Pear growers enjoyed an good crop this year, both in size and quantity. Demand for California pears remains strong, but imports from Argentina could pose challenges for growers. Chris Zanobini from the California Pear Advisory Board Spoke to Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to discuss the latest in the pear industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Category: Featured Post
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The Meat Institute Issues Statement on Executive Order
The Meat Institute issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s Executive Order to explore implementing Mandatory Country-of-Origin-Labeling (mCOOL) for beef products.
“The Meat Institute appreciates the Administration’s continued focus on strengthening the U.S. beef supply chain and exploring ways to bring beef prices down for consumers. However, the President’s Executive Order to explore implementation of mCOOL raises concerns about revisiting a failed policy that the United States has already tried and that Congress ultimately repealed in 2015. We should allow the free market to work, rather than have the government mandate how beef must be marketed to consumers.
“Mandatory COOL is all cost, with no demonstrated increase in demand or added value. USDA’s own Chief Economist reached that conclusion in 2015 after the previous mCOOL program imposed roughly $1.5 billion in implementation costs and $200 million in annual ongoing costs.
“The Meat Institute’s recent economic analysis shows the same concerns remain today. Reinstating mCOOL for beef would cost $721 million in first-year implementation costs and add an estimated $835 million annually to consumers’ beef purchases.
“With beef supplies at a 75-year low and demand strong, now is not the time to add unnecessary costs and complexity to the beef supply chain or risk putting further upward pressure on prices. Additional consumer costs could jeopardize the strong beef demand the industry has enjoyed. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has implemented a robust voluntary ‘Product of USA’ label that identifies beef from animals born, raised and processed in the United States. The voluntary label should be given a chance to succeed before Congress repeats a burdensome and costly regulatory mistake.”
— Story contributed by The Meat Institute
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Applications Available for Class X of Jersey Youth Academy
The tenth Jersey Youth Academy will be held July 11-16. The application period for the class is open until Dec. 1.
Jersey Youth Academy provides a unique educational experience that motivates youth of high school and college age to prepare for and succeed in their adult careers in some aspect of the dairy industry, but specifically working with Jersey cattle and/or Jersey products.
Program Objectives
The program is designed around three broad objectives for participants:
- First, to learn why and how the Jersey breed has grown and prospered, and what the future holds for the Jersey business;
- Second, to meet leaders from the Jersey community and from across the support industry, to gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow; and
- Third, to learn about the range of career opportunities that involve the Jersey breed and Jersey products, and begin the journey that will take them to success working in the Jersey dairy business.
The program is conducted every two years, with participants chosen from a national pool of applicants. Selection is based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in experiences, accomplishments and goal statement of the applicants. All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, are paid by the Academy.
Eligibility
Applications will be accepted from Jersey youth who are juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college, or university. Applicants under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management will also be considered.
Applications are accepted only from legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.
A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only once.
— Story provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association
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APHIS Expands the Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing) Quarantined Area in California
The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is expanding the citrus greening (Huanglongbing; HLB) quarantined area in California. APHIS is adding one square mile to the Santa Paula quarantined area in Ventura County, which impacts 151.7 acres of commercial citrus. APHIS is adding 10 square miles to the quarantined area in Riverside and San Diego Counties, which impacts 121.5 acres of commercial citrus. This measure parallels the intrastate quarantine that CDFA established on July 15, 2026. APHIS is taking this action because plant tissue samples from residential properties tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of HLB.
APHIS is applying safeguarding measures outlined in 7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 301.76 through 301.76-11 and associated Federal Orders that govern interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined areas. This action helps prevent HLB from spreading to areas that are not currently infested.
For updated maps and details, visit the APHIS Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid webpage. APHIS will also publish a notice of this change in the “Federal Register.”
For additional information contact Abby R. Stilwell at 919-323-6296 or abby.r.stilwell@usda.gov
— Story contributed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
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Almond Award Nominations Open
The Almond Board of California honors two industry or allied industry members annually. The nomination deadline for the 2026 awards is October 9, 2026. The winner of the Almond Achievement Award and the Almond Technical Achievement Award will be announced at the Wednesday, Dec. 9 luncheon at The Almond Conference.
Almond Achievement Award
Beginning in 2011, the goal of the Almond Achievement Award is to recognize an industry member who has added value through long-term service for the betterment of the California almond industry. Award recipients are individuals with long-standing and direct involvement, who demonstrate lasting impact on, and commitment to, the California almond industry.
Ross Blackburn received the 2025 Almond Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.
Nominate someone for the Almond Achievement Award here.
