California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • DPR Seeks Comments on Modifications to Reg on Statewide Pesticide Application Notification System

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has released modifications to its proposed pesticide application notification regulation. Once in effect, the regulation will support the statewide implementation of a first-of-its-kind system to provide advance information on the planned applications of restricted material pesticides used in agriculture. Restricted materials are a highly regulated category of pesticides that have greater potential than other pesticides to cause harm to people, animals, the environment, or other crops. They require a county-issued permit for use and carry significant restrictions on how and where they can be used and who can use them.

    The department is seeking public comment on the proposed modifications to the regulation through a 30-day public comment period and three public hearings scheduled on July 12, 15 and 23.

    Following the close of the current public comment period, DPR will finalize the regulation and system design in preparation for statewide implementation of the pesticide application notification system in the first quarter of 2025.

    The department initially proposed the regulation on Nov. 3, 2023. The proposed regulation would support the statewide implementation of a notification system by requiring electronic submission of select information from Notices of Intent (NOIs) for permitted applications to DPR and requiring DPR to make the information it receives publicly available. NOIs are required before a permitted application of a restricted material pesticide. DPR will be required to provide information 48 hours prior to the intended start of a soil fumigation and 24 hours prior to the intended start of all other restricted material applications requiring a permit. NOIs, which are part of the state’s restricted material permitting process, are currently submitted to and must be approved by the local county agricultural commissioner before a restricted material pesticide can be used.

    DPR will submit the final regulation to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) for final review and approval.

    Additional details and the proposed revised regulation can be viewed on DPR’s website.

    Public Comment Opportunities on Proposed Modifications to the Regulation

    The department is holding a 30-day public comment period July 2 through Aug. 1 and three regulatory hearings on July 12, July 15 and July 23.

    The hearings and public comment period are to collect input on the proposed modifications to the notification regulation. The modifications were made after the initial public comment period, which was open for 70 days starting in November 2023 and included three regulatory hearings. Those proposed changes include:

    • The requirement for DPR to re-evaluate and review the system, including annually receive feedback from and provide a status update to the department’s Environmental Justice Advisory Committee, the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s State Board and the public until DPR issues a comprehensive report on the system three years after the regulation becomes effective.
    • Clarifying the restricted material pesticides that are subject to the 24- and 48-hours reporting requirements.
    • Clarifying that DPR will make publicly available pesticide product name(s) and active ingredient(s).
    • Clarifying the effective date for the implementation of the system.

    A pre-hearing presentation on the regulation and proposed modifications and an overview and demonstration of the system design will begin at 6 p.m. prior to the start of each of the formal regulatory hearings and public comments. The formal regulatory hearings and public comments will begin at 6:30 p.m.

    All hearings will be conducted in English with Spanish interpretation provided. Information on accommodations, including requesting interpretation in additional languages, can be viewed within the regulatory notice, available on DPR’s website.

    Stanislaus County Hearing

    • Date: July 12, 2024
    • Time: 6 p.m. presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. regulatory hearing
    • Location: Carnegie Arts Center: 250 N Broadway, Turlock

    Virtual Hearing*

    • Date: July 15, 2024
    • Time: 6 p.m. presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. regulatory hearing
    • Location: Zoom (virtual) hearing. You can login using this link prior to the start of the hearing. You will be prompted to enter an email address to join. This is a Zoom requirement.*
    • Link to join the meeting
    • View Only: The hearing will also be accessible via public webcast for persons who would like to watch this hearing without participating. Access the public webcast

    *If you are interested in hosting a hearing group with multiple people using one Zoom login, please email randi.jimenez@cdpr.ca.gov so we know that the login will represent multiple speakers and DPR can better capture feedback from all individuals in the group.

    Kern County Hearing

    • Date: July 23, 2024
    • Time: 6 p.m. presentation, 6:30-8:30 p.m. regulatory hearing
    • Location: Shafter Youth Center: 455 E Euclid Ave, Shafter, CA 93263

    DPR is accepting written comments, which can be submitted online through the department’s public comment portal, by mail, or provided by email to dpr23003@cdpr.ca.gov, between July 2 through Aug. 1.

