This year the California Walnut Commission will be holding elections for members and alternates for the term beginning September 1, 2021 and ending August 31, 2023. “The diversity of our growing and evolving membership brings valuable perspective to the industry. The CWC in partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) welcomes participation of women, minorities and people with disabilities,” said Michelle McNeil …

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 …

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 …

ACP/HLB San Joaquin Valley Task Force – To Citrus Growers in the Kern County area: last fall and early this year, there has been a significant number of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) trap detections (over 100) in Kern County. The detections occurred in residential properties, as well as commercial citrus areas in Kern County – especially the City of Bakersfield and …

CDFA’s Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP) provides financial assistance for the implementation of non-digester manure management practices on California dairy and livestock operations, which will result in reduced emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas (GHG) 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide in its potential to warm the atmosphere. Eligible practices for funding through AMMP include: pasture-based management; alternative manure treatment and …

California’s $86 million date industry produces more than half of the nation’s dates. Most of the fruit is grown in the arid Coachella Valley. Despite efforts by growers to conserve water, data was lacking on date palms’ actual water use to refine the best irrigation management for the crop until a recent research project led by Ali Montazar, UC Cooperative …

Yesterday, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation and California Department of Food and Agriculture launched a broad new work group to accelerate the systemwide adoption of safer, sustainable pest control practices. The 25-member Sustainable Pest Management Work Group includes farmers, community members, university researchers and representatives from commodity groups and the pesticide industry. They are charged with identifying pathways to …

In 2019, California’s farms and ranches received more than $50 billion in cash receipts for their output. This represents a slight increase over reported cash receipts compared to the previous year. California agricultural exports totaled $21.7 billion, an increase of 3 percent from 2018.  Top commodities for export included almonds, pistachios, dairy and dairy products, wine and walnuts. California’s agricultural …

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) is seeking public comments on recommendations for proposed new manure management practices to be potentially included in its Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP). Proposals for new practices were accepted through a Request for Proposals (RFP) between July 6, 2020 and September 4, 2020. There were several important requirements needed to submit a …

Every five years the California Department of Food and Agriculture holds a state-mandated referendum vote to provide California avocado growers the opportunity to determine whether the California Avocado Commission will be reapproved to continue for the next five years. “The referendum process is a vital component of the law that established the California Avocado Commission,” said Rob Grether, chairman of …