California Ag Network

Category: Featured Post

  • CA Utilized Vegetable Production Value Shows Slight Decline

    The value of California’s 2020 utilized vegetable production dropped 0.9% to $7.68 billion compared to 2019’s value of $7.74 billion according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Field Office.

    Despite the decrease in state’s overall total value of utilized production, crops showing an increase included broccoli, cantaloupe, lettuce of all types, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. California fresh market and processing vegetable growers planted 939,700 acres of principal vegetable crops in 2020, down 3% from 2019. Utilized production totaled 433.8 million hundred weight up slightly from 2019’s 431.7 million hundred weight.

    California leads the nation in vegetable production, accounting for 39% of the U.S. vegetable acreage. USDA NASS recently posted the Vegetables 2020 Summary for vegetables grown during the 2020 crop year in California and across the U.S. The report includes survey data collected for acreage, production, marketing year price and value collected on an annual basis for 26 vegetable and melon crops in the U.S. Questionnaire content, survey timetables, and survey administration are state specific. Data are gathered by telephone interviews, mail-out/mail-back, faxed questionnaires, and personal interviews.
    Family favorites grown in California include artichokes, broccoli, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, and more. For a copy of the full report, visit Vegetables 2020 Summary. Just interested in California? Here are comments on 2020 crops where The Golden State is the largest producer. The data reflects U.S. numbers:

    Artichokes: Total production in 2020 totaled 812,000 cwt, down 15% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 5,900 acres, down 11% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 5,800 acres, was down 12% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $62.6 million, 16% below the previous season. Utilized production totaled 792,500 cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, artichokes enjoyed a routine spring with strong supplies and steady demand. The March increase could be attributed to consumers pushing the demand for healthy vegetables. The pandemic temporarily impacted labor availability and elevated production costs, but generally favorable weather resulted in good quality and production.

    Broccoli: Total production in 2020 totaled 15.8 million cwt, down 5% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 100,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 100,300 acres, was also down 4% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $875 million, 3% more than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 15.8 million cwt, of which 15.3 million cwt was for the fresh market and 25,060 tons for processing. In California, the pandemic caused a variety of changes in the marketplace. Most notably was the decreased demand from the food service industry for broccoli. Growers plowed under broccoli due to limited demand by the hospitality industry.

    Cabbage: Total production in 2020 totaled 23.7 million cwt, up 6% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 60,600 acres, down 3% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 58,600 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $428 million, 16% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 23.6 million cwt, of which 19.1 million cwt was for the fresh market and 224,241 tons for processing. In California, weather during the planting in the fall of 2019 and through head development in 2020 was favorable. No reports of pathogen impact were reported for the crop.

    Cantaloupes: Total production in 2020 totaled 11.3 million cwt, a slight increase from 2019. Planted areas was estimated at 41,000 acres, down 15% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 40,600 acres, down 15% from 2019. The value of the crop total was $296 million, an increase of 24% from previous year. The utilized production was 11.3 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, lack of rainfall during the spring months and high temperatures during the summer months provided ideal growing conditions for cantaloupes compared to last year.

    Carrots: Total production in 2020 totaled 31.1 million cwt, down 6% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 69,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 69,700 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $716 million, 7% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 31.1 million cwt, of which 22.3 million cwt was for the fresh market and 441,787 tons for processing. In California, the largest producing State, the carrot market was steady through the spring of the year. In the heavily farmed central portion of the Cuyama Valley, where a lot of California’s carrots are grown, the water table continued to drop in 2020.

    Cauliflower: Total production in 2020 totaled 9.0 million cwt, down 11% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 42,500 acres, down 6% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 42,200 acres, was down 7% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $346 million, 25% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 8.9 million cwt, of which 8.8 million cwt was for the fresh market and 2,724 tons for processing. In California, growers have seen dramatic movement of cauliflower during the pandemic. This year has seen generally shrinking volume from the beginning of February, and lower volume than the previous two year since the beginning of March. Pricing is below the prior two years and continues decreasing, although price has not stabilized, the rate of decrease has slowed.

