Edgar Filing: SENECA FOODS CORP /NY/

a10q122907.htm

Form 10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarter Ended December 29, 2007

Commission File Number 0-01989

Seneca Foods Corporation

(Exact name of Company as specified in its charter)

New York	16-0733425
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I. R. S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)

3736 South Main Street, Marion, New York	14505
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Company's telephone number, including area code 315/926-8100

Not Applicable

Former name, former address and former fiscal year,

if changed since last report

Indicate by check mark whether the Company (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 Company was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Company is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer þ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the Company is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes ¨ No þ

The number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock at the latest practical date are:

Class	Shares Outstanding at January 31, 2008
Common Stock Class A, $.25 Par	4,830,268
Common Stock Class B, $.25 Par	2,760,905

PART I ITEM 1 FINANCIAL INFORMATION
SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

	Unaudited
	December 29, 2007			March 31, 2007
ASSETS

Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	12,185		$	8,552
Accounts Receivable, Net		62,246			55,500
Inventories:
Finished Goods		441,401			286,866
Work in Process		43,427			21,635
Raw Materials		57,603			71,986
Off-Season Reserve (Note 3)		(66,835	)		-
Total Inventory		475,596			380,487
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net		6,734			6,260
Other Current Assets		2,232			640
Total Current Assets		558,993			451,439
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net		183,780			172,235
Deferred Income Tax Asset, Net		979			-
Other Assets		2,498			3,041
Total Assets	$	746,250		$	626,715
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current Liabilities:
Accounts Payable	$	67,928		$	58,615
Accrued Expenses		45,455			38,980
Accrued Vacation		9,027			8,999
Income Taxes Payable		5,732			357
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt and Capital
Lease Obligations		10,063			10,033
Total Current Liabilities		138,205			116,984
Long-Term Debt, Less Current Portion		294,362			210,395
Deferred Income Taxes, Net		-			4,120
Other Long-Term Liabilities		20,508			21,645
Total Liabilities		453,075			353,144
Commitments
10% Preferred Stock, Series A, Voting, Cumulative,
Convertible, $.025 Par Value Per Share		102			102
10% Preferred Stock, Series B, Voting, Cumulative,
Convertible, $.025 Par Value Per Share		100			100
6% Preferred Stock, Voting, Cumulative, $.25 Par Value		50			50
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $12.00
Stated Value Per Share		35,600			35,691
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $15.50
Stated Value Per Share		8,597			8,676
Convertible, Participating Preferred Stock, $24.39
Stated Value Per Share		25,000			25,000
Common Stock $.25 Par Value Per Share		3,078			3,075
Paid in Capital		28,453			28,277
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss		(1,331	)		(1,253	)
Retained Earnings		193,526			173,853
Stockholders' Equity		293,175			273,571
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$	746,250		$	626,715

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Page 1

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET EARNINGS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006			December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006

Net Sales	$	381,193		$	391,012		$	845,080		$	822,677

Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Product Sold		348,671			353,668			754,051			730,248
Selling and Administrative		16,520			16,347			46,279			43,954
Plant Restructuring		14			374			104			374
Other Operating (Income) Loss		(10	)		(3,193	)		(299	)		(5,159	)
Total Costs and Expenses		365,195			367,196			800,135			769,417
Operating Income		15,998			23,816			44,945			53,260
Interest Expense		5,373			5,675			14,374			15,491
Earnings Before Income Taxes		10,625			18,141			30,571			37,769

Income Taxes		3,847			6,819			11,098			14,265
Net Earnings	$	6,778		$	11,322		$	19,473		$	23,504

Earnings Applicable to Common Stock	$	4,228		$	7,051		$	12,139		$	14,130

Basic Earnings per Common Share	$	0.56		$	0.93		$	1.60		$	1.94

Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$	0.55		$	0.92		$	1.59		$	1.93