    Background on Development of the Notification System

    DPR began development of the statewide pesticide application notification system in 2021 with funding from the state budget to provide the public with advance information about pesticide applications. The department conducted a series of public webinars and workshops between 2021 and 2023 to collect feedback to inform the design and development of the system. In 2022, county agricultural commissioners in Riverside, Santa Cruz, Stanislaus and Ventura counties volunteered to partner with DPR to conduct local pilot projects to further inform the development of the statewide pesticide application notification system. In addition, between October 2023 and February 2024, DPR conducted a small group beta test of the proposed statewide notification system in Tulare County. A video demonstration of the system that was beta tested in Tulare County, called ”SprayDays California,” is available on the department’s YouTube channel.

    Feedback and input received from the public since 2021 informed many elements of the statewide notification system design, including:

    • Information on the pesticide application (available through the state’s existing restricted material permitting process), including:
      • Product name and chemical ingredient
      • Direct link to the product label
      • Intended application method
      • Intended date and time period the application may occur
      • Scale of the application, and
      • Context and information on how pesticides are regulated and evaluated in California to protect people and the environment, including specifically how restricted material pesticides are regulated.
    • An anonymous search function that allows users to search for pesticide application information without providing personal information.
    • A subscription function that allows users to receive email and text message “notifications” when an application is planned near a specific address; users may sign up to receive this information for multiple addresses.
    • Information provided in Spanish and English.
    • A public website and visual mapping tool that is easy to use on mobile devices.
    • User-centered design with graphic and visual content.
    • Information on community health and resources for finding more information on pesticide safety and health impacts from pesticide exposure including the phone number for the National Pesticide Information Center, which provides information on potential health impacts from pesticide exposure.

    The system will indicate the location of the pesticide application within a 1-square-mile area using the standardized Public Land Survey System data. The 1-square-mile Public Land Survey System location is the only location information used consistently in the restricted material permitting process across all California counties.

  • USDA Issues Recommended Decision Proposing Amendments to All Federal Milk Marketing Orders

    On July 1st, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a Recommended Decision on its website proposing to amend the uniform pricing formulas applicable in all 11 Federal milk marketing orders (FMMOs). The Recommended Decision follows a 49-day national hearing held from August 23, 2023, to January 30, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana, where USDA heard testimony and received evidence on 21 proposals from the dairy industry.

    The Recommended Decision puts forth a package of amendments to update formulas and factors based on the evidentiary record of the proceeding. More specifically, this decision recommends the following:

    1) Milk Composition Factors: Update the factors to 3.3 percent true protein, 6.0 percent other solids, and 9.3 percent nonfat solids.

    2) Surveyed Commodity Products: Remove 500-pound barrel cheddar cheese prices from the Dairy Product Mandatory Reporting Program survey and rely solely on the 40-pound block cheddar cheese price to determine the monthly average cheese price used in the formulas.

    3) Class III and Class IV Formula Factors: Update the manufacturing allowances to: Cheese: $0.2504; Butter: $0.2257; NFDM: $0.2268; and Dry Whey: $0.2653. The Recommended Decision also proposes updating the butterfat recovery factor to 91 percent.

    4) Base Class I Skim Milk Price: Update the formula as follows: the base Class I skim milk price would be the higher-of the advanced Class III or Class IV skim milk prices for the month. In addition, adopt a rolling monthly Class I extended shelf life (ESL) adjustment that would provide for better price equity for ESL products whose marketing characteristics are distinct from other Class I products. .

    5) Class I differentials: Update the Class I differential values to reflect the increased cost of servicing the Class I market. The county-specific Class I differentials are specified in the decision.

    Regarding this announcement, Greg Doud from the National Milk Producers Federation reflected, “An effort that took more than three years, more than 200 meetings, 49 days of a record-long Federal Order hearing, and countless hours of analysis and discussion were reflected in a recommended USDA plan for Federal Milk Marketing Order modernization that incorporates much of the comprehensive approach to improvements we advocated throughout. Yes, not every detail is exactly as we would have had it – we always knew that would be the case. And USDA’s plan isn’t set in stone – we take very seriously the comment period we will soon be in and plan a detailed response to this proposal. Our FMMO task force is meeting to discuss the plan next week; even as we speak, our staff and cooperative experts are putting pen to paper to better understand how various parts of the USDA plan will interact to affect dairy farmers and the cooperatives they own, as well as the broader industry. That’s all to say our work is far from over. But Monday’s decision was arguably the critical milestone in this process. And this industry – led by the member-owners of the nation’s leading dairy cooperatives – has many reasons to be heartened by the improvements USDA has proposed to the nation’s Federal Milk Marketing Order system.”