    Celery: Total production in 2020 totaled 16.1 million cwt, up 2% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 29,200 acres, up 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 28,800 acres, increased 2% from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $359 million, down 24% from previous year. Utilized production for 2020 totaled 16.1 million cwt, up 2% from 2019.
    In California, growers reported higher production but price dropped considerably.

    Garlic: Total production in 2020 totaled 3.46 million cwt, down 10% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 24,700 acres, unchanged from the previous year. Area harvested, at 24,700 acres, was unchanged from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $264 million, 12% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 3.46 million cwt, of which 1.21 million cwt was for the fresh market and 112,385 tons for processing. In California, producers were tempered by soil borne pathogens that reduced yield in some areas, though overall the growing season experienced favorable weather.

    Honeydew: Total production in 2020 totaled 2.36 million cwt, down 9% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 7,600 acres, down 25% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 7,600 acres, was also down 25% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $49.2 million, down 11% from the previous season. Utilized production totaled 2.36 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, lack of rainfall during the spring months and high temperatures during the summer months provided ample growing conditions for honeydew compared to last year.

    Head lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 40.7 million cwt, down 3% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 114,000 acres, down 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 112,900 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $1.25 billion, 12% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 40.7 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, the largest producing State, higher than normal temperatures in the central valley resulted in substantial losses. In the coastal region, warm weather and wildfires affected supplies later in the year. Significant occurrences of crop disease also contributed to a tight market, prompting concerns of shortages in other parts of the country. Some producers in Arizona and California have allowed some head lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Leaf lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 15.6 million cwt, up 25% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 62,900 acres, up 9% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 61,700 acres, was also up 8% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $800 million, 23% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 15.6 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, some growers did not harvest their fields during the spring in response to market conditions, but demand improved as the year progressed. There was a small amount of heat damage to the crop, but yields were up significantly from the previous year. Quality was reported to be fair and demand was strong enough to keep prices up. However, some producers in Arizona and California have allowed some leaf lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Romaine lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 30.3 million cwt, up 11% from the 2019 total. Planted area was estimated at 93,100 acres, up 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 91,500 acres, was up 4% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $948 million, 8% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 30.3 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, there were quality issues in the late summer crop as instances of Sclerotinia and Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus were found in the Central Coast region. In November, there was a voluntary recall of Romaine lettuce due to a potential outbreak of E.coli. Overall, yields were up from a year ago. Some producers in Arizona and California have allowed Romaine lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Onions: Total production in 2020 totaled 75.2 million cwt, up 8% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 134,700 acres, up 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 132,800 acres, was up 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $878 million, 12% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 73.5 million cwt, of which 49.5 million cwt was for the fresh market and 1.20 million tons were for processing. In California, the largest producing State, growers reported the summer being too hot too early. Later in the summer there wasn’t enough sun when wildfires blanketed the state in smoke for months.

    Bell peppers: Total production in 2020 totaled 11.7 million cwt, up 1% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 38,100 acres, up 1% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 37,100 acres, was up 1% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $479 million, 11% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 11.7 million cwt, of which 8.22 million cwt was for the fresh market and 171,808 tons for processing. In California, the summer turned very hot early, which quickly turned bad as fires ravaged through large portions of the state burning cropland and producing a thick layer of smoke blocking the sun for months. Some producers had to divert peppers intended for fresh market to processors as state lockdowns caused stoppages in the supply chain.

    Spinach: Total production in 2020 totaled 7.23 million cwt, down 24% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 56,800 acres, down 14% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 56,200 acres, was also down 14% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $439 million, 28% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 7.23 million cwt, of which 6.45 million cwt was for the fresh market and 39,204 tons for processing. In California, the largest producing State, the coastal regions experienced damaging cold temperatures in early spring, bringing yields down below last year. Acreage decreased after some growers responded to a drop in demand by plowing under their fields.

    Sweet potatoes: Total production in 2020 totaled 30.7 million cwt, down 4% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 158,000 acres, up 7% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 156,800 acres, was up 7% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $726 million, 10% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 30.6 million cwt, of which 23.9 million cwt was for the fresh market and 331,638 tons for processing.

