California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • Root Bacteria Could Help Defeat Fatal Citrus Disease

    A UC Riverside-led team is looking at tiny underground microorganisms for a way to prevent a huge problem — Huanglongbing, a disease with no cure that has decimated citrus orchards worldwide.

    The disease, also known as HLB or citrus greening, has multiple names but the same ultimate result: bitter and worthless citrus fruits. By some estimates, the end of citrus orchards in California and Florida could amount to $14 billion in lost commercial revenue.

    Fruit affected by Huanglongbing. (UCR)

    “Often times, it is thought of as an above-ground disease of the fruits, leaves, and stems,” said Caroline Roper, plant pathology professor and director of the new research effort. “However, we have seen the roots of trees decline with infection, and we want to understand why.”

    The National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded the UCR-led team $10 million over the next five years to investigate the role of soil and root microbes in the disease.

    Roper said data from previous studies shows the microbiome of the infected tree — which includes bacteria and fungi as well as protozoa and viruses — plays a role in the disease.

    “We have seen a shift in the root microbiome as trees get sicker,” she said.

    The microbiomes shift to contain more potentially parasitic organisms that may act as secondary invaders to a tree that is suffering from HLB, according to Roper. The invasion of these root pathogens may be causing trees to die faster when they have HLB.

    Part of this new research effort will test whether soil amendments like manure and compost might suppress parasitic microorganisms in the roots as well as the soil, and give the trees more strength to combat diseases including HLB.

    In addition, the research team will try to determine the molecular basis of HLB resistance shown by citrus root stocks developed in Florida. They’ll then see how those rootstocks perform in California, which has different soil and climate conditions.

    The research team will examine both younger trees, because a lot of citrus growers have had to re-plant their orchards after infection, as well as older trees to see if mature groves can recover.

    It will also be important to note how well root stocks from Florida, where there has been a heavy infestation of HLB, perform in California, where much less of the disease has been detected.

    “One of the great things about this grant is that we’re able to leverage existing field trials being done by our collaborators in Florida and at the UC’s Lindcove Research and Extension Center in central California,” Roper said. “This may lead to faster results than we’d otherwise have had.”

    Collaborators on the project include UC Davis; California State University, Sacramento; the University of Florida; and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service in Ft. Pierce, Florida. — By Jules Bernstein, UC Riverside

  • U.S. Blueberry Growers Form New Alliance to Seek Import Remedies

    Blueberry growers across America today established a new coalition, the American Blueberry Growers Alliance, to seek relief from rising imports that are harming their businesses. The Alliance will provide information and support to an ongoing U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) investigation into the serious injury caused by increased imports of fresh, chilled and frozen blueberries under Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974.

    Blueberry imports are sourced from several countries in the Western Hemisphere. Imports rose by more than 60 percent between 2015 and 2019. Imports from Peru and Mexico have increased by 1,258 and 268 percent during that same period, respectively, driving blueberry prices down by double digits, which has had a devastating impact on the domestic blueberry industry.

    Alliance members are asking for bipartisan support from the U.S. government and Congress to use existing trade laws to remedy the injury to U.S. growers, support hard-working blueberry farmers, and preserve and enhance a U.S.-grown blueberry supply. The Alliance is also warning that in addition to injuring domestic businesses and livelihoods, rising imports expose American consumers to products from countries with poor food safety protocols.

    “We have been telling Washington about unfair trade practices for years,” said Jerome Crosby, CEO of Pineneedle Farms in Georgia and head of the Alliance’s steering committee. “Our family farms continue to be harmed by a flood of blueberry imports. We need relief and for our leaders to stand with American growers.”

    “Many family farms have become a casualty of rising imports and are being forced out of commercial production as other countries increase production to deliberately target the U.S. market,” said Brittany Lee, executive director of the Florida Blueberry Growers Association. “If something is not done, we will lose the blueberry industry in the United States.”

    The Alliance includes blueberry growers in Georgia, Florida, Michigan and California.

