Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
FORM 10‑K(Mark one)
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022

--03-31 FY 2022
Annual Report Pursuant
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to Section 13 or 15(d) of_____
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016Commission File Number 0‑01989

Commission File Number 0-01989
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION
Seneca Foods Corporation
(Exact name of registrantRegistrant as specified in its charter)


New York
(State16-0733425
     (State or other jurisdiction of
  (I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)  Identification No.)
 
3736 South Main Street, Marion, New York
  (Address14505
(Address of principal executive offices)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code
16‑0733425
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
14505
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(315) 926-8100
 
(315) 926-8100


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

Title of Each Class
Trading Symbol
Name of Each Exchange on
 
Which Registered
Common Stock Class A, $.25 ParSENEANASDAQ Global Select Market
Common Stock Class B, $.25 ParSENEBNASDAQ Global Select Market

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:(315) 926-8100
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

Yes     No     X   

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐ No ☑

Yes     No     X   

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑ No ☐
Yes    X     No 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  X No

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" andfiler," "smaller reporting company" and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer          Accelerated filer   X            Non-accelerated filer          Smaller reporting company ☑         Emerging growth company ☐

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☑

Yes     No     X   

The aggregate market value of the Registrant's voting and non-voting common equity held by non‑non affiliates basedof the Registrant as of October 1, 2021, the last business day of the Registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $354,877,691 (based on the closing salesshare price per market reports bygenerated from the NASDAQ Global Select Market System on October 1, 2015 was approximately $191,810,000.2021).

As of June 3, 2016,May 24, 2022, there were 7,918,0696,467,697 shares of Class A common stock and 1,894,5991,709,930 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.

Documents IncorporatedDOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement for the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held hereafter, and the Annual Report to Shareholders of Seneca Foods Corporation for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2022 (the “Annual Report”), included as Exhibit 13 to this Form 10-K, are incorporated by Reference:

(1)Portions of the Annual Report to shareholders for fiscal year ended March 31, 2016 (the "2016 Annual Report") applicable to Part I, Item 1, Part II, Items 5‑9A and Part IV, Item 15 of Form 10‑K.
(2)Portion of the Proxy Statement to be issued in connection with the Registrant's annual meeting of stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") applicable to Part III, Items 10-14 of Form 10-K.
reference in Parts I, II, III, and IV hereof.


SENECA FOODS CORPORATION
ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT FISCAL YEAR 2016
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION
   
PART I.
 Pages
Item 1.Business1-4
Item 1A.Risk Factors4-9
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments9
Item 2.Properties9-10
Item 3.Legal Proceedings10
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures10
PART II.
Item 5.Market for Registrant's Common Stock, Related Security Holder Matters11
  and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
   
Item 1.2-5
Item 1A.6-12
Item 1B.12
Item 2.13
Item 3.13
Item 4.13
PART II.
Item 5.14
Item 6.Selected Financial Data1114
Item 7.Management's11
Results of Operations14
Item 7A.1114
Item 8.11-1214
Item 9.12
Financial Disclosure14
Item 9A.12-1415
Item 9B.14
PART III.
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance15
Item 11.Executive Compensation15
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and15
  Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence15
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services15
   
PART III.
  
Item 10.16
Item 11.16
Item 12.16
Item 13.16
Item 14.16
PART IV.
  
Item 15.16-1917
Item 16.18
   
SIGNATURES
 2019

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain of the statements contained in this annual reportThis Annual Report on Form 10-K are forward-looking statements made withincontains “forward-looking statements” as that term is used in the meaning of Section 27A of thePrivate Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Exchange Act).1995. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties.  Forward-looking statements are not in the present or past tense and, in some cases, can be identified by the usefact that they address future events, developments, and results and do not relate strictly to historical facts. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, any statement that may predict, forecast, indicate, or imply future results, performance, or achievements, and may contain the words "will," "anticipate," "estimate," "expect," "project," "intend," "plan," "believe," "seeks," "should," "likely," "targets," "may", "can" and variations thereof and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other expressionsimportant factors that indicate future trendscould cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed. We believe important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include, but are not limited to, the following:
the effects of rising costs and availability of raw fruit and vegetables, steel, ingredients, packaging, other raw materials, distribution and labor;
crude oil prices and their impact on distribution, packaging and energy costs;
an overall labor shortage, ability to retain a sufficient seasonal workforce, lack of skilled labor, labor inflation or increased turnover impacting our ability to recruit and retain employees;
climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields;
our ability to successfully implement sales price increases and cost saving measures to offset cost increases;
the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers;
effectiveness of our marketing and trade promotion programs;
competition, changes in consumer preferences, demand for our products and local economic and market conditions;
the impact of a pandemic on our business, suppliers, customers, consumers and employees;
unanticipated expenses, including, without limitation, litigation or legal settlement expenses;
product liability claims;
the anticipated needs for, and the availability of, cash;
the availability of financing;
leverage and the ability to service and reduce debt;
foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations;
the risks associated with the expansion of our business;
the ability to successfully integrate acquisitions into our operations;
our ability to protect information systems against, or effectively respond to, a cybersecurity incident or other disruption;
other factors that affect the food industry generally, including:
recalls if products become adulterated or misbranded, liability if product consumption causes injury, ingredient disclosure and labeling laws and regulations and the possibility that consumers could lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain food products;
competitors’ pricing practices and promotional spending levels;
fluctuations in the level of our customers’ inventories and credit and other business risks related to our customers operating in a challenging economic and competitive environment; and
the risks associated with third-party suppliers, including the risk that any failure by one or more of our third-party suppliers to comply with food safety or other laws and regulations may disrupt our supply of raw materials or certain finished goods products or injure our reputation; and
changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including environmental and health and safety regulations.
Any of these factors, as well as such other factors as discussed in (1) Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K, (2) Part II, Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and events. AAnalysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and (3) in our other periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), could cause our actual results to differ materially from our anticipated results. The information provided in this Form 10-K is based upon the facts and circumstances known as of the date of this report, and any forward-looking statement speaksstatements made by us in this Form 10-K speak only as of the date on which such statement is made and reflects management's analysis onlythey are made. Except as of the date thereof.  The Company undertakesrequired by law, we undertake no obligation to update anythese forward-looking statement. The following factors, among others discussed herein and instatements after the Company's filings underdate of this Form 10-K to reflect events or circumstances after such date, or to reflect the Exchange Act, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: costs and availabilityoccurrence of raw materials, competition, cost controls, sales levels, governmental regulation, consumer preferences, industry trends, weather conditions, crop yields, natural disasters, recalls, litigation, reliance on third-parties, wage rates, and other factors.  See also the factors described in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this report, and those described in the Company's filings under the Exchange Act.unanticipated events.


PART I
Item 11. Business

Business

History and Development of Seneca Foods Corporation

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION (the "Company"Seneca Foods Corporation (“Seneca” or the “Company”) is North America'swas founded in 1949 and has evolved through internal growth and strategic acquisitions into a leading provider of packaged fruits and vegetables, with 26 facilities located throughout the United States. The Company's product offerings include canned, frozen and bottled produce and snack chips and its productsfacilities are sold under private label as well as national and regional brands that the Company owns or licenses, including Seneca®, Libby's®, Green Valley®, Aunt Nellie's®, READ®, Cherryman® and Seneca Farms®.  The Company packs Green Giant, Le Sueur and other brandscomprised of canned vegetables as well as select Green Giant frozen vegetablesplants for B&G Foods North America ("B&G") under a contract packing agreement.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company's facilities consisted of 23 packaging, plants strategically located throughout the United States, three can manufacturing plants, twomanufacuting, seed packaging operations,production, a farming operation and a logistical support network. The Company also maintains warehouses which are generally located adjacent to its packaging plants. The Company is aincorporated in New York corporation andwith its headquarters is located at 3736 South Main Street, Marion, New York and its telephone number is (315) 926-8100. Its high quality products are primarily sourced from approximately 1,400 American farms. The Company’s product offerings include canned, frozen and bottled produce, and snack chips. Its products are sold under private label as well as national and regional brands that the Company owns or licenses, including Seneca®, Libby’s®, Aunt Nellie’s®, Cherryman®, Green Valley® and READ®. The Company’s fruits and vegetables are sold nationwide by major grocery outlets, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, limited assortment stores, club stores and dollar stores. The Company also sells its products to foodservice distributors, restaurants chains, industrial markets, other food processors, export customers in over 90 countries and federal, state and local governments for school and other food programs. Additionally, the Company packs canned and frozen vegetables under contract packing agreements.

