California Ag Network

Category: Featured Post

  • Mendocino Winegrowers Announces New Executive Director

    Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. (MWI) is excited to announce Diego Mendoza as the organization’s new Executive Director. MWI, a 501c6 focused on supporting the grape growers and winemakers of Mendocino County through education and marketing initiatives, hired Mendoza earlier this month after the previous Executive Director announced her resignation due to a move out of the area.

    Mendoza is a Mendocino county local with deep ties to the wine industry: he grew up watching many of his family members at work in the vineyards, and his strong community ties and love for his home county make him a natural fit for the role. His technical abilities, marketing acumen, and long-standing goal of giving back to the community that raised him are among a few of the reasons he was selected. Mendoza is the founder of Mendozino, a marketing and creative services agency, and has experience as an IT and network engineer with a focus on improving communications, integrating technology, and streamlining systems.

    “The hiring committee was so impressed with Diego; it was clear he had given a lot of thought to what he could bring to the position and how he could help evolve the organization,” says MWI Treasurer Chris Buchanan, who is also the owner and winemaker of Terragena Wine.

    Mendoza is starting from a sprint as one of the flagship events of the organization, Taste of Mendocino, is coming up on Saturday, June 28 at the Wyndham Garden Inn in Redwood Valley. This beloved annual event invites locals and visitors alike to savor both the wine and culinary culture of one of California’s most iconic wine regions, at a fraction of the price one might pay at a similar event in Napa or Sonoma counties.

    The selection of Mendoza as the new Executive Director is important both for the success of Taste of Mendocino and for the future of MWI as the wine industry continues to face strong headwinds amidst declining consumption, increased tariffs, and the impacts of climate change. “Diego has a unique perspective which allows him to see the big picture while also generating clear and actionable goals to elevate the image and reach of Mendocino,” says Buchanan. “This is not the time for anyone in the industry to settle for how things have always been done; this is a time to push ourselves to grow and evolve, and Diego is going to help MWI do just that.”

    The recent designation of Mendocino County by Wine Enthusiast magazine as the American Wine Region of the Year is an opportunity to raise the bar for all producers in the county, and MWI is committed to leveraging this and all other opportunities to increase awareness of the award-winning wines being made in the region. With Mendoza at the helm, the MWI governing board is optimistic about the organization’s future.

    To learn more about MWI and Taste of Mendocino, visit www.mendowine.com.

    About MWI
    Mendocino Winegrowers Incorporated (MWI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the vintners and grape growers of Mendocino County. With a focus on education, marketing, and sustainability, MWI plays a pivotal role in elevating the visibility of the region’s wines, both nationally and internationally.

  • Real California Milk Excelerator Competition Returns with New Incubator Track

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) and innovation consultancy VentureFuel have announced the opening of applications for the seventh Real California Milk Excelerator, one of the largest dairy-specific startup competitions in the world, along with the formalization of an Incubator track for early-stage products.

    The competition, which focuses on accelerating value-added products using real milk, features an immersive mentorship program and access to non-dilutive capital and an innovation ecosystem for brand growth. Since launching in 2019, the Real California Milk Excelerator has supported more than 50 startups, helping to drive multi-million-dollar growth and national retail expansion across Whole Foods, Sprouts, Costco and more. The addition of the official Incubator track, piloted in 2024, represents a deepened commitment to driving dairy innovation and supporting a broader ecosystem of entrepreneurs across all stages of growth.

    “From concept to commercialization, our expanded program meets innovators where they are and helps them scale by tapping into the powerful benefits of California milk and our support system for brands that use the Real California Milk seal,” said Bob Caroll, CEO of the California Milk Advisory Board. “By formalizing the Incubator alongside the Excelerator, we’re helping even more startups realize their potential and doubling down on our long-term commitment to reimagining what’s possible with real milk from our dairy farm families.”

    The Excelerator and Incubator tracks will run for 10 weeks and offer stipends to support program participation—from formulation and production to marketing and retail strategy, along with providing elite mentorship, hands-on support, and connections across the dairy supply chain. The program will culminate in an in-person event in California where Incubator and Excelerator participants will sample their products and the Excelerator cohort will compete in a live pitch competition with up to four finalists taking home $30,000 in marketing support. Those four will then compete over the following 12 months to unlock an additional $100,000 in support based on in-market performance.