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Page 2

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Earnings	$	19,473		$	23,504
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Earnings to
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operations:
Depreciation & Amortization		16,673			17,380
Gain on the Sale of Assets		(299	)		(5,159	)
Deferred Tax Benefit		(5,350	)		(1,842	)
Changes in Working Capital (excluding effects of business combination):
Accounts Receivable		(6,746	)		(15,110	)
Inventories		(161,944	)		(102,022	)
Off-Season Reserve		66,835			75,327
Other Current Assets		(1,592	)		5,757
Income Taxes		5,375			2,090
Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses
and Other Liabilities		13,518			6,817
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operations		(54,057	)		6,742
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment		(27,064	)		(14,611	)
Cash Paid for Acquisition		-			(22,288	)
Cash Received from Acquisition		-			952
Proceeds from the Sale of Assets		298			4,040
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities		(26,766	)		(31,907	)
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Payments on Notes Payable		-			(40,936	)
Borrowing on Notes Payable		-			39,390
Long-Term Borrowing		360,916			371,475
Payments on Long-Term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations		(276,919	)		(347,755	)
Other		471			706
Dividends		(12	)		(12	)
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities		84,456			22,868
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents		3,633			(2,297	)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of the Period		8,552			6,046
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of the Period	$	12,185		$	3,749

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Page 3

SENECA FOODS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

December 29, 2007

1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, which are normal and recurring in nature, necessary to present fairly the financial position of Seneca Foods Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 29, 2007 and results of its operations and its cash flows for the interim periods presented. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. The March 31, 2007 balance sheet was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.

The results of operations for the three and nine month periods ended December 29, 2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

In the nine-months ended December 29, 2007, the Company sold product for cash, on a bill and hold basis of $176,657,000 of Green Giant finished goods inventory to General Mills Operations, Inc. (“GMOI”) as compared to $179,289,000 for the nine-months ended December 30, 2006. Under the terms of the bill and hold agreement, title to the specified inventory transferred to GMOI. The Company believes it has met the criteria required for bill and hold treatment.

The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note 1 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements in the 2007 Seneca Foods Corporation Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Other footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes included in the Company's 2007 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of SFAS Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”), on April 1, 2007. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes by prescribing a minimum recognition threshold for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return that is required to be met before being recognized in the financial statements. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, measurement, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48 of $223,000 was recorded as an increase to Retained Earnings. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption was $4,175,000. The change in the FIN 48 liability in the nine months of 2008 is a $462,000 increase.

Included in the balance at adoption are $2,954,000 of tax positions that are highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing. Because of the impact of deferred tax accounting, other than interest and penalties, the disallowance of these positions would not impact the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the tax authority to an earlier period.

The Company recognizes interest and penalties accrued on unrecognized tax benefits as well as interest received from favorable settlements within income tax expense. As of the date of adoption, the Company had $450,000 of interest and penalties accrued associated with unrecognized tax benefits.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2004.

The seasonal nature of the Company's food processing business results in a timing difference between expenses (primarily overhead expenses) incurred and absorbed into product cost. All Off-Season Reserve balances, which essentially represent a contra-inventory account, are zero at fiscal year end. Depending on the time of year, Off-Season Reserve is either the excess of absorbed expenses over incurred expenses to date or the excess of incurred expenses over absorbed expenses to date. Other than at the end of the first and fourth fiscal quarter of each year, absorbed expenses exceed incurred expenses due to timing of production.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company entered into a Natural Gas Hedge in the form of a swap transaction where the Company purchased, on a forward basis, 50% of its requirements for natural gas during the June 1, 2006 to December 31, 2006 time frame at $7.00 per decatherm. The Company realized a $381,000 loss on this hedge during the nine months ended December 30, 2006. No hedging transactions remain open as of December 29, 2007 or December 30, 2006 and all unrealized losses recorded have been realized.