The Company was founded in 1949pursues acquisitions when they are strategic and duringfinancially additive and meet its 67overall business needs. In 73 years of operation, the Company has made over 50 strategic acquisitions, includinginvestments and alliances that have expanded its leadership in the purchasepackaged fruit and vegetable industry. The table below includes some of the long-term license for the Libby's brandacquisitions and divestitures that have been completed in 1983, the purchase of General Mills' Green Giant packaging assets and entry into an Alliance Agreement with General Mills Operations, LLC ("GMOL") in 1995 and the acquisition of Chiquita Processed Foods in 2003.  The Company believes that these acquisitions have enhanced the Company's leadership position in the private label and foodservice canned vegetable markets in the United States and significantly increased its international sales.  In August 2006, the Company acquired Signature Fruit Company, LLC, a leading producer of canned fruits located in Modesto, California.  This acquisition allowed the Company to broaden its product offerings to become a leading producer and distributor of canned fruit and to achieve cost advantages through the realization of distribution and other synergies with the Company's canned vegetable business.  In 2013, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the membership interest in Independent Foods, LLC.  In April 2014, the Company purchased a 50% equity interest in Truitt Bros. Inc.  In 2016, the Company acquired Gray & Company and Diana Foods Co., Inc., each leading providers of maraschino cherries and other cherry products.  The plants acquired are in Hart, Michigan and Dayton, Oregon. The rationale for these acquisitions was twofold: (1) the businesses are a complementary fit with the Company's existing business and (2) it provides an extension of the Company's product offerings.recent years:

Date
Significant Event
March 2021Acquisition of a processing facility in Berlin, Wisconsin for $7.1 million to aid the Company’s frozen business by expanding freezing capability and adding frozen celery production to the core fruit and vegetable business.
December 2020Divestiture of the prepared foods business, resulting in a gain of $34.8 million. The nature of the prepared foods business was not central to Seneca’s primary business and the sale allowed for the continued focus and investment in the Company’s core fruit and vegetable business.
November 2020Executed an agreement with a co-pack customer to process canned vegetables on a contractual basis, and as part of that arrangment, acquired a plant in Cambria, Wisconsin. As an additional part of the arragement, Seneca acquired two already closed facilities and the equipment therein which was relocated and utilized by existing Seneca facilities in order to improve efficiencies or expand production capacities. Any equipment that was unable to be utilized was disposed of in fiscal year 2021. The idle facilities were acquired with no plans of operation, one of which was sold during fiscal year 2022 and the remaining facility is expected be sold in fiscal year 2023.
October 2019The Company ceased production at its fruit processing plant in Sunnyside, Washington but continued to store, case and label products at this facility until late in fiscal year 2020.  In February 2020, the Company invested approximately $10 million and contributed the Sunnyside facility to acquire a 49% stake in CraftAg, LLC, a newly formed company which processed hemp. During fiscal yer 2022, the Company's investment was deemed to be other-than-temporarily impaired and the carrying value of the investment was written down to $0.
Available Information

The Company'sCompany’s Internet address is www.senecafoods.com. The Company'sCompany’s annual report on Form 10-K, the Company's quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, are available on the Company'sCompany’s web site, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are electronically filed with or furnished to the SEC. All such filings on the Company'sCompany’s web site are available free of charge. Information on our website is not part of the Annual Reportannual report on Form 10-K.

In addition, the Company's website includes items related to corporate governance matters, including charters of various committees of the Board of Directors and the Company's Code of Business Conduct and Ethics. The Company intends to disclose on its website any amendment to or waiver of any provision of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that would otherwise be required to be disclosed under the rules of the SEC and NASDAQ.

Financial Information about Industry Segments

The Company manageshas historically managed its business on the basis of twothree reportable segments – the primary segment is thefood packaging and sale ofsegments: (1) fruits and vegetables, (2) prepared food products and the secondary segment is the(3) snack products. The other category comprises non-food packaging and sale of chip products.  These two segments constitute the food operation.  The food operation constitutes 98% of total sales of which approximately 68% is canned vegetable packaging, 20% is canned fruit packaging, 11% is frozen fruit and vegetable packaging and 1% is fruit chip packaging.  The non-food operation, which is primarily relatedrelate to the sale of cans, and ends, seed, and outside revenue generated from ourthe Company's trucking and aircraft operations, representsoperations. During fiscal year 2021, the Company sold its prepared foods business, leaving just two reportable segments along with the other category. The Company’s food operation constituted 98% of total net sales in fiscal year 2022. Canned vegetables represented 84%, frozen vegetables represented 9%, fruit products represented 6%, and chip products represented 1% of the total food packaging net sales. Non-food packaging sales represented 2% of the Company's totalfiscal year 2022 net sales.

Narrative Description of BusinessPrincipal products and markets

1

Principal Products and Markets

Food Packaging

The Company’s principal products include canned fruits and vegetables, frozen vegetables, jarred fruit, and other food products. The products are sold nationwide by major grocery outlets, including supermarkets, mass merchandisers, limited assortment stores, club stores and dollar stores. Additionally, products are sold to food service distributors, restaurant chains, industrial markets, other food packagers, export customers in 90 countries, and federal, state and local governments for school and other feeding programs. Food packaging operations are primarily supported by plant locations in New York, California, Michigan, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Washington, Idaho, Illinois, and Minnesota. SeeRefer to the information set forth under the heading “Segment Information” in Note 1214 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, Financial“Financial Statements and Supplementary Data,Data”, for additional informationdiscussion about the Company'sCompany’s segments.
The following table summarizes net sales by major product category for thefiscal years ended March 31, 2016, 2015,2022 and 2014:2021 (in thousands):

  Fiscal Year 
  2022   2021 
Canned vegetables $1,135,983   $1,172,635 
Frozen vegetables  123,895    102,197 
Fruit products  84,708    88,431 
Snack products  12,332    10,999 
Prepared foods  -    71,866 
Other  28,362    21,516 
  $1,385,280   $1,467,644 

          
Classes of similar products/services: 2016  2015  2014 
  (In thousands) 
Net Sales:         
Green Giant * $144,310  $161,993  $177,881 
Canned vegetables  746,501   754,556   753,318 
Frozen  94,710   94,648   107,109 
Fruit  253,658   234,918   264,549 
Snack  12,336   11,667   11,496 
Other  23,845   28,568   25,855 
    Total $1,275,360  $1,286,350  $1,340,208 
             
* Green Giant includes canned and frozen vegetable sales exclusively for GMOL or B&G Foods.            


Source and Availability of Raw Materials

We purchase raw materials, including raw produce, steel, ingredients and packaging materials from growers, commodity processors, steel producers and packaging suppliers. Raw materials and other input costs, such as labor, fuel, utilities and transportation, are subject to fluctuations in price attributable to a number of factors. Fluctuations in commodity prices can lead to retail price volatility and can influence consumer and trade buying patterns. The Company's food packaging plants are locatedcost of raw materials, fuel, labor, distribution and other costs related to our operations can increase from time to time significantly and unexpectedly.
We experienced material net cost increases for raw materials and other input costs during fiscal year 2022. We attempt to manage cost inflation risks by locking in major vegetable producing states and in four fruit producing states.  Fruits and vegetables are primarily obtainedprices through short-term supply contracts, with independent growers.advance grower purchase agreements, and by implementing cost saving measures. We also attempt to offset rising input costs by raising sales prices to our customers. However, increases in the prices we charge our customers may lag behind rising input costs. Competitive pressures also may limit our ability to quickly raise prices in response to rising costs. To the extent we are unable to avoid or offset any present or future cost increases our operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Intellectual Property

The Company's most significant brand name, Libby's®Libby's®, is held pursuant to a trademark license granted to the Company in March 1982 and renewable by the Company every 10 years for an aggregate period expiring in March 2081. The original licensor was Libby, McNeill & Libby, Inc., then an indirect subsidiary of Nestlé, S. A. ("Nestlé") and the license was granted in connection with the Company's purchase of certain of the licensor's canned vegetable operations in the United States. Corlib Brands Management, LTD acquired the license from Nestlé during 2006. The license is limited to vegetables which are shelf-stable, frozen, and thermally packaged, and includes the Company's major vegetable varieties – corn, peas and green beans – as well as certain other thermally packaged vegetable varieties and sauerkraut.

The Company is required to pay an annual royalty andto Corlib Brands, now known as Libby's Brand Holding, Ltd., whichwho may terminate the license for non-payment of royalty, use of the trademark in sales outside the licensed territory, failure to achieve a minimum level of sales under the licensed trademark during any calendar year or a material breach or default by the Company under the agreement (which is not cured within the specified cure period). With the purchase of Signature Fruit Company, LLC, which also uses the Libby's®Libby’s® brand name, the Company re-negotiated the license agreement and created a new, combined agreement based on Libby's®Libby’s® revenue dollars for fruits, vegetables, and dry beans. During fiscal year 2021, the Company and Libby’s Brand Holding, Ltd. renegotiated again to remove fruit from the license agreement. A total of $327,000$0.1 million was paid as a royalty fee for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.2022.

The Company also sells canned fruits and vegetables, frozen vegetables, jarred fruit, and other food products under several other brands for which the Company has obtained registered trademarks, including, Aunt Nellie's®Nellie’s®, Cherryman®CherryMan®, READ®Green Valley®, Seneca Farms®READ®, and Seneca®Seneca®, and other regional brands.

Seasonal BusinessSeasonality

While individual fruits and vegetables have seasonal cycles of peak production and sales, the different cycles are somewhat offsetting. Minimal food packaging occurs in the Company's last fiscal quarter ending March 31, which is the optimal time for maintenance, repairs and equipment changes in its packaging plants. The supply of commodities, current pricing, and expected new crop quantity and quality affect the timing and amount of the Company'sCompany’s sales and earnings. When the seasonal harvesting periods of the Company's major fruits and vegetables are newly completed, inventories for these packaged fruits and vegetables are at their highest levels. For peas, the peak inventory time is mid-summer and for corn and green beans, the Company's highest volume vegetable,vegetables, the peak inventory is in mid-autumn.  For peaches,
The Company’s revenues typically are highest in the Company's highest volumesecond and third fiscal quarters. This is due, in part, because the Company’s fruit and vegetable sales exhibit seasonal increases in the peak inventory time is early-autumn.  For pears,third fiscal quarter due to increased retail demand during the peak inventory is late-summer.  For cherries,holiday season. In addition, the peak inventory is late-summer.Company sells canned and frozen vegetables to a co-pack customer on a bill and hold basis at the end of each pack cycle, which typically occurs during these quarters.

