Merced County almond, walnut and peach grower, Randy Fiorini is proud to be the first farmer to work with both the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation and California Farmland Trust in a conservation fundraising campaign to protect agricultural land from urban expansion. Watch this brief video with Randy Fiorini as he explains the program and needed support to realize his goal.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) is pleased to announce that registration for Dairy Forum 2022 opens today.
Dairy Forum is back live and in person in 2022 in sunny Palm Desert, Calif. The event will challenge participants with the latest thinking on leadership, policy, technology, people and workforce, economics, and innovation. Dairy Forum is where industry leaders discover NEW ideas first and hear thought leaders share the latest thinking on innovative ways to view business in today’s dynamic marketplace. The event offers fresh perspective from C-suite leaders, thinkers, and influencers on issues that are important to the dairy industry NOW. Dairy Forum inspires industry leaders to focus on NEXT practices that deliver value and innovation in new ways.
After a challenging year, Dairy Forum is where the dairy industry will come together to reconnect, retool and recharge for the important work ahead.
“We are beyond excited to announce Dairy Forum 2022,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of IDFA. “I know that IDFA members and the dairy community are looking for opportunities to connect in-person, and nothing beats Dairy Forum in the beautiful Coachella Valley for inspiring that spirit of unity and engagement. For decades, Dairy Forum has connected the right people to the right issues at the right time to move our industry forward. Today, demand for delicious, nutritious dairy products is surging all around the world. Dairy Forum 2022 will provide new tools and thinking for our industry to continue to grow, better anticipate the future, and drive positive change for our employees, customers and consumers.”
Dairy Forum 2022 will take place January 23-26 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert. Spread across three and a half days, the event includes main sessions, concurrent sessions, panel discussions, special presentations by sponsors and guests, receptions, meals, entertainment, and networking opportunities for leaders in the dairy industry.
The IDFA Dairy Forum offers various levels of sponsorship opportunities. Sponsorship is one of the best ways for an organization to brand itself among the dairy industry’s top leaders and thinkers.
To register for Dairy Forum 2022 and to learn more about sponsorships, visit www.dairyforum.org.
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.3 million jobs that generate $41.6 billion in direct wages and $753 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent 90 percent of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.
Sustainable Conservation, a San Francisco- and Modesto-based non-profit, has developed two key resources to inform on-farm recharge practices that are protective of water quality.
Over 600,000 Californians rely on nitrate-contaminated public supply wells for their household water needs. Many others struggle with contaminated groundwater from private, domestic wells – so the numbers are even greater. Recharging groundwater with water quality as a top priority will help the San Joaquin Valley – our nation’s premier farming region – manage through California’s inevitable droughts, ensure safe drinking water for farm-adjacent communities, and support a thriving agricultural economy as the region complies with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act.
Achieving Groundwater Sustainability
Conceived in coordination with a diverse group of stakeholders and supported by a committee of San Joaquin Valley leaders, our nitrate management brief and water quality research paper compile the best available science with Sustainable Conservation’s decade-plus of on-the-ground experience with groundwater recharge. Replenishing aquifers by allowing surface water to seep into the ground has great potential to help water managers and agricultural communities achieve groundwater sustainability. However, when recharging on farm fields – a practice known in water management circles as Agricultural Managed Aquifer Recharge (AgMAR) – the potential mobilization of nitrate and salts is a serious concern, and this guidance suite presents field- and regional-scale considerations to protect community water quality.
Building Inclusive Partnerships
For over 25 years, Sustainable Conservation has built a theory of change on the bedrock of inclusive partnerships, shared resources, and innovation. Together, and only together, can we successfully steward our most precious natural resources for all Californians. Our focus on a sustainable, clean water supply means we’re building transformative, science-based solutions with California agriculture. Our agricultural economy feeds and leads the nation, and our community water security is critical.