    The Real California Milk Excelerator is open to growth-stage companies already demonstrating product traction and revenue, while the Incubator track is built for early-stage startups, including pre-revenue concepts. Applicants will be evaluated through a single submission and placed into the track that best aligns with their business stage, traction, and goals.

    The program’s return comes amid renewed momentum for dairy. According to Circana, real milk sales rose 4.6% year-over-year in dollar terms through May 2025, underscoring consumer interest in real milk for its taste, nutrition, and versatility.

    “Dairy is experiencing a powerful resurgence as consumers seek authentic, nutritious options—and the opportunity for innovation has never been greater,” said Fred Schonenberg, Founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “In year seven of the Real California Milk Excelerator, we continue to unlock new commercial growth for visionary entrepreneurs who are building with dairy, no matter what stage their products are in. By connecting bold ideas with the resources, expertise, and network they need, we are proud to work with CMAB to help shape the future of dairy and drive the next wave of category-defining products.”

    Applications are open through August 4, 2025. Startups and entrepreneurs developing high-growth dairy products made with at least 50% dairy are encouraged to apply. Categories of interest include beverages, snacks, cheeses, yogurts, butter, confections, and even non-edible items such as personal care or pet products with a specific interest in GLP-1 friendly, gut health, high protein, lactose-free and reduced sugar products.

    Interested parties can apply or learn more about  competition rules, key dates, the application process, and RSVP for a virtual information session on July 15, 2025 at 12 PM PST at realcamilkexcelerator.com.

    The 2025 Real California Milk Excelerator celebrates the state’s role as the number one producer of dairy in the United States. California, also known for innovation, has a reputation for quality dairy products and leads the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. More than 1,000 family dairy farms produce the milk found in fluid milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, ice cream, and other dairy products identified by the Real California Milk seal.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.

    About VentureFuel

    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at: www.venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. You can listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast on Apple, Spotify, Simplecast or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Twelve Chefs Named Finalists in National Pizza Competition Featuring Real California Cheese

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announce 12 professional chef finalists for the 2025 Real California Pizza Contest, a nationwide competition to find the most innovative foodservice pizza recipes featuring Real California dairy products.

    In its seventh year, the contest attracted more than 200 entries from chefs across the U.S., each vying for a share of $30,000 in prize money and recognition as the best of the best in pizza. Finalists will compete in a live bake-off July 29th at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia in Napa, Calif., showcasing their recipes across three new categories: On the Menu, The Big Cheese, and Innovative Wildcard.

    Each category winner will receive $5,000, with one selected as the Grand Prize Winner and awarded an additional $5,000. All other finalists will receive $1,000 each.

    The 2025 contest categories and finalists are as follows:

    On the Menu: An innovative pizza recipe currently featured on the entrant’s regular or seasonal menu, using two or more Real California cheeses or dairy products.

    • Edward Stalewski – Mercurio’s, Pittsburgh, Pa.
    • David Goldy – Wild West Pizza, Lompoc, Calif.
    • Sean Dempsey – Dempsey’s Brewery Pub & Restaurant, Watertown, S.D.
    • Sergio Balderas – Truly Pizza, Dana Point, Calif.

    The Big Cheese: A creative take on America’s favorite – the cheese pizza – featuring Real California Mozzarella and at least two additional Real California cheeses.

    • Salvatore Trupiano – Mangia e Bevi, Oceanside, Calif.
    • Kira Zabrowski – Much Ado About Pizza, Pleasanton, Calif.
    • Randy Lewis – Hearth Wood Fired Pizza & Catering, San Leandro, Calif.
    • Charles Cullison – Charlie and the Pizza Factory, Kingman, Ariz.

    Innovative Wildcard: A unique and original pizza recipe that showcases Real California Mozzarella and highlights the chef’s creativity in a cheese-forward pizza.

    • Marcus Medina – Hella Pie Pizza, Tracy, Calif.
    • Vanessa Vinsick – Caliente Pizza & Drafthouse, Pittsburgh, Pa.
    • Adam Sachs – Toscano Brothers, San Francisco, Calif.
    • Ryan Mondragon – Sanctuary Pizza, Modesto, Calif.