These seasonal fluctuations are illustrated in the following table, which presents certain unaudited quarterly financial information for the periods indicated:
indicated (in thousands):
  First
Quarter
  
Second
Quarter
  Third
Quarter
  
Fourth
Quarter
 
Fiscal Year 2022:                
Net sales $235,042  $372,256  $445,593  $332,389 
Gross margin  33,623   42,728   44,985   26,596 
Net earnings  14,136   11,654   18,664   6,553 
Revolver outstanding (at quarter end)  1,000   51,679   33,711   20,508 
                 
Fiscal Year 2021:                
Net sales $288,165  $390,294  $484,392  $304,793 
Gross margin  48,562   48,943   77,704   56,976 
Net earnings  20,706   18,105   72,460   14,829 
Revolver outstanding (at quarter end)  34,406   62,611   -   1,000 
2

  First Quarter  Second Quarter  Third Quarter  Fourth Quarter 
  (In thousands) 
Year ended March 31, 2016:            
Net sales $226,258  $313,202  $432,198  $303,702 
Gross margin  20,899   29,073   53,382   44,041 
Net earnings  2,968   6,522   31,123   13,845 
Inventories (at quarter end)  482,556   761,703   631,181   567,707 
Revolver outstanding (at quarter end)  197,350   304,468   309,211   271,592 
                 
Year ended March 31, 2015:                
Net sales $240,043  $312,161  $456,207  $277,939 
Gross margin  17,341   17,133   26,435   23,454 
Net earnings (loss)  (107)  (578)  7,819   2,765 
Inventories (at quarter end)  467,290   731,527   547,149   472,412 
Revolver outstanding (at quarter end)  180,050   302,220   255,000   233,000 

Backlog
Backlog

In the food packaging business, an end of year sales order backlog is not considered meaningful. Traditionally, larger customers provide tentative bookings for their expected purchases for the upcoming season. These bookings are further developed as data on the expected size of the related national harvests becomes available. In general, these bookings serve as a yardstick rather than as a firm commitment, since actual harvest results can vary notably from early estimates. In actual practice, the Company has substantially all of its expected seasonal production identified to potential sales outlets before the seasonal production is completed.

Competition and Customers

Competition in the packaged food businessindustry is substantial with brand recognition and promotion, quality, service, and pricing being the major determinants in the Company'sCompany’s relative market position. The Company believes that it is a major producer of canned fruitsvegetables, frozen vegetables, and vegetables,jarred fruit but some producers of canned, frozen and other forms of fruit and vegetablethese products have sales which exceed the Company's sales. The Company is aware of approximately 14at least 13 competitors in the U.S. packaged fruit and vegetable industry, many of which are privately held companies.  The Company is aware

During the past year, approximately 12% of the Company's packaged foods sales were packed for retail customers under the Company's branded labels of Seneca®, Libby's®, Green Valley®, Aunt Nellie's®, READ®, and Seneca Farms®.  About 25% of packaged foods sales were packed for institutional food distributors and 52% were retail packed under the private label of our customers.  The remaining 11% was sold under the Alliance Agreement with GMOL and the succeeding contract packing agreement with B&G Foods (collectively the "Green Giant Agreement") (see note 12 of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data).  Termination of the Green Giant Agreement would substantially reduce the Company's sales and profitability unless the Company was to enter into a new substantial supply relationship with Green Giant or another major vegetable marketer.  The non-Green Giant customers represent a full cross section of the retail, institutional, distributor, and industrial markets; and the Company does not consider itself dependent on any single sales source other than sales attributable to the Green Giant Agreement.

The Company's principal branded products are its Libby's canned fruit and vegetable products, which rate among the top three national brands according to a leading market research firm.

The information under the heading "Results of Operations in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the 2016 Annual Report is incorporated by reference.

Environmental Regulation

Environmental Protection

Environmental protection is an area that has been worked on diligently at each food packaging facility. In all locations, the Company has cooperated with federal, state, and local environmental protection authorities in developing and maintaining suitable antipollution facilities. In general, we believe our pollution control facilities are equal to or somewhat superior to those of our competitors and are within environmental protection standards. The Company does not expect any material capital expenditures to comply with environmental regulations in the near future.

There has been a broad range of proposed and promulgated state, national and international regulations aimed at reducing the effects of climate change. In the United States, there is a significant possibility that some form of regulation will be forthcoming at the federal level to address the effects of climate change. Such regulation could result in the creation of additional costs in the form of taxes, consultant expenses, the restriction of output, investments of capital to maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or required acquisition or trading of emission allowances.

Environmental Litigation and Contingencies

In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is made a party to certain legal proceedings seeking monetary damages, including proceedings involving product liability claims, worker'sworker’s compensation and other employee claims, tort and other general liability claims, for which it carries insurance as well as patent infringement and related litigation. The Company is in a highly regulated industry and is also periodically involved in government actions for regulatory violations and other matters surrounding the manufacturing of its products, including, but not limited to, environmental, employee, and product safety issues. While it is not feasible to predict or determine the ultimate outcome of these matters, the Company does not believe that an adverse decision in any of these legal proceedings would have a material adverse impact on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

3Employment

Employment

At our fiscal yearAs of the end 2016,of December 2021, the Company had approximately 3,5003,000 employees of which 3,0002,800 are full time, and 400100 seasonal employees work in food packaging, and 100 full time employees work in other activities. The number of employees increases by approximately 7,0004,000 due to an increase in seasonal employees during our peak pack season.

The Company has seven collective bargaining agreements with three unions covering approximately 1,050787 of its full-time employees.  The terms of these agreements result in wages and benefits which are substantially the same for comparable positions for the Company'sCompany’s non-union employees.  There are no agreements expiring in calendar 2017. There are two agreements that will expire in 2018, two agreementsis one agreement that will expire in calendar 2019 and2023, three agreements that will expire in calendar 2020.2024, one agreement that will expire in calendar 2025, one agreement that will expire in calendar 2026, and one agreement that will expire in calendar 2027.

Domestic and Export Sales

The following table sets forth domestic and export sales:


  Fiscal Year 
  2016   2015   2014 
  (In thousands, except percentages) 
Net Sales:           
  United States $1,167,078   $1,170,522   $1,217,238 
  Export  108,282    115,828    122,970 
    Total Net Sales $1,275,360   $1,286,350   $1,340,208 
               
As a Percentage of Net Sales:              
  United States  91.5 %  91.0 %  90.8%
  Export  8.5 %  9.0 %  9.2%
    Total  100.0 %  100.0 %  100.0%

The following table sets forth domestic and export sales (In thousands, except percentages):
  Fiscal Year 
  2022  2021 
Net sales:        
United States $1,285,540  $1,372,679 
Export  99,740   94,965 
Total net sales $1,385,280  $1,467,644 
         
As a percentage of net sales:        
United States  92.8%  93.5%
Export  7.2%  6.5%
Total  100.0%  100.0%
Item 1A

1A. Risk Factors

The following factors as well as factors described elsewhere in this Form 10-K or in other filings by the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission,SEC, could adversely affect the Company'sCompany’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Other factors not presently known to us or that we presently believe are not material could also affect our business operations or financial results. The Company refers to itself as "we"“we”, "our"“our” or "us"“us” in this section.

Fruit and Vegetable Industry Risks

Excess capacity in the fruit and vegetable industry has a downward impact on selling price.

If canned vegetable, frozen vegetable, or jarred fruit categories decline, less shelf space will be devoted to these categories in the supermarkets. Fresh and perishable businesses are improving their delivery systems around the world and the availability of fresh produce is impacting the consumers purchasing patterns relating to packaged fruit and vegetables. Our financial performance and growth are related to conditions in the United States'States’ fruit and vegetable packaging industry which is a mature industry with a modest growth rate during the last 10 years. Our net sales are a function of product availability and market pricing. In the fruit and vegetable packaging industry, product availability and market prices tend to have an inverse relationship: market prices tend to decrease as more product is available and to increase if less product is available. Product availability is a direct result of plantings, growing conditions, crop yields and inventory levels, all of which vary from year to year. Moreover, fruit and vegetable production outside the United States, particularly in Europe, Asia and South America, is increasing at a time when worldwide demand for certain products such as peaches, is being impacted by the global economic slowdown. These factors may have a significant effect on supply and competition and create downward pressure on prices. In addition, market prices can be affected by the planting and inventory levels and individual pricing decisions of our competitors. Generally, market prices in the fruit and vegetable packaging industry adjust more quickly to variations in product availability than an individual packager can adjust its cost structure; thus, in an oversupply situation, a packager'spackager’s margins likely will weaken. We typically have experienced lower margins during times of industry oversupply.

In the past, the fruit and vegetable packaging industry has been characterized by excess capacity, with resulting pressure on our prices and profit margins. We have closed packaging plants in past years in response to the downward pressure on prices. There can be no assurance that our margins will improve in response to favorable market conditions or that we will be able to operate profitably during depressed market conditions.

Growing cycles and adverse weather conditions may decrease our results from operations.

