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ABOUT THE APC
A detailed look at the purpose, goals and efforts of
the Apricot Producers of California
The APC
Organized in 1961, the Apricot Producers of California
(APC) is a non-profit cooperative association providing information
and services to its grower-members within the major apricot
producing areas of California. The organization currently represents
growers responsible for 85% of the processing tonnage-most of
which are small, family-owned businesses.
Purpose
Bargaining for a fair price for apricots is the association's
major function. In 1974, Apricot Producers of California
became the only recognized bargaining association for apricot
growers. Achieving a fair price for the fruit facilitates orderly
marketing, which allows growers to market or sell the fruit
to the various processors in the industry. Negotiations
for the fruit determine an annual price and terms of sale to
processors for grower-member production.
APC Action
Pressure from lower-priced imports, higher processing
costs, lower profit margins and changing consumer habits have
severely impacted the California apricot industry. From
1994-2001, the California apricot industry produced 48% fewer
tons than in previous years. Many growers now face the dismal
prospect of pulling trees. The California apricot industry is
in serious jeopardy.
In order to support its grower-members and preserve California's
apricot industry, the Apricot Producers of California decided
to take on an additional task-the direct promotion of their
product. Unlike advisory boards which are beholden to
state or federal market ordinances, and therefore limited in
their creative scope, the Apricot Producers of California has
more freedom in its marketing decisions, and has recently launched
a consumer public relations campaign. Designed to increase
consumer awareness about the benefits of eating apricots, Apricot
Producers of California now hopes to boost apricot usage both
in U.S. households and throughout food service facilities.
Benefits
Association membership gives apricot growers the
advantage of collective action. Apricot Producers of California
encourages all members to maintain their individual business
relationships with processors, and each member has the opportunity
to market their fruit to the processor of their choice. The
association also negotiates multiple-year contracts with processors
on behalf of members.
Financing
Processors and growers alike provide financial support
for the Apricot Producers of California. Service fees received
from processor-customers provide the basic funding. Growers
also contribute three percent of their gross income from apricots
sold each year. These contributions are part of an Association
Revolving Fund-established to provide stability in marketing
production.
Goals for the Millennium
Stability is the goal for the apricot industry's
ever-fluctuating elements-crop size, processor purchases, inventory,
apricot sales, and member support. Apricot Producers of California
has the basic commitment to gather, study, and share crop information,
market data, cost figures, and other useful economic statistics.
This gives growers the information needed to make accurate and
realistic decisions regarding price bargaining. Apricot
Producers of California depends upon continued grower support
to work effectively for an profitable industry. |
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