With the closure of a Washington facility in the fall of 2004, the Company’s labeling and warehousing requirements at its Oregon location were dramatically reduced. During the quarter ended October 1, 2005, the Company announced the phase out of the labeling operation within the leased distribution facility in Oregon which resulted in a restructuring charge of $1,461,000. During the quarter ended July 2, 2005, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $290,000 which represented a planned further reduction in utilization of the facility. The total restructuring charge of $1,751,000 consisted of a provision for future lease payments of $1,306,000, a cash severance charge of $368,000, and a non-cash impairment charge of $77,000. During the quarter ended December 30, 2006, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $374,000 which represented a further reduction in utilization of the facility. The Company used a portion of the facility for warehousing and attempted to sublease the remaining unutilized portion of the facility until the February 2008 expiration of the lease. During the nine months ended December 29, 2007, the Company moved out of the facility and recorded a $104,000 charge as a result, which is included under Plant Restructuring in the nine months ended December 29, 2007 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

On November 20, 2006, the Company issued a mortgage payable to GE Commercial Finance Business Property Corporation for $23.8 million with an interest rate of 6.98% and a term of 15 years. The proceeds were used to pay down debt associated with the acquisition of Signature Fruit Company, LLC. This mortgage is secured by a portion of property in Modesto, California acquired via the Signature Fruit Company, LLC acquisition.

During the nine-month period ended December 29, 2007; there were 12,750 shares or $170,000 of Participating Convertible Preferred Stock converted to Class A Common Stock and 3,834 shares of Class A Common issued for an Equity Compensation Plan. During the nine-month period ended December 30, 2006, there were 737,175 shares or $9,843,000 of conversions of Participating Convertible Preferred Stock to Class A Common Stock.

Page 4

For the three months ended December 29, 2007, comprehensive income totaled $6,714,000, including a $64,000 Net Unrealized Loss on Securities, which are purchased solely for the Company’s 401(k) match. Comprehensive income equaled Net Earnings for the three months ended December 30, 2006. For the nine months ended December 29, 2007, comprehensive income totaled $19,394,000, including a $79,000 Net Unrealized Loss on Securities, which are purchased solely for the Company’s 401(k) match. Comprehensive income equaled Net Earnings for the nine months ended December 30, 2006.

The only changes in Stockholders’ Equity accounts for the nine months period ended December 29, 2007, other than the Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income described above, is an increase of $19,473,000 for Net Earnings, an increase of $223,000 related to implementing FIN 48 as described above and a reduction of $11,000 for preferred cash dividends.

10.	The net periodic benefit cost for pension plan consist of:

	Three Months Ended						Nine months Ended
	December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006			December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006

Service Cost	$	1,137		$	1,039		$	3,413		$	3,119
Interest Cost		1,202			1,117			3,606			3,352
Expected Return on Plan Assets		(1,654	)		(1,458	)		(4,962	)		(4,375	)
Amortization of Transition Asset		(69	)		(69	)		(207	)		(207	)
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	$	616		$	629		$	1,850		$	1,889

Although no pension contributions were required during fiscal 2008, the Company contributed $2.5 million during the third fiscal quarter. During the nine months ended December 30, 2006, the Company made a $2.5 million contribution to its defined benefit pension plan.

11.	The following table summarizes the restructuring and related asset impairment charges recorded and the accruals established:

				Long-Lived
	Severance			Asset Charges			Other Costs			Total
Total expected
restructuring charge	$	1,248		$	5,304		$	3,772		$	10,324

Balance March 31, 2007	$	84		$	267		$	2,329		$	2,680
First nine months charge								104			104
Cash payments/write-offs		(63	)		(17	)		(927	)		(1,007	)
Balance December 29, 2007	$	21		$	250		$	1,506		$	1,777

Total costs incurred
to date	$	1,227		$	5,054		$	2,266		$	8,547

The restructuring costs above relate to the phase out of the labeling operation of the leased distribution facility in Oregon, the closure of corn plants in Wisconsin and Washington and of a green bean plant in upstate New York plus the removal of canned meat production from a plant in Idaho. The corn plant in Washington has been sold. The restructuring is complete in the Idaho plant and the New York plant. The Wisconsin plant is closed and is being operated as a warehouse.