    Looking ahead, Laurie Fischer from the American Dairy Coalition shared some concerns with the recommended decision. “Even though the draft decision appears to be responsive to dairy farmers, it does not treat all Orders fairly and could result in farmers voting “no” to the changes, only to discover that they’ve unintentionally voted out the individual Order in which they vote,” Fischer suggests. “We will take time to fully digest the draft decision and economic impacts and will be working to educate farmers on what the voting process is, who is eligible to vote, and what their vote means.”

    Publication of the Recommended Decision in the Federal Register is anticipated in early July 2024, and will invite public comments on the recommended proposals. Once it is published, comments may be submitted at the Federal eRulemaking portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Comments may also be filed with the Hearing Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Room 1031-S, Washington, DC 20250-9200, fax number (202) 720-9976. All comments should reference the docket number and the date and page number of this issue of the Federal Register. All comments will be made available for public inspection in the Office of the Hearing Clerk during regular business hours or can be viewed at: http://www.regulations.gov.

    Copies of the hearing notice may also be obtained from USDA/AMS/Dairy Program; STOP 0225 – Rm. 2530; 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-0225.

  • ARS Develops New Disease-Resistance Traits for Sugarbeets

    Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have bred new disease-resistant sugarbeet lines using cutting-edge genome mapping technologies. By adapting these new genomic lines and genomic tools, plant breeders are now able to greatly improve the sugarbeet’s tolerance to disease.

    Fusarium Yellows is one of many fungal diseases that can result in extensive damage to the sugarbeet crop yield. The soil-borne fungus triggers wilting, yellowing, loss of leaves and a plant’s death. In 2023, Fusarium caused over $31 million dollars in economic losses for U.S. sugarbeet farmers, according to Kevin Dorn, a geneticist at the Soil Management and Sugarbeet Research Unit in Fort Collins, CO.

    “Improving genetic resistance to disease has been the focus of ARS sugarbeet research for decades,” Dorn said.

    ARS’ development of new genetic sugarbeet lines could curb Fusarium and other diseases, resulting in a more productive crop. This insight is part of a larger effort by ARS researchers to continually improve its breeding efforts through genome analysis.

    In May 2024, ARS researchers published the results of their most recent genome research.

    “The key point of this paper is that we used this advanced DNA sequencing technology to create the most complete map of the sugarbeet genome to date,” said Dorn. “We also adopted that new map to identify the genomic location of the Fusarium resistance trait. In addition, we utilized a sequencing technology called ‘RNA sequencing,’ to pinpoint the individual genes likely responsible for the resistance.

    “DNA sequencing technology is really amplifying the impact of our research programs,” he added.

    The ARS team’s use of genomic analysis of new resistant lines is providing essential tools for public and private sugarbeet breeders.

    “Here is a resistance trait that breeders can immediately transfer into commercial lines,” Dorn said. “Normally, it would take years to evaluate a new line and introduce it into a breeding program. Additionally, this research allows us to further develop molecular markers. That will enable commercial breeders to more quickly identify whether what we have discovered in our lab is a new resistant trait that does not already exist in their breeding programs,” he said.

    Dorn expects further discoveries through DNA analysis will create more efficiencies in breeding sugarbeets and other crops.

    “This is really going to speed up our research programs … to the point that ARS-developed traits will be more quickly available for farmers to plant in their fields,” he said.

    In January 2024, the ARS team’s initial findings, were published in the Journal of Plant Registrations, Volume 18, Issue 1. – Tami Terella-Faram, USDA-ARS Office of Communications

  • Upcoming California Dairy Innovation Short Course Trainings and Conference

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for summer and fall courses as a part of its 2024 training program series for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The schedule of courses includes:

    Advanced Cheesemaking, which will take place July 16-17, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, SLO at the Dairy Products Technology Center in San Luis Obispo, Calif. This program will offer comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of milk and the cheesemaking processes, with two days of hands-on experience. This course also will include an enriching blend of theory and practical application, designed to enhance skills and knowledge in the art and science of advanced cheesemaking. Registration and more information is available here.

