California Ag Network

Category: Featured Post

  • California Senate Pulls American Wine Legislation from Agenda

    AB 1585 was withdrawn from a Senate committee hearing this morning and will not be heard this year. This means the bill is defeated for this legislative session.

    According to a release sent by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and Family Winemakers of California (FWC), the decision to pull the bill was not a reflection of a lack of support. AB 1585 passed the Assembly without a single “no” vote, earned the backing of wine grape, wine, agricultural and consumer organizations from across California and the nation and generated more than 10,000 letters from Californians urging senators to act. Those efforts ultimately did not move the Senate. AB 1585, co-sponsored by the CAWG and FWC, would have required wine labeled “American” and sold in California to be made entirely from domestic grapes.

    “This is a deeply disappointing outcome for California growers, wineries and consumers,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “California has a long history of leading on transparency and higher standards, yet a bill that passed the Assembly 67-0 and simply asked whether wine labeled ‘American’ should be made from American grapes never received an honest debate in the Senate. At a time when growers are removing vineyards and family wineries are struggling, it is troubling that preserving the ability to blend foreign wine into products labeled ‘American’ proved more important than strengthening consumer trust. In the end, the interests of a handful of global beverage companies carried more weight than the voices of California growers, family wineries and consumers.”

    “While this is a temporary setback, the true loss today belongs to the consumers who were denied a meaningful step forward in choice and clarity,” said FWC Board President GinaLisa Tamayo. “Family-owned wineries are built on transparency, and we firmly believe we are on the right side of this issue. The core challenges this bill sought to address are not going away. We will continue to stand with the bill’s supporters and advocate for truth in labeling.”

    CAWG and FWC said they are grateful for the leadership of Assemblymembers Connolly and Ransom in fighting for truth in labeling and for the California growers and wineries who are truly behind the American name.

    “This fight is not over,” said Collins. “But today should be a wake-up call. If we cannot agree that ‘American wine’ should mean American grapes at this critical moment in our industry, then we have a much bigger problem than labeling rules. How is California’s iconic wine industry supposed to rebuild when members of our own industry and their lobbying groups are fighting against American grapes in American wine? That is the question every grower, winery and member of this industry in California should be asking today.”

    — Story Contributed by the California Association of Winegrape Growers and Family Winemakers of California

  • Dairy Plus Program Is Open for Applications

    The CDFA Dairy Plus Program is now accepting applications from California dairy producers interested in implementing projects that improve manure management and support environmental sustainability on their operations.

    Funded through a partnership between the California Dairy Research Foundation (CDRF), CDFA, and USDA, the program provides financial assistance for on-farm projects designed to reduce emissions and address key environmental challenges facing the dairy industry.

    Producers interested in learning more about the program and application process are encouraged to attend one of the upcoming informational webinars:

    • June 25
    • July 8

    Additional program information, eligibility requirements, application materials and webinar registration details are available on the Dairy Plus Program website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/dairyplus/.

    Dairy producers considering future infrastructure or manure management improvements are encouraged to review the program resources and determine whether Dairy Plus funding may be a fit for their operation. — Story contributed by Western United Dairies

  • PCC-DBII Awards Grants to Support Product Innovation

    Dairy processors throughout the Pacific Coast are among the 128 total grant winners to date receiving investments aimed at strengthening the dairy processing industry’s resilience. The Pacific Coast Coalition—Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (PCC-DBII), hosted by California State University, Fresno, has awarded more than $13,000,000 in grant funding to dairy processors including local farmsteads in California, Oregon and Washington, along with Arizona, New Mexico and  Nevada..

    “These grants help strengthen regional dairy processors throughout the West Coast region as well as increase the capacity for new product development and business economic sustainability,” said PCC-DBII Project Director Carmen Licon Cano, PhD. “Each grant contributes to equipment efficiencies and leverages expertise that translates into new products, new markets, new/retained jobs, and increased financial well-being of the businesses.”