    “This year’s Real California Pizza Contest drew a record number of chef entries, highlighting the incredible versatility and appeal of California-made cheeses and dairy products in the pizza category,” said Mike Gallagher, Business and Market Development Consultant for the CMAB. “Chefs and pizzaioli nationwide continue to choose California dairy for its superior quality and consistency. As the country’s leading producer of Mozzarella and the second largest cheese producer overall, California is at the forefront of innovation in foodservice. We’re excited to see how this year’s finalists bring that innovation to life across our new contest categories.”

    At the July 29 bake-off finals, chefs will prepare their pizzas onsite for blind judging by a panel of acclaimed pizza experts:

    • Tony Gemignani – Chef, restaurateur, international pizza authority, and President of the World Pizza Champions
    • Glenn Cybulski – Certified pizzaiolo and award-winning executive chef
    • Laura Meyer – International pizza champion, restaurant owner and co-founder of Fork to Future

    The judging panel selected the 12 finalists from over 200 blind-judged entries from across the United States. All finalist recipes incorporate cheeses made with sustainably sourced milk from California’s more than 1,000 family dairy farms. Chefs selected from over 200 varieties and styles of Real California cheeses, each bearing the Real California Milk seal.

    Additional details on the bake-off, chef finalists, and CMAB’s foodservice partnership support are available at https://realcaliforniamilkfoodservice.com/pizza-contest/

    About Real California Milk / The California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S., and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs.

    The Foodservice Division of the CMAB supports foodservice operators and distributors that use Real California dairy products. The CMAB offers marketing and promotional support for foodservice operators that purchase dairy products with the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from California’s more than 1,000 family dairy farms, using some of the most sustainable dairy practices in the nation.

    For more information on sourcing cheese from California, contact the foodservice team at 209.883.6455 (MILK), email businessdevelopment@cmab.net, or visit RealCaliforniaMilkFoodservice.com.

  • Strong Endorsement from Growers and Processors Results in Continuation of California Prune Board

    Following a successful public hearing and comment period, the California Prune Board (CPB) has been authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to continue for another five years through July 31, 2030, reaffirming the industry’s collective commitment to market leadership, innovation, and long-term success. The decision follows a review conducted by CDFA to evaluate whether the Marketing Order should remain in effect. Testimony and evidence from prune growers and handlers overwhelmingly supported the continuation, highlighting CPB’s critical role in delivering impact to the industry.

    The Marketing Order guides strategic promotion, research, and issue management initiatives designed to strengthen the position of California Prunes in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The program is funded by mandatory assessments from California prune growers and handlers, with activities directed by an industry-elected board under CDFA oversight.

    “This outcome is a reflection of our industry’s shared belief in the future of California Prunes,” said George Sousa, Jr., Chairman of the California Prune Board. “We remain united in our pursuit to promote, protect and grow the value of California Prunes by supporting a stable industry to drive long-term success.”

    The continuation — without requiring a referendum — reflects not only confidence in the board and staff but also trust in the strategic direction it provides. It reinforces the industry’s ability to invest exponentially more in market development, brand value, and consumer demand than any other prune-producing region of the world, setting California Prunes apart through quality, innovation, and sustained consumer demand.

    This renewal ensures that:

    • Promotional programs will continue to be tailored to consumer preferences in key markets around the world, helping to drive consideration and purchase intent for California-origin prunes.
    • California Prunes remains a premium offering to retailers, importers, and food professionals, with a clear value proposition: unmatched quality, consistency, and brand support.
    • Marketing efforts will continue to strengthen the category, by highlighting health, taste, and versatility—inviting new audiences while deepening engagement with loyal consumers.
    • Trade partners benefit from the strength of a fully aligned industry, with growers, handlers, and a dedicated Board actively investing in innovation, nutrition research, and marketing to ensure long-term supply, quality, and market relevance.

    California’s Difference, Backed by Action

    This continuation affirms California’s unique position: no other origin matches its combination of scientific investment, consumer-driven promotion, and strategic trade support. It also underscores the industry’s resolve to lead, not just compete, in an evolving global food landscape.