    2nd Annual Innovation Conference and State of the Industry, which will take place September 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Coalition at Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif. This conference will include presentations on technical and market information. More information is available here.

    Hispanic & Mediterranean Cheeses, which will take place October 8-9, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo at the Dairy Products Technology Center. Registration and more information is available here.

    CDIC also shared dates for Q4 and 2025 events, including:

    Tharp and Young on Ice Cream, which will take place December 4-6, 2024, in collaboration with Chapman University at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Registration and more information is available here.

    The Science of RTD Milk and Coffee Beverages, which will take place January 22-23, 2025, in collaboration with Chapman University at the Ranney Processing Lab at Chapman University. Registration and more information is available here.

    The CDIC also released the 2025 dates for the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, which will take place February 18-20, 2025, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., USDA, Pacific Coast Coalition, and the California Dairy Research Foundation, at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif. This conference will focus on dairy marketplace innovation, recent enhancements made to dairy processing and packaging and improved marketing. Attendees will hear from today’s leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their insight and experience in today’s dairy industry. Registration and additional information is available here.

    Short Course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) and CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact Veronique Lagrange (vlagrange@cmab.net).

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at: https://www.cdic.net/.

    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.

  • A Look at CDFA’s 2024-2025 Budget (and $29.4M in Cuts)

    California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2024-25 state budget, which closes a General Fund (GF) shortfall of $46.8 billion through a balanced package of solutions, including spending reductions of $16 billion that maintain investments in core programs. As outlined in the agreement announced by the Governor and legislative leaders, the legislation signed by Governor Newsom balances the budget in both 2024-25 and 2025-26, and it preserves budget resilience by maintaining $22.2 billion in total reserves at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year.

    Budget Year Funding

    The budget includes $690 million for CDFA programs between baseline funding for core programs and new funding for the following projects:

    Blythe Border Protection Station Construction Project: The budget includes $99.5 million for the construction phase of the Blythe Border Protection Station project. This project will replace the existing station that was constructed in 1958, which is inadequate for current traffic flow. The new facility will allow CDFA to inspect additional commercial and private vehicles to better protect California from invasive species.

    Emergency Invasive Fruit Fly Response: The budget includes $25 million for CDFA’s response to a historic outbreak of invasive fruit flies. There are typically 75 detections per year in seven counties. In calendar year 2023 there were 948 detections in 15 counties, which led to 68 delimitation projects and seven active quarantines.  In the calendar year 2024, there have been 30 new detections in 4 counties, which led to 8 delimitation projects. Without CDFA’s continued response to new finds, multiple species of invasive fruit flies have a high likelihood of becoming established in California, which would significantly impact the state’s natural and working landscape and impact California agriculture’s ability to export products.

    Protected One-Time Funding

    The budget protects $183.1 million of one-time general fund appropriations for CDFA. These include:

    Relief for Small Farmers:  The budget preserves $17.9 million for this program, which provides socially disadvantaged, small-scale and medium-scale producers with financial relief from severe weather-related damages.

    Farm to School (F2S) Grant Program:  The budget preserves $60 million for this program providing grants that support innovative local and regional F2S projects.  Funded projects promote innovation in nutrition education, sustainable production and procurement, and a high-quality student experience.

    State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Grant Program: The budget preserves $20.6 by fund-shifting authority to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) in FY 2026-27.  This program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water in California agricultural operations.

    Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program:  The budget includes $15 million in funding for Food Hubs.  These incentivize public-serving entities that serve as supply chain intermediaries for local and regional farms.

    California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP):  The budget preserves $35 million for this program encouraging the purchase and consumption of healthy, California-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by nutrition benefit clients.

    Livestock Methane Reduction: The budget preserves $24 million for this program by fund shifting from the general fund to the greenhouse gas reduction fund. The budget includes $17 million GGRF in 2024-25 and $7 million in FY 2025-26.  These funds are used for CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program and its Alternative Manure Management Program.