“California is experiencing another intense and prolonged drought, and as we plan for long-term groundwater stability we have to think holistically,” said Ashley Boren, Sustainable Conservation Chief Executive Officer. “When we work to improve our water supply, any action we take needs to balance quantity and quality considerations. Sustainable Conservation’s water quality guidance draws on our proven track record of forging practical partnerships, proving innovative technologies, and compiling available science to drive integrated solutions.”
“Recharge is a powerful, beneficial way to boost our water sustainability in California, but it needs to be done with unintended consequences in mind,” said Don Cameron, Terranova Ranch Vice President & General Manager, and recharge pioneer. “The guidance that Sustainable Conservation developed can help me replenish our underground reserves, and protect the quality of those reserves for everyone.”
“Millions of Californians rely on groundwater for household water needs, and yet our aquifers are dwindling. We need sustainable solutions that improve water supply and protect water quality,” said Aysha Massell, Sustainable Conservation Water for the Future Program Director. “Groundwater recharge is an important tool in our sustainability tool belt. Setting out a science-based framework for protecting water quality when practicing on-farm recharge means growers, water managers, and communities can help replenish our aquifers properly, in ways that protect and benefit drinking water.”
“As Groundwater Sustainability Agencies codify practices to attain groundwater sustainability, community drinking water quality must be front and center in any effort to protect our water supplies,” said Amanda Monaco, Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability Water Programs Policy Coordinator. “Sustainable Conservation’s guidance is key for growers, water managers, and communities who want to practice recharge, so they can do so in ways that protect drinking water.”
“Sustainable Conservation works on complex issues through a broad, integrated lens – how do we solve a problem before us in ways that don’t create other problems along the way?” said Taylor Broadhead, Sustainable Conservation Water and Dairy Programs Project Manager. “When we address water quantity, we need a path forward that is also mindful of water quality, so we created this guidance to help recharge practitioners manage risks to community drinking water supplies.”
“At the Water Foundation, we want to support efforts that result in lasting solutions to secure safe water for people,” said Mike Myatt, Water Foundation Healthy Watershed Program Officer. “Sustainable Conservation’s decade of water work nets important, proven solutions that benefit all Californians, and this water quality guidance is another vital tool to help people practice recharge right.”
Sustainable Conservation will share its new guidance widely with growers, water managers, community organizers, and our broader audience of friends and supporters through our various events, webinars, and publications. If you need technical assistance or would like to request a small group presentation for your community or organization, please contact Taylor Broadhead, Sustainable Conservation Water and Dairies Project Manager.
About Sustainable Conservation
Founded in San Francisco in 1993, Sustainable Conservation helps California thrive by uniting people to solve the toughest challenges facing our land, air, and water. Every day, we bring together business, landowners and government to steward the resources that we all depend on in ways that are just and make economic sense. For more information and to connect with Sustainable Conservation, visit suscon.org. You can follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in California is reminding producers and landowners that the signup deadline for the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) current general signup is fast approaching. Eligible producers must submit their offers by July 23, 2021.
USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) made several changes to CRP to make it more appealing to all producers, including those who are historically underserved, beginning, and veterans. FSA added incentives to encourage producers to include climate-smart agricultural practices in their operations to increase natural resource and environmental benefits.
“Agricultural producers and private landowners should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the revamped CRP,” FSA Acting State Executive Director Jacque Johnson said. “Explore the increased payment rates and new incentives for climate-smart agricultural practices to see if elements of the revamped CRP fit your operation.”
Updates to the Conservation Reserve Program
USDA’s goal is to enroll up to 4 million new CRP acres by raising payment rates and expanding the incentives offered under the program. CRP is capped at 25 million acres for fiscal year 2021, and currently 20.7 million acres are enrolled, but the cap will gradually increase to 27 million acres by fiscal year 2023. To help increase producer interest and enrollment, FSA has:
Additionally, to mitigate climate change, FSA introduced a new annual Climate-Smart Practice Incentive for the general, grasslands, and continuous signups that aims to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-Smart CRP practices include establishing trees and permanent grasses, developing wildlife habitat, and restoring wetlands. The Climate-Smart Practice Incentive amount is based on the benefits of each practice type.
