California Ag Network

Category: Featured Post

  • First-Ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Seeks Next Generation of Food and Consumer Product Innovation

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council(USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, today announced the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator — a new program designed to discover and support emerging startups that are redefining the future of blueberries. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT.

    The nine-week hybrid accelerator program will connect early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using blueberries as a prominent ingredient with top blueberry, food and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry leaders to fast-track growth through expert mentorship, tailored commercialization support and strategic guidance. Participants will receive professional brand assets like video commercials and sales materials; gain media exposure; and connect with buyers, investors and innovation leaders. Startups will refine their pitch with 1:1 support and showcase their product at The Blueberry Convention, Oct. 8-10 in Seattle, where the grand prize winner will receive $20,000 and the runner-up will win $10,000. To be eligible, companies must have a safe, working product prototype that has been reviewed under USDA oversight.

    “USHBC’s vision is to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit by fueling demand through innovation, partnerships and research,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Blueberries are packed with possibilities — from health and nutrition to snacking, culinary creativity, functional ingredients and beyond. This program is about uncovering the next generation of ideas that will help blueberries earn a larger role in consumers’ everyday lives.”

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is seeking startups of CPG products across a wide range of categories, including but not limited to:

    • Snacks
    • Frozen
    • Beverages (including alcoholic options)
    • Confectionery
    • Personal care items (e.g., skincare, cosmetics)
    • Wellness/performance
    • Ready-to-eat meals
    • Sauces and dressings
    • Pet products

    Interested entrepreneurs are invited to RSVP for a virtual information session on June 25 at 12 p.m. ET to learn more about the program, areas of interest and the application process.

    “Blueberries are beloved by consumers for their taste and health benefits, yet there is so much untapped potential when it comes to new formats, uses, and applications,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “Our accelerator connects the best startups working with blueberries with industry leaders and commercial opportunities to fast-track their innovations and unlock new growth opportunities for the category.”

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator underscores USHBC’s commitment to leadership in the food system through innovation. By investing in new ideas, technology and entrepreneurs, USHBC continues to unite stakeholders to strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness.

    For more information or to apply, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com. For more resources on using blueberries as an ingredient or to find supplier, visit foodprofessionals.blueberry.org.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

    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 venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Applications Open for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program

    Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange). Applicants should be individuals who have an influence over policy issues impacting California agriculture, including California Assembly and Senate members or staff as well as employees of regulatory agencies and nonprofits.

    The CA Exchange, organized by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is an experiential learning and leadership development opportunity that brings together participants and those who work in California’s $59 billion agriculture industry. This year’s program – to be held Sept. 9-12 – will visit numerous farms, ranches and agriculture-related operations in select Northern California counties.

    During the program, fellows will develop a better understanding of how public policy affects complex and diverse agricultural systems. They will also gain tools for collaboration that may lead to more opportunities for multi-benefit policy development and execution. California agriculture producers are provided an equally important opportunity to better understand the perspectives of regulatory agency representatives and the unique constraints, pressures and concerns influencing their decision-making processes.

    “The California Exchange is an invaluable program that cultivates an awareness for the innovation and resilience of California’s agricultural industry,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49). “By participating in this program, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing them with knowledge from the field that will drive positive change and ensure the continued success of California agriculture.”

    More information and the application are available at https://www.agleaders.org/programs/exchange-programs/. Applications are due July 11, 2025. Virtual interviews will be conducted July 29-30.  For additional questions, call the CALF office at 831-585-1030.

    The number in parentheses after name indicates Ag Leadership Program class.

    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

  • June USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for June 2025, which are effective June 2, 2025. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.               

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans      

    FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.      

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for June 2025 are as follows:

    •Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.000%

    •Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.750%

    •Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.750%

    •Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.750%

    •Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

    FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.  To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

    Commodity and Storage Facility Loans

    Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    •Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 5.000%

    •Farm Storage Facility Loans:

    •Three-year loan terms: 3.875%

    •Five-year loan terms: 4.000%

    •Seven-year loan terms: 4.125%

    •Ten-year loan terms: 4.375%

    •Twelve-year loan terms: 4.500%

    •Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.750%         

    More Information

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Additionally, producers can use online tools, such as the Loan Assistance Tool and Debt Consolidation Tool to explore loan options.