    “We stand with our trade partners in delivering a product and a program that adds value to their business,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director for the California Prune Board. “This renewal reinforces our commitment to growing the category, protecting premium positioning, and staying responsive to consumer trends—now and into the future.”

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    The California Prune Board was established in 1980 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of premium prunes with orchards across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.

  • California Walnut Board & Commission Target Young Shoppers with New ‘Feel Good’ Campaign

    California walnuts are shedding their traditional image and emerging as a must-have ingredient for health-conscious young consumers. The California Walnut Board & Commission has launched its bold new “Feel Good” campaign – an integrated marketing effort designed to drive consumer demand and reposition walnuts as a vibrant, versatile offering within the fresh produce space.

    Grounded in extensive consumer research, the campaign introduces a modern, energetic look and feel designed to connect with millennials and Gen Z audiences, demographics that increasingly shape food trends and purchasing behaviors. At its core, “California Walnuts. Feel Good.” reintroduces walnuts as a fresh, versatile produce item that supports feel-good eating moments across consumers’ lifestyles.

    “This isn’t just a new marketing campaign – it’s a complete repositioning of California walnuts for a new generation of consumers who prioritize nutrition and versatility in their food choices,” said Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board & Commission. “By reaching younger consumers, we’re building future generations of walnut consumers and supporting California farmers for decades to come.”

    The cornerstone of the campaign is relationships with social media influencers. With 77% of Gen Z and 50% of millennials following social media personalities who strongly shape their purchasing decisions, according to KS&R Entercom Landscape Tracker, this strategy is intended to reach consumers where they spend their time: social media. As part of the campaign, the California Walnut Board & Commission is partnering with more than 20 cooking, wellness, lifestyle and hosting influencers who collectively reach millions of potential consumers.

    The California Walnut Board & Commission will also showcase trend-driven, authentic content designed to resonate with younger consumers. Paid media efforts will extend the campaign’s reach across social platforms, streaming services and online video – channels where these shoppers spend their time.

    Beyond digital, the campaign includes experiential marketing with sampling at wellness events nationwide, allowing potential consumers to taste and experience the convenience and versatility of California walnuts in environments that reflect their values and lifestyles.

    Discover recipes, industry insights and the latest on California walnuts at walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Board and Commission

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California.

    The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • Variety and Neighboring Crops are Predictors of Leaffooted Bug Risk in Almond

    Leaffooted bug is a sporadic pest in almond, but damage can be significant in years when pest pressure is high. The pest may evade early detection by growers and PCAs because it overwinters as adults in vegetation outside of the orchard and tends to colonize the upper tree canopy, rendering it generally out of sight. As a result, pest pressure is often realized after damage has occurred. The damage may vary considerably between almond varieties, adding yet another challenge for diagnosis.

    In Tulare County, heavy leaffooted bug damage was observed in May 2025 in almond orchards surrounded by citrus.  Adult leaffooted bugs (Figure 1A) overwintered in the citrus and then entered the neighboring almond orchards in March and April. By early May, symptoms of infestation included extensive nut drop (Figure 2A) and gummosis on the nuts (Figure 2B). Although the adults were not observed in the orchard, the pest was identified based on the observation of the characteristic egg strands of leaffooted bug (Figure 1B). In orchards with Nonpariel and Aldrich, both varieties were affected; however, the nut drop was more extensive in Aldrich than Nonpareil (Figure 2A).

    The full impact of the pest may not be realized until harvest because the quality of affected nuts remaining on the tree may also be compromised, thus reducing crop value. Nuts that are stung in late April to early July can be severely shriveled, have sunken lesions, or a brown spot depending on how developed the kernel was prior to feeding (Fig. 3, row 2-5).  These nuts stay in the tree, are harvested, and can significantly increase the percentage of nuts classified as inedible during nut quality assessments.  When examining a library sample of damaged kernels at harvest, nuts damaged by leaffooted bug fall into the same category as stink bug damage, as kernels damaged by these two pests are indistinguishable.

