The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) recently wrapped up a cross-country tour of fitness events including the Fit Foodie Festivals in Denver and San Diego and concluded with the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C. From 5ks to ultra-marathons, and distances in between, over 35,000 watermelon samples found their ways into participants and attendees’ hands helping them rehydrate, refuel and …

The Almond Board of California (ABC) today announced an investment of $5.9 million dollars in 85 independent research projects exploring next-generation farming practices. With this commitment, the California almond community has invested $89 million in research since 1973 to build a foundation of knowledge on responsible farming practices, food quality and safety and almonds’ impact on human health. A tangible …

Rominger Brothers Farms of Winters has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award®. Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is given in 20 states. The award is presented annually by Sand County …

The American Farm Bureau Federation’s 34th annual survey of classic items found on the Thanksgiving Day dinner table indicates the average cost of this year’s feast for 10 is $48.91, or less than $5.00 per person. This is a 1-cent increase from last year’s average of $48.90. The centerpiece on most Thanksgiving tables – the turkey – costs slightly less …

CDFA has introduced a webpage to promote the week-long Healthy Soils Week, December 2-6, 2019. CDFA, several partner agencies, and non-governmental organizations have joined forces to promote awareness about the importance of soil health to fight climate change, enhance food security, and conserve California’s natural resources. The website provides details about the following daily events: Monday, Dec. 2: Ribbon cutting …

A quarantine has been declared following the detection of the citrus disease Huanglongbing (HLB), or citrus greening, in a single citrus tree in an unincorporated area of San Bernardino County, near Montclair. This is the first time the plant disease has been detected in San Bernardino County. CDFA is working with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the …

Food distributors are increasingly realizing the need to upgrade the trucks in their transportation fleet more frequently by replacing older, less efficient units that cost more to operate and produce harmful emissions. Without question, newer, eco-efficient trucks deliver significant savings in fuel and maintenance costs. In fact, according to the most recent truck lifecycle data index, food distribution fleet operators can …

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced the election of new board officers and directors. CAWG is governed by 28 growers in seven districts who serve three-year terms beginning Dec. 1. Mike Testa of Coastal Vineyard Care in Buellton, pictured above, was elected chair. He succeeds Bill Berryhill of BB Vineyards in Ceres, who served in the role …

The Raisin Bargaining Association’s Board of Directors has offered their signatory packers a price of $1,600/ton for the the 2019 Natural Seedless Raisin Crop. The Board of Directors is asking all RBA Signatory Packers to accept, counter, or reject this offer by 11/22/19 at 5 pm.  The RBA Board of Directors strongly believes it is in the best interests of …

Western Growers is pleased to announce that Ryan Talley, co-owner and farm manager of Talley Farms, will assume the role of Chairman of the Board of Directors. Talley, who has been committed to agriculture for more than three decades, will serve as chairman for a one-year term, taking over the responsibilities of outgoing chairman, Ron Ratto, president of Ratto Bros., …