California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • Abigale Jacobsen of California Elected to 2024-2025 National FFA Officer Team

    California FFA member Abigale Jacobsen was recently elected as the 2024-2025 National FFA Western Region Vice President on Oct. 25 at the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Ind.

    Each year, the National FFA Organization elects six student members to represent the organization and serve as a National FFA Officer. Jacobsen, a native of Elk Grove, Calif., was selected from a pool of 37 candidates who each underwent an extensive interview process with the National FFA Nominating Committee. She joins teammates from Illinois, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, and Wisconsin.

    “It has been a privilege to represent California FFA members as both a State Officer and National Officer Candidate,” Jacobsen recalled. “As I unzipped my California FFA jacket for the final time, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for all of the people within California FFA and agriculture communities who have built me into all that I am. I feel incredibly excited to meet, connect with, and learn from students across the nation, and I’m humbled to have yet another opportunity to serve an organization that has given so much.”

    Jacobsen previously served as the California FFA State President from 2022-2023 and is currently an animal science pre-vet student at California State University, Chico. In this new role, she will take a gap year to serve over 1,000,000 FFA members across the nation, interact with stakeholders, government, and education officials, and facilitate personal growth and leadership development conferences.


    Jacobsen adds to the impressive list of 28 California FFA members elected into national office since 1929.

    About California FFA: The California FFA Association serves more than 104,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.

  • Opportunity For Student Ambassadors To Share California Dairy Messages With International Audiences

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) have announced the return of its student internship program where young agriculture ambassadors will represent Real California Milk internationally. Applications are now open for summer representatives in CMAB’s partner countries.

    The interns, selected from students enrolled in agriculture-related programs at colleges and universities throughout the state, will be chosen based on academic achievement, connection to the dairy industry and a willingness to travel abroad and learn more about international dairy sales and marketing, as well as a plan to work in the California dairy industry in the future.

    Over the six-week period, interns will spend time with CMAB marketing organizations overseas in order to gain a better understanding of these markets, consumer buying habits and promotional efforts on behalf of California’s dairy industry.

    “Over the last decade, the CMAB has worked closely with partners in Mexico and Asia to develop markets for California dairy products. This program is focused on providing insight into international marketing for future leaders who will work in the dairy business and one day serve on dairy industry boards and lead industry groups,” said Glenn Millar, Director of International Business Development for the CMAB.

    Interested candidates must submit a completed application, essay, and other requirements by Friday, December 6, 2024. Additional information is available here.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy families using some of the most sustainable farming practices in the world.

    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 through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube,Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • Fresno Chamber Honors Harold McClarty as Agriculturalist of the Year

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, is delighted to unveil the recipients of the 2024 Ag Awards, a cherished tradition that pays tribute to the outstanding leaders within our local agricultural industry. These distinguished individuals and organizations will be honored at the Ag Awards Celebration on November 7th, hosted at Pardini’s Banquet and Catering.

    The 2024 Ag Awards Honorees are as follows:

    Agriculturalist of the Year: Harold McClarty, HMC
    Harold is an innovator in the fresh fruit industry, using technology to enhance safety and productivity on the farm. His investments in innovation, including new trellises and automation, are shaping the future of agriculture. A past chair of CFFA, he also serves on the board of Western Growers, working closely with F3 to improve the lives of farm employees.

    Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year: Trinity Company
    Trinity Company, a family-owned and operated company, was founded in 1991 by David E. White. Since then, Trinity Company has become a vertically integrated organization with a complete year-round portfolio. As grower, packer, and shipper, they feature fruit for every season. They also offer sales and logistics to make Trinity Company a full-service partner.
    AGvocate of the Year: Jeff and Jill Aiello 18THIRTY Entertainment
    Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jeff and his wife Jill are passionate advocates for agriculture. Their work includes the documentary series American Grown and Tapped Out, which highlights critical issues in agriculture and water. Their storytelling and videography educate the public and inspire trust and engagement in agricultural narratives.

    Agricultural Employee of the Year: Silverio Madrigal, P-R Farms
    With 48 years of dedicated service, Silverio has risen from a tree fruit picker to a Farm Manager. He exemplifies loyalty and commitment, emphasizing safety training and communication with fellow employees. His long-term contributions showcase his value to the employer and family.