Our operations are affected by the growing cycles of the fruits and vegetables we package. When the fruits and vegetables are ready to be picked, we must harvest and package them quickly or forego the opportunity to package fresh picked fruits and vegetables for an entire year. Most of our fruits and vegetables are grown by farmers under contract with us. Consequently, we must pay the contract grower for the fruits and vegetables even if we cannot or do not harvest or package them. Most of our production occurs during the second quarter (July through September) of our fiscal year, which corresponds with the quarter that the growing season ends for most of the produce packaged by us. A majority of our sales occur during the thirdsecond and fourththird quarters of each fiscal year due to seasonal consumption patterns for our products. Accordingly, inventory levels are highest during the second and third quarters, and accounts receivable levels are highest during the thirdsecond and fourththird quarters. Net sales generated during our thirdsecond and fourththird fiscal quarters have a significant impact on our results of operations. Because of these seasonal fluctuations, the results of any particular quarter, particularly in the first half of our fiscal year, will not necessarily be indicative of results for the full year or for future years.

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We set our planting schedules without knowing the effect of the weather on the crops or on the entire industry'sindustry’s production. Weather conditions during the course of each fruit and vegetable crop'scrop’s growing season will affect the volume and growing time of that crop. As most of our vegetables are produced in more than one part of the U.S., this somewhat reduces the risk that our entire crop will be subject to disastrous weather. The upper Midwest is the primary growing region for the principal vegetables which we pack, namely peas, green beans and corn, and it is also a substantial source of our competitors'competitors’ vegetable production.  California is the primary growing region for the fruits we pack, namely peaches, pears, apricots and grapes. The adverse effects of weather-related reduced production may be partially mitigated by higher selling prices for the fruits and vegetables which are produced.

The commodity materials that we package or otherwise require are subject to price increases that could adversely affect our profitability.

The materials that we use, such as fruitsraw fruit and vegetables, steel, (used to make cans), ingredients, pouches and other packaging materials as well as the electricity, diesel fuel, and natural gas used in our business, are commodities that may experience price volatility caused by external factors, including market fluctuations, availability, currency fluctuations and changes in governmental regulations and agricultural programs. General inventory positions of major commodities, such as field corn, soybeans and wheat, all commodities with which we must compete for acreage, can have dramatic effects on prices for those commodities, which can translate into similar swings in prices needed to be paid for our contracted commodities. These programs and other events can result in reduced supplies of these commodities, higher supply costs or interruptions in our production schedules. If prices of these commodities increase beyond what we can pass along to our customers, our operating income will decrease.

Risks Associated With Our Operations

Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, may disrupt our business, including among other things, our supply chain, our manufacturing operations and customer and consumer demand for our products, and could have a material adverse impact on our business.
The spread of pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19, may negatively affect our operations. If a significant percentage of our workforce or the workforce of our third party business partners is unable to work, including because of illness or travel or government restrictions in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic or any future pandemic or disease outbreak, our operations may be negatively impacted. Some of our workforce dwell in company provided housing and therefore outbreaks such as COVID-19 would need to be managed, to the extent possible, to meet health care protocols. Pandemics or disease outbreaks could result in a widespread health crisis that could adversely affect economies and financial markets, consumer spending and confidence levels resulting in an economic downturn that could affect customer and consumer demand for our products.
Our efforts to manage and mitigate these factors may be unsuccessful, and the effectiveness of these efforts depends on factors beyond our control, including the duration and severity of any pandemic or disease outbreak, as well as third party actions taken to contain its spread and mitigate public health effects.
The ultimate impact of a pandemic on our business will depend on many factors, including, among others, the duration of social distancing and stay-at-home mandates, our ability to continue to operate our manufacturing facilities and maintain the supply chain without material disruption, and the extent to which macroeconomic conditions resulting from the pandemic and the pace of the subsequent recovery may impact consumer eating habits.
We depend upon key customers.

Our products are sold in a highly competitive marketplace, which includes increased concentration and a growing presence of large-format retailers and discounters. Dependence upon key customers could lead to increased pricing pressure by these customers.

Green Giant products packed by us in A relatively limited number of customers account for a large percentage of the Company’s total net sales. The top ten customers represented approximately 53%, and 50% of net sales for fiscal years 20162022 and 2015 constituted approximately 11% and 13%, respectively, of our total sales.  Our sales of Green Giant product and financial performance under the Contract Packing Agreement depend to a significant extent on our success in producing quality Green Giant vegetables at competitive costs and B&G Foods success in marketing the products produced by us.  The ability of B&G Foods to successfully market these products will depend upon B&G Foods's sales efforts as well as the factors described above under "Excess capacity in the fruit and vegetable industry has a downward impact on selling price."  We cannot give assurance as to the volume of B&G Foods's sales and cannot control many of the key factors affecting that volume.

Additionally, purchases by the United Sates Department of Agriculture ("USDA") in fiscal year 2016 represented approximately 5% of our total sales.  The purchase of our products by the USDA is done through the government's competitive bid process.  We bid on stated product requirements and needs as presented by the USDA and, if we are the successful bidder, we fulfill the contract and deliver the product.  The government contracting process is complex and subject to numerous regulations and requirements.  Failure by us to comply with the regulations and requirements for government contracts could jeopardize our ability to contract with the government and could result in reduced sales or prohibition on submitting bids to the USDA.  The government procurement process could also change and result in our inability to meet the new requirements.  Additionally, the government's need for our products could decrease, which would result in reduced sales to the USDA.

2021, respectively. If we lose a significant customer or if sales to a significant customer materially decrease, our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected.

If we do not maintain the market shares of our products, our business and revenues may be adversely affected.

All of our products compete with those of other national and regional food packaging companies under highly competitive conditions. The fruit and vegetable products which we sell under our own brand names not only compete with fruit and vegetable products produced by vegetablefood packaging competitors, but also compete with products we produce and sell tounder contract packing agreements with other companies who market those products under their own brand names such as the Green Giant vegetables we sell to B&G Foods under the Contract Packing Agreement and the fruits and vegetables we sell to various retail grocery chains which carry our customer'scustomer’s own brand names.  During 2016, the Company entered into a relationship transfer agreement where B&G Foods took over the Green Giant vegetable business.

The customers who buy our products to sell under their own brand names control the marketing programs for those products. In recent years, many major retail food chains have been increasing their promotions, offerings and shelf space allocations for their own fruit and vegetable brands, to the detriment of fruit and vegetable brands owned by the packagers, including our own brands. We cannot predict the pricing or promotional activities of our customers/competitors or whether they will have a negative effect on us. There are competitive pressures and other factors, which could cause our products to lose market share or result in significant price erosion that could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Increases in logistics and other transportation-related costs could materially adversely impact our results of operations.

Our ability to competitively serve our customers depends on the availability of reliable and low-cost transportation. We use multiple forms of transportation to bring our products to market. They include trucks, intermodal, rail cars, and ships. Disruption to the timely supply of these services or increases in the cost of these services for any reason, including availability or cost of fuel, regulations affecting the industry, or labor shortages in the transportation industry, could have an adverse effect on our ability to serve our customers, and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we are subject to product liability claims,
A recall of our products could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, we may incur significant and unexpected costs and our business reputation could be adversely affected.

Food packagers are subject to significant liability should the consumption of theirany of our products cause injury, illness or illness.death.
The sale of food products for human consumption involves the risk of injury to consumers. Such injuries may result from mislabeling, tampering by unauthorized third parties or product contamination or spoilage, including the presence of foreign objects, undeclared allergens, substances, chemicals, other agents or residues introduced during the growing, manufacturing, storage, handling or transportation phases of production. Under certain circumstances, we may be required to recall products, leading to a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Even if a situation does not necessitate a recall, product liability claims might be asserted against us. We workhave from time to time been involved in product liability lawsuits, none of which have been material to our business. While we are subject to governmental inspection and regulations and believe our facilities comply in all material respects with regulators,all applicable laws and regulations, if the industryconsumption of any of our products causes, or is alleged to have caused, a health-related illness in the future we may become subject to claims or lawsuits relating to such matters. Even if a product liability claim is unsuccessful or is not fully pursued, the negative publicity surrounding any assertion that our products caused injury, illness or death could adversely affect our reputation with existing and supplierspotential customers and our corporate and brand image. Moreover, claims or liabilities of this sort might not be covered by our insurance or by any rights of indemnity or contribution that we may have against others. We maintain product liability insurance in an amount we believe to stay abreastbe adequate. However, we cannot assure you that we will not incur claims or liabilities for which we are not insured or that exceed the amount of developments.our insurance coverage. A product liability judgment against us could also result in substantial and unexpected expenditures, affect consumer confidence inor a product recall or the damage to our products, and divert management's attention from other responsibilities.  Product liability claims may also lead to increased scrutiny by federal and state regulatory agencies andreputation resulting therefrom could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, and results of operation.   Althoughoperations or liquidity.
Pending and future litigation may lead us to incur significant costs.
We are, or may become, party to various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business, which may include lawsuits or claims relating to contracts, intellectual property, product recalls, product liability, the marketing and labeling of products, employment matters, environmental matters or other aspects of our business. Even when not merited, the defense of these lawsuits may divert our management’s attention, and we may incur significant expenses in defending these lawsuits. In addition, we may be required to pay damage awards or settlements or become subject to injunctions or other equitable remedies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. The outcome of litigation is often difficult to predict, and the outcome of pending or future litigation may have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.
We face risks associated with our defined benefit pension plan.
We maintain comprehensivea company-sponsored defined benefit pension plan. A deterioration in the value of plan assets resulting from poor market performance, a general liability insurance coverage, there can be no assurancefinancial downturn or otherwise could cause an increase in the amount of contributions we are required to make to these plans. For example, our defined benefit pension plan may from time to time move from an overfunded to underfunded status driven by decreases in plan asset values that this levelmay result from changes in long-term interest rates and disruptions in U.S. or global financial markets. Additionally, historically low interest rates coupled with poor market performance would have the effect of coveragedecreasing the funded status of these plans which would result in greater required contributions. For a more detailed description of the pension plan, refer to the information set forth under the heading “Retirement Plansin Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8, “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” An obligation to make additional, unanticipated contributions to our defined benefit plans could reduce the cash available for working capital and other corporate uses, and may have a material adverse effect on our business, consolidated financial position, results of operations and liquidity.
Our business is adequatedependent on our information technology systems and software, and failure to protect against or that we will be ableeffectively respond to continue to maintain our existing insurancecyber-attacks, security breaches, or obtain comparable insurance at a reasonable cost, if at all.  A product recall or a partially or completely uninsured judgment against usother incidents involving those systems, could materially and adversely affect day-to-day operations and decision making processes and have an adverse effect on our performance and reputation.
The efficient operation of our business depends on our information technology systems, which we rely on to effectively manage our business data, communications, logistics, accounting, regulatory and other business processes. If we do not allocate and effectively manage the resources necessary to build and sustain an appropriate technology environment, our business, reputation, or financial conditionresults could be negatively impacted. In addition, our information technology systems may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from circumstances beyond our control, including systems failures, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, viruses, ransomware, security breaches or cyber incidents. Cyber-attacks are becoming more sophisticated and resultsare increasing in the number of operations.attempts and frequency by groups and individuals with a wide range of motives. A security breach of sensitive information could result in damage to our reputation and our relations with our customers or employees. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We generate agricultural food packaging wastes and are subject to substantial environmental regulation.

