Demand for pistachios is so high in India that American growers are having a hard time keeping up. This is facilitated in part by the viral rise of Dubai chocolate, while a new trade agreement with the United States could unlock new opportunities. At the annual American Pistachio Growers Conference, Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network spoke with APG India In-Market Representative Sumit Saran to go over these developments. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Kingman Ag for their industry support.
Vine mealybug (Planococcus ficus) has become one of the most economically damaging pests in California vineyards. Left unmanaged, infestations can reduce yield, weaken vines, lower sugar content and spread viruses like leafroll, which contribute to sudden grapevine collapse.
The good news is effective control is possible with the right timing and integrated approach.
In this guide, we break down proven strategies used by California growers to control vine mealybug based on field insights and expert interviews featured on the California Ag Network channel.
What is Vine Mealybug?
Vine mealybug is a small, sap-feeding insect that:
·Hides under bark, in clusters and on roots
·Produces sticky honeydew that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold
·Reproduces rapidly in warm climates like California’s Central Valley
Why it’s so dangerous?
·Multiple generations per year.
·Protected hiding spots make detection more difficult and contact sprays less effective.
·Can vector or spread various vineyard diseases like grapevine leafroll disease and others.
Signs of Vine Mealybug infestation
·White, cottony masses under bark or on clusters
·Sticky residue (honeydew) on leaves and fruit
·Black sooty mold developing on vines
·Increased ant activity (ants protect mealybugs)
Ant presence is often your first indicator of vine mealybug. If you have ants in your vineyard, you probably have vine mealybug.
So, you’ve scouted your vineyard and found vine mealybug: what next?
Integrated Vine Mealybug Control Strategy
The most effective approach combines timing, chemistry, biology and monitoring.
·Dormant and early season control
·Growth stage foliar sprays
·Biological control (natural enemies)
·Ant control
·Monitoring and timing
Dormant & Early Season Control
Prevention is the best medicine. An insecticide spray during late dormancy or at bloom is usually enough to control their population all season long for milder infestations. There is a lot that goes into determining which chemistries to use such as soil conditions and specific regional climates. The UC Cooperative extension also recommends considering other pests in your treatment in strictly preventative situations. Broad spectrum pesticides can take care of more problems than just vine mealybug and reduce the number of passes through the vineyard. Be aware, however, that broad spectrum insecticides can also reduce beneficial insect populations so be sure to consult your Pest Control Advisor for the best dormancy and bloom treatments.
Other helpful strategies include:
·Remove loose bark to expose hiding populations
·Apply delayed dormant insecticides if the pressure is high
This stage is critical because you’re targeting populations before they explode
In-Season Chemical Control
While the vine mealybugs are developing, it’s essential to use systemic insecticides applied through drip irrigation where possible for the deepest control. Contact insecticides and foliar systemic sprays can contribute to control as well. The crawler stage is when they are most vulnerable so be sure to target early season.
Biological Control
Beneficial insects play a critical role in long -term suppression
·Parasitic wasps
·Mealybug destroyer
It’s important to avoid broad spectrum sprays that kill beneficials, so be sure to consult your pest control adviser for the best in-season treatments.
Ant Control
Ant control is critical in managing growing vine mealybug infestations as ants will protect them in exchange for their honeydew. Without controlling ants, your biological control strategy becomes less effective, and infestations can spread more quickly. To control ants, you can:
·Setup bait stations
·Apply sticky trunk barriers
·Apply targeted insecticides
Monitoring and Timing
Monitoring populations is essential as it allows you to time sprays effectively and reduce unnecessary applications thus improving ROI on inputs. Understanding the movements and stages of the infestation is essential for effective control. Growers often use a combination of pheromone traps and visual scouting under the bark to detect and track vine-mealybugs.
Key Takeaways for Growers
·Vine mealybug requires year-round management.
·Timing of control methods is everything.
·Combine chemical control, biological control, and ant management strategies.
