Yesterday California state leaders enacted budget legislation to provide critical support for small and historically underserved farmers impacted by the pandemic. With approval of Senate Bill 85, state funding to the tune of $3.35 million from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) will help ensure much-needed direct relief to farmers left out of previous aid efforts as well …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced plans to purchase Fresh Produce (WBSCM Material Number 111427). Pandemic Assistance funding has been made available to supplement The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) program for the remainder of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2021. Pursuant to that directive, to help those most in need receive healthy, fresh foods, USDA will …

Spearheaded by the almond industry, a new coalition of agricultural and conservation groups was announced today to encourage more voluntary, grower-friendly efforts to protect the state’s native insect pollinators and managed honeybees.The California Pollinator Coalition includes a broad array of more than 20 of the state’s leading agricultural organizations and conservation groups (complete list below). The Coalition will focus on increasing grower participation …

Following a comprehensive certification process, the Blue Diamond Growers facility in Salida, Calif., has earned distinction as being Green Business Certified. Blue Diamond is the first business in Stanislaus County to be recognized by the California Green Business Network, Stanislaus County, a program of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, for demonstrating sustainability as a top business priority. The Green Business …

American Pistachio Growers — As California pistachio growers and processors shell out money to grow protein-packed nuts, they generate a whirlwind of economic activity throughout the Golden State. That’s the conclusion of economic impact studies commissioned by American Pistachio Growers (APG) and conducted by The Tootelian Company to quantify how spending by growers and processors sparks business activity, grows jobs and labor …

In a partnership that combines three key retail categories-meat, dairy and spirits-the California Beef Council (CBC) is teaming up with the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and E. & J. Gallo’s Camarena Tequila for a co-branded Cinco de Mayo promotion. Dubbed “Tacos, Tequila y Más,” the 5-week campaign runs April 7 through May 11 and provides consumers with product offers …

The rhizosphere, defined as the soil environment that surrounds the plant roots, is a rich and diverse habitat for microbes. Some members of the rhizosphere microbiome (or collection of microbes), are good, others bad while many are just there and don’t provide any benefits or harm to the host. One function of the good microbes in the rhizosphere is to …

Researchers at the California Data Analysis and Tactical Operations Center (DATOC) have analyzed Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) trapping data along major transportation routes before and after tarping regulations for bulk citrus shipments were enacted. The purpose was to determine the effectiveness of the policy. DATOC is an independent group of scientists sponsored by the Citrus Research Board and the California …

The San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition is back! Entries are now being accepted for the 2021 San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC)! Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oil entries from commercial producers in the State of California are eligible and olive oil must be made from producers’ most recent olive harvest. Deadline for entries is May …

California Avocado Commission — Early demand for California avocados is high this year among targeted retailers, with both national chains and regional retailers indicating they are anxious for the start of the California avocado season. In past years, the season kicked off with “first of the season” Big Game or Valentine’s Day promotions at local specialty retailers. This year, due …