    “These awards symbolize vital facets of Fresno’s agricultural community,” remarked Scott Miller, CEO & President of Fresno Chamber of Commerce. “The Ag Awards Celebration has expanded its recognition to include those who play pivotal roles in the prosperity of our local industry and the broader Central Valley.”

    For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Events Manager at the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, at thovhannisyan@fresnochamber.com or 559-905-6090.

    To view the list of past recipients of the Agriculturalist of the Year and Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year awards, visit https://fresnochamber.com/.

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,200 member businesses representing over 77,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community through effective advocacy, education and relationship building.

  • California Walnut Crop Mid-Harvest Update

    Fall is here, and the California Walnut Commission is pleased to provide a mid-harvest update on the 2024 walnut crop. With harvest progressing smoothly, we are excited to share some positive developments.

    While early varieties of California walnuts are nearing completion, the California-developed Chandler variety is at the peak of harvest and the industry is pleased with the quality of this year’s crop. Reports indicate that the walnut crop held up well to the summer temperatures, which were less severe than temperatures seen in 2022. The Chandler variety, which represents over 65% of the California industry acreage, shows excellent color and condition. With the continual advancement of optical sorters and enhanced inspections, processors can remove imperfect walnuts prior to the final pack and provide the high quality product customers expect.

    Gary Thiara, President and CEO of Empire Nut Company

    Gary Thiara, President and CEO of Empire Nut Company, stated, “The quality of walnuts this year is very good and meets the high expectations of our global buyers.”

    Additionally, demand for California walnuts is strong with early bookings for new crop already shipping to many global markets. The robust demand underscores the recognition of California walnuts as a premium product.

    In addition to providing a world class product, food safety is a top priority for the California walnut industry. Our walnuts are grown, harvested, and processed under stringent regulations, adhering to both federal and state food safety regulations. This commitment to food safety ensures that consumers receive a high-quality, safe product.

    The 2024 estimated crop size of 670,000 tons (607,814 MT), while moderate, is large enough to meet the current demands. The California Walnut Commission continues its efforts to expand and develop export markets, building more consumer excitement for premium, nutritious California walnuts around the world. We look forward to the successful completion of the harvest and continuing to meet the high demand for our walnuts.

    Note: The official 2024 California walnut crop production will be released in January 2025.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 4,600 California walnut growers and nearly 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 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.

  • Smoke from Megafires Reduces Nut Crop Yields

    Long-term smoke exposure from massive wildfires lowers the energy reserves of orchard trees and can cut their nut production by half, researchers at the University of California, Davis, found. The smoke can affect trees for months after a megafire, depressing their bloom and the next season’s harvest. This finding reveals a new danger from wildfires that could affect plant health in both agricultural and natural environments.

    Nature Plants published the study on Oct. 2nd.

    “A lot of research focuses on the impact of smoke on humans but there is less study on the effects of smoke on plant health,” said lead author Jessica Orozco, a postdoctoral researcher with the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences. “Our study suggests that trees are just as vulnerable as humans.”

    Wildfire smoke blocks sunlight

    Scientists studied almond, pistachio and walnut trees at 467 orchard sites in California’s Central Valley from 2018 to 2022. In 2020, megafires scorched more than 4.2 million acres in California, filling the skies with smoke and ash. At the time, researchers were studying how trees store energy, in the form of carbohydrates, to cope with heat and drought. But Orozco said the team saw an opportunity to study how smoke affects carbohydrate levels.

    “Photosynthesis produces carbohydrates, which are critical elements for tree survival,” said Orozco. “Trees need carbohydrates not just to grow but to store energy for when they’re under stress or when photosynthesis isn’t happening.”

    Photosynthesis changes under smoke-filled skies. Smoke particles block some sunlight but also reflect light, creating more diffused light. The diffused light can help trees make more carbohydrates. However, Orozco said the study found that while diffused light increased, the smoke was so thick that it likely didn’t compensate for the loss of direct light.

    Megafires have lingering effects on tree health

    The team found that megafire smoke not only reduced the amount of carbohydrates in trees but also caused losses that continued even after the fires were out. This led to nut yield decreases of 15% to as much as 50% in some orchards. The most active time for wildfires also coincides with the time trees start storing carbohydrates to sustain them through winter dormancy and spring growth.