Almond Technical Achievement Award
Beginning in 2021, the goal of the Almond Technical Achievement Award is to recognize an industry or allied industry member who has contributed a significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitated adoption of practices. Award recipients have contributed significant research, facilitated an innovative practice, or assisted in the adoption of a practice for the betterment of the industry.
Christine Gemperle was awarded the 2025 Almond Technical Achievement Award at The Almond Conference in December.
Nominate someone for the Almond Technical Achievement Award here.
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Legislation Heads to Governor’s Desk
State legislators closed out the legislative session and adjourned on September 1, 2026. The end-of-session actions brought new gut and amend bills to the foreground relating to warehouses and non-residential properties that could affect agriculture. Legislators also passed bills regarding wages, water and ultraprocessed food, among others.
On a positive note, modest funding was included in the budget for a few Ag Council priorities and those are detailed below.
Governor Newsom has until September 30, 2026, to decide whether he will sign or veto the bills.
Bills include: AB 2646, which would raise hourly wages to $19.75 for H2-A workers and corresponding employees; AB 1881, requiring tribal “informed consent” for certain projects that result in a physical change to state land and waterways, while also creating a private right of action that could be used by tribes to challenge state agency decisions relating to land and water; and AB 817, which requires cold storage warehouse owners or operators to establish a contingency fund for emergencies if the facility is 20,000 square feet or greater. — Story contributed by the Ag Council of California
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This Week In Ag – September 9
From new leadership in California wine to an expanding citrus quarantine, several developments are making news across California agriculture this week.
Here are five stories to know in this week’s edition of This Week in Ag.
The Wonderful Company Names Chris Avery President of Wine
The Wonderful Company has named Chris Avery president of its wine business, effective Oct. 5.
Avery currently serves as CEO of Shafer Vineyards and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the luxury wine industry. In his new position, he will oversee JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Lewis Cellars.
Throughout his career, Avery has also held senior positions at Darioush, DAOU Family Estates, Patrimony Estate, Opus One and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.
His experience includes operations, global sales and distribution, marketing, hospitality and direct-to-consumer business.
CAWG Launches Merchandise for California Wine Month
September is California Wine Month, and the California Association of Winegrape Growers is giving supporters a new way to celebrate.
CAWG launched a collection of California wine merchandise designed to promote the state’s wine and recognize the growers and communities behind the industry.
Proceeds from the collection will support CAWG’s ongoing advocacy efforts for California winegrape growers.
California Wine Month has been celebrated since 2004 and recognizes the state’s wines, winegrowing regions and the people behind them.
Almond Industry Award Nominations Open
The Almond Board of California is accepting nominations for two awards recognizing contributions to the California almond industry.
The Almond Achievement Award recognizes an industry member who has made a lasting impact through long-term service and commitment to California almonds.
The Almond Technical Achievement Award focuses on contributions through research, innovation or helping the industry adopt practices that benefit growers and the broader almond sector.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are due Oct. 9, with the recipients scheduled to be announced during The Almond Conference in December.
In 2025, Ross Blackburn received the Almond Achievement Award, while Christine Gemperle received the Almond Technical Achievement Award.
HLB Quarantine Expands in California
Federal and state officials are expanding quarantined areas for Huanglongbing, or HLB, in parts of California.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is adding one square mile to the Santa Paula quarantine area in Ventura County. The expansion impacts approximately 151.7 acres of commercial citrus.
Another 10 square miles are being added to quarantined areas in Riverside and San Diego counties, impacting approximately 121.5 acres of commercial citrus.
The expansion follows positive tests for the bacterium that causes HLB from plant tissue collected at residential properties.
The quarantine and associated movement restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of HLB spreading into areas that are not currently infested.
Western United Dairies Pursues Funding for Tule Subbasin Farmers
Western United Dairies is pursuing additional federal conservation funding that could benefit farmers and agricultural land in the Tule Subbasin.
The organization submitted two proposals to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
The proposals build on existing water conservation efforts and programs such as LandFlex, with the goal of bringing additional resources to dairy farmers and agricultural operations in the region.
Water availability and groundwater sustainability remain significant issues for agricultural operations throughout the Central Valley, making programs that support conservation and water management increasingly important for producers.
Stay Connected with California Ag Network
From wine and almonds to citrus, dairy and water, This Week in Ag brings together five stories impacting California agriculture each week.
For more news impacting the California ag industry, follow California Ag Network.