As a food packager, we regularly dispose of produce wastes (silage) and processing water as well as materials used in plant operation and maintenance and our plant boilers, which generate heat used in packaging produceand can manufacturing operations, producing generally small emissions into the air. These activities and operations are regulated by federal and state laws and the respective federal and state environmental agencies. Occasionally, we may be required to remediate conditions found by the regulators to be in violation of environmental law or to contribute to the cost of remediating waste disposal sites, which we neither owned nor operated, but in which, we and other companies deposited waste materials, usually through independent waste disposal companies. Future possible costs of environmental remediation, contributions and penalties could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our production capacity for certain products and commodities is concentrated in a limited number of facilities, exposing us to a material disruption in production in the event that a disaster strikes.

We only have four plantsone plant that produceproduces fruit products and one plant that produces pumpkin products. We have threetwo plants that manufacture empty cans, one with substantially more capacity than the other, two, which are not interchangeable since each plant cannot necessarily produce all the can sizes needed. Although we maintain property and business interruption insurance coverage, there can be no assurance that this level of coverage is adequate in the event of a catastrophe or significant disruption at these or other Company facilities. If such an event occurs, it could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We may undertake acquisitions or product innovations and may have difficulties integrating them or may not realize the anticipated benefits.

In the future, we may undertake acquisitions of other businesses or introduce new products, although there can be no assurances that these will occur. Such undertakings involve numerous risks and significant investments. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and acquire acquisition candidates on favorable terms, to profitably manage or to successfully integrate future businesses itthat we may acquire or new products itwe may introduce without substantial costs, delays or problems. Any of these outcomes could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

We are dependent upon a seasonal workforce and our inability to hire sufficient employees may adversely affect our business.

At the end of our 2016 fiscal year,December 2021, we had approximately 3,5003,000 employees of which 3,0002,800 full time, and 400100 seasonal employees worked in food packaging, and 100 employees worked in other activities. During the peak summer harvest period, we hire up to approximately 7,0004,000 seasonal employees to help package fruitsfruit and vegetables. If there is a shortage of seasonal labor, or if there is an increase to minimum wage rates, this could have a negative impact on our cost of operations. Many of our packaging operations are located in rural communities that may not have sufficient labor pools, requiring us to hire employees from other regions. An inability to hire and train sufficient employees during the critical harvest period could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Increases in Labor Costs or Work Stoppages or Strikes Could Materially and Adversely Affect Our Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Personnel costs, including the costs of medical and other employee health and welfare benefits, have increased. These costs can vary substantially as a result of an increase in the number, mix and experience of our employees and changes in health care and other employment-related laws. There are no assurances that we will succeed in reducing future increases in such costs. Increases in personnel costs can also be amplified by low unemployment rates, preferences among workers in the labor market and general tight labor market conditions in any of the areas where we operate. Our inability to control such costs could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Although we consider our labor relations to be good, if a significant number of our employees engaged in a work slowdown, or other type of labor unrest, it could in some cases impair our ability to supply our products to customers, which could result in reduced sales, and may distract our management from focusing on our business and strategic priorities. Any of these activities could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Environmental and other regulation of our business, including potential climate change regulation, could adversely impact us by increasing our production cost or restricting our ability to import certain products into the United States.
Climate change serves as a risk multiplier increasing both the frequency and severity of natural disasters that may affect our business operations. Moreover, there has been a broad range of proposed and promulgated state, national and international regulation aimed at reducing the effects of climate change. In the United States, there is a significant possibility that some form of regulation will be enacted at the federal level to address the effects of climate change. Such regulation could take several forms that could result in additional costs in the form of taxes, consultant costs, the restriction of output, investments of capital to maintain compliance with laws and regulations, or required acquisition or trading of emission allowances. Climate change regulation continues to evolve, and it is not possible to accurately estimate either a timetable for implementation or our future compliance costs relating to implementation.
There may be increased governmental legislative and regulatory activity in reaction to consumer perception related to BPA.enamels.

There has been increasedcontinued state legislative activity to ban certain enamals used to line cans; such as Bisphenol-A ("BPA") from food contact packaging.. These legislative decisions are predominantly driven by consumer perception that BPA may be harmful. These actions have been taken despite the scientific evidence and general consensus of United States and international government agencies that BPA is safe and does not pose a risk to human health. The legislative actions combined with growing public perception about food safety may require us to change some of the materials used as linings in our packaging materials. Failure to do so could result in a loss of sales as well as loss in value of the inventory utilizing BPA containingcertain materials. The Company, inIn collaboration with other can makers as well as enamel suppliers, has decided towe have aggressively workworked to find alternative materials for can linings not manufactured using BPA. However, commercially acceptable alternatives are not immediately available for some applicationsWe have transitioned to BPANI (BPA Non-intent) and there can be no assurance that these steps will be successful. About 14%less than 1% of our canned product volume (excluding B&G Foods and purchased canned products) still includes BPA. Even though BPANI has been fully approved by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”), there could be future legislative or regulatory actions that claim BPANI also poses a risk to human health.

The implementation of the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011 may affect operations
 
The Food Safety Modernization Act ("FSMA") was enacted with the goal of enabling the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA")FDA to better protect public health by strengthening the food safety system. FSMA was designed to focus the efforts of FDA on preventing food safety problems rather than relying primarily on reacting to problems after they occur. The law also provides the FDA with new enforcement authorities designed to achieve higher rates of compliance with prevention and risk-based food safety standards and to better respond to and contain problems when they do occur.  The increased inspections, mandatory recall authority of the FDA, increased scrutiny of foreign sourced or supplied food products, and increased records access may have an impact on our business. As we are already in a highly regulated business, operating under the increased scrutiny of more FDA authority does not appear likely to negatively impact our business.  The law also gives FDA important new tools to hold imported foods to the same standards as domestic foods.

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The Company'sOur results are dependent on successful marketplace initiatives and acceptance by consumers of the Company'sour products.

The Company'sOur product introductions and product improvements, along with its other marketplace initiatives, are designed to capitalize on new customer or consumer trends. The FDA recentlyhas issued a statement on sodium which referred to an Institute of Medicine statement that too much sodium is a major contributor to high blood pressure. Some of our products contain a moderate amount of sodium per recommended serving, which is based on consumer'sconsumer’s preferences for taste.  In order to remain successful, the Companywe must anticipate and react to these new trends and develop new products or packages to address them. While the Company devoteswe devote significant resources to meeting this goal, we may not be successful in developing new products or packages, or our new products or packages may not be accepted by customers or consumers.

Regulations related to "conflict minerals" may cause us to incur additional expenses and could limit the supply and increase the cost of certain metals used primarily in manufacturing our canned products.

On August 22, 2012, the SEC adopted a new rule requiring disclosures of specified minerals, known as conflict minerals, that are necessary to the functionality or production of products manufactured or contracted to be manufactured by companies filing public reports. The rule, which requires a disclosure report to be filed by May 31 each year, requires companies to perform country of origin inquiries, due diligence as required, disclosure, and reporting whether such minerals originate from the Democratic Republic of Congo or an adjoining country.  The conflict mineral rule could affect sourcing at competitive prices and availability in sufficient quantities of certain minerals, including, tin, which is used primarily in the manufacture of our cans. The number of suppliers, who provide conflict-free minerals in steel production, or other components, may be limited. In addition, there may be significant costs associated with complying with the disclosure requirements, such as costs related to determining the source of certain minerals used in the manufacture of our cans, as well as costs of possible changes to products, packages, or sources of supply as a consequence of such verification activities. Since our supply chain is complex, we may not be able to sufficiently verify the origins of the relevant minerals used in our products through the procedures that we implement, which may hurt our business. In addition, we may encounter significant challenges to satisfy those customers who require that all of the components of our products be certified as conflict-free, which could place us, as well as our competitors, at a disadvantage if we are unable to do so.