  • SoCal Youth Inspired by UCCE Advisor’s Passion for Water Conservation

    May is Water Awareness Month, a special time for Californians to come together in celebration of water, our most essential shared resource. Across the state, water agencies and providers are hosting lively events, such as poster contests and family-friendly activities, that promote conservation and spark curiosity.

    “Now is a great time to visit your local water provider’s website to learn how you can get involved,” said Esther Lofton, University of California Cooperative Extension urban watershed resilience advisor for Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

    Esther Lofton, UC Cooperative Extension urban watershed resilience advisor, discusses water quality issues with 12th graders at UC South Coast Research and Extension Center.

    Earlier this May, Lofton and her team actively engaged eight groups of 12th-grade students from Orange and Los Angeles counties. As part of a GROW Program event at UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, she brought water science to life by exploring the intricacies of filtration systems and the remarkable journey water takes to reach our taps.

    Lofton’s colleague, Daniel Gonzalez II, energized the sessions by demonstrating parts of the filtration process and guiding students through hands-on activities.

    Students were surprised to learn about the complexities of water sourcing. “I didn’t know we import water from as far as Colorado!” one of them said.

    To foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, Lofton encouraged the approximately 280 participating students to make personal pledges for water conservation. Their enthusiastic responses included promises to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth and to fill washing machines completely before use.

    One memorable moment came when a student humorously stated: “I will drink less water!”

    Lofton chuckled and reminded the class: “If your body needs it, I encourage you to drink more water – that’s the only exception!”

    Orange County grade schoolers wowed by ‘magic’ of water science

    Lofton and her team also attended the OC Children’s Water Education Festival, hosted by the Orange County Water District in late April, where they captivated more than 1,600 enthusiastic third- to fifth-graders.

    Over two days at Oak Canyon Park, the educators conducted 13 interactive sessions, each with approximately 45 students, guiding them on the extraordinary journey water takes from source to tap while reinforcing the importance of conservation.

    The enthusiasm of the young crowd was palpable, with many exclaiming “this is magic!” as they watched water flow cleanly from the filter.

    “I really try to ignite a sense of responsibility in this next generation about their critical role in sustainable practices,” Lofton said.

    Beyond the classroom, Lofton and Gonzalez also amplified their message through social media and blog posts, creating opportunities for community feedback and questions.

    One resident from Santa Barbara asked: “If California cares about protecting water, why are they also building more houses?” This inquiry stimulates essential discussions about finding the balance between growth and sustainability.

    Lofton is keeping the conversation going by inviting community members to participate in a brief survey and share their personal water conservation pledges.

    “We all live in watersheds, and every small action contributes to a greater impact,” Lofton said. “By making a pledge, you’re not only contributing to a more sustainable future, but you’re also helping lead by example.”

    Selected pledges will be featured in next year’s Water Awareness Month celebrations, highlighting the meaningful ways individuals are making a difference.

    To learn more, explore Lofton’s latest blog post on Water Awareness Month. You can also follow her journey and access additional resources on Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit her UC ANR SoCal Water Resources website, which features engaging resources on drinking water, water resilience, water use efficiency and more.

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.

  • USDA Secretary Rollins Leads Trade Delegation to Italy, Continues Aggressive Travel Agenda to Promote US Ag Worldwide

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins will visit Rome, Italy, on June 2-3. During her visit, Secretary Rollins will reinforce the Administration’s expectations for improved agricultural market access to Italy and the European Union and will encourage the United Nations organizations in Rome to prioritize American interests, reduce costs, and focus on their core mandates.

    “The United States’ relationships with Italian buyers and consumers foster tens of billions in bilateral trade and investment. However, U.S. agricultural stakeholders have been unfairly left behind for far too long by the European Union and Italy’s high tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and numerous non-tariff barriers,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “In coordination with Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, we at USDA will continue working to level the playing field and increase market opportunities with the EU and Italy for hard-working U.S. farmers, ranchers, foresters, and food processors.”