    The Alliance recently received support from a coalition of 32 members of the U.S. House of Representatives. In a letter to the U.S. International Trade Commission, the congressional members said: “The significant surge of imports of blueberries in recent years, the timing of such imports during U.S. harvest periods, the extremely low pricing of the imports, and the targeting of the U.S. blueberry market by foreign exporters has had a devastating impact on the blueberry industry…As the Commission develops the evidentiary record in this case, it will be clear that imports are a substantial cause of serious injury to farmers. We urge the Commission to promptly make an affirmative determination in this regard.”

    The ITC plans to hold hearings in early 2021 and then deliver a report on blueberry injury and remedies to the White House. Under Section 203, the President then determines what action to take. To support this investigation, Alliance members are providing data and evidence on how blueberry imports are impacting their production, pricing and marketing activities, especially during the critical U.S. spring and summer harvesting seasons.

    For more information, please visit americanblueberrygrowers.com.

  • 2021 CA Avocado Crop Estimate & Harvest Projections

    The California Avocado Commission has published the 2021 California Avocado Pre-Season Crop Estimate and weekly harvest projections for the calendar year (January 1st through December 31st). The estimate and projections are the result of handler surveys submitted in early December 2020 and represent the industry’s best information on the coming season’s crop at this time.

    Further details of the estimate and harvest projections can be found online and includes the following information:

    • Pre-season industry volume estimates, broken down by variety, based on AMRIC Handler survey responses
    • Weekly harvest forecast utilizing AMRIC Handler Survey percentages for Hass variety (4-year historical forecast used for Lamb, 2-year historical used for Gem and other)
    • Weekly harvest forecast comparison of 4-year historical forecast versus AMRIC Handler Survey

    The Commission staff will remain in contact with growers, handlers and grove managers throughout the season, via surveys and telephone conversations, to track harvest strategy and will provide updated forecasts to the industry as they become available. As we have done in the past, CAC will plan to follow up with the handlers in February to discuss crop volume and harvest plans before the season gets underway.

    In addition to handler surveys and discussions, the annual grower crop survey and acreage inventory survey will be conducted in Spring 2021, with a mid-season crop estimate update available mid-May 2021.

  • More Than 7 in 10 Adults Want Companies Partnering with Gov’t to Distribute Coronavirus Vaccines

    In an International Dairy Food Association (IDFA) poll conducted by Morning Consult from December 4-7 among a national sample of 2,200 adults, 71% of adults support companies and employers partnering with public health agencies at local and state levels to aid in the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine to employees. The same poll found more than four in five adults believe food workers—manufacturing, retail and farm workers, among others—should be made a priority when it comes to being among the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine.

    The Morning Consult interviews were conducted online with a target sample of adults across age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, and region. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 2 percentage points.

    The full survey findings and graphical presentations of data may be found at www.idfa.org/vaccinesurvey. Key findings from the survey include:

    • More than four in five adults agree that grocery store workers (89%), farm workers (85%), and agricultural and food production (86%) workers are essential workers.
    • Seven in ten adults (71%) support companies and employers partnering with public health agencies at local and state levels to aid in the distribution of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) vaccine to employees.
    • A bipartisan majority of adults support private companies and employers partnering with public health agencies at local and state levels to aid in the distribution of the coronavirus vaccine to employees.
    • More than four in five adults believe grocery store workers (90%), agriculture and food production workers (85%), and farm workers (82%) should be made a priority when it comes to being among the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine
    • More than four in five Democrats, independents, and Republicans demographics believe food and agriculture production workers should be made a priority when it comes to being among the first to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
    • Two-thirds of adults (65%) report they are likely to get the coronavirus vaccine while a third (35%) report they are unlikely to.
    • While a majority of adults report they are likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available, Democrats and older adults are the most likely to report they are likely to get the vaccine.

    Background from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA)

    IDFA represents more than 3 million employees across the dairy foods supply chain, including farmers, food processors and manufacturers, food retailers, and other distributors. Food industry workers are recognized as part of our nation’s critical infrastructure by the Department of Homeland Security. Because of this recognition, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Program Interim Playbook designates food industry workers for vaccine prioritization as part of Group 1B, after frontline healthcare workers and other target populations. Prioritization will ensure continued operations and supply of food and other critical consumer packaged goods to people around the country. Without prioritization, supply chains could break down, creating widespread disruptions to our economy. Companies within the food industry are seeking to partner with federal, state and local public health officials to help reinforce the importance and safety of vaccinations and ensure essential food workers can access and receive vaccinations as they become available.

