From an insider’s look into the upcoming presidential race, to opportunities for organic with the legalization of industrial hemp, to how organic can be accessible and affordable for more of our changing population and still fetch a fair price for producers, the Organic Trade Association’s Bold Ideas + Critical Conversations conference later this month will challenge and energize participants during …

A new study shows access to international export markets for U.S. grains supported nearly $38 billion in business sales in the U.S. economy during 2016 beyond the value of the products themselves. The analysis commissioned by the U.S. Grains Council (USGC) and the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) found a total economic impact of U.S. grains exports of $55 billion …

(May 13, 2019 Fresno, CA) – Today, Randy Giumarra, the Chairman of the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) Board of Directors announced that Ian LeMay will serve as the new president of CFFA. LeMay will succeed GeorgeRadanovich, who has held the position since 2016 and will be leaving CFFA to promote sound ag labor policy inWashington, DC. Chairman Giumarra stated …

Having an odd number of chromosomes can produce sterile – and seedless fruit. Spitting out watermelon seeds can be a summertime rite of passage for some folks. Others like their watermelons seedless. How did those seedless watermelons (and other plants) come about? The May 7th Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains the topic of polyploidy. “Plants can have multiple sets of chromosomes, which …

For the second year in a row, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is predicting a record California almond crop for the upcoming production year. According to the NASS 2019 California Almond Subjective Forecast issued today, California almond orchards are expected to produce 2.50 billion pounds of nuts this year, up 8.69% from last year’s 2.30 billion-pound …

The California Kiwifruit Administrative Committee will conduct its annual election of kiwifruit growers to serve as members and alternates for a two-year term from August 1, 2019 to July 31, 2021. Nominations are being for Districts 1 and 2. District 1 encompasses production areas in Butte, Sutter and Yuba Counties and District 2 encompasses Tulare County. Nomination forms were mailed …

In response to yesterday’s announcement that the California Department of Pesticide Residue (DPR) is acting to ban the use of the insecticide chlorpyrifos, Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement: “California farmers are universally committed to the safety of their food, the health of their workers and communities, and the sustainability of their land. At every …

Statement by Mike Wade, California Farm Water Coalition Executive Director: California has always prided itself on cutting-edge ideas. It is the place others turn to for new solutions to old problems. We are currently faced with a choice to continue that tradition of innovation with a fresh approach to water and environmental management or chain ourselves to outdated practices of the past. …

Statewide Survey by Farm Bureau & UC Davis Finds Farmers Turning to Labor-Saving Crops: Despite raising wages and increasing benefits, California farmers are failing to find enough people to pick fruits and vegetables and harvest other crops, and they are offsetting this labor shortage by changing to less labor-intensive crops and adding automation. Moreover, farmers are calling on Congress to …

SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS: Winter planted dry land oats are being harvested, baled and hauled for livestock feed. Wheat and alfalfa continue tothrive. Forage crops are ready to be cut for hay and/or silage. Ground preparation continues for spring forage androw crops. Cotton and corn are germinating and showing good growth. DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES: Thinning …