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Cherry Growers Have Down Year in 2026
It was a rough year for cherry growers. High temperatures in March caused bloom to occur weeks earlier than normal and in a shortened window, leading to inadequate pollination that slashed the crop to half its normal size. Chris Zanobini, executive director for the California Cherry Board, spoke to Matthew Malcolm with California Fruit & Vegetable about the harvest. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
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Funding Committed to Fight Pierce’s Disease
The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District Board of Directors authorized the use of up to $1.7 million in district reactionary funds, generated through the California table grape industry, to support CDFA activities related to the prevention and control of Pierce’s Disease (PD) and the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS).
The action was taken during the district’s board of directors meeting on Friday, August 21, 2026, in response to an approximately $1.7 million funding shortfall associated with current PD/GWSS program activities.
The district recognizes continued GWSS surveillance, treatment, and suppression as critical to limiting the spread of Pierce’s Disease and protecting California’s table grape, wine grape and raisin industries. Since there is currently no cure for Pierce’s disease, preventing the movement of the disease and controlling populations of GWSS remain essential to protecting California vineyards.
Background
The Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District was formed pursuant to Article 8.7 of Chapter 9 of Division 4 of the California Food and Agricultural Code.
Under California Food and Agricultural Code Section 6047.87, the district is authorized to take actions necessary to control, eradicate, remove, or prevent the spread of GWSS, Pierce’s Disease and other designated pests and diseases injurious to table grapes. GWSS presents a significant threat because it can spread the bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease as it feeds on grapevines.
Historically, USDA and CDFA have provided funding for the GWSS Area-Wide Treatment Program. Due to federal and state funding shortfalls, the funding toward the GWSS program has been cut year-over-year. The district’s board of directors is providing emergency industry funding to prevent disruption of the program while longer-term state and federal funding solutions are pursued.
Protecting Kern and Tulare Counties
GWSS and Pierce’s Disease do not recognize county, crop, or district boundaries. A
coordinated, area-wide approach to surveillance and treatment is critical to reducing GWSS populations and limiting the potential movement of the pest into vineyards and other agricultural areas.
Citrus plays a particularly important role in GWSS management because citrus trees serve as a primary year-round host for the pest. Area-wide programs use trapping and monitoring to identify areas with elevated GWSS populations and coordinate treatments in citrus and other host areas when necessary.
The funding commitment from the district will help support continued CDFA-coordinated PD/GWSS activities, including area-wide efforts that provide resources for eligible citrus growers to conduct approved treatments designed to suppress GWSS populations. These activities complement trapping, monitoring, and other preventative measures intended to reduce the movement of GWSS and protect nearby vineyards.
By committing up to $1.7 million from accumulated district reactionary funds, the board is
investing industry-generated funds directly into efforts intended to protect table grape
growers. For growers in Kern and Tulare counties, there will be no assessment change.
The district remains committed to working collaboratively with CDFA, county agricultural
commissioners, growers and other agricultural partners to protect California’s grape industry from Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter.
For additional information, please contact the Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District at 559-210-0118. — Story contributed by the Consolidated Central Valley Table Grape Pest and Disease Control District
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Meat Institute Weighs in on “Authorization” for Farmer and Rancher Meat Processing
The Meat Institute issued the following statement regarding President Trump’s announcement that he is authorizing farmers and ranchers to process their own meat:
“America’s farmers and ranchers already have multiple pathways to process and market the livestock they raise that can be leveraged to achieve the goals stated by the President today. Allowing uninspected meat to be sold to unwitting consumers is the wrong approach, and risks undermining this country’s reputation for producing the safest meat products in the world.
Today, producers may choose to process animals under a custom exemption, establish their own state or federally inspected facility to sell meat commercially, or work with one of the thousands of small and very small federally and state-inspected establishments. The Food Safety and Inspection Service provides extensive support to small and very small establishments through plain-language guidance, technical assistance, educational resources, and dedicated outreach programs designed to help plants meet regulatory requirements and produce safe food.
“We are waiting to see more details from the Administration; however, it is critical that expanding processing opportunities does not come at the expense of food safety. Federal and state inspection requirements exist for a reason: to help ensure that meat sold to American families is safe, wholesome and properly labeled. Allowing uninspected or inadequately inspected meat into the marketplace would put consumers at risk and undermine the food safety system that protects millions of Americans every day.
“If the goal is to lower beef prices for American families, lowering food safety standards is the wrong response: America needs more cattle. Expanding the nation’s herd and increasing the beef supply will lower beef prices, preserve consumers’ and trading partners’ trust in the safety of the meat supply, and strengthen the entire beef supply chain, from producers to consumers. Jeopardizing food safety jeopardizes public health and the entire meat industry.
To consumers: “The meat supply is safe thanks to the companies that prioritize food safety every single day, overlaid by USDA’s inspection system. The Meat Institute will not waver in its efforts to continuously improve food safety and quality for Americans.”