    “We were expecting to see some impact especially in the months when the smoke was really dense, but we weren’t expecting the smoke to have such a lingering effect and result in a significant drop in yield,” Orozco said.

    Orozco said researchers still don’t know what components in megafire smoke caused the decrease in tree carbohydrates. During the 2020 megafires, the smoke reduced light and increased both ozone and particulate matter levels, all of which affect photosynthesis. One or a combination of these factors could have led to the drop in tree carbohydrates.

    Additional authors on the study are Professor Maciej A. Zwieniecki and postdoctoral researcher Paula Guzmán-Delgado of the UC Davis Department of Plant Sciences.

    The Almond Board of California, the California Pistachio Research Board, the California Walnut Board and the California Department of Food and Agriculture supported the research.

  • New Film Captures Avocado Industry Impact on California Communities

    A new film about the avocado industry’s success at driving demand nationwide documents the local as well as global impact of the national marketing program led by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) since its inception over 20 years ago. Independent researchers from the University of California, Davis found strategic promotion helped drive over 260% growth of U.S. avocado consumption while all fresh fruit consumption only rose by 9% during the same timeframe. Growers in California and the surrounding communities that benefit from their business activity have a lot to celebrate as researchers found evidence that with continued investment in research and marketing, the industry is poised for even more growth.

    There has been tremendous amounts of hard work and collaboration across the industry to transform avocados from being a misunderstood specialty fruit to today’s produce aisle powerhouse. Avocado Nation: An American Success Story, now streaming at HassAvocadoBoard.com/HAPRIOImpact, looks at how the business opportunity for growers, including over 3,000 avocado producers in California, has transformed since the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research and Information Order (HAPRIO) created the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) in 2002. Feedback like the comments below underscore the impact.

    “My family has been growing avocados for multiple generations,” said Chuck Bandy, a southern California producer for more than 35 years. “I appreciate that because HAB takes care of keeping demand high through promotion, I can focus on being hands-on in the groves doing my part to add value and security for my family and community.”

    “Mother Nature serves up plenty of curve balls to California growers,” commented Bob Schaar, HAB Chairman and southern California grower for over 25 years who had to replant his avocado grove after a fire destroyed it in 2007. “HAB’s continued success at using our incredible nutrition story to drive sales without having to discount fuels my excitement and confidence in the future, so I keep charging ahead with a positive outlook.”

    “There are hundreds of people involved behind-the-scenes of California’s avocado industry,” said Scott Bauwens, a northern California grower and 23-year operations veteran. “We all count on each other and HAB to keep profits up so there’s a lot to be proud of when I see in the report that we achieved an ROI of 247% over the last two decades.”

    Without the Hass Avocado Board and the member organizations’ ongoing support to grow consumption, the U.S. avocado industry might have faced diminished demand, increased supplies, and lower prices for producers and importers. Stakeholders across the supply chain can learn more about how HAB’s efforts have a positive effect on the whole industry and view the film at HassAvocadoBoard.com/HAPRIOImpact.

    About The Hass Avocado Board

    The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) exists to help make avocados America’s most popular fruit. HAB is the only avocado organization that equips the entire global industry for success by collecting, focusing, and distributing investments to maintain and expand demand for avocados in the United States. HAB provides the industry with consolidated supply and market data, conducts nutrition research, educates health professionals, and brings people together from all corners of the industry to collectively work towards growth that benefits everyone. The organization also collects and reallocates funds to California and importer associations to benefit specific countries of origin in promoting their avocado brands to customers and consumers across the United States.

  • UC Davis Enters New International Strawberry Licensing Agreements

    The University of California, Davis, has reached new agreements to license more than a dozen of its world-renowned strawberry varieties to growers in countries across the world.

    The agreements ensure that nurseries and fruit growers in Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East have access to all available varieties developed by the UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program.

    Strawberry plant varieties developed at UC Davis produce about 60% of all strawberries consumed around the world.

    UK-based Global Plant Genetics, or GPG, will add 15 legacy varieties of UC Davis strawberry plants to its existing portfolio in China, South America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. GPG, which has been a UC Davis master licensee since 2018, already oversees licensing of a dozen of the more recently developed UC Davis varieties in those markets.