More About CRP
CRP is one of the world’s largest voluntary conservation programs with a long track record of preserving topsoil, improving water quality, sequestering carbon, reducing nitrogen runoff and preserving healthy wildlife habitat.
Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest private-lands conservation programs in the United States. It was originally intended to control soil erosion and stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production. The program has evolved over the years, providing more conservation and economic benefits. CRP marked its 35-year anniversary in December 2020.
Program successes include:
More information about the program can be obtained through this CRP fact sheet.
More Information
Interested producers should contact their local USDA Service Center. In addition to the CRP General signup, FSA is also accepting applications for the CRP Grasslands and CRP Continuous signups. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/crp.
To find their local FSA county office, producers can visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator. Service Center staff continue to work with agricultural producers via phone, e-mail, and other digital tools. Because of the pandemic, some USDA Service Centers are open to limited visitors. Producers should contact their service center to set up an in-person appointment. Additionally, more information related to USDA’s response and relief for producers can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.
Nisei Farmers League — The U. S. House of Representative passed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021. NFL President Manuel Cunha stated, “Unfortunately, their version of the legislation did not include employees of packing house or processing facilities under the definition of ‘agricultural labor or services.’ It is our desire to expand the definition to include employees vital to our community and economic sectors.”
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021 would provide farmworkers, who are invaluable to our economy and have lived in this country for years, even decades, an opportunity to earn citizenship.
Community leaders are concerned. Orange Cove City Mayor Victor Lopez said “the hard-working people in our community who work in packing houses should be treated fairly. We urge the Senate to adopt language expanding the definition of the farm workforce.”
Parlier Mayor Alma Beltran, added, “we support our farmworkers. We do not want to split up families. We want our communities to be strong and viable.”
Most recently, the Nisei Farmers League, the African American Farmers of California, the Insure America Project, and numerous Mayors wrote letters to U. S. Senators Feinstein and U. S. Senator Padilla asking them to include employees who work in packing houses and processing facilities to be added to the Senate version of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2021. Cunha stated, “We intend to contact 43 cities in the Sand Joaquin Valley for their support.”
Cunha further stated, “We are also asking legislation for Dreamers be passed concurrently. In light of the recent federal ruling that new applications for DACA must stop, it is even more important our ‘Dreamers’ are not forgotten in the effort to legalize agricultural workers. In our communities, many Dreamers have parents working in agriculture. To not move forward with DACA legislation leaves thousands to uncertain futures and possible family separations.”
On Monday, July 12, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill that provides $100 million in initial budget funding toward restoring the capacity of the Friant-Kern Canal and the other major canals named in Senate Bill (SB) 559. A significant portion of this funding will be available for the Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project, which the Friant Water Authority (FWA) and Bureau of Reclamation are expected to initiate construction on this year.
“This investment comes at a critical time for all of the sponsors of SB 559, and especially for FWA, as we’re poised to award a construction contract this summer for fixing the Friant-Kern Canal’s middle reach,” said Jason Phillips, Chief Executive Officer of FWA. “We thank the Newsom Administration and Legislative leaders for recognizing the opportunity before them to make use of California’s historic budget surplus for the benefit of the communities and businesses in the San Joaquin Valley – a region often left behind or dismissed when the rest of California moves forward. We urge our leaders to build on this historic investment next year by working towards funding the full state cost-share as intended in SB 559.”
“We would also like to extend special thanks and gratitude to Senator Hurtado for being a champion on water supply and conveyance in the San Joaquin Valley and SB 559’s co-authors, including our valley delegation and members from Southern California,” continued Phillips. “The push for this funding shows the value of strong bipartisan, bicameral leadership from throughout the state on an issue that affects water supplies of more than 31 million Californians.”