  • State Farm Service Agency Director named Almond Champion of the Year

    Connie Conway, Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency in California, has been honored as the Almond Alliance of California’s 2020 Almond Champion of the Year for the agency’s outstanding efforts in assisting almond growers with the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP.)

    The Almond Champion of the Year Award is presented annually to those who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in education, coalition building, partnerships and promoting legislation and policies that encourage the advancement and protection of California agriculture and the California almond industry.

    The CFAP consists of direct payments to almond growers for losses suffered as a result of COVID-19 as well as disruptions to the supply chain. The Almond Alliance advocated for federal funding for the original program and the subsequent program known as CFAP 2. To date, the California almond community has received over $125 million through the programs.

    The Farm Service Agency (FSA) administers the funding and provides technical assistance to potential applicants. Almond Alliance Chair Mike Curry praised Conway for her leadership in providing access to the program. “Some of these programs can be incredibly technical and complex. Connie and her team have been very attentive and worked with our industry members above and beyond what would normally be expected,” he explained. “Her team has conducted numerous educational webinars for our members and addressed literally hundreds of questions about the program and how it works. Her leadership and commitment to excellence in providing this assistance during these unprecedented times is truly appreciated.”

    Prior to her appointment, Conway ran her own consulting business, focusing on strategic planning, business development, and government relations services. She also served as an assemblywoman for the California State Legislature where she served as Minority Leader and on the Agriculture, Transportation, Labor and Health Committees. She also served as a member of the Tulare County Board of Supervisors.

    About the Almond Alliance of California

    The Almond Alliance of California (AAC) is a trusted non-profit organization dedicated to advocating on behalf of the California almond community. California almonds generate more than $21 billion in economic revenue and directly contribute more than $11 billion to the state’s total economy. California’s top agricultural export, almonds create approximately 104,000 jobs statewide, over 97,000 in the Central Valley, which suffers from chronic unemployment. The AAC is dedicated to educating state legislators, policy makers and regulatory officials about the California almond community. As a membership-based organization, our members include almond processors, hullers/shellers, growers and allied businesses. Through workshops, newsletters, conferences, social media and personal meetings, AAC works to raise awareness, knowledge and provide a better understanding about the scope, size, value and sustainability of the California almond community.


    For more information on the Almond Alliance, visit https://almondalliance.org/ or check out the Almond Alliance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

  • Referendum on CA Dairy Quota Reform Proposal Recommended by Administrative Judge

    United Dairy Families of California — Judge Timothy Aspinwall issued a recommended decision today that United Dairy Families of California’s petition to sunset the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) and equalize Regional Quota Adjusters (RQAs) must move forward to a referendum.

    The judge’s decision confirmed that the petition submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) met all legal and procedural requirements. The Order of Decision is now before CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, who will make the final determination on whether or not a referendum will be held.

    The petition was born out of a multi-year effort led by United Dairy Families, a volunteer organization of dairy farmers seeking to unite the California dairy industry. United Dairy Families held over twenty meetings around the state and solicited input from hundreds of producers to determine a fair process to resolve the current dispute over the QIP.

    Economists Dr. Marin Bozic and Matt Gould provided expert analyses of multiple plans that aided dairy producers in their decision to move forward with the sunset plan to the QIP.

    United Dairy Families submitted over 300 signed petitions from dairy producers to CDFA in June, which initiated the referendum process. A hearing on the petition was held on September 30, 2020, during which Judge Aspinwall heard testimony and arguments from United Dairy Families, interested organizations SAVE QIP and STOP QIP, and additional testimony from various producers.

    United Dairy Families is pleased with Judge Aspinwall’s decision, and hopes Secretary Ross will affirm the recommended decision and direct that the petition proceed to a referendum.