    Secretary Rollins will meet with senior Italian government and International Organization officials, including the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida, Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy Marta Youth, Charge d’Affaires for the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome Rodney Hunter, UN Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Qu Dongyu, and UN World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain.

    Secretary Rollins has made it a top priority to advocate on behalf of American agriculture on the world stage. This means increasing access for American products in existing markets, opening new markets with strong demand for our products, and making sure trading partners are treating American farmers, ranchers, and producers fairly. This comes after four years of inaction by the Biden Administration, which caused America’s agricultural trade balance to go from a surplus under President Trump’s first term, to a significant deficit under President Biden.

    This trade mission follows Secretary Rollins’s trip to the U.K. in May, and precedes future trade travel to India, Vietnam, Japan, Peru, and Brazil over the next four months. Other USDA Trade Missions this year include Peru, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico.

    United Kingdom: The U.K. is the United States’s fourteenth largest agricultural export market. U.S. producers face disproportionately high tariffs, small tariff-rate quota volumes, and unjustified non-tariff barriers when exporting to the U.K.

    India: The United States is India’s sixth largest supplier of agricultural products. The U.S. has a $1.3 billion agricultural trade deficit with India.

    Brazil: The United States has a $7 billion agricultural trade deficit with Brazil.

    Japan: Japan is a top five market for many key U.S. commodities, including corn, beef, pork, wheat, rice, and soybeans.

    Vietnam: Vietnam is the United States’s tenth largest agricultural export market. The U.S. has no trade agreement with Vietnam while major competitors like China do.

    Peru: Peru is the United States’s third largest South American market for agricultural exports, and the U.S. remains Peru’s second largest agricultural supplier. Key prospects for U.S. agricultural exports to Peru include ethanol, dairy products, meat, tree nuts, and pulses.

  • California DPR Proposes Regs for Tracking Reportable Pesticide Use Near Schools

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released proposed regulations to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 1864, signed by Governor Newsom on September 25, 2024, to require field identification and reporting on pesticide use near schools to provide greater transparency and ensure compliance with existing regulations that restrict agricultural pesticide use near schools and licensed child day care facilities.

    Effective Jan. 1, 2018, DPR adopted regulations to place restrictions on the application methods or timing used to apply pesticides to agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite, currently defined as a public K-12 school or licensed child day care facility. The regulations also require the operator of the agricultural field within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to provide the schoolsite an annual notification of expected pesticide applications.

    The proposed regulations would require:

    •A separate site identification number for the portion of an agricultural field that lies within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite

    •Restricted material permit applications, notices of intent, and pesticide use reports for agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to include the specific method of applying the pesticide

    •Notices of intent submitted for the use of California restricted materials on agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to include allowable dates and time ranges during which the application can occur

    Additionally, the proposed regulations will expand existing restrictions to include private K-12 schools with an enrollment of 6 or more pupils.

    DPR has opened a public comment period on the proposed regulations through July 14, 2025. Comments may be submitted online through DPR’s public comment portal SmartComment, sent by email to regulations@cdpr.ca.gov, or by mail to:

    Lauren Otani, Regulations Coordinator

    Department of Pesticide Regulation

    1001 I Street, P.O. Box 4015

    Sacramento, California 95812-4015

    The proposed regulations and rulemaking documents are now available at DPR’s Proposed and Recently Adopted Regulation webpage.

  • New Pork Campaign and Market Conditions Poised to Revive Domestic Demand

    The U.S. pork industry is charting a new course to engage with American consumers and boost domestic demand as trade policy and global market dynamics threaten the pace of export sales. Pork producers have relied heavily on global demand in recent years. Nearly one-quarter of all U.S. pork was sold to international buyers in 2024. Continued success in the export market hangs in the balance as China trims imports of U.S. goods and trade conflicts curb global sales among other key buyers.

