder of Harvest CROO Robotics, stated “It means that we will be in a full-blown crisis if we stick to the status-quo. All is not lost, yet. But, the industry needs to aggressively fund technology companies to find labor-replacement solutions to the many crops that we grow.”

Currently, the U.S. food industry has no other option but to rely on foreign-born labor to do the essential jobs needed to get our crops harvested. The majority of farmworkers come from other countries, particularly Mexico.

Upon announcing the hearing, Chairman Conaway issued the following statement:

“Specialty crop production is a pivotal and growing sector of our agriculture industry. As we look at the farm bill through the lens of the current farm economy, innovation and technology will remain essential for farmers and ranchers to continue producing more food and fiber with fewer resources. I look forward to hearing from our witnesses on ways to build upon public-private partnerships and innovation to benefit specialty crop producers.”

The future of our food is dependent on technology. But, food cultivation needs help in the present. Although “H2A is not a sustainable solution, it is a short-term way to bridge the gap until robotics in agriculture become ubiquitous,” argues Wishnatzki. Therefore, during the discussion of The Next Farm Bill: Technology & Innovation in Specialty Crops, he continued to urge members of the Ag Committee to be advocates for meaningful H2A visa reform.

Mr. Wishnatzki stated, “Innovation will be the key to maintaining our nation’s ability to feed itself. Our representatives should fight for investments in technology and research in the specialty crop sector, while also providing a better way to access labor in the short-term.”

You are invited to watch The Next Farm Bill: Technology & Innovation in Specialty Crops meeting here.

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Instagram post 17902508161405955 GIVEAWAY 🙌 What’s the holiday season without a few sweet treats?! For our last EAT, DRINK, & BE BERRY post with @produceforkids , we are sharing these absolutely adorable Dipped Strawberry Rudolph’s 🍓🎄These are so fun to make, healthier than your average holiday treat, & you can recruit your little elves to help make them!
Before you grab the full recipe, don’t forget to enter our giveaway for a chance to win a berry colored Le Creuset Dutch Oven 😍 Swipe to check out the prize!
TO ENTER:
🍓 Follow @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms
🍓 Comment on a @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms Eat, Drink & Berry Post
🍓 Tag 3 friends in your comment
That’s it! 🙌 We’ll announce the winner on Dec. 18. In the meantime, grab all the festive recipes we’ve shared this week by clicking the link in our bio 🍓🎄 Good luck 😊
View on Instagram
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Instagram post 17870931199525147 GIVEAWAY! We covered what we’ll be eating in our last post, now onto what we’ll be drinking this holiday season 😍 🍫🥛🍓 There’s nothing cozier than being curled up on the couch watching a holiday movie & sipping on hot chocolate! Prepare this recipe in your slow cooker and top with a raspberry drizzle for an extra special touch #EatDrinkAndBeBerry
Don’t forget to enter our giveaway for a chance to win a berry colored Le Creuset Dutch Oven 😍 Swipe to check out the prize!
TO ENTER:
🍓 Follow @WishFarms and @produceforkids 🍓 Comment on a @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms Eat, Drink & Berry Post
🍓 Tag 3 friends in your comment
That’s it! 🙌 We’ll announce the winner on Dec. 18. Stay tuned for more berry merry inspo coming your way 🍓🎄 Good luck 😊
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Instagram post 18084626164142228 Florida Strawberry Season is officially here! 😍🍓🍓🍓 Click the link in our bio to read up on all the details.❤️
•
•
•
#berry #floridastrawberryseason  #strawberryseason #floridastrawberries #berries #recipes
View on Instagram
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Instagram post 17857336279652137 GIVEAWAY ALERT 🚨 The holiday season is in full swing and it’s time to EAT, DRINK, & BE BERRY! 🍓🎄We are so excited to partner with our friends from @produceforkids to share 3 tasty holiday recipes and give away a berry colored Le Creuset Dutch Oven 😍 Swipe to check out the prize! 
TO ENTER:
🍓 Follow  @WishFarms and @produceforkids 🍓 Comment on a @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms Eat, Drink & Berry Post
🍓 Tag 3 friends in your comment
That’s it! 🙌 We’ll announce the winner on Dec. 18. Stay tuned for the rest of our holiday posts sharing  festive recipes that you’ll love to make with your family! Good luck 😊
Now onto this gorgeous dish! From santa treats to Christmas wreaths, there are so many ways to add flavor & nutrition to your holiday menu with @wishfarms berries. This edible wreath is super tasty & perfect for a holiday brunch. Grab the recipe by clicking the link in our bio.
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Instagram post 17847753169761316 Is it even the holidays without Christmas cookies?! 👀❤️🥰✨ These are at the top of our wish list! ❤️ | @twospoons.ca •
•
•
#berry #christmascookies  #christmasrecipes #christmasrecipe #berryrecipe #recipes
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Instagram post 17902966165396061 Now this is a dessert we can get behind! 😻🥰This vegan recipe is definitely a keeper. 👀✨ | @pastry_creation_1 •
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•
#berry #vegandessert  #christmasrecipes #veganchristmas #berryrecipe #recipes
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Instagram post 17891782465432395 How is it December already?! 👀😳 ‘Tis the busiest season of all... WINE down and cozy up with our Blackberry Mulled Wine. 🥰🍷
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•
#berry #mulledwine  #christmasrecipes #christmascocktails #berryrecipe #recipes
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Instagram post 17848976698739019 From our family to yours....Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🦃❤️
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Instagram post 18082617337138496 Our Top 5 Thanksgiving recipes for this year are up on our blog! ❤️🦃 Recipes like a Cheesy Raspberry and Cranberry Crostini Dip and this No Bake Raspberry pie. 🥰😍
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#berry #thanksgiving  #thanksgivingdessert #strawberries #berryrecipe #recipes
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Instagram post 17871734503519497 Tia the season for...PIES! 👀😳❤️What’s your favorite pie flavor?❤️😍| 📸: @sculptedkitchen •
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#berry #thanksgiving #pies #thanksgivingdessert #strawberries #berryrecipe #recipes
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Instagram post 17843040868829002 Thanksgiving is right around the corner!🥰🤩 These Sausage Stuffing Balls with Raspberry Dipping Sauce are NEXT LEVEL delicious. 👀😳❤️| Recipe link in bio. •
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#berry #thanksgiving #appetizer #thanksgivingappetizer #raspberries #sausageballs #recipes
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Instagram post 18071411266163286 Rustic Berry Galettes are on the menu this Thanksgiving! 🦃 Both easy and quick with all the comforting Fall flavors we all know and love. 🥰🤩 | 📸: •
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#berry #thanksgiving #berrydessert #galetterecipe #raspberries #blackberries #recipes