Financing Risks

Global economic conditions may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Unfavorable economic conditions, including the impact of recessions in the United States and throughout the world, may negatively affect our business and financial results. These economic conditions could negatively impact (i) consumer demand for our products, (ii) the mix of our products'products’ sales, (iii) our ability to collect accounts receivable on a timely basis, (iv) the ability of suppliers to provide the materials required in our operations and (v) our ability to obtain financing or to otherwise access the capital markets. The strength of the U.S. dollar versus other world currencies could result in increased competition from imported products and decreased sales to our international customers. A prolonged recession could result in decreased revenue, margins and earnings. Additionally, the economic situation could have an impact on our lenders or customers, causing them to fail to meet their obligations to us. The occurrence of any of these risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.


Our ability to manage our working capital and our Revolver is critical to our success.

As of March 31, 2016,2022, we had approximately $321.2 million of total indebtedness, including various debt agreements and a $271.6$20.5 million outstanding balance on our $400.0 million to $475.0 million revolving credit facility ("Revolver"(“Revolver”).  Scheduled debt service for fiscal 2017 is $279.8 million since the Revolver matures on July 20, 2016.  The Company is evaluating its alternatives related to these payments.  During our second and third fiscal quarters, our operations generally require more cash than is available from operations. In these circumstances, it is necessary to borrow under our Revolver. Our ability to obtain financing in the future through credit facilities will be affected by several factors, including our creditworthiness, our ability to operate in a profitable manner and general market and credit conditions. Significant changes in our business or cash outflows from operations could create a need for additional working capital. An inability to obtain additional working capital on terms reasonably acceptable to us or access the Revolver would materially and adversely affect our operations. Additionally, if we need to use a portion of our cash flows to pay principal and interest on our debt, it will reduce the amount of money we have for operations, working capital, capital expenditures, expansions, acquisitions or general corporate or other business activities. 

Failure to comply with the requirements of our debt agreements and Revolver could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our debt agreements and Revolver contain financial and other restrictive covenants which, among other things, limit our ability to borrow money, including with respect to the refinancing of existing indebtedness. These provisions may limit our ability to conduct our business, take advantage of business opportunities and respond to changing business, market and economic conditions. In addition, they may place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to other companies that may be subject to fewer, if any, restrictions. Failure to comply with the requirements of our Revolver and debt agreements could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We have pledged our accounts receivable, inventory, and theequipment, capital stock, or other ownership interests that we own in our subsidiaries to secure the credit facility.certain debt. If a default occurred and was not cured, secured lenders could foreclose on this collateral.

Risks Relating to Our Stock

Our existing shareholders, if acting together, may be able to exert control over matters requiring shareholder approval.

Holders of our Class B common stock are entitled to one vote per share, while holders of our Class A common stock are entitled to one-twentieth of a vote per share. In addition, holders of our 10% Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series A, our 10% Cumulative Convertible Voting Preferred Stock, Series B and, solely with respect to the election of directors, our 6% Cumulative Voting Preferred Stock, which we refer to as our voting preferred stock, are entitled to one vote per share. As of March 31, 2016,2022, holders of Class B common stock and voting preferred stock held 88.0%89.1% of the combined voting power of all shares of capital stock then outstanding and entitled to vote. These shareholders, if acting together, would be in a position to control the election of our directors and to effect or prevent certain corporate transactions that require majority or supermajority approval of the combined classes, including mergers and other business combinations. This may result in us taking corporate actions that you may not consider to be in your best interest and may affect the price of our common stock.

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As of March 31, 2016,2022, our current executive officers and directors beneficially owned 12.6%10.4% of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock, 51.3%49.7% of our outstanding shares of Class B common stock and 57.6%14.0% of our voting preferred stock, or 48.6%31.8% of the combined voting power of our outstanding shares of capital stock. This concentration of voting power may inhibit changes in control of the Company and may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions that discourage corporate takeovers.

Certain provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and provisions of the New York Business Corporation Law may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control. Various provisions of our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may inhibit changes in control not approved by our directors and may have the effect of depriving shareholders of any opportunity to receive a premium over the prevailing market price of our common stock in the event of an attempted unsolicited takeover. In addition, the existence of these provisions may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. These provisions include:
 
 
·a classified board of directors;
   
·
a requirement that special meetings of shareholders be called only by our directors or holders of 25% of the voting power of all shares outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting;
   
·
our board of directors has the power to classify and reclassify any of our unissued shares of capital stock into shares of capital stock with such preferences, rights, powers and restrictions as the board of directors may determine;
   
·
the affirmative vote of two thirds of the shares present and entitled to vote is required to amend our bylaws or remove a director; and
   
·
under the New York Business Corporation Law, in addition to certain restrictions which may apply to "business combinations"“business combinations” involving us and an "interested shareholder"“interested shareholder”, a plan for our merger or consolidation must be approved by two-thirds of the votes of all outstanding shares entitled to vote thereon. See "Our“Our existing shareholders, if acting together, may be able to exert control over matters requiring shareholder approval."” 

We dohave not paypaid dividends on our common stock and do not expect to pay common dividends in the future.past.

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock in more than 25 years and we have no intention to do so in the near future.past. In addition, payment of cash dividends on our common stock is not permitted by the terms of our revolving credit facility. This policy may be revisited under the correct circumstances in the future.

Other Risks

Tax legislation could impact future cash flows.

The Company usesWe use the Last-In, First-Out (LIFO) method of inventory accounting. As of March 31, 2016,2022, we had a LIFO reserve of $139.3$164.5 million which, at the U.S. corporate tax rate, represents approximately $48.8$41.4 million of income taxes, payment of which is delayed to future dates based upon changes in inventory costs. From time-to-time, discussions regarding changes in U.S. tax laws have included the potential of LIFO being repealed. Should LIFO be repealed, the $48.8$41.4 million of postponed taxes, plus any future benefit realized prior to the date of repeal, would likely have to be repaid over some period of time. Repayment of these postponed taxes will reduce the amount of cash that we would have available to fund our operations, working capital, capital expenditures, expansions, acquisitions or general corporate or other business activities. This could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

The tax status of our insurance subsidiary could be challenged resulting in an acceleration of income tax payments.

In conjunction with our workers'workers’ compensation program, we operate a wholly owned insurance subsidiary, Dundee Insurance Company, Inc. We recognize this subsidiary as an insurance company for federal income tax purposes with respect to our consolidated federal income tax return. In the event the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS"(“IRS”) were to determine that this subsidiary does not qualify as an insurance company, we could be required to make accelerated income tax payments to the IRS that we otherwise would have deferred until future periods.


Item 1B

1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None
The Company does not have any unresolved comments from the SEC staff regarding its periodic or current reports under the Exchange Act.

Item 2. Properties
8


Item 2

Properties

The following table details the Company'sCompany’s manufacturing plants and warehouses:

  Square     
  Footage  Acres 
  (000)     
Food Group
        
Nampa, Idaho  243   16 
Payette, Idaho  392   43 
Princeville, Illinois  288   518 
Hart, Michigan  351   78 
Traverse City, Michigan  58   43 
Blue Earth, Minnesota  286   429 
Glencoe, Minnesota  674   798 
LeSueur, Minnesota  82   7 
Montgomery, Minnesota  561   1,652 
Rochester, Minnesota  835   620 
Geneva, New York  769   594 
Leicester, New York  200   91 
Dayton, Oregon  82   19 
Dayton, Washington  250   28 
Yakima, Washington  122   8 
Baraboo, Wisconsin  625   13 
Berlin, Wisconsin  89   125 
Cambria East, Wisconsin  399   401 
Cambria West, Wisconsin  212   321 
Clyman, Wisconsin  438   724 
Cumberland, Wisconsin  400   307 
Gillett, Wisconsin  324   105 
Janesville, Wisconsin  1,234   341 
Mayville, Wisconsin  239   353 
Oakfield, Wisconsin  229   2,135 
Ripon, Wisconsin  634   87 
         
Non-Food Group (1)
        
Marion, New York  6   - 
Penn Yan, New York  27   4 
Total  10,049   9,860 
(1)The table does not include facilities in Albany, Oregon and Beverly, Washington that were idle and classified as an asset held for sale on our consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2022. The table also does not include a non-operational facilty in Mendota, Illinois.

Manufacturing Plants and Warehouses   
     
   Square 
   FootageAcres
   ('000) 
Food Group    
Modesto, California  2,213114
Santa Clara, California  64-
Buhl, Idaho  616141
Payette, Idaho  38243
Princeville, Illinois  265308
Hart, Michigan  17676
Blue Earth, Minnesota  286346
Glencoe, Minnesota  646788
LeSueur, Minnesota  232
Montgomery, Minnesota  5591,010
Rochester, Minnesota  1,078840
Geneva, New York  769602
Leicester, New York  19891
Marion, New York  348181
Dayton, Oregon  8236
Lebanon, Pennsylvania  13816
Dayton, Washington  21528
Sunnyside, Washington  57050
Yakima, Washington  1228
Baraboo, Wisconsin  58411
Cambria, Wisconsin  440406
Clyman, Wisconsin  435724
Cumberland, Wisconsin  389305
Gillett, Wisconsin  320105
Janesville, Wisconsin  1,201302
Mayville, Wisconsin  297367
Oakfield, Wisconsin  2272,277
Ripon, Wisconsin  58975
     
Non-Food Group    
Penn Yan, New York  274
     
  Total  13,2599,256


These facilities primarily package various fruit and vegetable products.  Most of the facilities are owned by the Company.  The Company is a lessee under a number of operating leases and a capital lease for equipment and real property used for packaging and warehousing.