  • $6.3 Million to Help UC Riverside Save Avocado Orchards

    New grants totaling $6.3 million will help UC Riverside solve problems facing American avocado orchards, including a lethal fungal disease called Laurel Wilt.

    Laurel Wilt can destroy an entire avocado orchard in a couple of weeks once symptoms develop. It is already present in Florida. Without effective treatments, it will inevitably spread to California, which is the nation’s leading producer of avocados.

    Laurel Wilt is caused by a fungus, Raffaelea lauricola, that the non-native redbay ambrosia beetle introduces in trees of the Laurel family, which includes avocado.

    The non-native redbay ambrosia beetle, which carries the fungus causing deadly Laurel Wilt. (UCR)

    “When the beetle attacks, the fungus enters and colonizes the tree’s vascular system, and within weeks, the tree wilts and dies if not managed properly,” said Patricia Manosalva, director of this project as well as UCR’s Avocado Rootstock Breeding Program.

    In addition to Laurel Wilt, avocado growers face numerous production challenges including devastating diseases such as Phytophthora root rot, or, PRR, and soil salinity, which in combination cause severe reduction in fruit yield and quality. This combination can also completely destroy avocado orchards.

    Avocado roots darkened and killed by Phytophthora root rot. (David Rosen/UCR)

    Avocado is also highly sensitive to salinity. Increasing levels of salinity in water and soil due to drought and the use of reclaimed water for crop irrigation purposes threatens avocado production worldwide.

    To combat the threats, the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crop Research Initiative has awarded UC Riverside $4.4 million. The grant will enable the development of next-generation technological solutions to these problems over the next four years in partnership with scientists at the universities of Hawaii, Florida, Texas, and Milan.

    The same grant will enable research on both short- and long-term solutions for managing avocado PRR, the major hindrance for avocado production worldwide, Manosalva said.

    “Under this grant we will select rootstocks harboring resistance to the current pathogen population and we will register new fungicides with different modes of actions to reduce avocado losses to this destructive oomycete pathogen,” Manosalva said.

    The UCR rootstock breeding program has already identified advanced rootstock lines that are tolerant to salinity and P. cinnamomi, the pathogen that causes PRR. These rootstocks may also confer resistance or tolerance to Laurel Wilt when grafted with different varieties. Field trials of these rootstocks will be conducted in California, Florida, Texas, Hawaii and Puerto Rico and will be screened for resistance at University of Florida.

    Another approach to mitigating avocado threats will be the further development of remote field sensors that can detect and differentiate drought from high salinity and Phytophthora root rot. UCR initially developed prototypes of these sensors and tested them in greenhouses. This grant will enable researchers to improve the sensors and test them in fields.

    Manosalva notes that UC Riverside is unique in having a highly recognized avocado breeding program first developed 70 years ago.

    “We’ve been developing agricultural science for a long time,” she said. “This grant will allow us to keep moving the UCR rootstock breeding program forward and continue developing hearty avocado rootstocks.”

    Through the Office of Technology Partnerships, UCR currently has three rootstocks available for licensing in the U.S. and may have up to five new rootstocks available in the next few years. The new rootstocks could provide increased tolerance to diseases, drought, heat, and soil salinity.

    In a related grant, the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative awarded $1.9 million to a team of 15 scientists from five universities and the USDA Agricultural Research Service, or USDA-ARS. The grant will allow the researchers to study whether essential oils can help suppress certain pathogens and pests.

    Researchers from the University of Florida, Clemson University, the University of Georgia, the University of Hawaii at Manoa and the USDA-ARS as well as UC Riverside will collaborate on the project.

    Producers of essential oils claim their products may be able to treat plant pathogens such as gray mold, powdery mildew, algal stem blotch and brown rot as well as insects including mites, thrips and scales. This grant will enable the team to evaluate those claims.