    Tomatoes: Total production in 2020 totaled 241 million cwt, up 1% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 280,000 acres, down 1% from the previous year. Area harvested, estimated at 272,900 acres, was down slightly from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $1.66 billion, 4% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 239 million cwt, of which 12.6 million cwt was for the fresh market and 11.3 million tons for processing. In California, there were no major issues during planting, but higher than average temperatures in late spring affected early crop yields. Inconsistent weather patterns throughout the growing season prompted short interruptions in the flow of ripe tomatoes. Wildfires that raged through the state in late summer and early fall slowed the processing tomato harvest. Crop quality varied by region and disease pressure was low. Due to a lack of rain, water availability continued to be a concern.

    For more agricultural statistics, visit www.nass.usda.gov.

  • ITC Deems Foreign Imported Blueberries Not a Threat to Domestic Production

    Blueberry growers were disappointed in US International Trade Commission’s ruling today, not seeing the threat of rising imported foreign-grown blueberries to domestic growers.  The American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) released the following statement regarding the outcome of the ITC’s global safeguard investigation into imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries:

    “The American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) is disappointed with the decision today by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to find that rising imports of foreign-grown blueberries are not a substantial cause of serious injury, or threat of serious injury, to domestic farmers. We disagree with the outcome of the Commissioner’s investigation.

    Throughout this case, blueberry growers across the United States provided the ITC with extensive data and personal experiences about the significant harm caused by surging imports on the supply and pricing of blueberries in the U.S. market, especially during our critical growing and harvest seasons. We believed this data and testimony made a compelling case that safeguard measures were critical to the survival of our domestic farmers, and we are disappointed by the Commission’s decision.

    We actively participated in this investigation because we believe U.S. trade laws must support a level playing field for American farmers – one in which lower labor costs and more lax environmental standards in other countries does not drive our domestic growers out of business. The outcome of this investigation reveals deficiencies in U.S. trade laws, which unfortunately will put the long-term viability of the domestic blueberry industry in jeopardy.

    We have received strong support from members of Congress, state elected officials, agricultural associations and other farm interests throughout this investigation, and we plan to work with these groups on other remedies to ensure that American consumers continue to have access to fresh, high-quality, safe, domestically grown blueberries.

    Meanwhile, our domestic growers will face another year of economic uncertainty as they grow and harvest their 2021 blueberry crop. No doubt, imports will now accelerate to overwhelm our domestic market this year. This will cause even greater hardship on family-owned farm operations, as well as on providers of packing and freezing services, and damage to local communities and tax bases.”

    About American Blueberry Growers Alliance

    American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) is a national association representing blueberry growers and farmers in the United States. ABGA provides a unified voice for blueberry growers in states across the country, including California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon and Washington, advocating on behalf of their interests and for the long-term viability of the domestic blueberry industry. For more information, visit: americanblueberrygrowers.com.

  • 2020 CA Preliminary Grape Crush Report

    The 2020 crush totaled 3,542,038 tons, down 13.9% from the 2019 crush of 4,115,413 tons. A crushing disappointment for the industry, this represents the lowest tonnage and some of the lowest prices growers have experienced in the last decade.  Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 1,813,964 tons, down 15.9% from 2019. White wine varieties crushed totaled 1,590,335 tons, down 9.8% from 2019. Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 42,425, down 30.5% from 2019, and tons crushed of table type varieties totaled 95,315, down 29.1% from 2019.

    The 2020 average price of all varieties was $674.72, down 16.8% from 2019. Average prices for the 2020 crop by type were as follows: red wine grapes, $791.33, down 22.4% from 2019; white wine grapes, $554.74, down 5.9% from 2019; table grapes, $162.41, down 38.2% from 2019; and raisin grapes, $250.58, up 2.3% from 2019.

    In 2020, Chardonnay continued to account for the largest percentage of the total tonnage crushed at 15.2%. Cabernet Sauvignon accounted for the second largest percentage of the total crush at 14.1%. Table grape varieties crushed for wine accounted for less than 3% of the total crush for the first time since 2016. Raisin varieties crushed for wine were a record low at 1.2% of total crush.

    District 13 (Madera, Fresno, Alpine, Mono, Inyo Counties; and Kings and Tulare Counties north of Nevada Avenue (Avenue 192)), had the largest share of the State’s crush at 1,229,676 tons. The average price per ton in District 13 was $314.25.