    “PCC dairy business grants truly make a difference for families, communities and the region as they recognize entrepreneurship, product creativity and increase the availability of innovative cheese, butter, yogurt, kefir, frozen dessert products, cosmetics and nutritional supplements regionally and nationally,” said Dr. Susan Pheasant, Director of the Institute for Food and Agriculture and “cowkeeper” for the PCC-DBII. “We celebrate these grant winners as they move forward in building economic sustainability and regional growth through the production and sale of high-quality dairy foods and products.”

    California dairy processors awarded grants include:

    • 2GoodFarm
    • Bagnoli Original Organic
    • Carmel Valley Creamery
    • Claravale Farm Company
    • Joseph Gallo Cheese Company
    • Mavens Creamery
    • Stuyt Dairy Farmstead Cheese Company

    — Story contributed by the Pacific Coast Coalition  — Dairy Business Innovation Initiative

  • Roof Rat Bait Stations Available for Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) is offering free roof rat bait stations to all grower members.

    There is no limit on the number of bait stations growers may receive. Bait stations can be picked up at the APG office, or by contacting Joe Coelho to inquire about delivery options that may be available in the grower’s area.

    Roof rats can cause significant damage in orchards, and proper bait station placement is an important part of an effective management program. To help get the most from this resource, APG included links to a roof rat bait station guide, instructional video tutorials, and informational article below.

    If you have questions or would like to arrange pickup or discuss delivery options, please contact Joe Coelho at JCoelho@americanpistachios.org.

  • Almond Board of California Looks to Improve India Marketing Strategy

    India remains the most important export market for California almonds, making it central to the industry’s long-term outlook. After reviewing how the market is changing, the Almond Board of California (ABC) concluded that past approaches alone will not be enough to fuel future growth. To meet long-term demand goals, the industry must reposition almonds for a new generation of Indian consumers.

    A High-Value Market with More Room to Grow

    India already has a strong almond consumption base. Almonds are widely recognized, associated with nutrition and consumed by more than half of households in some form.

    But that strength does not mean the market is saturated. Consumption varies sharply by region, with lower penetration in parts of the country, especially in the South. That gap points to opportunity. Future growth will come from reaching new consumers, new regions and new occasions.

    For growers, expanding total demand matters because broader consumption helps support long-term market stability and value.

    Identifying the Barriers to Continued Growth

    ABC research shows that almonds still hold a strong position in India, but perception challenges are beginning to limit growth. Among non-users and light users, three barriers stood out: low excitement, weak differentiation and limited understanding of why almonds deserve a place in everyday diets.

    Many consumers see almonds as dependable but somewhat dated. Some view them as interchangeable with other nuts, while others are unclear on how almonds fit into modern daily routines, especially in newer markets.

    That makes this a critical moment. A product that is widely known can still lose relevance with younger consumers if the industry does not actively refresh how it is positioned.

    A Rapidly Changing Consumer Landscape

    India’s consumer landscape is evolving. It is home to a young population, rising digital engagement and increasingly urban lifestyles that are reshaping how people discover and buy food.

    Younger consumers are influenced by health goals, personal ambition and digital culture. They are less responsive to traditional messages and more drawn to brands that feel modern, useful and relevant to everyday life.

    For almonds, that creates both risk and opportunity. Legacy messaging is losing strength, but a large, increasingly affluent population still offers major growth potential if almonds are positioned in a way that resonates now. — Story contributed by the Almond Board of California

  • Researchers Requesting the Help of Pistachio Growers

    California pistachios now cover more than 600,000 acres and generate over $2.5 billion annually. As demand for pistachios continues to grow worldwide, production remains concentrated in the Central Valley with some acreage in coastal counties. However, a changing climate is creating new challenges for growers.

    Although the 2025–2026 winter felt “normal” with cold, foggy days, a closer look at the data shows that some pistachio orchards may not have received adequate winter chill. The March heatwave, which coincided with bloom, further intensified bloom and nut-set irregularities, issues many growers have already reported. However, some orchards were severely affected while others showed little or no impact, pointing to underlying factors that are not yet fully understood.