Vine mealybug is not a one-time fix; it’s a management system. Growers seeing the best results stay proactive, use integrated strategies and adjust based on monitoring data.
Check out this video on control of Vine Mealybug HERE
Check out our webcast on scouting for Vine Mealybug HERE
On March 23, 2026, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The National List is a section of the USDA organic regulations that identifies synthetic substances that are allowed, and natural substances that are prohibited, in organic production and handling.
The Organic Foods Production Act of 1990 (OFPA) prohibits synthetic substances in organic production unless they meet specified criteria, are recommended by the National Organic Standards Board and are added to the National List. This rule would implement several recommendations from the Board from their public meetings, held in October 2021, October 2022, and October 2024:
Allow carbon dioxide in organic crop production.
Allow meloxicam as a pain treatment in organic livestock.
Remove restrictions on the use of methionine in organic poultry feed.
Affirm that natural sodium nitrate is allowed in organic crop production, with certain conditions to protect soil quality.
A complete description of the proposed amendments to the National List is available in the Federal Register proposed rule.
More information on the National List, including how and why substances are added, modified, or removed, is available on the National List webpage.
Submit an Effective Public Comment
USDA welcomes comments on the proposed changes published in the Federal Register. The public comment period will close 60 days after publication.
See NOP’s Organic Integrity Learning Center microlearning module Writing an Effective Public Comment to learn how to submit an effective public comment. This module helps members of the organic community more effectively participate in the process of developing organic standards. Effective commenting lets us hear your voice and helps USDA better balance the needs of everyone impacted in the organic market. — By the United States Department of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) Mission to Vietnam this week to open new markets, strengthen export opportunities, and secure fair, reciprocal trade for American farmers, ranchers and producers.
Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg is leading a delegation representing a cross-section of American agriculture that stands to benefit from expanded access to one of Asia’s fastest-growing markets.
“American farmers, ranchers and producers thrive when they have strong, reliable markets for their high-quality products,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “By strengthening our trade relationship with Vietnam, we’re opening doors for U.S. agriculture, ensuring they have a fair chance to compete and succeed, and that they can bring the benefits of that success to communities here at home.”
Vietnam has become a top destination for U.S. agricultural products. In 2025 alone, agriculture, fishery and forest products exports surged by 45% to a record $5.6 billion, making Vietnam the United States’ eighth-largest market. This mission will build on that momentum by expanding market access, connecting suppliers with new buyers, and advancing negotiations under President Trump’s strategy to deliver fair, enforceable trade for American farmers and ranchers.
During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will lead industry tours, host business meetings, and engage with Vietnamese officials to advance U.S. trade priorities and support U.S. producers. The delegation includes:
California Fresh Fruit Association – Fresno, Calif.
California Prune Board – Roseville, Calif.
Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo.
USA Poultry & Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council – Washington, D.C.
U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.
U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
Washington Apple Commission –Wenatchee, Wash.
This is USDA’s third TRUMP mission of 2026. Later this year, USDA will return to Vietnam with a broader agribusiness trade mission to continue expanding opportunities for U.S. food and agricultural exports.
Tony Rice, Senior Director of Trade Policy at the National Milk Producers Federation and U.S. Dairy Export Council, testified before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform and Antitrust on the maritime supply chain challenges faced by the U.S. dairy industry.
The U.S. dairy industry exported $9.6 billion and three million metric tons of cheeses, milk powders, whey proteins, and other dairy products last year, making reliable transportation vital to its economic wellbeing. Yet American dairy exporters have little choice but to rely on a small number of ocean carrier options, almost all of which are foreign owned.
“Dairy farmers milk their cows 365 days a year,” Rice said. “When export shipments are delayed, cancelled, or become more expensive to move, the disruptions ripple back through the supply chain and ultimately affect farm income.”
Rice drew on lessons from the pandemic-induced supply chain crisis, when severe delays, routinely cancelled bookings and unprecedented port congestion disrupted cargo movements and cost U.S. dairy producers billions in unexpected costs and lost sales opportunities. While the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2022 addressed several issues related to unfair fees, Rice highlighted that dairy exporters in the U.S. continue to face operational uncertainty when bookings are rejected, port calls are skipped or receiving windows shift without explanation.