    Grapes produced in District 4 (Napa County) received the highest average price at $4,577.62 per ton, down 20.7% from 2019. District 3 (Sonoma and Marin counties) received the second highest average price at $2,417.48 per ton, down 15.1% from 2019.

    The 2020 Chardonnay average price of $827.85 was down 9.3% from 2019 and the Cabernet Sauvignon average price of $1,230.96 was down 30.5% from 2019. The 2020 average price for Zinfandel was $519.04, down 11.0% from 2019, while the French Colombard average price was up 4.2% from 2019, at $287.52 per ton.

    Prices reflect adjustments due to smoke damage, as reported by purchasers. For more information about how purchasers reported smoke damaged grapes, go to: www.cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/pdf/GrapeCrush2020_Smoke_Taint_FAQ.pdf

    The entire Grape Crush Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov/ca, and don’t miss the March issue of American Vineyard Magazine to read a full analysis of the Crush Report. Subscribe for free HERE.

  • How to Prevent Crown Gall in the Orchard



    Keep getting crown gall in the orchard? Watch this brief interview with Kern County Area Orchard Systems Advisor Mohammad Yaghmour as shares a few simple steps on how to effectively prevent this detrimental infection.  Read more in Pacific Nut Producer and California Fresh Fruit Magazines.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Trece for their industry support.

  • What Growers Need to Know about Sudden Grapevine Collapse

    Sudden Vine Collapse is a disease complex that has become a lot more widespread across California than was previously thought. First coined by growers as Mystery Vine Collapse, researchers now have some answers.  Watch this brief interview with UC Davis Plant Pathologist Akif Eskalen to find out more and read about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Vineyards Serve as Ideal Groundwater Recharging Sites

    As Californians are concerned about heading into another drought, grape growers may be able to assist in replenishing our depleting groundwater supplies during these stormy months.  Watch this brief interview with William Horwath from UC Davis and read more about it in American Vineyard Magazine.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • $12.5M Now Available for Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program

    Almond Board of California — Starting February 9, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (District) is offering $12.5M total in state and federal funding to Central Valley nut growers through its Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program. This program aims to improve air quality in the valley by helping growers fund the purchase of harvesting equipment that achieves at least a 40% reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions or, simply put, harvest dust.

    This program comes roughly three years after the District allocated $2M toward a Low-Dust Nut Harvester Pilot Program, supported by the Almond Board, which allowed for the replacement of 29 older, conventional nut harvesters with new, low-dust harvesters throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Through that program, growers and custom harvesters had the opportunity to provide feedback on the performance of low-dust equipment, feedback that the District said, “has been overwhelmingly positive” and accordingly “interest in the program significantly exceeded available funding.”

    Based on feedback and growing demand for low-dust equipment, the District secured funding to launch the new Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program, which provides funding to growers via two separate categories:

    • The District received $10M from the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Targeted Air Shed Grant. These funds may be allocated to nut growers within the entire District basin, which covers seven counties from San Joaquin to Kern.
    • Additionally, the District received $2.5M in funding through the state’s Community Emission Reduction Program for the deployment of low-dust nut harvesting equipment operating within the community of Shafter. This means there is $2.5M allocated specifically for nut growers operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by California Assembly Bill 617.1

    “The California almond industry is driven by family farmers, many who have a vested interest in improving air quality during harvest as they themselves live, work and raise their families in these local communities,” said Jesse Roseman, principal analyst in Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at the Almond Board of California (ABC).

    “This program allows the industry to continue moving the needle toward a future with reduced harvest dust and improved air quality, an objective outlined in the industry’s Almond Orchard 2025 Goals. These goals not only encourage innovation to improve industry practices and ensure profitability, but also to protect our communities and environment by continuing to grow almonds in better, safer, and healthier ways,” said Roseman.