    In 2007, UCCE Kern County Farm Advisors David Haviland and Mario Viveros had the opportunity to evaluate the relative susceptibility of 15 almond varieties to leaffooted bug damage. That year, leaffooted bug invaded a Kern County variety trial research block that included 15 varieties planted in replicated, randomized blocks. This unique situation allowed for unbiased evaluation of the performance of varieties under equivalent pest pressure. Results indicated that the average number of aborted nuts per tree ranged from 0 to 33% of the total crop. Additionally, at harvest, the estimated rejects from leaffooted bug damage ranged from 0 to 30% of the harvested yield. Researchers also noted that crop loss varied by variety, with Fritz exhibiting the highest crop loss at 63%, followed by Sonora, Aldrich, Livingston, Monterey and Carmel.  The other varieties in the block had 3% or less total damage from the pest.

    The underlying basis for the differential susceptibility of almond varieties to leaffooted bug is unknown. Damage does not appear to be related to harvest date or shell hardness at harvest. Other factors such as plant volatiles, hull thickness, or shell hardness in April and May when the bugs are present may play a role in varietal susceptibility. Haviland and Viveros also noted that varietal susceptibility is somewhat relative, explaining that Wood Colony exhibited low susceptibility to leaffooted bug in the research plot, but significant damage was reported on Wood Colony in commercial orchards when combined with less susceptible varieties (ie. Nonpariel and Carmel).  These observations indicate that leaffooted bug prefers certain varieties, but in the absence of a preferred variety, the pest will remain in the orchard and feed on the most preferable variety of the less-preferred varieties present in the orchard.

    The 2025 observations in Tulare County, taken in consideration with the 2007 data from the UCCE variety trial suggest that the best way to monitor leaffooted bug is to focus attention on the most susceptible variety in the field. Gummosis and nut drop in the most susceptible variety will serve as an indicator of pest pressure in a given orchard. Growers with Fritz, Sonora, Aldrich, and Livingston should be extra vigilant in monitoring pest pressure.  Haviland and Viveros note that orchards composed of relatively unsusceptible varieties will have characteristically lower risk of leaffooted bug damage. Additionally, growers and PCAs should consider pest pressure from surrounding orchards and landscape plants that may serve as overwintering sites for the adults, thus contributing to the cryptic nature of the pest.

    Management programs for leaffooted bug consist of monitoring for the pest and spraying primarily with pyrethroids, when needed. Pest management guidelines for leaffooted bug and other pests can be found at www.ipm.ucanr.edu and reports of Almond Board of California-sponsored research can be found at https://www.almonds.com/research-database. — By Elizabeth Fichtner, UCCE Farm Advisor, Tulare County, and David Haviland, UCCE Entomology Advisor, Kern County

    Figure 2. Aborted nuts were prevalent on Aldrich, but the neighboring Nonpareil exhibited minimal damage (A). Gummosis and egg strands on aborted nuts indicated leaffooted bug damage (B).

    Figure 3. Leaffooted bug predation affects the quality of nuts remaining on the tree. Unaffected nuts are represented in row 1; affected nuts of varying quality are represented in rows 2-5.

    Figure 1. Leaffooted bug adults (A) are difficult to scout. Pest pressure is evident by the gummosis at feeding sites and the deposition of eggs in strands (B). Alternate hosts may harbor overwintering populations of leaffooted bug (C and D). Photos A, C, and D: W. Bentley.
    Figure 2. Aborted nuts were prevalent on Aldrich, but the neighboring Nonpareil exhibited minimal damage (A). Gummosis and egg strands on aborted nuts indicated leaffooted bug damage (B).
    Figure 3. Leaffooted bug predation affects the quality of nuts remaining on the tree. Unaffected nuts are represented in row 1; affected nuts of varying quality are represented in rows 2-5.

  • California Ag Leadership Welcomes Chico State as New University Partner

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is proud to announce that California State University, Chico has been formally added as a partner university for the California Ag Leadership Program (CALP). This strategic collaboration marks a significant expansion of CALP’s reach, strengthening its statewide network dedicated to cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders.

    The California Ag Leadership Program, operated by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) is one of the premier leadership development experiences in the United States, designed to equip fellows with the advanced skills necessary to amplify their impact across various sectors. With over 1,400 distinguished alumni, the program consistently produces influential leaders and active contributors in agriculture, community development, government, business, and other vital areas.