    While global pork consumption has edged upward, U.S. per capita consumption has been flat for more than 50 years at 50 lbs. on average, according to the USDA. That trails annual beef and chicken consumption, which exceeds 60 lbs. and 100 lbs., respectively. The pork industry is aiming to gain ground with a new consumer marketing program, “Taste What Pork Can Do.” Focusing on flavor and featuring a wide variety of recipes and convenient cooking techniques, the campaign encourages U.S. consumers to reimagine the possibilities of pork for at-home meals.

    According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the campaign represents the beginning of what could be a “new pork” on U.S. consumers’ plates. The next opportunity could be reevaluating hog genetics in an effort to match the campaign’s emphasis on flavor. Taste continues to be one of the top drivers influencing consumer meat purchases, as evidenced by sales of the most popular pork product, bacon.

    “If the U.S. consumer is to truly reimagine pork, some fairly significant changes may be required over time,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “Recalibrating the genetic hog makeup and showcasing different cuts at retail and through food service could be in order. Utilizing pork in a new way could help find the pork equivalent of a beef T-bone or rib-eye for a richly flavored, premium-priced offering.”

    The industry’s consolidation era twenty years ago sent the U.S. hog sector down a path of value, efficiency and appeasing comparisons to “other categories” of meat. The lean hog formulation adopted by the broad bulk of U.S. producers has largely influenced the pork U.S. consumers see today. However, consumers’ views regarding fat content have evolved and health concerns about fat have subsided. A refreshed approach to hog genetics that focuses on fat content, flavor and consumer preferences over production efficiencies may be necessary to meaningfully grow domestic demand.

    Bacon has been the most popular pork item in the U.S. for the last 10 years, with strong demand supporting higher pricing. Sausage-type items and pizza toppings like pepperoni have also gained strong consumer demand. Values for pork trim used in sausage making have climbed accordingly. Historically, averaging less than $40 per cwt., pork trim for sausage surged to more than $80 per cwt. for the first time in 2022.

    Unlike chicken breasts and beef burgers, U.S. consumers frequently find it difficult to cook “the perfect pork chop.” While pork loins and hams offer exceptional value, they lack the benefit of convenience compared to smaller pork cuts. New pork product variations that offer both convenience and enhanced flavor may be key to helping consumers reimagine pork.

    Despite the challenges associated with broadening pork’s appeal with domestic consumers, Earnest said the industry is in a strong position. “With supplies ample and wallets tight, pork has never been in a better position to grow its market share with U.S. consumers. Pork is on a new path and it’s an exciting time for the industry.”

    Read the report, Pork’s Opportunity to Reconnect with U.S. Consumers Has Never Been Bigger.

    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. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

  • Almond Alliance Honors Industry Leaders and Advocates

    The Almond Alliance proudly concluded its 43rd Annual Convention, held April 28 through May 1, 2025, at the iconic Town & Country Resort in San Diego. Under the theme “Making It Happen,” this year’s convention brought together almond industry leaders, innovators, and advocates nationwide to celebrate progress, share insights, and recognize excellence in every corner of the almond community.

    A highlight of the convention was the annual awards ceremony, which honored individuals and organizations that exemplify leadership, advocacy, and a commitment to quality across the almond industry.

    Junior Almond Advocate Award: Josiah Wenger
    The Junior Almond Advocate Award celebrates a young leader passionate about agriculture and the almond industry. This year’s honoree, Josiah Wenger, is a 10-year-old student at Hart Ransom Elementary and a proud member of Shilo 4-H. Josiah’s imaginative storytelling earned him the title of 4th-grade winner in the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom’s “Imagine This” story writing contest for his creative submission, “Not Just Another Nut Story.”

    Inspired by his father’s work at an almond huller, Josiah’s story brought the almond industry to life for readers. He particularly enjoyed researching almond facts, crafting a catchy title, and touring his dad’s workplace to gain behind-the-scenes insight into almond processing. The Almond Alliance Board of Directors is honored to recognize Josiah’s talent, curiosity, and advocacy as this year’s Junior Almond Advocate.

    almond alliance
    Junior Almond Advocate Award Josiah Wenger

    Good Manufacturing Practice Audit Awards
    The Almond Alliance’s Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) program provides almond-specific food safety guidelines designed to assist hullers, shellers, and processors in meeting regulatory and customer expectations. Through our voluntary, unannounced audits, members showcase their commitment to excellence in food safety.