    The following guidelines detail how the District will allocate program funding between the two sources of capital:

    Environmental Protection Agency (federal): $10M

    • Eligible Entities: Growers and customer harvesters in the San Joaquin Valley Air basin.
    • Eligible Equipment for Purchase:
      • Equipment, such as qualified pick-up machines, that achieve a minimum 40% PM2.5 reduction compared to standard equipment, as demonstrated by available peer-reviewed information and/or District-approved methodology
      • Funding available to replace a maximum of five machines
        • Maximum of $150,000 awarded per machine.
    • Funding Available:
      • Funds will cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment.
    • Funding Allocation: Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on submittal of complete applications.
    • Old Equipment Disposition: Participants must agree to destroy or render existing old equipment permanently inoperable in accordance with established District criteria.

    Community Emission Reduction Program – Shafter: $2.5M

    Growers and custom harvesters within a seven-mile radius of Shafter are heavily encouraged to apply for equipment replacement funding as the District will cover up to 75% of the cost to purchase each new piece of equipment, and there is no limit on the number of eligible pieces of equipment for which applicants may receive funds.

    • Eligible Entities: Growers and custom harvesters operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by the Shafter AB 617 community boundary.
    • Eligible Equipment for Purchase:
      • Equipment, such as qualified pick-up machines, that achieve a minimum 40% PM2.5 reduction compared to standard equipment, as demonstrated by available peer-reviewed information and/or District-approved methodology.
      • There is NO LIMIT on the number of pieces of equipment for which an applicant may receive funding. In addition, there is NO maximum amount awarded for each individual piece of machinery.
    • Funding Available:
      • Funds will cover up to 75% of the cost of eligible equipment for those operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by the Shafter AB 617 community boundary.
    • Funding Allocation: Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on submittal of complete applications.
    • Old Equipment Disposition: Participants must agree to destroy or render existing old equipment permanently inoperable in accordance with established District criteria.

    To note: Equipment eligible for purchase through the Low-Dust Harvester Pilot Program does qualify for funding through this new program. Off-ground harvesting equipment may also be eligible.

    “This low-dust harvesting program provides a great example of research coming full circle for the California almond industry,” said Roseman. “For over 15 years, the Almond Board has explored opportunities to reduce harvest dust by funding research, producing harvest best management practices for growers and custom harvesters, and gaining a greater understanding of how the industry can contribute to the big picture of improving air quality in the Central Valley.

    “In 2018, the Almond Board supported the District’s Low-Dust Harvester Pilot Program to further help growers and custom harvesters invest in low-dust equipment. Today, with millions of dollars available to the industry, ABC is thrilled to again support the District and the industry as we work together to improve air quality in the Central Valley while simultaneously advancing the use of low-dust harvesting equipment.”

    Those interested in applying for this program should visit the District website for more information. The application will be posted to the website on February 9, so be sure to check the site frequently that day if you wish to submit your application early.

    Growers and custom harvesters should direct all questions to the District’s Supervisor of Strategies & Incentives Aaron Tarango at aaron.tarango@valleyair.org or (559) 230-5873.

    1 The community of Shafter was prioritized by the District and subsequently selected by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as one of two communities in the San Joaquin Valley to receive clean air resources newly available under California Assembly Bill 617, which requires CARB and air districts to develop and implement measures to improve air quality in disadvantaged communities. One measure identified and prioritized by the Shafter Community Steering Committee was to provide enhanced and dedicated incentive funding for low-dust harvesters operating within the Shafter AB 617 community boundary

  • UC Davis Launches $3 Million Project to Improve Farmworker COVID Safety

    California’s 800,000 farmworkers have been hit hard by COVID-19, the disease that has infected more than 25 million people and killed more than 420,000 in the United States. Farmworkers are especially vulnerable to the airborne virus that causes COVID-19 because they often live, work and carpool in close quarters with other people. As essential employees, farmworkers have stayed on the job during the pandemic to plant, process and harvest the nation’s food.

    Agricultural safety experts and communicators at the University of California, Davis, have launched the COVID-19 Statewide Agriculture and Farmworker Education Program to reverse that trend. Funded by a $3 million contract with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the project provides workers, growers, farm labor contractors, community groups and others the training and safety information they need to reduce farmworkers’ risk of contracting COVID-19.

    The COVID-19 project is led by experts at the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, who are collaborating with the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communications Team, a network of community-based organizations, and agricultural industry groups.

