Must-Have Capabilities for Operational Efficiency in a Changing Industry
By John Roos, General Manager, ExtendAg. Featured in April 8th edition of the California League of Food Producers (CLFP) Insider email.
Efficient produce processing has always demanded precision, timing, and full visibility—from planning and contracting to receiving, grading and payment. After more than four decades supporting raw product operations for California processors and beyond, ExtendAg has seen firsthand that processors with strong, purpose-built operational systems are the most resilient—especially with ongoing volatility in changing consumer demand and the increasing need for maximum product quality.
This article outlines the five core functions of successful raw fruit and vegetable processing operations and three key areas where forward-thinking processors are investing now to stay competitive.
Five Foundational Capabilities that Drive Operational Efficiency
A repeatable, reliable workflow helps processors manage seasonal complexity while remaining responsive to shifting field and market conditions. Across the state, leading processors are aligning systems and teams around five essential capabilities built into their operational platform:
- Plan – Forecasting intelligence to guide production planning and optimize grower, variety, and regional contracting decisions.
- Contract – Centralized contract management improves visibility and accountability for managing grower commitments
- Monitor – Field-level compliance tracking supports efficient cultural practices, product quality, and maintaining regulatory and health safety standards.
- Receive – Integrated weighing and grading technology to seamlessly receive and sequence inbound supply.
- Pay – Structured, timely payments maintain grower trust and transparency.
While these five capabilities are consistent across the industry, they’re adapted to the unique needs of different crops, geographies, and grower relationships—something California processors know well.
Where Processors are Focusing Now
Once the foundational capabilities are in place, leading processors are looking ahead to what’s next. In conversations with customers across California and beyond, three strategic focus areas have emerged as critical to staying competitive:
- AI-Powered Planning
Planning tools are evolving fast. AI and machine learning are helping processors integrate historical yields, real-time field data, and regional weather to better anticipate what’s coming—especially helpful in California’s variable climate.
- Field-Level Visibility for Sustainability
Buyers are demanding traceability, and regulators are increasing reporting expectations. Digitally capturing detailed field data—such as crop input usage and timing—makes it easier to report on sustainability metrics and build credibility across the value chain.
- Automating Quality
Labor shortages continue to challenge throughput. Automated grading tools can reduce subjectivity, increase speed, and improve accuracy—bringing consistency and data to one of the most time-sensitive parts of the process.
Moving Forward Together
At ExtendAg, part of Cultura Technologies, we’re proud to support California processors as you adapt to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s opportunities. As the processing industry evolves, success will come from collaboration, shared insight, and smart investments in foundational systems.
If you’re evaluating how to strengthen your processing operations or would like to share your thoughts on improving operational efficiency, we’d welcome the conversation at the upcoming CLFP Board of Directors Meeting. Get in touch here.
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