The Company believes that these facilities are suitable and adequate for the purposes for which they are currently intended. All locations, although highly utilized, have the ability to expand as sales requirements justify. Because of the seasonal production cycles, the exact extent of utilization is difficult to measure.  In certain circumstances,
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
The information set forth under the theoretical full efficiency levels are being reached; however, expansion of the number of production days or hours could increase the output by up to 20% for a season.

Certain of the Company's facilities are mortgaged to financial institutions to secure long-term debt.  See Notes 3, 4 and 5 of Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, for additional information about the Company's long-term debt and lease commitments.

9


Item 3

heading “Legal Proceedings

See Note 13, "Legal Proceedings and Other Contingencies"Contingencies” in Note 15 of Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplemental Data.of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

See also  Item 1, Business -- Environmental Regulation, for information regarding environmental legal proceedings.


Item 4

4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.
10
PART II

Item 5


5. Market for Registrant'sRegistrants Common Stock, Related Security HolderStockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Each classThe information set forth under the heading “Stockholders Equityin Note 11 of preferred stock receives preference asNotes to dividend payment and declaration over any common stock. In addition, refer to the informationConsolidated Financial Statements in the 2016Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report "Shareholder Information and Quarterly Results", whichon Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Securities Authorized for Issuance UnderCommon Stock Performance Graph
As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this Item.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Compensation PlansSecurities

On August 10, 2007,June 11, 2021, the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2007 Equity Plan") was approved by shareholders atBoard authorized a stock repurchase program for the Company's annual meeting.  The 2007 Equity Plan has a 10-year term and authorized the issuancerepurchase of up to 100,0001,500,000 shares of eitherthe Company's Class A Common Stock andand/or Class B Common Stock, or a combinationincluding the shares of convertible participating preferred stock of the two classesCompany, (collectively, the “Common Stock”). Under the authorization, the Company may purchase shares of stock.  No shares were awardedCommon Stock from time to time in fiscal year 2016the open market or in privately negotiated transactions in compliance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board also authorized the establishment of a stock trading plan pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 under the termsSecurities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to make purchases of Common Stock pursuant to the 2007 Equity Plan.  Asstock repurchase program. The timing and amount of March 31, 2016, there were 68,593 shares available for distribution as part of future awardsstock repurchases under the 2007 Equity Plan.  No additionalprogram, if any, will be at the discretion of management, and will depend on available cash, market conditions and other considerations. Therefore, we cannot assure you as to the number or aggregate dollar amount of shares, have been awardedif any, that will be repurchased under the 2007 Equity Plan throughrepurchase program. We may discontinue the date of this Form 10-K. program at any time.
    Total Number of  Average Price   
    Shares Purchased  Paid per Share Maximum Number
        Total Number of Shares(or Approximate Dollar Value) of 
   Class A Class B  Class A Class B Purchased as Part of Publicly Shares that May Yet Be Purchased 
PeriodCommonCommon CommonCommonAnnounced Plans or ProgramsUnder the Plans or Programs
 01/01/2022– 01/31/202266,688-$47.22-66,688 
02/01/202202/28/202252,071-$48.10-52,071 
03/01/202203/31/2022 (1)91,948-$51.21-80,070 
 Total 210,707$49.18198,829782,281

(1)Includes 11,878 shares that were purchased in open market transactions by the trustees under the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan to provide employee matching contributions under the plan.
There are no equity compensation plans not approved by the Company's shareholders.Item 6. Reserved

Common Stock Performance Graph

Refer to the information in the 2016 Annual Report, "Shareholder Information and Quarterly Results", which is incorporated by reference.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

                 Maximum Number (or 
                 Approximate Dollar 
  Total Number of Shares  Average Price Paid per  Total Number of Shares  Value) of Shares that 
  Purchased (1)  Share  Purchased as Part of  May Yet Be Purchased 
  Class A  Class B  Class A  Class B  Publicly Announced  Under the Plans or 
Period Common  Common  Common  Common  Plans or Programs (2)  Programs (2) 
1/01/16 - 1/31/16  26,998   -  $27.06  $-   -    
2/01/16 - 2/28/16  6,889   148  $27.02  $32.00   -    
3/01/16 - 3/31/16  18,300   73,251  $33.53  $35.99   73,251    
Total  52,187   73,399  $29.32  $35.98   73,251   1,194,103 
                         
(1) 73,251 shares of Class B Common Stock were purchased under the Company's share repurchase program. All other 
     purchases were made in open market transactions by the Trustees of the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan,               
     matching Trustees of Dundee Insurance Company, Inc and the Seneca Foods, L.L.C. 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to provide  
     employee contributions under the Plans. 
(2) In 2012 the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of the Company's stock. The number of shares authorized 
     for repurchase has been increased from time to time, most recently on March 10, 2015 when the repurchase program was 
     increased to 2,500,000 shares. As of March 31, 2016, the Company has purchased 1,305,897 shares and there remains 1,194,103 
     shares available to purchase under the program. 


Item 6

Selected Financial Data

Refer to the information in the 2016 Annual Report, "Five Year Selected Financial Data", which is incorporated by reference.


Item 7

Management's7. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Refer to the information in the 20162022 Annual Report, "Management'sattached as Exhibit 13 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, under the section “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"Operations”, which is incorporated by reference.


Item 7A

7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide disclosure pursuant to this Item.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Refer to the information in the 20162022 Annual Report, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk",attached as Exhibit 13 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.


11

Item 8

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Refer to the information in the 2016 Annual Report, "Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto including Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm," which is incorporated by reference.

Item 9

9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A

9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of March 31, 2016.2022. Based upon this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 31, 2016,2022, the Company'sCompany’s disclosure controls and procedures: (1) were designed to ensure that material information relating to the Company is made known to our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report was being prepared, so as to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and (2) were effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC'sSEC’s rules and forms.

Management'sManagements Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over the Company'sCompany’s financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Our management assessed the effectiveness of the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016.2022. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on our assessment, management believes that, as of March 31, 2016,2022, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.  In conducting the Company's evaluation of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting, the Company excluded the acquisitions of Gray & Company (Gray) and Diana Fruit Co., Inc. (Diana) which were completed October 30, 2015 and February 16, 2016, respectively.  Gray constituted 4.0% of total assets and Diana constituted 1.9% of total assets, respectively, as of March 31, 2016, and Gray constituted 1.8% and (2.8)% of revenues and net earnings (loss), respectively, and Diana constituted 0.2% and (0.3)% of revenues and net earnings (loss), respectively, for the year then ended March 31, 2016.  Refer to Note 2, Acquisitions to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Gray and Diana acquisitions and their impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


The Company's independent registered public accountant has issued its report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.  The report appears on the next page.

12


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Board of Directors and Stockholders
Seneca Foods Corporation
Marion, New York

We have audited Seneca Foods Corporation's internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the COSO criteria). The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

As indicated in the accompanying Item 9A, Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, management's assessment of and conclusion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting did not include the internal controls of Gray & Company, which was acquired on October 30, 2015, and Diana Fruit Co., Inc., which was acquired on February 16, 2016 and which are included in the consolidated balance sheets of Seneca Foods Corporation as of March 31, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of net earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended.  Gray & Company constituted 4.0% of total assets and Diana Fruit Co., Inc. constituted 1.9% of total assets, respectively, as of March 31, 2016, and Gray & Company constituted 1.8% and (2.8)% of revenues and net earnings (loss), respectively, and Diana Fruit Co., Inc. constituted 0.2% and (0.3)% of revenues and net earnings (loss), respectively, for the year then ended March 31, 2016. Management did not assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Gray & Company or Diana Fruit Co., Inc. because of the timing of the acquisitions which was completed on October 30, 2015 and February 16, 2016, respectively. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of Seneca Foods Corporation also did not include an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of Gray & Company and Diana Fruit Co.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2016, based on the COSO criteria.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Standards Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Seneca Foods Corporation as of March 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of net earnings, comprehensive income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 31, 2016 and our report dated June 8, 2016 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.


/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 8, 2016
13

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the quarter ended March 31, 20162022 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company'sCompany’s internal control over financial reporting.




Item 9B

9B. Other Information

None.
15
PART III

Item 10
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

TheCertain information regarding directorsrequired by Part III is incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled "Information Concerning Directors" in the Company's definitiveCompany’s Definitive Proxy Statement ("Proxy Statement") to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for the Company'sits 2022 Annual Meeting of StockholdersShareholders to be held on July 29, 2016.August 10, 2022 (“Proxy Statement”). The Proxy Statement will be filed within 120 days after the end of the Company'sCompany’s fiscal year ended March 31, 2016.2022.

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information regarding executive officers isfollowing sections of the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled "Executive Officers" inreference:
Information Concerning Directors
Executive Officers
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Available Information
Board Governance
Audit Committee
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The following sections of the Proxy Statement.