    The following companies successfully completed GMP audits this year and were recognized at the convention:

    Processors: Almond Ace Packing, Blue Diamond Growers, California Custom Processing, LLC, Capay Canyon Ranch, Fisher Nut Company, LLC, Golden State Almonds Inc., Grizzly Nut, LLC, Harris Woolf Almonds, Hilltop Ranch, Inc., JSS Almonds, Mariani Nut Company, Montpelier Nut Company, Purity Organics, Riverwest Processing Inc., RPAC, LLC, Stewart & Jasper, Sterilization & Fumigation Services, Treehouse California Almonds, Valley Pride, Vann Family Orchards

    Huller/Shellers: Braden Hulling, C.F. Koehnen & Sons, Central Valley Almond Association, Chico Nut Company, Cortez Growers Association, Golden Empire Shelling, Inc., Golden Valley Almond Hulling & Shelling, Inc., Hilltop Ranch, Inc., Kernpareil, Inc., Montpelier Nut Company, Parreira Almond Processing, Paiva Hulling & Shelling, Pohl & Holmes, Inc., Salida Hulling Association, Stewart & Jasper Orchards, Superior Almond Hulling, Treehouse California Almonds

    Associate Member of the Year: Chandler Automation
    The Associate Member of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding partner whose dedication strengthens both the Almond Alliance and the broader industry. This year’s award was presented to Chandler Automation for its exceptional support, technical innovation, and enduring commitment to the almond sector.

    Led by Sean Chandler, the company is renowned for exceeding expectations in serving its customers and advancing industry standards. Their contributions to the Almond Alliance and Almond PAC have played a vital role in shaping critical initiatives and propelling the industry forward.

    Associate Member of the Year, Sean Chandler of Chandler Automation

    Members of the Year: Blake Vann & Katie Staack
    In an unprecedented year, the Almond Alliance sought experienced leaders to provide stability and guidance. This year’s Member of the Year Award was jointly awarded to Blake Vann and Katie Staack in recognition of their extraordinary service.

    Together, they stepped into leadership roles, overseeing CEO responsibilities and navigating the transition to new executive leadership. Their steady hands and clear vision helped ensure continued momentum and unity within the Alliance during a pivotal period.

    Almond Alliance Members of the Year Blake Vann and Katie Staack

    About the Almond Alliance
    Almond Alliance is the leading authority in state and national policy, championing American almond farmers, industry, and community for the continued global growth, innovation, and success of American almonds and agriculture.

    Established in 1980, the Almond Alliance is a non-profit trade association with a local and international network of almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers, and allied businesses. The Alliance is dedicated to providing resources and solutions for our members, ensuring industry success and growth opportunities. Learn more at almondalliance.org.

  • American Pistachio Growers Introduces 2025-26 LeadOn Class

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently announced its 15th LeadOn pistachio industry leadership class.  Training motivated individuals with vested interest in the success and future of the U.S. pistachio industry, APG has developed this program to prepare the next generation of pistachio industry leaders.

    Jeff Anderson of Meridian Growers serves as the new Chair of the LeadOn Committee and shared his enthusiasm for the program. “I feel grateful for my new role as Chair,” he said.  “I believe that this course is going to play a more important role for APG moving forward.  Our purpose is to develop the next generation of APG leaders and introduce them to the inner workings of our brand.  Also, the support team is second to none, and I look forward to the future of the program.  I think we have an excellent class this year.”

    Interest in this leadership program has grown tremendously over the years, with the largest class ever having graduated in February 2025.  In order to refine the course and experience, the LeadOn committee determined to make some changes to the program effective this year. “We capped the class at 18 and will remain that size going forward,” Anderson explained.  “We like the smaller and more intimate class size.  Another change is a grading system for each application to make it a little more competitive.  I’m very excited for what’s to come!”