To address these challenges, the U.S. dairy industry called for greater investment in the domestic maritime sector to expand American shipbuilding capacity, robust Federal Maritime Commission oversight of the global maritime carrier marketplace and increased transparency from ocean carriers on booking decisions.
“We recognize the importance of efficient global shipping networks,” Rice said. “Our concern is ensuring that those networks work for American dairy exporters as well as they work for global carriers.”
The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.
A record 28 senior high school students each received an award of $1,000 – $3,500 out of a total $59,000 — the most the Chamber has ever distributed in one year. Over the years, they have given out a cumulative $547,000.
“This represents not just financial support, but a vote of confidence from your community,” remarked past recipient Gianna Gonzalez to the awardees at the Turlock Chamber of Commerce Ag Scholarship Committee’s 26th Annual Scholarship Luncheon on March 17.
The recipients stepped to the microphone, smiled and shared the college they plan to attend and their career goal. The career areas included equine dentistry, ag law, ag education, farming, cooperative extension, ag engineering, viticulture and enology, rangeland resource management, ag business, veterinary service, ag communication and policy, pest control advising and soil science.
The Hughson Future Farmers of America (FFA) decorated the tables at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds Hall with custom wood planter boxes filled with miniature pansies. Silver Hershey kisses and snack packs of Blue Diamond almonds dotted the tables as well. Farm Truck Catering served a grilled chicken lunch.
The event was possible due to support by Garton Tractor and Lander Veterinary Clinic, along with Platinum Sponsors Manulife Investment Management and Stanislaus Food Products and Gold Sponsors InsureCAL and Yosemite Farm Credit.
A total of 30 silver and bronze sponsors and five in-kind donors filled out the sponsor list, and many volunteers — including the students — pitched in to set up and clean up.— By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor
The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a parasite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and is considered one of the species’ most serious threats, inflicting more damage and higher economic costs than all other bee keeping diseases. Varroa mites harbor numerous viruses and feed on honey bee adults and pupae, causing weakened immune systems, decreased body weight, and a shortened lifespan. The external wounds caused by repeated feeding can become infected with bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
ARS researchers at the Bee Research Lab tested numerous pesticides for the chemical control of Varroa mites, and screened 40 compounds of samples in the lab (and three in the field). They documented how the viruses, carried by the mites, move within honey bee colonies and play key roles in bee-to-bee transmission. Through this research, two promising miticides were identified to manage the Varroa mite. This ARS research could lead to new management techniques that can minimize bee losses, reduce bee keeper and crop pollination costs, and ensure food security for all Americans. —By USDA Ag Research Service
On March 13, 2026, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) issued a Notice of Opportunity to Respond to Petitions for Reconsideration of Water Quality Certification for McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project (Notice).
The Notice includes information to access copies of the petition for reconsideration and associated documents.Any party or person wishing to file a response to the petition with the State Water Board must do so by 4:00 PM on April 3, 2026, as directed in the Notice.
To receive emails related to the Notice and other projects pursuing certifications managed by the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights, interested persons should enroll in the “Water Rights Water Quality Certification” email notification service.Instructions on how to sign up for the State Water Board’s email notification service are outlined below:
Provide your email in the required field, then click the “Submit” button.
In the next page, below Subscription Topics, select “Water Rights”, then “Water Rights Water Quality Certification.”
Click the “Submit” button.
An email will be sent to you. You must respond to the email message to confirm your membership on the selected Subscription Topic(s).
By enrolling in this email notification service, you will receive notices for other current projects overseen by the Division of Water Rights’ Water Quality Certification Program.You can enroll or un-enroll from the email subscription service at any time. — By the CWB State Water Resources Control Board
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announces the launch of a new competitive grants program aimed at rapidly addressing emerging and re-emerging pest and disease threats across the nation’s food and agricultural systems.