    This situation presents a valuable opportunity to better understand how unseasonable weather affects bloom, fertilization and set. To this end, the University of California, Davis (UCD) and the California Pistachio Research Board (CPRB) have developed a short grower survey. The information collected will help researchers evaluate the impacts of climate variability during this critical developmental stage. Several CPRB-funded research trials focused on improving yield and quality may also benefit from the survey data. These findings will help researchers develop strategies to prevent or mitigate similar impacts in the future and identify priority areas for targeted research. Grower participation is essential: the more orchards represented, the clearer the picture will be for guiding future research and management decisions.

    The California Pistachio Research Board encourages growers to complete the survey and share observations from their orchards this season. Growers with multiple orchards showing different performance under the same cultural practices (e.g. irrigation, fertilization) are welcome to submit separate responses for each site. The survey takes only a few minutes to

    complete but will provide valuable insights for future research.

    All responses are anonymous unless you choose to provide contact information. Growers can use the link or QR code below to access the survey.

    Pistachio Survey: https://forms.gle/vyeXgnoGfYG3aDDQ9

  • California Cantaloupe Industry Reports Temporary Supply Shortage

    California and Arizona cantaloupe growers in the southern desert production region report that current short-supply conditions are significant but temporary.

    “While weather-related production challenges have impacted the desert growing region, approximately 70 percent of California’s cantaloupe crop is produced in the San Joaquin Valley, where harvest is expected to begin by the June 29, which is right on schedule,” said Garrett Patricio, President of Classic Fruit Company and chairman of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, who stressed shippers are expecting promotable volume to be available by early July.”

    In the meantime, unusual weather patterns have severely impacted melon production in California’s Imperial Valley and the Yuma, Ariz. growing region. Growers expect extremely limited supplies of all melon varieties, including cantaloupe, during the next two weeks.

    “I’ve never seen anything like this in my more than 30 years of growing cantaloupe,” said Barry Zwillinger owner of Legend Produce. “We would love to be able to fill retail orders at any price, but at the moment we simply do not have the volume available.”

    Zwillinger explained that a combination of unusual weather conditions contributed to the shortage. Warmer-than-normal winter temperatures and the absence of freezing weather allowed pest populations to increase significantly. This was followed by an exceptionally warm spring, causing harvest to begin nearly two weeks earlier than normal.

    “Spring harvest started out fantastic, but as the season progressed, we noticed plants becoming weaker, and yields in many fields declined by as much as 40 to 60 percent,” Zwillinger said. “Those conditions have led to the supply gap we’re experiencing today, with very few melons available over the next couple of weeks.”

    Patricio emphasized that growing conditions in California’s San Joaquin Valley have been considerably more stable, and harvest timing is expected to be normal.

    “The good news is that we expect strong cantaloupe volume beginning in early July and continuing throughout the remainder of the summer,” Patricio said. “Consumers and retailers can look forward to a steady supply of high-quality California cantaloupes once the San Joaquin Valley season gets underway.”

    About 75 percent of all cantaloupes consumed in the United States are grown in California. As the San Joaquin Valley harvest gets underway, the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board is launching an expanded consumer marketing campaign designed to drive demand throughout the summer season. The program includes digital advertising, retail support materials, influencer partnerships and a strong emphasis on reaching younger Gen Z consumers through social media platforms.

    “California growers are looking forward to a great summer season with an abundant supply of high-quality cantaloupes,” said Patricio. “We encourage retailers and consumers to follow our social media channels on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and X for selecting and eating tips, nutrition information and a lot of fun and engaging content from California cantaloupe growers.”

    “We appreciate the patience and support of our retail partners during this short transition period and look forward to supplying promotable volumes throughout the remainder of the summer,” said Patricio. — Story contributed by the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board

  • Sweet Orange Scab Quarantine Boundary Expands

    Effective June 18, the CDFA is expanding the sweet orange scab (SOS) quarantine in the Burbank, Los Angeles and Long Beach areas of Los Angeles County and the Anaheim and Garden Grove areas of Orange County (grids 438, 439, 455, 456, 457, 470, and 471). A map of the new boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/sos/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3443. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3443, any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.