    “Our team will work directly with community organizations who are trusted by farmworkers and have already been assisting them throughout this COVID crisis,” said Heather Riden, program director at the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety. “Our goal is to amplify their efforts and help them build capacity as they continue to provide critical COVID safety information to their communities.”

    The team is also working closely with farmers and others in the agriculture industry as they navigate state COVID-19 workplace safety standards, establish protocols and provide employees the tools they need to stay safe on the job.

    “As employers across the state implement that new COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards, we want to be a resource for them so they can take all the necessary steps to ensure a safe work environment,” said Riden.

    The program will be especially active in areas of high agricultural employment, such as the Central Valley, the Imperial Valley, Napa Valley and fertile regions along California’s south and central coastlines.

    Free trainings and other events are already underway. You can learn more and register for upcoming presentations on the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety website. The center also offers extensive COVID resources and information in multiple languages on its COVID-19 Resources page. — By Diane Nelson, UC Davis

  • Secretary Ross Orders Referendum of QIP Sunset Plan

    United Dairy Families of California — Yesterday Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross signed a Decision of Order to hold a referendum on the petition submitted by United Dairy Families of California (UDFC).

    The petition is a producer-derived plan to sunset the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) effective March 1, 2025 and to equalize Regional Quota Adjusters such that the quota premium in all counties equals $1.43/cwt.

    The Secretary’s signature confirms the proposed decision from Judge Timothy Aspinwall stating that UDFC’s “petition must proceed to a producer referendum.”

    According to information posted on the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) website, “the referendum voting period will be March 4, 2021 – June 1, 2021,” to ensure full participation among dairy producers.

    The petition was born out of a multi-year effort led by UDFC, a producer-led organization seeking to unite the California dairy industry. The organization held over twenty meetings around the state and solicited input from hundreds of producers to determine a path forward for the QIP.

    UDFC submitted over 300 signed petitions from dairy producers to CDFA, which initiated the referendum process.

    United Dairy Families is pleased with the Secretary’s decision to affirm the recommendation, and looks forward to encouraging all California dairy producers to cast a ballot in the forthcoming referendum.

  • New Walnut Variety to Allow Earlier Harvest

    University of California, Davis, researchers have bred a new walnut variety designed to provide growers a way to harvest earlier and boost the harvest efficiency of California’s $1.6 billion walnut industry. The new “UC Wolfskill” walnut has yield, quality and light color similar to Chandler, which is a late-harvesting walnut and the state’s leading variety. UC Wolfskill was bred in 2003 from a cross of Chandler with the Solano walnut. UC Wolfskill combines the color and shell traits of Chandler with the earlier harvest date and kernel fill of Solano.

    “The release of UC Wolfskill means growers can spread out their harvest and still have a really high-quality nut that will fetch top-notch prices and provide similar yields,” said Pat J. Brown, breeder and professor with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.

    Over 99 percent of the nation’s walnuts are grown in California. More than half of the state’s bearing acres are the late-harvest Chandler walnuts. “The California walnut industry needs earlier harvesting walnut varieties to provide efficient use of harvesting, drying and processing equipment,” said breeder Chuck Leslie, with the UC Davis Walnut Improvement Program. “UC Wolfskill can be harvested 12 to 14 days earlier than Chandler and provides consistently light to extra light color.”

    Handlers judge the value of a walnut based on its color and how well it halves while processing. In blind quality evaluations by commercial graders, the UC Wolfskill was often not distinguished from Chandler.

    UC Wolfskill was originally planted and evaluated at UC Davis, and field trials with growers began in 2011.

    “The commitment of our walnut growers, as collaborators, is the foundation that makes this release possible. The Board is extremely grateful for the long-term partnership of our growers and the UC, in finding innovative solutions that help us solve for critical needs,” said Michelle Connelly, executive director of the California Walnut Board.

    The California Walnut Board funded the research. UC Wolfskill is currently available to California nurseries for propagation in California and sales to growers throughout the United States. Nurseries interested in propagating and selling this cultivar may obtain a license from UC Davis InnovationAccess. – By Amy Quinton, UC Davis Food & Ag

    “Editor’s Note: Photos Provided by Janine Hasey, UCCE Farm Advisor Emeritus”