    Reductions

    The budget includes $29.4 million in one-time reductions for CDFA including:

    Technical Assistance Program for Underserved Farmers: This program funds non-profit organizations, resource conservation districts, Tribal Governments, and County Agricultural Commissioners to assist farmers and ranchers with applications for various drought and emergency relief programs.  The budget includes a reduction of $200,000, which is the remaining balance from the original $2.7 million appropriation.

    Fairground and Community Resilience Centers Grant Program:  This program focuses on improving both local fairground and other community facilities to enhance the state’s preparedness capabilities, particularly in response to climate change.  The Budget Act includes a reduction of $2.1 million from this program, which is the entire remaining grant award balance from an original appropriation of $150 million.

    Pollinator Habitat Grant Program:  This program provides grant funding for the establishment of pollinator habitat on agricultural land throughout California.  The budget includes a reduction of $445,000 from this program.

    Water Efficiency Technical Assistance:  This program facilitates technical assistance to agricultural operations for on-farm water use efficiency and nutrition management.  The budget includes a reduction of $6.9 million from this program, which is the remaining balance from the original $15 million appropriation.

    Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Program:  The budget includes a reduction of $23 million to the Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Program.  This program incentivizes the voluntary use of products or strategies that are scientifically proven and safe for enteric emission reductions in the state’s livestock sectors.

    Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program:  The budget includes a reduction of $8.5 million to the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, which funds energy efficient refrigeration units in corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state.

  • Sacramento Museum Educates Public About How Farmers Work Hard to Use Less Water

    Since Sacramento’s acclaimed Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) opened in November 2021, more than 331,000 visitors have toured the facility, which features dozens of interactive exhibits on topics such as health care, nature, space exploration and water.

    A popular MOSAC section is the Water Challenge Exhibit, which includes three interactive displays sponsored by Cultivate California and its nonprofit parent organization the California Farm Water Coalition that illustrate how farmers are working hard to use less water.

    Two sisters who recently visited MOSAC said they enjoyed the exhibits and the older one said she’d learned something as well.

    “I learned that water is very important and that we need water to grow food for people and to feed the animals we’re going to eat,” said 9-year-old Lyla Frith. Her sister, Kaylyn, 7, enjoyed the exhibits on her own level, saying, “I liked it a lot. The games were fun.”

    Both girls worked hard on the interactive exhibits to properly irrigate the fields without running out of water and to create their menus for the day, learning how much water was needed to grow the foods and how much nutritional value they contained in the process. In both cases, the game suggested they eat more vegetables.

    Making science fun is one of the ways Cultivate California strives to educate Californians about the vital link between farms and ranches and their water supplies, and how the ag community is working hard to grow even more food and fiber while using less water, said Farm Water Coalition Executive Director Mike Wade.

    “Our water exhibits bring home the fact that water is essential to grow our food and that California farmers are leading the world in conserving it,” Wade said. “It’s important that everyone know that farmers are using water in an efficient manner and that as consumers, we all depend on farmers.”

    Jacob DeBoer, with American AgCredit, said creating innovative ways to educate Californians about the importance of California agriculture is why Farm Credit organizations serving the state’s farmers and ranchers are contributing $100,000 to Cultivate California this year.

    “Firmly rooted in American AgCredit’s core values is an unwavering commitment to the communities where we work and live,” DeBoer said. “The MOSAC exhibit does such a great job of educating California consumers on how vital water is in growing the food that feeds our families, and how farmers are always aiming to optimize their water usage to ensure they’re being good stewards of our land.”

    Kevin Ralph, AgWest Farm Credit’s California President, agreed.

    “Providing accurate information about California agriculture to our state’s mainly urban population is critically important, and every year Cultivate California finds new creative ways to reach people online and get them to engage with the content,” Ralph said. “Farm Credit looks forward to continuing to help them spread the good news about the state’s farms and ranches.”

    Ag West Farm Credit, American AgCredit, and CoBank, Colusa Glenn Farm Credit, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit have sponsored Cultivate California since its inception in 2015. The three organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture.

    Of course, the MOSAC exhibit is just one part of Cultivate California’s toolkit. The bigger part of their outreach is via paid advertising on social media channels.