“Farmers have had fallow some of the world’s most productive farmland and communities are without water,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Sanger.) “Western States are facing a climate crisis, with extreme heat and drought bearing down on them. California is at a critical point, which will determine whether or not 31 million Californians will face a water shortage. SB 559—the State Water Resiliency Act of 2021–is a unique federal and state effort that seeks to prevent a food and water catastrophe. To protect human security, further investment is needed now.”
The bill, SB 129 (Skinner), contains $5.1 billion in drought and climate resilience investments, many of which the Governor proposed in his May Revise Budget. The funding was appropriated to the California Department of Water Resources for California’s 2021/2022 fiscal year, which began July 1.
The Friant-Kern Canal’s middle reach has lost 60% of its capacity to convey water, resulting in as much as 300,000 acre-feet of water going undelivered by the canal in some years to farms and communities in the southern San Joaquin Valley, all of which are being hit hard in the beginning of what could be a multi-year drought. The Friant-Kern Canal Middle Reach Capacity Correction Project’s estimated cost is more than $500 million, and the cost to restore the canal’s full design capacity is estimated as $924 million.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of over $7 million in research grants to U.S. Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA).
These grants aim to increase research, education, and outreach capacity at Non-Land-grant Institutions to support development of the innovations and workforce needed to sustain the agriculture industry in the future.
“The National Institute of Food and Agriculture awards research, education and extension grants to solve the grand challenges before us,” said NIFA director Dr. Carrie Castille. “These efforts will help improve rural economies, increase food production and agricultural profitability and sustainability, address climate change and related issues, ensure food and nutrition security and train the next generation of the agricultural workforce.”
Examples of the 24 funded projects to U.S. Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture include:
Humboldt State University, Arcata, California, will prepare a diverse pool of natural resource scientists to enter a workforce focused on climate-ready and sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in rangelands ($299,999).
Texas A&M University, Commerce, Texas, collaborating with Tarleton State University, will learn how pollinator-friendly perennials in ornamental landscapes can provide a solution to decades of major declines in pollinators, through their Plant Drought Response and Insect Pollinator Studies project ($299,867).
American Indian Higher Education Consortium, working in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, will create a network of scientists and educators to facilitate research, education and outreach activities relating to soil and water quality ($29,827).
Background:
Non-Land-grant College of Agriculture (NLGCA) and NLGCA Institutions are public colleges or universities offering a baccalaureate or higher degree in food and agricultural sciences. Land-grant Universities (also called Land-grant Colleges or Land-grant Institutions) are U.S. higher education institutions designated by a state to receive the benefits of the Morrill Acts of 1862 and 1890.
Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) Program provides funding to NLGCA institutions supporting educational, research, and outreach activities that address priority concerns of national, regional, state, and local interest. To determine if an institution is eligible to be designated as an NLGCA institution as defined in the 2018 Farm Bill, please visit NIFA-19-005 NLGCA Eligibility Flow Chart resource page. This NIFA-certified designation is an eligibility requirement for the Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-grant Colleges of Agriculture program.
NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and Extension across the nation to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. NIFA supports initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture and applies an integrated approach to ensure that groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture-related sciences and technologies reach the people who can put them into practice. In FY2020, NIFA’s total investment was $1.95 billion.
Visit our website: www.nifa.usda.gov; Twitter: @USDA_NIFA; LinkedIn: USDA-NIFA. To learn more about NIFA’s impact on agricultural science (searchable by state or keyword), visit www.nifa.usda.gov/impacts.
Jim Razor had little inkling how much the key agronomic principles he learned 30 years ago in his Fresno State classes on weeds and vegetable crops would serve him every day.
After he graduated with a plant science degree in 1990, he began a career as a pest control adviser and is now vice president for J.G. Boswell Company, an internationally-respected agricultural company.
The newly-appointed Ag One Foundation president currently oversees processing facilities for two of Boswell’s premier products, tomatoes and pima cotton, as well as an edible oil mill, planting seed cleaning and packaging facility. He also manages areas that involve logistics, safety, risk management, workers compensation and environmental affairs.