    Fresa Fortaleza, or F2, is the new master licensee for the legacy varieties in Mexico. Since 2020, the San Diego-based company has been the master licensee in Mexico for the more recently developed UC Davis varieties.

    Earlier this year, UC Davis severed ties with former master licensee Eurosemillas as to these legacy varieties.

    “We are pleased to have expanded our agreements with GPG and Fresa Forteleza,” said Helene Dillard, dean of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “We appreciate the shared commitment to maintaining outstanding relationships with our nurseries and growers and providing vigorous support for the UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program.”

    The new agreements cover:

    • The European Union, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
    • Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay
    • China
    • Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Turkey.

    The UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program seeks to address the needs of growers by developing strawberries for positive characteristics including greater yield, flavor, disease resistance, and adaptation to different growing conditions. The university directly licenses strawberry varieties to nurseries in Canada and the U.S. and offers California strawberry growers a competitive advantage through exclusive access to new varieties for two years and reduced royalty rates.

    The program, funded primarily by revenue from licensing strawberry varieties, also trains students and postdoctoral researchers to be leaders in the field.

  • October Becomes National California Date Month

    October is about to get a whole lot sweeter! The California Date Commission is proud to announce the inaugural National California Date Month, set to take place this October. It will celebrate the delectable, nutritious, and oh-so-versatile California Dates as well as honor the hardworking farm workers who bring these sweet treats from the palm trees to plates across America and the world.

    “Dates are more than just a fruit; they are a symbol of the hard work and resilience of our agricultural communities,” said Gordon Chuchian, chairman of the California Date Commission. “This month-long celebration is a tribute to the dedication of our farm workers and the enduring legacy of date farming in California.”

    Throughout the month of October, all aspects of California Dates, from their nutritional value and delicious recipes to their contribution to California’s agricultural richness and heritage will be celebrated with a variety of activities.

    Why Celebrate Dates?

    ✅ Unbeatable taste and quality, packed with natural sweetness
    ✅ Full of nutrients
    ✅ Incredibly versatile in the kitchen
    ✅ Rich heritage with farming skills passed down through generations

    Fresh Fruits or Dried Fruits? 

    California Dates are nature’s only NATURALLY DRY FRESH FRUIT. They are a low-moisture whole fruit with less than 25 percent moisture. The moisture content is the main difference in how dry the dates will be when harvested, which changes throughout the ripening stages.

    Fresh California Dates do not undergo a drying process after harvesting. They are washed, sorted, packaged, and shipped, and can be found in the produce aisles of your favorite grocery stores.

    There are also dried dates – dates that have been dehydrated after harvesting. With the moisture removed, these dates have a longer shelf life and are often found in the baking aisle of your favorite grocery store.

    Delicious Recipes

    In addition to being a delicious sweet treat, California Dates offer numerous health benefits. They are heart-healthy, filled with antioxidants, have a low glycemic index, provide a natural energy boost with no added sugars, and filled with essential vitamins and nutrients.

    California’s date industry is a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural landscape, producing over 85% of the dates grown in the United States. California’s unique climate and rich soil make it the perfect place to grow superior dates renowned for their quality, taste, and nutritional benefits.

    What’s Happening in October

    Leading up to and throughout October there will be several exciting events and promotions to help people discover the wonders of California Dates including:

    Culinary Experiences: Restaurants and bars throughout the Greater Palm Springs area will feature date-inspired menus all month long. From sweet and savory main dishes, sides, and desserts to creative date cocktails and the famous California Date Shakes, California Dates will be showcased in innovative and delicious ways, allowing patrons to experience the diverse culinary potential of this versatile fruit.

    Virtual Spotlights: Chefs, mixologists, and nutritionists will be featured online, providing valuable insights to viewers, no matter where they are located.Breakfast with Champions: A special event will honor the farm workers whose labor and dedication are the backbone of the date industry. Their contributions will be celebrated, acknowledging the vital role they play in bringing this nutritious fruit from farm to tables around the country.