    “There are two facets to what we do. The first is to get their attention, and that’s with imagery and food facts, recipes, information about which regions grow different products, and what’s in season,” Wade said.

    “That helps get their attention, then we tailor the rest of the message about the importance of water to bring food to consumers and the value of California production over imports where we have less control over how commodities are grown. We get their attention and then deliver the message about why California is such an important ag state.”

    He said the digital campaign reached about 10 million people in 2023 and resulted in over 165,000 people engaging with the material through likes, comments and shares. To reach an even broader audience, the campaign is branching out into social media platforms that cater to younger audiences.

    “None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of the Farm Credit system,” Wade said. “Farm Credit is among our most generous supporters, allowing us to drive our messaging the way we intended.”

    About Farm Credit: 

    AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank, Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit are cooperatively owned lending institutions providing agriculture and rural communities with a dependable source of credit. For more than 100 years, the Farm Credit System has specialized in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses. Farm Credit offers a broad range of loan products and financial services, including long-term real estate loans, operating lines of credit, equipment and facility loans, cash management and appraisal and leasing services…everything a “growing” business needs. For more information, visit www.farmcreditalliance.com

    About Cultivate California:

    Cultivate California is an industry-supported program crafted to help consumers make the connection between farm water and their food supply. Cultivate California helps people see that California farms provide a healthy, safe, affordable and diverse food supply, that they are among the most water-efficient farms in the world, and that California farmers produce many food crops that cannot be commercially grown in other parts of the U.S.

  • USDA Offers Assistance for Recovery/Prevention of HPAI H5N1 in Dairy Herds

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1, in dairy cattle in 12 states including Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. To protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by HPAI H5N1 USDA is taking a number of actions with our federal partners.

    On April 24, APHIS announced a federal order that includes mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle and mandatory reporting of influenza A detections in livestock. In addition to the Federal Order mandates, USDA provides several voluntary testing and monitoring options, including the HPAI Dairy Herd Status Program announced on May 31, 2024. APHIS has released a list of requirements and recommendations that apply to interstate moving of lactating dairy cattle, testing guidance for livestock, and answers to frequently asked questions. Producers are encouraged to visit the APHIS HPAI Livestock Detection website for information about these programs and requirements, as well as the most comprehensive and timely updates about this rapidly evolving situation.

    Assistance for Milk Loss

    Confirmed H5N1 Positive Test Results Required for Recovery Assistance  

    Producers who incur milk losses in their dairy herds due to HPAI H5N1 can now apply for financial assistance through the USDA’s updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded ELAP policy through the rule-making process to assist with financial losses resulting from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking in dairy herds having a confirmed positive H5N1 test. Positive tests must be confirmed through the USDA’s APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).

    To apply, producers need to submit the following to FSA:

    • Proof of herd infection through a confirmed positive H5N1 test (based on USDA’s APHIS H5N1 case definition) on individual animal or bulk tank samples confirmed by APHIS’ NVSL;
    • A notice of loss indicating the date when the loss is apparent, which is the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test; and
    • An application for payment certifying the number of eligible adult dairy cows removed from production, the month the cows were removed from production, and the producer’s share in the milk production.

    The final date to file a notice of loss and application for payment for eligible losses is 30 days after the end of the prior calendar year, which is January 30.

    Note: To determine livestock and producer eligibility for ELAP H5N1 assistance, to submit an application or if you’ve not previously conducted business with FSA, contact your local FSA county office for details. Find your local office. Other online resources include frequently asked questions and a fact sheet.

    Loans for Biosecurity Implementation 

    FSA also provides direct and guaranteed loans for farmers and ranchers that can assist with implementation of biosecurity measures for their operations. Loans can assist with:

    • Installing physical barriers to facilitate quarantine, to prevent livestock interaction with wildlife, and to prevent unauthorized access by visitors
    • Purchase of disinfectant, footbaths, and disposable footwear and clothing;
    • Veterinary costs related to vaccination and general animal health;
    • Testing of feed and water sources for toxins and other disease;
    • Costs associated with responsible manure disposal and management;
    • Costs associated with cleaning and disinfecting livestock transportation equipment; and
    • Other biosecurity measures recommended by USDA or other applicable agencies.