The grants program, Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Disease Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems, is designed to deploy timely, science-based solutions to protect agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and food security.
“Invasive and emerging pests and diseases can devastate crops, livestock, and ecosystems, disrupt supply chains and threaten food security,” said NIFA Director Dr. Jaye Hamby. “This program empowers researchers and Extension professionals to act quickly, delivering practical solutions that safeguard our agricultural communities and the nation’s food supply.”
This program is part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. AFRI is the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. These grants are available to eligible colleges, universities, and other research organizations.
With a maximum award of $500,000 and a grant duration of 12 to 24 months, the program supports grants for research, Extension, or integrated projects. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, within 180 days of a qualifying pest or disease event, ensuring swift mobilization of resources when threats arise.
Applications must directly address the effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence within the last 180 days of pests and/or disease in animal and/or plant production systems or within the food supply, and one or more of the following emphasis areas: One Health, plant and animal health, and ecosystem health.
Funded projects will focus on applied research and Extension and outreach activities that generate actionable knowledge and tools. These may include:
Rapid understanding of pest/pathogen ecology, epidemiology, and immunology.
Development and validation of diagnostics, vaccines, and control methods.
Communication strategies, training programs, and best practices for mitigation.
Technologies and protocols for detection, management, and prevention.
To ensure impact, projects must implement or develop at least one deliverable within six months of award receipt, with all activities completed within the grant period. Proposals are encouraged to integrate biological and social sciences, engage public-private partnerships, and support small- and medium-sized farms and ranches.
“This program reflects USDA’s commitment to proactive, science-driven responses to agricultural threats,” Hamby said. “By supporting rapid innovation and collaboration, we’re helping communities stay resilient in the face of evolving challenges.”
The program also welcomes proposals that address ecosystem health, including strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of pests and diseases affecting plants, animals, and pollinators. Projects that incorporate community development, youth development, and 4-H are also eligible, provided they align with the program’s emphasis areas.
Applicants are encouraged to coordinate efforts across institutions and regions, and to contact program staff at afri-rapidresponse@usda.gov with questions regarding project fit. While this program is designed for short-term, rapid response efforts, longer-term projects may be better suited for other AFRI program area priorities such as Agricultural Biosecurity, Diseases of Agricultural Animals, or Food Safety and Defense.
Sacramento, March 23, 2026 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is now accepting pre-proposals for the 2026 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds proposals that advance efficient nutrient and irrigation management practices that minimize environmental impacts through research, demonstration, education and training.
This year’s priorities include: outreach, education, and demonstration projects focused on increasing the adoption of efficient crop nutrient and irrigation management practices and technologies; evaluating challenges and barriers to adoption of management practices; the role of organic input materials in soil nutrient management; demonstrating and/or validating management practices that optimize nutrient and/or irrigation water use; filling knowledge gaps for nutrient and irrigation management in specific crops; understanding nutrient movement from the root zone; and mitigation strategies to reduce nutrient losses.
California’s agricultural communities are diverse and many have historically lacked access to resources and information needed to help them successfully run their businesses. CDFA encourages projects that include demonstrable benefits for socially disadvantaged farmers and farm workers, including groups whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender discrimination.
Applicants are invited to submit pre-proposals to FREP by April 27, 2026. Pre-proposals should be aligned with at least one of the identified funding priorities and use the provided pre-proposal template. Further information on the 2026 FREP RFP, including timelines, funding priorities, and templates are available on the Grant Program web page at www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/CompetitiveGrantProgram.html
All pre-proposals will be reviewed by the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). Applicants whose pre-proposals are selected by TASC will be invited to develop full proposals.
Since 1990, FREP has funded more than 280 projects, investing over $32 million in research, outreach, and education projects focusing on irrigation and nutrient management practices in California. A database of completed and ongoing research is available on the FREP Research web page at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/FREPresearch
For more information, please send email inquiries to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov. — By the California Department of Food and Agriculture