The remaining severance costs are expected to be paid prior to February 29, 2008. The other costs relate to outstanding lease payments which will be paid over the remaining lives of the corresponding lease terms, which are up to five years.

12.

During the nine months ended December 2007, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in gains totaling $299,000. During the first fiscal quarter of 2007, the Company sold a closed plant in Newark, New York and a receiving station in Pasco, Washington which resulted in gains of $282,000 and $406,000, respectively. During the second fiscal quarter of 2007, the Company sold a closed plant in East Williamson, New York which resulted in a gain of $1,610,000 and a warehouse facility in New Plymouth, Idaho which resulted in a loss of $321,000. In addition, during the third fiscal quarter of 2007, the Company auctioned off unused equipment from the Idaho facility which resulted in a $3,193,000 net gain which is also included in Other Operating Income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

13.

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 redefines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurement. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS 157 will have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position; however, additional disclosures will be required under SFAS 157.

In December 2007, the FASB issued Proposed FASB Staff Position (FSP) FAS 157-b. FSP FAS 157-b proposes deferral of the effective date of SFAS 157 until April 1, 2009 (for the Company) for nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on an annual or more frequently recurring basis. FSP FAS 157-b will become effective upon issuance.

14.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not currently required to be measured at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected are reported in earnings. SFAS 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of SFAS 159 on our consolidated financial statements.

15.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations,” to further enhance the accounting and financial reporting related to business combinations. SFAS No. 141(R) establishes principles and requirements for how the acquirer in a business combination (i) recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, (ii) recognizes and measures the goodwill acquired in the business combination or a gain from a bargain purchase, and (iii) determines what information to disclose to enable users of the financial statements to evaluate the nature and financial effects of the business combination. SFAS No. 141(R) applies prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Therefore, the effects of the Company’s adoption of SFAS No. 141(R) will depend upon the extent and magnitude of acquisitions after March 31, 2009.

Page 5

16.	Earnings per share (In thousands, except per share data):

Quarters and Year-to-date Periods Ended	Q U A R T E R				Y E A R T O D A T E
December 29, 2007 and 2006	2007		2006		2007		2006
	(In thousands, except share amounts)
Basic

Net Earnings	$	6,778	$	11,322	$	19,473	$	23,504
Deduct preferred stock dividends paid		6		6		17		801

Undistributed earnings		6,772		11,316		19,456		22,703
Earnings allocated to participating preferred		2,544		4,265		7,317		8,573

Earnings allocated to common shareholders	$	4,228	$	7,051	$	12,139	$	14,130

Weighted average common shares outstanding		7,590		7,572		7,582		7,279

Basis earnings per common share	$	0.56	$	0.93	$	1.60	$	1.94

Diluted

Earnings allocated to common shareholders	$	4,228	$	7,051	$	12,139	$	14,130
Add dividends on convertible preferred stock		5		5		15		15

Earnings applicable to common stock on a diluted basis	$	4,233	$	7,056	$	12,149	$	14,145

Weighted average common shares outstanding-basic		7,590		7,572		7,582		7,279
Additional shares added related to equity compensation plan		-		-		-		-
Additional shares to be issued under full conversion of preferred stock		67		67		67		67

Total shares for diluted		7,657		7,639		7,649		7,346

Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.55	$	0.92	$	1.59	$	1.93

17.

On August 18, 2006, the Company completed its acquisition of 100% of the membership interest in Signature Fruit Company, LLC (“Signature”) from John Hancock Life Insurance Company and John Hancock Variable Life Insurance Company. The rationale for the acquisition was twofold: (1) to broaden the Company’s product offerings into the canned fruit business; and (2) to take advantage of distribution efficiencies by combining vegetables and fruits on shipments since the customer base of the two companies is similar. The purchase price totaled $47.3 million plus the assumption of certain liabilities. This acquisition was financed with proceeds from a newly expanded $250.0 million revolving credit facility, and $25.0 million of the Company’s Participating Convertible Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is convertible into the Company’s Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis subject to antidilution adjustments. The Preferred Stock was valued at $24.385 per share based on the market value of the Class A Common Stock during the 30 day average period prior to the acquisition. A dividend of $784,000 was recorded based on the beneficial conversion of this Preferred Stock for the difference between the exercise price of $24.385 and the average price when the acquisition was announced. The purchase price to acquire Signature was allocated based on the internally developed fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and the independent valuation of property, plant, and equipment. The purchase price of $47.3 million has been calculated as follows (in millions):