    Manosalva said both grants underscore the importance of funding basic research in agricultural science. “California’s produce feeds the nation, and the world,” she said. “Our science will help feed people and empower growers everywhere.” — By Jules Bernstein, UC Riverside

    About UC Riverside

    The University of California, Riverside (www.ucr.edu) is a doctoral research university, a living laboratory for groundbreaking exploration of issues critical to Inland Southern California, the state and communities around the world. Reflecting California’s diverse culture, UCR’s enrollment is more than 24,000 students. The campus opened a medical school in 2013 and has reached the heart of the Coachella Valley by way of the UCR Palm Desert Center. The campus has an annual statewide economic impact of almost $2 billion. To learn more, email news@ucr.edu.

  • Tom Vilsack to Return as Secretary of Agriculture

    President-elect Joe Biden has nominated Tom Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture. Former U.S. Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack currently serves as president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council. He took the position in February 2017 after serving eight years as the nation’s 30th Secretary of Agriculture.

    According to the U.S. Dairy Export Council, “Vilsack worked hard to strengthen the American agricultural economy, build vibrant rural communities and create new markets for the tremendous innovation of rural America. In eight years at the Department, Vilsack fought to put Americans back to work and create an economy built to last. Under his leadership, USDA supported America’s farmers, ranchers and growers who are driving the rural economy forward, provided food assistance to millions of Americans, carried out record conservation efforts, made record investments in our rural communities and helped provide a safe, sufficient and nutritious food supply for the American people.”

    “Vilsack was the longest-serving member of President Obama’s original Cabinet. Prior to his appointment, he served two terms as the Governor of Iowa, in the Iowa State Senate and as the mayor of Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Vilsack received his bachelor’s degree from Hamilton College and his law degree from Albany Law School in New York.”

    “Vilsack has been honored for his public service and work to advance American agriculture by the Congressional Hunger Center, Global Child Nutrition Foundation, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau, and National Farmers Union. A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Vilsack was born into an orphanage and adopted in 1951. After graduating from law school, Vilsack moved to Mt. Pleasant Iowa, his wife Christie’s hometown, where he practiced law. The Vilsacks have two adult sons and two daughters-in-law-Doug, married to Janet; and Jess, married to Kate. They also have four grandchildren.”

    Regarding Vilsack’s nomination, American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall shared, “The American Farm Bureau Federation welcomes the news that Tom Vilsack will be nominated to be Secretary of Agriculture. His leadership as the 30th Secretary of Agriculture and as Governor of a state reliant on agriculture is evidence of his qualification to serve in this role. Tom Vilsack understands that the agriculture sector is far more complex than most people understand. He believes in a ‘big tent’ philosophy that supports all types of production and understands the importance of respecting farmers and ranchers as partners worthy of support in the race to achieve sustainability goals.”

    “Tom and I built a good relationship during his first term as Ag Secretary and we’ve built on that relationship in his current role with the U.S. Dairy Export Council. I look forward to sitting down with him again to continue our conversation on how to address the opportunities and challenges facing agriculture and rural communities. The pandemic revealed both the strengths and weaknesses of our food system, which Tom has had a front row seat to witness.”

    “Together, we must prepare to tackle a new farm bill and build on efforts to create a fair marketplace for U.S. agriculture to compete globally. It is essential we ensure climate policies respect farmers and remain market-based and voluntary. And, we must end the digital divide that puts rural America at a disadvantage.”

    “Tom Vilsack earned a reputation for rising above partisanship to serve farmers and ranchers and I’m confident he’ll continue to do so. The American Farm Bureau stands ready to support Tom and work closely with him knowing his success as Ag Secretary correlates directly with America’s farmers and ranchers, as well as our rural communities, having the support they need to flourish.”

    National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Jim Mulhern added, “Tom Vilsack has dedicated his life to service. While we will miss him as a colleague and friend, all of us in the dairy community who have had the opportunity to work with him over the past four years know his deep passion and commitment to rural America and his understanding of its interdependence with our urban and suburban communities. The challenges that lie ahead are many – from a battered farm economy to climate change, the environment and sustainability, to nutrition and the importance of addressing the nation’s growing food insecurity, as well as the need for better trade policy and expanded markets abroad, and much more. No one is better suited to tackle these challenges than Tom Vilsack. We applaud President-elect Biden’s decision, and we look forward to Secretary Vilsack’s next chapter of leadership in American agriculture.”

    Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association shared, “The International Dairy Foods Association is pleased to see news of Mr. Vilsack’s expected nomination to lead USDA by President-Elect Biden. As Mr. Vilsack knows well, one-fifth of the nation’s economy is linked, either directly or indirectly, to the food and agriculture sectors, supporting more than 45 million jobs and trillions in wages. An experienced mayor, governor and two-term Agriculture Secretary in a previous administration, Mr. Vilsack has the knowledge and understanding to hit the ground running and make immediate progress on pressing issues facing food, agriculture and the rural economy. He has seen first-hand the pandemic’s impact on health and jobs, and we’re hopeful that with his guidance, we can continue to protect our essential workforce so they can feed our nation. To that point, the nation’s food security will be his top priority upon taking office, and IDFA offers our partnership in finding creative ways to reduce hunger and improve access to nutritious foods including dairy. On behalf of the men and women working across the dairy industry—from farms to processing facilities to retail and distribution hubs—IDFA looks forward to working with Mr. Vilsack and his team to make dairy central to solutions. Together, we can enhance economic progress for food producing communities and strengthen export opportunities, unleash innovation to safeguard our food and advance nutrition solutions, and create a more sustainable footprint for our food and agriculture sector.”

    John Piotti, President and CEO of the American Farmland Trust shared, “American Farmland Trust congratulates Tom Vilsack on being nominated as Secretary of Agriculture by President-elect Joe Biden. At a time when farmers are struggling in the face of a global pandemic, his experience will help USDA tackle these challenges on day one of the new administration. We especially look forward to working with him to advance farmland protection, provide farmers the tools to address climate change, create a more inclusive agricultural system, and widen the doors of participation to a new, diverse generation of producers.”

    Julie Anna Potts, president and CEO of the North American Meat Institute also sustained the nomination, and said, “Secretary Vilsack brings experience and leadership to the Department of Agriculture at a critical time when the meat and poultry industry works to put food on American’s tables and to keep the farm economy working in a pandemic. We look forward to working closely with Secretary Vilsack in his new role to ensure our industry remains a valuable partner to livestock producers, an efficient supplier to consumers and competitive in the international marketplace.”

  • California Horticulture Sales Reach $2.63 Billion in 2019

    On Tuesday, December 8, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) released the 2019 Census of Horticultural Specialties report, the only source of detailed production and sales data for floriculture, nursery, and specialty crops for the entire United States. The data show that horticulture operations in California sold a total of $2.63 billion in floriculture, nursery and specialty crops in 2019, down 9% from the sales in 2014. California sold 19% of the total U.S. horticulture sales of $13.8 billion in 2019, more than any other state. In addition to sales, the number of horticulture operations in California decreased 22% during this time to 1,331, and the number of operations in the United States decreased 11% during this time to 20,655.

    “The horticulture census is a vital tool that highlights the contribution horticulture growers bring to our local, state, and national economies,” said Pacific Region Director Gary R. Keough. “It shows changes and trends in the industry over the past five years and beyond.”

    Horticulture production occurred primarily in 10 states, which accounted for 66% of all U.S. horticulture sales in 2019. California ($2.63 billion), Florida ($1.93 billion) and Oregon ($1.02 billion) led the nation in sales.

    The top five commodities in California horticulture sales in 2019, and compared to 2014, were:

    ·         Nursery stock, $831 million, down 13%
    ·         Potted flowering plants, $322 million, up 7%
    ·         Transplants for Commercial Vegetable and Strawberry, $266 million, up 4%
    ·         Cut flowers & cut lei flowers, $249 million, down 26%
    ·         Annual bedding/garden plants, $232 million, up 6%
     
    Other key findings for California from the 2019 Census of Horticultural Specialties report include:

    ·         Family- or individually-owned operations made up the largest number of operations, accounting for 48%, but corporately-owned operations accounted for 80% of sales ($2.11 billion).

    ·         Total industry expenses were at $2.21 billion in 2019, with hired labor being the largest cost, accounting for 36% of total expenses.

