News

Olives Cure Local Recession
01/15/10

The following appeared in the Oroville Mercury News: Olives Touted as Cure For Local Recession By TONI SCOTT - Staff Writer Posted: 01/15/2010 12:00:00 AM PST

CHICO -- Although the rest of the economy may be in the pits, one local agriculture industry is boasting tremendous growth, with olive growers and olive oil producers expecting continued success in otherwise tumultuous economic times. Though the 450 attendees of the 10th annual Tri-County Economic Forecast Conference were warned that the dire effects of the recession may still be felt for months to come, local olive production was highlighted Thursday morning as a catalyst that could help get the north state back on its feet.

Gregg Kelley, president and CEO of California Olive Ranch; Jamie Johansson, owner and farmer of Lodestar Farms; and Pat Campbell, vice president of operations for Bell-Carter Foods, all said when it comes to the growth of the global olive market, Butte, Glenn and Tehama counties are at the forefront. "We are the fastest-growing olive oil market in the world," Kelley said.

California Olive Ranch, which is based in Oroville with a milling facility in Artois, is America's largest olive oil producer and is only expected to grow in the upcoming years. Though the company was founded in 1998 with only about 500 acres of olives, less than 15 years later it now boasts approximately 10,000 acres of olives and owns what Kelley said is the "most technologically advanced" olive processing plant in the world.

Kelley said industry experts foresee a "very rapid" market growth for olive oil, with a predicted 80 percent growth rate each year over the next five years. Kelley attributed this, in large part, to the advances local olive oil farmers have made, saying domestic innovations have surpassed those in Spain and Italy.

Both European countries are international leaders in olive oil production, though on American soil, olive growers are able to produce more olives per acre than their international competitors and can mechanically harvest the olives, rather than have them hand-picked. The European Union is also phasing out olive subsidies, giving companies like California Olive Ranch more of a competitive edge in the global market.

Locally, Kelly said that translates into more employment opportunities in the company that currently employs about 400 tri-county residents and whose annual expenditures exceed $110 million a year. Kelley also said the olive oil industry is primed to help other sectors achieve success, noting that as olive oil production expands, there is a greater need for innovation in milling, processing and harvesting equipment.

But while the growth of olive oil may be sparked by innovation, Johansson said its continued success relies almost equally on experience. Johansson's ranch in the Oroville foothills was started in 1993, with olive varieties grown in southern Butte County for more than 100 years. Johansson said as olive oil production grows, so too will consumers' demand for a meaningful experience with the commodity.

He likened the olive oil industry to Seattle's Pike Place Market, noting that although there are several fish markets, the market where employees throw their fish down a line and engage the crowd is the most profitable venture. "Because it's experience-driven, they can charge more and still outsell their competitors. And they all have the same supplier," Johansson said.

Capitalizing on this need for a "unique experience" and "personal connection," Johansson said the local olive oil industry needs to focus on agri-tourism, a movement that will in turn expand other local agriculture and tourism-based businesses. Alongside the nation's top olive oil producers, the tri-county area is also home to the No. 1 producer of black ripe table olives, with Bell-Carter Foods in Corning also confident about its future.

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For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

New Lake Oroville Resort Plan Unveiled
07/18/09

(Lake Oroville) Butte Conservation Properties (B.C.P.) and the REMM Group have unveiled a sweeping new concept that will transform the proposed Lake Oroville Spa and Resort project. The two companies have joined together to merge their two land portfolios into one single resort master-plan that promises to become a catalyst for the regional recreation and tourism industries.

A new Vision Plan has been developed by the S.E. Group out of Vermont, one of the country’s premier resort designers. The latest conceptual design recommends the property be developed into a “family oriented, active outdoor lifestyle resort that is reflective of the rich and diverse history, culture and ecology of the region”. The resort will be anchored by such major attractions as a the Kids Activity Zone, Equestrian Center, The Chapel of the Blue Oaks wedding venue, Valley Retreat, The Oaks 18 Hole Golf Course and the Great Outdoors Lodge. Amenities would include mountain biking, rock climbing, zip lines, challenge courses, fitness center, shooting ranges, casting ponds, sportsmen activities, tent & RV camping, and an amphitheatre.

The entire Vision Plan can found at: www.lakeorovillevillage.com/listings/show/58

B.C.P. owns about 850 acres of land next to the Loafer Creek State Recreation Area at Lake Oroville. The property includes several scenic lakes, ponds, meadows and mountain top vistas with sweeping views of Lake Oroville. Adjacent to the B.C.P. property, the REMM Group owns about 920 acres of land which has already been approved as a Specific Plan by the Butte County Supervisors. Earlier this year as part of the General Plan Update process, the board approved increasing residential densities within the resort area to up to one unit per acre, a move that is expected to dramatically stimulate the local economy.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

2009 Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport
06/15/09

(Oroville) — Ticket Sales have opened up for the 2008 Sierra Oro Farm Trail Passport that will take participants Oct. 11-12 to 18 farms and eight wineries to see and sample local food and drink at the source. The trail goes through Chico, Paradise and Oroville farm lands that participants can drive to during the event. Three new farms and two new wineries have joined the trail this year: Bertagna Son Kissed Vineyards and Gale Vineyards in Durham and Mt. Ida Mandarin Ranch in Oroville. Many farms will be harvesting so particpants can see what harvest time looks like. Tickets are $20 in advance at Chico, Oroville and Paradise chambers of commerce and online at www.sierraoro.org. At the event, tickets will be $25.

For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com

Ribbon Cutting - Solar Powered Homes
07/07/08

(Lake Oroville) A Ribbon Cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of a new Solar Information Office at "The Ridge Homes" is scheduled for Wednesday, July 9 from 5:30 - 7:00pm. This is your exclusive chance to tour the gated community, get information on other energy efficient aspects of the 135-acre project and help support the victims of local fires.

The band Tropical Expressions will provide the music, and food and beverages will be served. Thurman and Thurman, Inc. will also be selling raffle tickets for $5 to win a $300 gas card in an effort to raise money to help local fire victims. Tickets are also on sale at the Chamber, Oroville RV/Boat & Self Storage, Mug Shots and several other local businesses. The winner will be drawn at the Open House at The Ridge on Sat., July 12. You need not be present to win.

The Ridge is nestled between Kelly Ridge and the Eastern Sierra Foothills, just minutes from Lake Oroville. Head up Olive Hwy. 2.8 miles past Gold Country Casino, turn right on Saddle Dr., go two blocks to Lariat Loop, turn left and enter through the gates.
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For more information contact Mike Donnelly at (530) 828-0011 or mike@californianorthern.com