    This year’s LeadOn cohort includes:

    Cody Bennett, Mike Woolf Farming

    Samuel Dircks, Setton Farms

    Nolon Doss, Doss Agricultural Services

    Timarie Hansen, Hansen Ranches & McMarketing Company

    Carlson Herbert, ECO2MIX, Inc.

    Sean Hixson, Western Milling

    Seth Kirk, Seth Kirk Farms

    Cristian Lazcano, Meridian Growers

    Vikram Mann, Diversified Land Management, LLC

    Jonathan Martin, Paragon Personnel, Valley Ag Holdings LLC, Rooted Asset Management

    Esmeralda Miranda, Western Agricultural Processors Association

    Macie Movsesian, Valov Brothers Farms, LP

    Michael Pineda, B4M Land Management

    Aldo Ramirez, Manulife Investment Management

    Silas Rossow, California Ag Solutions

    Hannah Scott, Setton Farms

    Ricardo Soto, Meridian Growers Processing

    Expected to graduate at APG’s 2026 annual Pistachio Industry Conference, this 2025-26 class will meet each month covering topics ranging from pistachio production and processing to marketing, food safety to government relations and advocacy, etc… Learn more about this year’s cohort in the coming issues of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.  The monthly “LeadOn Spotlight” column will highlight each of the class members and their commitment to the future of the pistachio industry, as written by Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm, an alumni of the program who serves on the LeadOn Committee. Subscribe to receive the monthly publication HERE.

  • Wine Industry Honorees Recognized by California State Fair

    Each year, the California State Fair Wine Competition not only showcases the state’s finest wines, but also honors individuals and vineyards whose contributions have left an enduring impact on California’s wine industry. These prestigious honors reflect the spirit, history, and continued evolution of California winemaking, as recognized by the very experts shaping the industry’s future.

    “The California wine industry is built on passion, perseverance, and innovation,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of California Exposition & State Fair. “This year’s honorees embody all three qualities. From trailblazing winemakers to stewards of historic vineyards, their legacies continue to shape the future of California wine and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.”

    The awards are selected by the State Fair’s Wine Industry Task Force, a panel of veteran winemakers, respected wine writers, and seasoned wine retailers. They highlight the excellence, dedication, and legacy of individuals and families who have devoted their lives to the art and science of winemaking.

    2025 Wine Industry Honorees

    Lifetime Achievement Awards

    Andrew Quady, Quady Vineyards (Madera, CA)

    Celebrating 50 years of innovation and artistry, Andrew “Andy” Quady has become internationally renowned for his sweet and aperitif wines. From Electra Moscato to Essensia Orange Muscat and Elysium Black Muscat, Quady’s pioneering efforts have elevated California’s Central Valley as a region capable of producing world-class specialty wines.

    Trinchero Family Estates (Napa Valley, CA)

    What began as a humble pursuit by Italian immigrant Mario Trinchero has evolved into a global force in winemaking. From producing the world’s first White Zinfandel to building a portfolio of over 50 wine and spirits brands, Trinchero Family Estates remains a hallmark of innovation, family legacy, and the enduring American Dream.

    Vineyard of the Year

    Marian’s Vineyard, Lodi (Owned by Mohr-Fry Ranches)

    Planted in 1901, Marian’s Vineyard is a living tribute to old-vine Zinfandel. Praised by longtime Sacramento wine writer Mike Dunne, the vineyard is recognized “for its quality, individuality, and perseverance.” Dunne adds, “It stands as a reminder of what could be lost if old vines are not preserved.” Mohr-Fry Ranches has been the steward of this historic vineyard since the 1950s.

    The 2025 honorees were celebrated at the annual Judges Dinner, hosted by the Clarksburg Winery Collective, on Wednesday, April 16 at the historic Old Sugar Mill in Clarksburg.

    For more information about the California State Fair Wine Competition, visit www.CalExpoStateFair.com.

    The California State Fair runs from July 11 to July 27 at the Cal Expo fairgrounds. Gates open at 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 10 a.m. Friday through Sunday.

    About the California State Fair

    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.