Cash	$	20.0
Issuance of convertible preferred stock		25.0
Closing costs		2.3
Purchase Price	$	47.3

The total purchase price of the transaction has been allocated as follows:
Current assets	$	131.6
Property, plant and equipment		26.1
Other assets		2.3
Current liabilities		(59.2	)
Long-term debt		(45.5	)
Other non-current liabilities		(8.0	)
Total	$	47.3

The Company negotiated the sale of one of the plants and associated warehouses located in California that were acquired in the Signature Fruit acquisition. During the fourth fiscal quarter of 2007, the plant was sold which resulted in cash proceeds of $27.8 million. There was no gain or loss recorded on this sale since the property was valued at the net proceeds as part of the purchase price allocation. The proceeds were used to reduce debt under the Revolving Credit Facility.

Page 6

ITEM 2 MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

December 29, 2007

Seneca Foods Corporation is primarily a vegetable and fruit processing company with manufacturing facilities located throughout the United States. Its products are sold under the Libby’s®, Aunt Nellie’s Farm Kitchen®, Stokely’s®, READ®, and SenecaÒ labels as well as through the private label and industrial markets. In addition, under an alliance with General Mills Operations, Inc. (GMOI), a successor to the Pillsbury Company and a subsidiary of General Mills, Inc., Seneca produces canned and frozen vegetables, which are sold by General Mills Operations, Inc. under the Green Giant® label.

The Company’s raw product is harvested mainly between June through November. The Company experienced favorable growing conditions last summer and early fall reflecting a combination of adequate heat units and moisture. These beneficial growing conditions favorably impacted crop yields and plant recovery rates, and further resulted in favorable manufacturing variances.

Cash	$	20.0
Issuance of convertible preferred stock		25.0
Closing costs		2.3
Purchase Price	$	47.3

The total purchase price of the transaction has been allocated as follows:
Current assets	$	131.6
Property, plant and equipment		26.1
Other assets		2.3
Current liabilities		(59.2	)
Long-term debt		(45.5	)
Other non-current liabilities		(8.0	)
Total	$	47.3

During fiscal 2005, the Company implemented a restructuring program which principally involved the closure of three processing facilities, including a green bean plant in upstate New York and corn plants in Wisconsin and Washington. The rationalization of the Company’s productive capacity: (1) improved the Company’s overall cost structure and competitive position; (2) addressed the excess capacity situation arising from the recent acquisition of Chiquita Processed Foods and decline in GMOI volume requirements; and (3) mitigated the effect of inflationary pressures on the Company’s raw material inputs such as steel and fuel.

With the closure of a Washington facility in the fall of 2004, the Company’s labeling and warehousing requirements at its Oregon location were dramatically reduced. During the quarter ended October 1, 2005, the Company announced the phase out of the labeling operation within the leased distribution facility in Oregon which resulted in a restructuring charge of $1,461,000. During the quarter ended July 1, 2006, the Company recorded an additional restructuring charge of $290,000 which represented a planned further reduction in utilization of the facility. The total restructuring charge of $1,751,000 consisted of a provision for future lease payments of $1,306,000, a cash severance charge of $368,000, and a non-cash impairment charge of $77,000. The Company intends to use a portion of the facility for warehousing and will attempt to sublease the remaining unutilized portion of the facility until the February 2008 expiration of the lease. During the nine months ended December 29, 2007, the Company moved out of the facility and recorded a $104,000 charge as a result, which is included under Plant Restructuring in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