    Happening Now for Consumers – A National Contest

    Starting September 10th and continuing through the end of October, the California Date Commission will be holding a national consumer contest. Prizes include:

    •  Boxes of California Dates with $100 grocery gift cards
    • A private online cooking class for contest winners hosted by California Dates ambassador and celebrity chef Aarti Sequeira.
    • A California Dates VIP Experience at the Palm Desert Food & Wine Festival (March 2025). The prize package includes a 3-night stay at an area hotel, tickets to the Celebrity Chef Farm Tour & Luncheon, tickets to the Saturday Grand tasting event, and a California Dates Swag bag.  Consumers can enter the contest here.

    For up-to-date information about National California Date Month events and promotions, follow California Dates on Facebook and Instagram (@datesaregreat) and visit the National California Date Month web page.

    About the California Date Commission

    The California Date Commission is a commodity board working on behalf of all date producers within the Coachella Valley to oversee the quality development of dates and date products and provide field and nutrition research, regulatory support and generic marketing promotion.

  • Ron Dolinsek joins California Farmland Trustee Council

    California Farmland Trust is pleased to announce the appointment of Ron Dolinsek as a Trustee. With a deep-rooted commitment to agriculture and a strong belief in the importance of preserving California’s prime farmland, Ron brings valuable experience and passion to the organization.

    Ron Dolinsek, a resident of Lincoln, has spent a significant portion of his life connected to agriculture. Growing up in Santa Rosa, he was an active member of the local Future Farmers of America (FFA), where he gained hands-on experience working with livestock and dairy. After a successful 34-year career in the Farm Credit System, Ron is now dedicated to ensuring that California’s agricultural heritage endures.

    “The California Farmland Trust is diligent and highly effective in preserving prime farmland in the area we serve and enjoys an excellent reputation for its commitment and service to agriculture,” Ron stated. “We are good at what we do!” Ron previously served on the Board of Directors for ten years and is also a past President.

    With his wife Georgetta, Ron has raised two married daughters and is the proud grandfather of five. Together, they enjoy overseas travel, where Ron often reflects on the unique blessings of living in California, particularly its rich agricultural landscape.

    As California faces an accelerated rate of housing and commercial development encroaching on its most fertile lands, Ron emphasizes the urgent need to protect what remains. He believes that safeguarding this precious resource is essential for future generations to enjoy the agricultural legacy that has shaped the state.

    “I see the necessity to protect our farmland for the sake of future generations,” Ron said. “It’s crucial that we take action now to preserve what we have.”

    California Farmland Trust is thrilled to welcome Ron Dolinsek as a Trustee and looks forward to his contributions to its mission of preserving California’s agricultural land for generations to come.

    California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 18,260 acres of farmland on 85 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.

  • Carrie Isaacson Joins California Farmland Trust Board of Directors

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is excited to announce the appointment of Carrie Isaacson to its Board of Directors. With over a decade of experience in agricultural marketing and a deep-rooted passion for California agriculture, Carrie brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the organization.

    While not born on a farming operation, Carrie’s connection to agriculture began early through her involvement in 4-H and FFA. She pursued her passion further by studying agricultural communications at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. This educational foundation paved the way for a successful career at broadhead, a full-service marketing agency with a strong agricultural focus, where she currently serves as Vice President and Account Director. In her role at broadhead, Carrie leads cross-functional marketing campaigns across various sectors, including animal health, dairy nutrition, crop nutrition, and specialty crop marketing orders. Her leadership and innovative approach have made significant impacts in the agricultural community.

    Carrie’s commitment to the industry extends beyond her professional work. She has been actively involved with California Young Farmers and Ranchers and the National Agri-Marketing Association. As a graduate of Class 51 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, she has gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing California agriculture today.

    Since 2020, Carrie has been a dedicated member of CFT’s Strategic Marketing and Philanthropy Committee, contributing to the organization’s mission to support sustainable farming practices and community engagement. She is eager to expand her involvement and support CFT’s vision as a member of the Board of Directors.

    “I am thrilled to join the Board of Directors at California Farm Trust,” said Carrie. “I look forward to working collaboratively to further our mission of fostering sustainable agriculture and supporting California farmers.”

    California Farmland Trust welcomes Carrie Isaacson and looks forward to her contributions to advancing its mission in the years to come.

    California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 18,260 acres of farmland on 85 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.