    Chico State joins an esteemed group of existing university partners, including California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; California State University, Fresno; and the University of California, Davis. The sustained engagement of these universities with CALF is critical to ensuring a continuous pipeline of highly skilled graduates, essential for meeting the evolving demands of enlightened leadership within agriculture.

    “The addition of Chico State significantly strengthens our collaborative network with agricultural institutions across the state,” stated Lesa Eidman, CALF President and CEO. “By extending our presence into Northern California, we gain a unique opportunity to share invaluable leadership insights and collectively foster the continued growth and impact of our program.”

    For nearly seven decades, the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico has played a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life throughout California and across the nation by educating and empowering agricultural leaders. This new partnership with the California Ag Leadership Program will further amplify this shared objective of developing leaders who are poised to make a profound difference.

    “Chico State is honored to join the California Ag Leadership Program as a partner university,” said Chico State President Steve Perez. “Our College of Agriculture and University Farm are cornerstones of our academic excellence and community impact. For decades, they’ve shaped future leaders across sectors like crop science, horticulture, animal science, ag education, business, land management, and more. This partnership will allow us to deepen that legacy and expand our reach, preparing the next generation to lead with purpose across the agricultural landscape.”

    ABOUT  

    CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities, and families. agleaders.org.

  • Popular Grape Camp Returns to Sonoma County

    Sonoma County Winegrowers has just announced it is bringing back one of its most popular programs this fall when Grape Camp returns.  This three-day immersion in all thing’s agriculture, wine and food in Sonoma County is an experience of a lifetime.  From vineyard immersions led by growers to sommelier-led wine tastings to unforgettable farm to table gatherings, the camp allows participants to learn first-hand why Sonoma County is a wine and food mecca.

    “Grape Camp is much loved by past campers because it is true wine country immersion! The best part is getting to meet so many of our local family farmers and winemakers,”  said Karissa Kruse, president and chief executive officer of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “We took a few years off, but we regularly received inquiries asking if Grape Camp was going to return, so we are thrilled to bring back this ‘bucket list’ experience for wine lovers.”

    Grape Camp is more than an event — it is a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and connection to the land. From picking grapes alongside multi-generational farmers to blending wines and dining under the stars, guests will savor the region’s bounty in its most authentic form. Grape Camp offers a unique blend of Sonoma County’s luxurious hospitality and its grassroots winegrowing heritage.

    Sonoma County is home to more than 495 wineries, over 100 wine grape varieties and 19 distinct wine growing appellations, as well as 50 miles of coastline—more than any other wine region in California.  The region’s dynamic landscape and commitment to sustainability make it the perfect place to learn, sip, and savor. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply wine-curious, Sonoma County Winegrowers invites you to be part of the story — from vine to glass.

    Grape Camp will be held September 28 through October 1, 2025. Space is limited, so reserve your space now by visiting https://sonomawinegrape.org/grape-camp-2025/.

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers: Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006, evolving from the Sonoma County Grape Growers Association, which was first launched in 1983 by local grapegrowers inspired to work together to elevate the region. SCW is a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality, sustainability and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers and influencers around the world. In 2014, Sonoma County’s winegrowing community embarked on a major initiative to have all Sonoma County vineyards certified sustainable. Today, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. In addition, in 2020, SCW became the exclusive pilot partner for the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification. In 2022, SCW began envisioning a Farm of the Future which it officially introduced in 2023. SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).

  • AI can Empower Agriculture Retailers, Farm Supply Cooperatives

    New artificial intelligence technology is enabling agricultural retailers and farm supply cooperatives to optimize their operational performance while strengthening all-important customer relationships. In addition to broad-based AI platforms that can be leveraged to simplify everyday business operations, farm suppliers now have access to AI apps specifically designed to support field agronomy and crop production.

    According to a new research brief from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, AI technology offers ag retailers a new set of tools to optimize workflows, inventory management, employee performance and other key business functions. Farm supply businesses that rise to the challenge of adopting AI can also enhance their position as trusted advisors and essential partners in the ag supply chain.

    “AI in agriculture can be utilized in a company’s back office, front office as well as within agronomy and supply chain operations divisions,” said Jacqui Fatka, farm supply and biofuels economist with CoBank. “Early adoption and reliable partnerships will provide an advantage for those willing to test the AI landscape. Ag retailers should research companies and pick AI partners who understand agriculture and promise value beyond just lofty ROIs.”