Results of Operations:

Sales:

Third fiscal quarter results include Net Sales of $381.2 million, which represent a 2.5% decrease, or $9.8 million from the third fiscal quarter of fiscal 2007. This sales decrease reflects a planned reduction in Green Giant Alliance sales of $12.0 million and a reduction in sales of Fruit and Chips which amounted to approximately $7.3 million, partially offset by an increase in the Net Sales of Canned Vegetables of $8.8 million. The primary reason for the Fruit and Chips sales reduction was due to a short fruit pack in the previous year (calendar 2006), resulting in the Company running out of certain fruit inventory items, which negatively impacted Food Service and U.S. Government sales.

Nine months Ended December 29, 2007 Net Sales were $845.1 million, which represent a 2.7% increase, or $22.4 million from the nine months ended December 30, 2006. This sales increase primarily reflects an increase in sales from the Signature Fruit acquisition which amounted to approximately $29.0 million.

The following table presents sales by product category:

	Three Months Ended				Nine months Ended
	December 29, 2007		December 30, 2006		December 29, 2007		December 30, 2006
Canned Vegetables	$	180.5	$	171.7	$	459.5	$	451.8
Green Giant Alliance		126.8		138.8		196.1		209.8
Frozen Vegetables		9.9		9.8		27.8		25.5
Fruit and Chip Products		60.3		67.6		150.9		124.4
Other		3.7		3.1		10.8		11.2
	$	381.2	$	391.0	$	845.1	$	822.7

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Operating Income:

The following table presents components of Operating Income as a percentage of Net Sales:

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006			December 29, 2007			December 30, 2006
Gross Margin		8.5	%		9.6	%		10.8	%		11.2	%

Selling		3.0	%		2.6	%		3.5	%		3.2	%
Administrative		1.3	%		1.6	%		2.0	%		2.1	%
Plant Restructuring		0.0	%		0.1	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
Other Operating Income		0.0	%		-0.8	%		0.0	%		-0.6	%

Operating Income		4.2	%		6.1	%		5.3	%		6.5	%

Interest Expense		1.4	%		1.5	%		1.7	%		1.9	%

For the three month period ended December 29, 2007, the gross margin decreased from the prior year quarter of 9.6% to 8.5% due primarily to higher costs of the current year pack as compared to the prior year. Selling costs as a percentage of sales increased as the result of sales mix.

For the nine month period ended December 29, 2007, the gross margin decreased slightly from 11.2% in the prior nine month period compared to the same period in the current year at 10.8% due primarily to higher costs of the current year pack as compared to the prior year. Selling costs as a percentage of sales increased as a result of sales mix. Administrative costs as a percentage of sales remained largely unchanged for this period as compared to same period in the prior year.

During the nine months ended December 29, 2007, the Company sold some unused fixed assets which resulted in a gain of $299,000. During the first fiscal quarter of 2007, the Company sold a closed plant in Newark, New York and a receiving station in Pasco, Washington which resulted in gains of $282,000 and $406,000, respectively. During the second fiscal quarter of 2007, the Company sold a closed plant in East Williamson, New York which resulted in a gain of $1,610,000 and a warehouse facility in New Plymouth, Idaho which resulted in a loss of $321,000. In addition, during the third fiscal quarter of 2007, the Company auctioned off unused equipment from the Idaho facility which resulted in a $3,193,000 net gain which is also included in Other Operating Income in the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Net Earnings.

For the nine month period ended December 29, 2007, interest as a percentage of sales decreased from 1.9% to 1.7%. Interest dollars decreased 7.2% from $15.5 million in the nine month period ended December 30, 2006 to $14.4 million in the nine month period ended December 29, 2007. This was largely due to lower average borrowings in the current year period compared to the prior year.

Income Taxes:

The effective tax rate was 36.2% and 37.6% for the three month periods ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. The 1.4% effective tax rate reduction is largely a function of increased research and experimentation and manufacturers credits recognized as compared to the prior year. The effective tax rate was 36.3% and 37.8% for the nine month periods ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively.

