According to reports, recently, two of the largest Ag operations in the Central Valley have become partners. Grimmway Farms, based in Bakersfield, has been put in charge of baby potato farming for Tasteful Selections. This brings potatoes and carrots, as well as Bakersfield and Arvin, together in some great ways.
Grimmway Farms will take over farming across more than 20,000 acres of farmland that Tasteful Selections controls in seven states. And in return, Tasteful will process that produce in its more than 650,000 square foot facility – locally.
Over the long term, this should mean a bit less harm to your pocket book on some select food staples across the country. But time will tell. It is worth mentioning however, that so far, Tasteful Selections has supposedly let go of more than 50 employees at the Arvin plant – but that may be a seasonal issue. It was stated that Grimmway will take on as many of the laid off employees as it can. Both companies may lay off and restructure employees following the merger over time.
Grimmway appears to be growing and capable, as supposedly similar contracts from other companies are being negotiated within California and other states. In contrast, Tasteful appears to be done with the growing and cultivation side of the industry. As it stands for the potato, Tasteful will do the consumer processing, and allow Grimmway to do the growing and cultivation.
Hopefully this arrangement benefits surrounding companies, local area residents, and the consumers at the least.
Tasteful Selections is apparently owned by out of state investors, and midwest based farming collections – which may shed some insight as to why they are eager to merge. California being as difficult as it is for farming, you should wonder if Tasteful also sold interests in the other six states it operates in. Either way, we are hopeful the move helps the local community here at home.
As stated by Tasteful according to the Bakersfield Californian, “Tasteful Selections began with multi-generational potato farmers who recognized an opportunity to expand the baby potato category to meet the busy consumer’s preference for simpler, convenient meals…. Tasteful Selections has been part of the Arvin and Bakersfield communities for 12 years.”