    Agricultural cooperatives and retailers serve as a critical relationship bridge between farmers and input providers. The potential erosion of those relationships due to alternative distribution models, disruptive technologies or other competing forces is one of the biggest challenges ag retailers face moving forward. Early adoption of AI can help the ag retailer sector stay ahead of competitors while maintaining and strengthening customer relationships.

    Fatka suggested ag retailers start with easy-to-implement, low-stakes AI applications for things like email and presentation assistance and customer interaction summaries before tackling more complex tasks. “Testing out different pathways to gain internal acceptance can lead to greater long-term success. For instance, an easy initial test might be recording virtual meetings with CoPilot. Within minutes, it can deliver an AI-generated summary of the meeting with key takeaways, immediate action items and future tasks.”

    Ag retailers can also start leveraging AI to optimize workflows for standard business functions like human resources, accounting, operations and sales. Using AI to evaluate and streamline these functions offers a high return on investment relative to the efforts required to build or implement such tools. Fatka stresses, however, that companies should establish guardrails for the use of customer information and understand privacy changes with the use of AI tools.

    While AI is unlikely to eliminate ag retail jobs, it can help simplify tasks and reduce human error or bias. In addition, as labor continues to be a challenge for many rural enterprises, it can provide continuity during labor turnover. AI can also help agronomists and other staff cover more acres or customers. Apps like AgPilot enable agronomists to interact with AI verbally while traveling between customers, allowing them to input crop protection recommendations and smoothly advance potential sales from one stage to another.

    “The stakes are high for agribusinesses operating in an environment where margins are tight,” said Fatka. “However, ag retailers will need to ensure AI costs do not outweigh the benefits. The cost of experimentation is minimal and delaying a trial adoption of these promising tools could result in missed opportunities for growth.”

    Read the research brief, How AI is Empowering Agriculture Retailers.

    About CoBank

    CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 78,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities.

  • CA GROWN Launches New Website to Connect Visitors with State’s Rich Agritourism Experiences

    CA GROWN has unveiled a new digital destination—Experience California Agriculture—to spotlight the state’s diverse and dynamic agritourism offerings. From u-pick orchards and vineyard tours to farm stays and farm-to-table restaurants, the website serves as a gateway to authentic California farm-fresh food and farm experiences.

    The Vegetable Shop at Chino Farm in San Diego County, May 2025

    The newly launched platform offers interactive maps, regional guides, and curated directories for farm stands, farm stores, u-pick farms, family-friendly destinations, educational programs, and more. Designed for travelers, educators, and food lovers alike, the site emphasizes sustainability, accessibility, and the deep connection between California’s agricultural communities and those who want to experience them firsthand.

    “California is more than the country’s leading agricultural state—it’s a living classroom and a place where food, family, and farming intersect in powerful ways,” said California Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross. “This new website makes it easier than ever for people to connect with the people and places who grow our food and steward our land.”

    Visitors can browse by region or category, explore detailed listings with real-time updates for everything from coastal farm tours to inland olive oil tastings. The site also features seasonal content, trip ideas, and tips for responsibly enjoying California’s working landscapes. CA GROWN partnered with MJR Creative Group of Fresno, CA to develop the site.

    “Agritourism is how we bring the story of CA GROWN to life,” said Cherie Watte, Executive Director of the Buy California Marketing Agreement/CA GROWN. “This site is not just a tool for travel—it’s a way to build understanding and appreciation for the incredible diversity of crops, communities, and experiences found across the Golden State.”

    The Harbor House Inn, Restaurant & Farm, Elk CA – Mendocino County with Chef Matthew Kammerer and Farm Manager Amy Smith

    The launch of Experience California Agriculture comes at a time when interest in local food, outdoor travel, and hands-on learning continues to grow. By bridging the gap between consumers and producers, the site helps ensure that the benefits of agritourism flow directly to California’s family farms and rural economies.

    About CA GROWN
    CA GROWN is an initiative of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, promoting the people and products behind California’s diverse agricultural bounty. Learn more at californiagrown.org.

    Funding for Experience California Agriculture was made possible by a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.