Earnings per Share:

Basic earnings per share were $.56 and $.93 for the three months ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $.55 and $.92 for the three months ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. Basic earnings per share were $1.60 and $1.94 for the nine months ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. Diluted earnings per share were $1.59 and $1.93 for the nine months ended December 29, 2007 and December 30, 2006, respectively. For details of the calculation of these amounts, refer to footnote 16 of the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

The financial condition of the Company is summarized in the following table and explanatory review (in thousands except ratios):

	December						March
	2007			2006			2007		2006
Working Capital:
Balance	$	420,788		$	407,314		$	334,455	$	229,510
Change in Quarter		(16,889	)		(39,294	)		-		-
Long-Term Debt, less Current Portion		294,362			290,399			210,395		142,586
Current Ratio		4.04			4.16			3.86		2.63

As shown in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Cash Used by Operating Activities was $54.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, compared to Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $6.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007. The $60.8 million decrease in cash generation is primarily a result of the increase in inventory of $95.1 million (net of the increase in the Off Season Reserve of $66.8 million) in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 as compared to $26.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007.

As compared to December 30, 2006, Inventory increased $55.8 million. The Inventory increase primarily reflects a $35.5 million increase (net of the Off Season Reserve) in Finished Goods, a $9.7 million increase in Work in Process and $10.6 million increase in Raw Materials. The Finished Goods increase reflects a larger harvest this year and higher per unit costs in the current year than the prior year. The Work in Process increase is primarily due to the $4.4 million of higher can sheets in the current year over the prior year and higher frozen vegetables in the current year of $3.8 million. The Raw Materials increase is primarily due to can supplies increase of $8.1 million over the prior year.

Cash Used in Investing Activities was $26.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008 compared to $31.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2007. The first nine months of fiscal 2007 includes $22.3 million paid for the Signature acquisition. Additions to Property, Plant and Equipment were $27.1 million in fiscal 2008 as compared to $14.6 million in fiscal 2007. In fiscal 2008, the most significant investment was a $4.7 million warehouse built in Gillett, Wisconsin.

Cash Provided by Financing Activities was $84.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2008, which included borrowings of $360.9 million and the repayment of $276.9 million of Long-Term Debt principally consisting of borrowing and repayment on the revolving credit facility. This increase is directly related to the increase in inventory of $55.8 million as compared to the prior year.

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In connection with the August 18, 2006 acquisition of Signature Fruit Company, LLC, the Company expanded its revolving credit facility (“Revolver”) from $100 million to $250 million with a five-year term to finance its seasonal working capital requirements. As of December 29, 2007, the outstanding balance of the Revolver was $165.3 million. We believe that cash flows from operations and availability under our Revolver will provide adequate funds for our working capital needs, planned capital expenditures, and debt service obligations for at least the next 12 months.

The Company’s credit facilities contain various financial covenants. At December 29, 2007, the Company was in compliance with all such financial covenants.

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 redefines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the disclosure requirements regarding fair value measurement. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect that the adoption of SFAS 157 will have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position; however, additional disclosures will be required under SFAS 157.