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View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17902508161405955 GIVEAWAY 🙌 What’s the holiday season without a few sweet treats?! For our last EAT, DRINK, & BE BERRY post with @produceforkids , we are sharing these absolutely adorable Dipped Strawberry Rudolph’s 🍓🎄These are so fun to make, healthier than your average holiday treat, & you can recruit your little elves to help make them!
Before you grab the full recipe, don’t forget to enter our giveaway for a chance to win a berry colored Le Creuset Dutch Oven 😍 Swipe to check out the prize!
TO ENTER:
🍓 Follow @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms
🍓 Comment on a @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms Eat, Drink & Berry Post
🍓 Tag 3 friends in your comment
That’s it! 🙌 We’ll announce the winner on Dec. 18. In the meantime, grab all the festive recipes we’ve shared this week by clicking the link in our bio 🍓🎄 Good luck 😊
View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17870931199525147 GIVEAWAY! We covered what we’ll be eating in our last post, now onto what we’ll be drinking this holiday season 😍 🍫🥛🍓 There’s nothing cozier than being curled up on the couch watching a holiday movie & sipping on hot chocolate! Prepare this recipe in your slow cooker and top with a raspberry drizzle for an extra special touch #EatDrinkAndBeBerry
Don’t forget to enter our giveaway for a chance to win a berry colored Le Creuset Dutch Oven 😍 Swipe to check out the prize!
TO ENTER:
🍓 Follow @WishFarms and @produceforkids 🍓 Comment on a @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms Eat, Drink & Berry Post
🍓 Tag 3 friends in your comment
That’s it! 🙌 We’ll announce the winner on Dec. 18. Stay tuned for more berry merry inspo coming your way 🍓🎄 Good luck 😊
View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 18084626164142228 Florida Strawberry Season is officially here! 😍🍓🍓🍓 Click the link in our bio to read up on all the details.❤️
•
•
•
#berry #floridastrawberryseason  #strawberryseason #floridastrawberries #berries #recipes
View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17857336279652137 GIVEAWAY ALERT 🚨 The holiday season is in full swing and it’s time to EAT, DRINK, & BE BERRY! 🍓🎄We are so excited to partner with our friends from @produceforkids to share 3 tasty holiday recipes and give away a berry colored Le Creuset Dutch Oven 😍 Swipe to check out the prize! 
TO ENTER:
🍓 Follow  @WishFarms and @produceforkids 🍓 Comment on a @ProduceforKids & @WishFarms Eat, Drink & Berry Post
🍓 Tag 3 friends in your comment
That’s it! 🙌 We’ll announce the winner on Dec. 18. Stay tuned for the rest of our holiday posts sharing  festive recipes that you’ll love to make with your family! Good luck 😊
Now onto this gorgeous dish! From santa treats to Christmas wreaths, there are so many ways to add flavor & nutrition to your holiday menu with @wishfarms berries. This edible wreath is super tasty & perfect for a holiday brunch. Grab the recipe by clicking the link in our bio.
View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17847753169761316 Is it even the holidays without Christmas cookies?! 👀❤️🥰✨ These are at the top of our wish list! ❤️ | @twospoons.ca •
•
•
#berry #christmascookies  #christmasrecipes #christmasrecipe #berryrecipe #recipes
View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17902966165396061 Now this is a dessert we can get behind! 😻🥰This vegan recipe is definitely a keeper. 👀✨ | @pastry_creation_1 •
•
•
#berry #vegandessert  #christmasrecipes #veganchristmas #berryrecipe #recipes
View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17891782465432395 How is it December already?! 👀😳 ‘Tis the busiest season of all... WINE down and cozy up with our Blackberry Mulled Wine. 🥰🍷
| Link in bio
•
•
•
#berry #mulledwine  #christmasrecipes #christmascocktails #berryrecipe #recipes
View on Instagram
Link to display lightbox
Instagram post 17848976698739019 From our family to yours....Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving. 🦃❤️
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