    The Census of Horticultural Specialties is part of the larger Census of Agriculture program. It provides information on the number and types of establishments engaged in horticultural production, value of sales, varieties of products, production expenses and more. All operations that reported producing and selling $10,000 or more of horticultural crops on the 2017 Census of Agriculture were included in this special study.

    For more information and to access the full report, visit www.nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.

    CA.Census_of_Hort_press_release_12092020

  • Blue Diamond Growers 110th Annual Meeting Recap, Gurcharan Dhillon Honored

    The 110th Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting countered the challenges of 2020 with a sense of accomplishment for the present and optimism for the future.

    “We are a growth business by choice, and I’m confident in declaring that the best is yet to come,” said Mark Jansen, President and CEO, Blue Diamond Growers.

    In his virtual presentation to Blue Diamond almond growers on Nov. 18, Jansen acknowledged the numerous obstacles the co-op overcame during the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.

    “With trade wars, port-related receiving disruptions, market price corrections, foodservice shut-downs, and a fire at the Sacramento Blue Diamond plant, it was a tough year to sell almonds,” said Jansen. “Yet, Blue Diamond prevailed in continuing to build a remarkably strong business in support of a 3-billion-pound almond crop – the largest ever in our 110-year history.”

    Mark Jansen

    Jansen reported that in 2020 alone, Blue Diamond was able to:

    • Provide growers a 16-cent competitive advantage per pound of almonds delivered.
    • Complete a multi-year construction plan including the addition of a 50-million-pound-capacity raw almond warehouse in Salida, Calif. The new warehouse is the second facility of similar capacity recently built at the site.
    • Incorporate engineering upgrades and expand a high-efficiency production line for Almond Breeze® almondmilk at the Blue Diamond facility in Turlock, Calif. The newly enhanced line more than doubles the plant’s Almond Breeze production volume. Almond Breeze leads as the co-op’s most profitable product with more than $800 million in annual retail sales.
    • Increase direct sales into India by 40 percent as trade pressures dramatically curtailed access into the Chinese market.
    • More than double e-commerce sales of Blue Diamond products, while achieving the goal of Amazon becoming the co-op’s fifth largest customer.
    • Be recognized, for the fourth consecutive year, as an IRI Growth Leader for fastest-growing consumer-packaged goods sales in terms of volume, revenue and market share.
    • Achieve its fifth consecutive year – representing five million work hours – of no lost-time accidents at the Salida facility.
    Dan Cummings

    Blue Diamond Board Chairman Recognizes Leadership Milestone and Co-op Honor  
    In addition to the business performance highlights shared by Jansen, Dan Cummings, Blue Diamond Board Chairman and Director, District 1, announced Jansen’s tenth anniversary as President and CEO of Blue Diamond Growers. Cummings made note of Jansen’s remarkable leadership and accomplishments on behalf of the co-op.  “We are confident in the future with Mark’s great leadership to guide us,” said Cummings. “Considering the successes so far, we can only imagine what the next10 years will bring. Blue Diamond is in great hands with him.”

    Additionally, Cummings announced Gurcharan Dhillon as the 2020 Chairman’s Grower Ambassador of the Year. Dhillon serves as a Grower Liaison Committee Member for District 9, and he is also active on Almond Board of California committees.  “We thank Gurcharan for his outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the co-op and the almond industry. He is truly an inspired leader,” said Cummings. “We also thank our many partners, including haulers, shellers, truck drivers, co-manufacturers, marketers and the 1,800 Blue Diamond employees who go above and beyond each day to help provide Blue Diamond almonds to the world.”

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing over 3,000 of California’s almond growers, is the world’s leading almond marketer and processor. Established in 1910, it created the California almond industry and opened world markets for almonds. Blue Diamond is dedicated to delivering the benefits of almonds around the world and does so by providing high-quality almonds, almond ingredients, and branded products. Headquartered in Sacramento, the company employs more than 1,800 people throughout its processing plants, receiving stations and gift shops. To learn more about Blue Diamond Growers, visit www.bluediamond.com and follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.