Seasonality

The Company's revenues typically have been higher in the second and third fiscal quarters, primarily because the Company sells, on a bill and hold basis, Green Giant canned and frozen vegetables to General Mills Operations, Inc. at the end of each pack cycle. The two largest commodities are peas and corn, which are primarily sold in the second and third fiscal quarters, respectively. See the Critical Accounting Policies section below for further details. In addition, the Company’s non-Green Giant sales have exhibited seasonality with the third fiscal quarter generating the highest sales. The third fiscal quarter reflects increased sales of the Company’s products during the holiday period.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about management's beliefs or expectations, are forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act (PSLRA) of 1995. The Company wishes to take advantage of the "safe harbor" provisions of the PSLRA by cautioning that numerous important factors which involve risks and uncertainties in the future could affect the Company's actual results and could cause its actual consolidated results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement made by, or on behalf of, the Company. These factors include, among others: general economic and business conditions; cost and availability of commodities and other raw materials such as vegetables, steel and packaging materials; transportation costs; climate and weather affecting growing conditions and crop yields; leverage and ability to service and reduce the Company's debt; foreign currency exchange and interest rate fluctuations; effectiveness of marketing and trade promotion programs; changing consumer preferences; competition; product liability claims; the loss of significant customers or a substantial reduction in orders from these customers; changes in, or the failure or inability to comply with, U.S., foreign and local governmental regulations, including environmental regulations; and other factors discussed in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The seasonal nature of the Company's Food Processing business results in a timing difference between expenses (primarily overhead expenses) incurred and absorbed into product cost. All Off-Season Reserve balances, which essentially represent a contra-inventory account, are zero at fiscal year end. Depending on the time of year, Off-Season Reserve is either the excess of absorbed expenses over incurred expenses to date or the excess of incurred expenses over absorbed expenses to date. Other than at the end of the first and fourth fiscal quarter of each year, absorbed expenses exceed incurred expenses due to timing of production.

Trade promotions are an important component of the sales and marketing of the Company’s branded products, and are critical to the support of the business. Trade promotion costs, which are recorded as a reduction of net sales, include amounts paid to encourage retailers to offer temporary price reductions for the sale of our products to consumers, amounts paid to obtain favorable display positions in retailers’ stores, and amounts paid to retailers for shelf space in retail stores. Accruals for trade promotions are recorded primarily at the time of sale of product to the retailer based on expected levels of performance. Settlement of these liabilities typically occurs in subsequent periods primarily through an authorized process for deductions taken by a retailer from amounts otherwise due to us. As a result, the ultimate cost of a trade promotion program is dependent on the relative success of the events and the actions and level of deductions taken by retailers for amounts they consider due to them. Final determination of the permissible deductions may take extended periods of time.

ITEM 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

In the ordinary course of business, the Company is exposed to various market risk factors, including changes in general economic conditions, competition and raw material pricing and availability. In addition, the Company is exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, primarily related to its revolving credit facility. To manage interest rate risk, the Company uses both fixed and variable interest rate debt. During fiscal 2007, the Company entered into a natural gas hedge for 50% of its requirements during the production season from June 1 to December 31, 2006. The Company has not entered into a similar hedge arrangement during fiscal 2008. There have been no other material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risk since March 31, 2007.

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ITEM 4 Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains a system of internal and disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed or submitted under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported on a timely basis. The Company’s Board of Directors, operating through its Audit Committee, which is composed entirely of independent outside directors, provides oversight to the financial reporting process.

An evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Our disclosure controls and procedures have been designed to ensure that information we are required to disclose in our reports that we file with the SEC under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed and reported on a timely basis. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of December 29, 2007, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and that our controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information required to be included in this report.

There were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during its most recently completed fiscal quarter that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect its internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act.

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended March 31, 2007.

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased (1)		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs	Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) or Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
Period	Class A Common	Class B Common	Class A Common	Class B Common
10/01/07 – 10/31/07	-	-	-	-	N/A	N/A
11/01/07 – 11/30/07	-	-	-	-	N/A	N/A
12/01/07 – 12/31/07	10,191	-	$25.18	-	N/A	N/A
Total	10,191	-	$25.18	-	N/A	N/A

__________

(1) These purchases were made in open market transactions by the trustees under the Seneca Foods Corporation Employees' Savings Plan 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to provide employee matching contributions under the plan.

Item 3. Defaults on Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 Certification of Kraig H. Kayser pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

31.2 Certification of Roland E. Breunig pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

32 Certifications pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Seneca Foods Corporation

(Company)

/s/Kraig H. Kayser

February 6, 2008

Kraig H. Kayser

President and

Chief Executive Officer

/s/Roland E. Breunig

February 6, 2008

Roland E. Breunig

Chief Financial Officer

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