The information regarding compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act isStatement are incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled "Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance" in the Proxy Statement.reference:

Compensation Discussion and Analysis
Summary Compensation Table
Outstanding Equity Awards at 2022 Fiscal Year-End
Pension Benefits
Compensation of Directors
Compensation Committee Interlocks
Information regarding the Company's code of business conduct and ethics found in the subsection captioned "Available Information" in Item 1 of Part I hereof is also incorporated herein by reference into this Item 10.

The information regarding the Company's audit committee, its members and the audit committee financial experts is incorporated herein by reference from the subsection entitled "Audit Committee" in the section entitled "Board Governance" in the Proxy Statement.


Item 11

Executive Compensation

The information included under the following captions in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference: "Compensation Discussion and Analysis," "Summary Compensation Table," "Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Fiscal Year 2016," "Outstanding Equity Awards at 2016 Fiscal Year-End," "Stock Vested in Fiscal Year 2016," "Pension Benefits," "Compensation of Directors" and "Compensation Committee Interlocks."  The information included under the heading "Compensation“Compensation Committee Report"Report” in the Proxy Statement is also incorporated herein by reference; however, this information shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material"“soliciting material” or to be "filed"“filed” with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A or 14C, or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act.



Item 12
12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Information regarding security ownershipSecurities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
The 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2007 Equity Plan”) was approved by shareholders at the Company’s annual meeting on August 10, 2007 and extended on July 28, 2017. The 2007 Equity Plan expires in August 2027 and originally authorized the issuance of certain beneficial ownersup to 100,000 shares of either Class A Common Stock and management isClass B Common Stock or a combination of the two classes of stock. 4,266 shares were awarded in fiscal year 2022 under the terms of the 2007 Equity Plan. As of March 31, 2022, there were 48,486 shares available for distribution as part of future awards under the 2007 Equity Plan. No additional shares have been awarded under the 2007 Equity Plan through the date of this Form 10-K. 
There are no equity compensation plans not approved by the Company’s shareholders.
The following sections of the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference from the sections entitled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" and "Security Ownership of Management and Directors" in the Proxy Statement.reference:
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners
Security Ownership of Management and Directors.


Item 13
13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information regarding transactions with related parties and director independence isfollowing sections of the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference from the sections entitled "Independent Directors" and "Certain Transactions and Relationships" in the Proxy Statement.reference:
Independent Directors
Certain Transactions and Relationships Security Ownership of Management and Directors


Item 14
14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information regarding principal accountant fees and services isfollowing sections of the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference from the section entitled "Principal Accountant Fees and Services" in the Proxy Statement.reference:
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
PART IV

Item 15

15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedule


A.Exhibits, Financial Statements, and Supplemental Schedule

1.
Financial Statements ‑ the following consolidated financial statements of the Registrant, included in the 20162022 Annual Report to Shareholders, are incorporated by reference in Part II, Item 8:8 “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data”:

Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings – Years ended March 31, 2016, 20152022 and 20142021

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) – Years ended March 31, 2016, 20152022 and 20142021

Consolidated Balance Sheets ‑ March 31, 20162022 and 20152021

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended March 31, 2016, 20152022 and 20142021

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders'Stockholders’ Equity – Years ended March 31, 2016, 20152022 and 20142021

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements – Years ended March 31, 2016, 20152022 and 20142021

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
(PCAOB ID 6581)

Pages


Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Schedule                                         18
Other schedules have not been filed because the conditions requiring the filing do not exist or the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto.

3.
Exhibits:

Exhibit Number          Description
Exhibit NumberDescription

3.1
3.2
3.3
4.1
10.1Second
10.3Second Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 20, 2012 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013).
10.4Third Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of March 5, 2013 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013).

16

10.5Fourth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 16, 2013 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014).
10.6Fifth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of April 1, 2014 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2014).
10.7Sixth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 17, 2014 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangersFarm Credit East, ACA (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's QuarterlyCompany’s Current Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarter ended8-K dated June 28, 2014)1, 2020).
10.810.3Seventh Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 6, 2014 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC for the year ended March 31, 2015).
10.9Eighth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of November 2, 2015 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarter ended December 26, 2015).
10.10Ninth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 23, 2015 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC for the quarter ended December 26, 2015).
10.11Tenth Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement dated as of February 16, 2016 by and among Seneca Foods Corporation, Seneca Foods, LLC, Seneca Snack Company, certain other subsidiaries of Seneca Foods Corporation, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, Bank of America, N.A., as agent and issuing bank, RBS Citizens, N.A., as syndication agent, and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated with RBS Citizens, N.A., as joint lead arrangers (filed herewith).
10.12Indemnification Agreement between the Company and the directors of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1010.3 to the Company's Annual reportCompany’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-K10-Q for the quarter ended September 26, 2020, filed November 4, 2020)
10.4*
17

10.5*
10.6*
10.7*
10.8* 
10.9*
10.10*
13
10.13*Seneca Foods Corporation Executive Profit Sharing Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-166846))
10.14*Seneca Foods Corporation Manager Profit Sharing Bonus Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (No. 333-166846))
13The material contained in the 2016 Annual Report to Shareholders under the following headings: "Five Year Selected Financial Data", "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations", Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto including Independent Auditors' Report, "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk", and "Shareholder Information and Quarterly Results" (filed herewith)
21
2323.1
24Powers of Attorney (filed herewith)
31.1
31.2

17

32
101The following materials from Seneca Foods Corporation'sCorporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016,2022, formatted in Inline XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) consolidated balance sheets, (ii) consolidated statements of net earnings, (iii) consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss), (iv) consolidated statements of cash flows, (v) consolidated statement of stockholders'stockholders’ equity and (vi) the notes to the notes to the consolidated financial statements
104Cover page Interactive Data File (formatted as inline XBRL with applicable taxonomy extension information contained in Exhibits 101.*)

* Indicates management or compensatory agreement

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm




Board of Directors and Stockholders
Seneca Foods Corporation
Marion, New York


The audits referred to in our report dated June 8, 2016 relating to the consolidated financial statements of Seneca Foods Corporation, which is incorporated in Item 8 of16. Form 10-K by reference to the Annual Report to Shareholders for the year ended March 31, 2016, also included the auditSummary
None
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In our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.




/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
SIGNATURES

June 8, 2016
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Schedule II 
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS 
(In thousands) 
            
 Balance at Charged/ Charged to Deductions  Balance 
beginning (credited) other from  at end 
of period to income accounts reserve  of period 
           
Year-ended March 31, 2016:           
Allowance for doubtful accounts $145  $(47) $¾  $13  (a) $111 
Income tax valuation allowance $1,787  $74  $¾  $¾   $1,861 
                      
Year-ended March 31, 2015:                     
Allowance for doubtful accounts $160  $45  $¾  $(60) (a) $145 
Income tax valuation allowance $390  $1,397  $¾  $¾   $1,787 
                      
Year-ended March 31, 2014:                     
Allowance for doubtful accounts $201  $23  $   $(64) (a) $160 
Income tax valuation allowance $758  $(368) $¾  $¾   $390 
                      
(a) Accounts written off, net of recoveries.                  
                      
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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION
By: /s/ Timothy J. Benjamin                  
Timothy J. Benjamin
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
June 10, 2022
 
/s/Timothy J. Benjamin
Timothy J. Benjamin
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
June 8, 2016

Pursuant to the requirements of the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

Signature Title Date
     
*_______________________________________
Arthur S. Wolcott
/s/Paul L. Palmby
 ChairmanPresident and DirectorChief Executive Officer June 8, 201610, 2022
Paul L. PalmbyDirector
 (Principal Executive Officer)
/s/Timothy J. Benjamin Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,June 10, 2022
Timothy J. Benjaminand Treasurer  
(Principal Financial Officer)
/s/Gregory R. IdeVice President, Controller, June 10, 2022
Gregory R. Ideand Assistant Secretary  
(Principal Accounting Officer)
/s/Kraig H. KayserDirector (Chairman)June 10, 2022
Kraig H. Kayser    
     
/s/Kraig H. Kayser__________________________
Kraig H. Kayser
President, Chief Executive Officer, DirectorJune 8, 2016
/s/TimothyKathryn J. Benjamin_______________________
 Timothy J. Benjamin
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and TreasurerJune 8, 2016
/s/Jeffrey L. Van Riper_______________________
 Jeffrey L. Van Riper
Vice President, Controller,  and Secretary (Principal Accounting Officer)June 8, 2016
*
Boor
 Director June 8, 201610, 2022
Arthur H. BaerKathryn J. Boor    
     
*
/s/Peter R. Call
 Director June 8, 201610, 2022
Peter R. Call
*_______________________________________
John P. Gaylord
Director
June 8, 2016
June 8, 2016
*________________________________________
Susan A. Henry
 Director
DirectorJune 8, 2016
Samuel T. Hubbard, Jr.    
     
*
/s/John P. Gaylord                
 Director June 8, 201610, 2022
Thomas PaulsonJohn P. Gaylord    
     
*
/s/Linda K. Nelson  
 Director June 8, 201610, 2022
Susan W. Stuart
/s/Kraig H. Kayser__________________________
*By Kraig H. Kayser,
Attorney-in-fact
Linda K. Nelson 
    
/s/Michael R. Nozzolio DirectorJune 10, 2022
Michael R. Nozzolio 
/s/Donald J. StuartDirectorJune 10, 2022
Donald J. Stuart
/s/Keith A. WoodwardDirectorJune 10, 2022

Keith A. Woodward
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