    Process to Appeal the Expanded Boundary

    The appeal must be submitted to the Department in writing and supported by clear and convincing evidence. The appeal must be filed no later than ten (10) working days from the date of this notification. During the pending of the appeal, the designated quarantine boundary under appeal shall remain in effect.

    Mail Appeals to: CDFA – Citrus Division 1220 N Street Sacramento, Calif. 95814

    Electronic Notification of Boundary Changes

    California Code of Regulation allows interested parties to be notified of quarantine area boundary changes, as well as the opportunity to submit quarantine boundary appeals. If interested in receiving notifications, please sign up for regulatory updates through the email notification at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, email Raymond Niem (Raymond.Niem@CDFA.ca.gov) or call (916) 274-6300. — Story contributed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in Portion of SD County

    A portion of San Diego County has been placed under quarantine for the Mexican fruit fly following the detection of one mated female fly in and around the unincorporated community of Spring Valley. This new quarantine will overlap a portion of the existing La Mesa Mexican Fruit Fly quarantine by 19 square miles. The USDA, the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner and the CDFA are working collaboratively on this project.

    The new quarantine area in San Diego County measures 76 square miles, bordered on the north by El Cajon; on the south by Proctor Valley; on the west by Lemon Grove; and on the east by McGinty Mountain. A link to the quarantine map may be found here: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/mexfly/regulation.html.

    Sterile male Mexican fruit flies will be released in the area as part of the eradication effort. The release rate will be up to approximately 250,000 males per square mile per week in an area up to 50 square miles around the infestation.

    The quarantine will affect growers, wholesalers and retailers of susceptible fruit in the area as well as nurseries that grow and sell Mexican fruit fly host plants. The quarantine will also affect local residents; home gardeners are urged to consume homegrown produce on site and not move it from their property.  These actions protect against the spread of the infestation to nearby regions where it could affect California’s food supply and backyard gardens and landscapes.

    The Mexican fruit fly can lay its eggs in and infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, severely impacting California agricultural exports and backyard gardens alike. For more information on the pest, please see the pest profile at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/go/MexFly. Residents who believe their fruits and vegetables may be infested with fruit fly larvae are encouraged to call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

    The eradication approach used in the Spring Valley area of San Diego County is the standard program used by CDFA and it is the safest and most effective and efficient response program available.

    While fruit flies and other invasive species that threaten California’s crops and natural environment are sometimes detected in agricultural areas, the vast majority are found in urban and suburban communities. The most common pathway for these invasive species to enter our state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions of the world. To help protect California’s agriculture and natural resources, CDFA urges travelers to follow the Don’t Pack a Pest program guidelines (www.dontpackapest.com). — Story Contributed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • Dairy Orgs Praise H-2A Guidance for Dairy Operations

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) have released statements supporting the Trump Administration’s recent guidance clarifying how dairy operations my use the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program when they can demonstrate a qualifying temporary or seasonal labor need under existing laws.

    “IDFA appreciates President Trump’s commitment to advancing a workforce solution that recognizes the unique needs of America’s dairy industry,” IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes said on June 17. “Today’s announcement makes the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program a more viable tool for dairy producers, who have had no way to participate in a program designed primarily for seasonal agriculture.”

    “Dairy farmers appreciate the new clarification released by the Trump administration outlining how dairy operations may use the H-2A agricultural worker program. The dairy industry has long sought access to the H-2A program, and this guidance will help open the door for dairies to begin using this program,” said NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud. “We applaud secretaries Rollins and Mullin and acting Secretary Sonderling for their proactive leadership on this issue and look forward to learning more about these important new changes.”

    In its guidance, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) clarified that the policy memorandum in no way imposes new obligations on employers submitting H-2A petitions, ensuring the USCIS will handle petitions on a case-by-case basis.

    “NMPF pledges to work with both Congress and the administration to secure long-term certainty for the dairy workforce, including solutions to transition to H-2A, which will ensure that dairies across the nation are set up to thrive, boosting rural communities and providing Americans and the world with high-quality, nutritious products,” Doud said.