“I was fortunate to have wonderful instructors like Dr. (Mahlon) Hile, Dr. (Gary) Ritenour and Dean (Dennis) Nef,” Razor said. “They gave me an incredible mix of agricultural perspectives that range from the fields to economics. My job today is always changing, and the innovation, organization and ability to meet deadlines that I learned from my classes have served as a great foundation.”
Born on a small farm near Exeter, Razor’s background mirrors many current students. He transferred from the College of the Sequoias to Fresno State as a junior and worked hard to graduate in three semesters. He took 23 units his final semester so he could find a job and support his young family.
“We had to take out loans to support my education, and I had some scholarships, too,” Razor said. “Ag One’s role is so important to students, through its commitment to supporting scholarships and a wide network of industry ties and partnerships.”
Razor and his company are also connected to the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at Fresno State through an endowed chair position in the Plant Science Department. Dr. Sharon Benes currently holds the position.
Additionally, the J. G. Boswell Foundation established a permanent fund in memory of longtime company farm manager Dave Cosyns to support the University Agricultural Laboratory. Cosyns graduated from Fresno State in 1971 and was an accomplished farmer and industry member.
The Boswell company and foundation, a founding member of the Pinnacle Society for campus philanthropists and supporters, has contributed more than $2 million to Fresno State.
“It’s great to have so many special bonds with Fresno State,” Razor said. “Getting to meet with the faculty and students confirms that the college still has the same mission today. Nearly half of our agronomy team are Fresno State graduates, including two district managers, and I know they are well prepared for anything.”
Ag One, which was founded in 1979, has raised nearly $26.7 million in endowed funds. In that span, about 4,800 students have been awarded over $7.6 million in scholarships and another $950,000 is projected in 2021-22.
Razor’s first Ag One event in his new role is the annual Ag Boosters BBQ fundraiser, tentatively slated for Sunday, Sept. 12, at the Panoche Creek River Ranch.
As president, Razor succeeds Annie Stuhr, who completed her one-year term on June 30. Other current Ag One Foundation board officers include:
New members on the 23-person board of directors include:
For more information on the Ag One Foundation, its programs and upcoming events, contact 559.278.4266 or agone@csufresno.edu.
With over 40,000 vaccinations administered to farm workers through the combined efforts of the Grower Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) and Clinica de Salud del Valle de Salinas (CSVS), this partnership has added smaller clinics for essential workers and will also provide vaccines to children and families of farm workers at farms and facilities.
“Over the last five months, mass clinics effectively and efficiently provided thousands of farm workers with needed vaccinations,” says Christopher Valadez, GSA President. “But as we have reached this significant vaccination level, our efforts have evolved to smaller clinics which will vaccinate hundreds of farm workers at a time. These clinics will continue to be conducted in coordination with ag employers,” Valadez says.
Recognizing the need to also protect the health of the families of farm workers, GSA and CSVS recently held vaccination clinics for children. The first clinics were conducted at CSVS in King City and Sierra Farms in Moss Landing.
“We want to provide these clinics prior to schools re-opening in the fall so children over 12 can be vaccinated in a trusted place and at a time and location that is most convenient for parents,” Valadez says.
GSA and CSVS conducted their first mass vaccination clinic on February 26. The mass vaccination clinics held at the Rodeo Grounds in Salinas and the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds in King City continue through July and have vaccinated several hundred to thousands of ag employees per clinic. These clinics received national attention for the volume of vaccinations administered and protection provided as essential workers returned for the harvest.
“While we have made great progress in protecting farm workers from COVID-19, this is a persistent and evolving virus as evidenced by what we are seeing with the Delta variant,” Valadez says. “We must be diligent about onsite worker protection strategies, providing safe and comfortable quarantined housing options for those exposed or infected as well as giving essential employees easily accessible vaccines. The hard work must continue to ensure the health and safety of our region’s farm workers,” he adds. — By Christopher Valadiez, Grower-Shipper Association President