The California Department of Food and Agriculture (Department) recently conducted a referendum vote among California Market Milk Producers within the State of California to determine whether the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) effective November 1, 2018, should be amended to equalize regional quota adjusters such that the quota premium in all counties equal 1.43/cwt., and to terminate the QIP effective March …

Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program — While limiting the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing are the highest priority for the California citrus industry and the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program, the program continually monitors for a number of threats to the industry and has recently detected sweet orange scab (SOS) in new areas of the state. Additionally, …

As Californians brace themselves for the impacts of drought, an advisory group of irrigation experts and farmers recently released some timely recommendations to update the state’s sole on-farm water and energy efficiency program, the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP). Created to assist farmers during the previous drought and address climate change, SWEEP funds on-farm water and energy efficiency projects like micro irrigation, …

The North American Meat Institute (the Meat Institute) today said the State of California’s Proposition 12 (Prop 12 or the law) provides no benefit to consumers and increases breeding sow mortality according to the State’s own proposed rule. “The recently proposed rule by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) admits there are no benefits to Californians as a …

Western Growers (WG) has teamed with Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary, to launch a statewide initiative aimed at developing a future workforce with the skills and knowledge to navigate emerging on-farm technology. The AgTechX Ed initiative will bring together universities and colleges, farming and agricultural partners, and technology companies across California to transition the agriculture …

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 …