    To learn more about loans, producers can use the:

    • Loan Assistance Tool – helps producers better navigate the farm loan process. The online Loan Assistance Tool provides producers needing agricultural financing with an interactive, step-by-step guide.
    • Farm Loans Overview Factsheet – provides an overview of all FSA direct and guaranteed loans, and eligibility requirements.
    • Farm Loans Homepage – gives in-depth farm loan information, including fact sheets, for those who don’t want to use the online Loan Assistance Tool.

    To learn more about ELAP or farm loans, producers should contact the FSA at the local USDA Service Center.

    To learn more about APHIS requirements and resources, visit APHIS’ Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock  webpage.

  • July USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2024, which are effective July 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

    “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans  

    FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for July 2024 are as follows:

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

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

    Farm Loan Program Process Improvement
    FSA has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made various improvements, including:

    • The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features, including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents, such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan.
    • The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.
    • An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment.
    • A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.
    • A new educational hub with farm loan resources and videos.

    More Information 

    Since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Biden in August 2022, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has provided approximately $2.4 billion in immediate assistance to more than 43,000 distressed borrowers. The deadline to request assistance through the Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Borrowers and Discrimination Financial Assistance Program has passed. Any applications submitted before the program deadlines are currently under review. Visit the related program webpages for more information.

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

  • Pecan Industry Votes to Continue Research and Promotion Program

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that pecan producers and importers voted to continue the American Pecan Promotion Board’s research and promotion program.

    In the referendum held May 10 through June 10, 2024, 74.89% of pecan producers and importers voted in favor of continuing the program. This meets the requirement that the majority of those voting were in favor of the program continuing.

    The Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order, which established the American Pecan Promotion program, requires USDA to conduct an initial referendum no later than three years after assessments are first collected. Subsequent continuance referendum will be conducted every seven years or at the request of 10% or more of all eligible pecan producers and importers.

    More information about the program is on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) American Pecan Promotion Board webpage and on the American Pecan Promotion Board website.

    The pecan research and promotion program is authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996. The program was developed to strengthen the position of pecans in the marketplace, maintain and expand markets for pecans and develop new uses for pecans within the United States.

    Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

  • Veteran Sports Marketing Leader Zachary Fraser to Lead American Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers, the non-profit association responsible for driving global awareness of the quality, nutrition, and brand power of American-grown pistachios, has hired sports-marketing leader Zachary Fraser as the organization’s new President & CEO. Fraser joins APG after four years with LEARFIELD, the influential media and technology company behind many of collegiate sports most influential brands, where he led the company’s Fresno State athletics (lower case) property.

    “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are very excited to welcome Zachary as the new president of American Pistachio Growers,” said APG Board Chair Richard Kreps. “We feel his successful track record as a leader in multiple industries coupled with his passion were just what APG needs at this time. After several years of working with Fraser in his capacity with his previous employer at our annual conference, we are very excited to have him lead our exceptional team in our time of significant growth in the pistachio industry.”

    Fraser enjoyed success at the helm of Fresno State’s LEARFIELD team. As the company responsible for managing traditional and digital media rights, broadcast platforms, and media/sponsorship sales for the Fresno State Bulldogs, his team was recognized for multiple achievements across the entire landscape of collegiate sports-media. Fraser was instrumental in helping Bulldog sports properties win “Property of the Year” among peer athletic departments, following the 2022-23 varsity season. That same year, Fraser was recognized as the “Chairman’s Club” overall winner, among peer vice-presidents and general managers.

    Prior to arriving in California’s Central Valley, Zachary was the founding general manager and managing partner at Pacific Baseball Ventures (PBV). PBV is an investment group which owns and operates summer collegiate baseball teams in Walla Walla, WA (Walla Walla Sweets), and Yakima Valley, WA (Yakima Valley Pippins). Under his stewardship, more than 30 players who were scouted and signed by PBV went on to play Major League Baseball–including Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox), and Cody Poteet (New York Yankees).

    While working amid the fertile valleys of Southeastern Washington, Fraser gained a significant appreciation for the region’s agricultural marketing initiatives. He also gained valuable non-profit operations and leadership experience, serving as board chair of Visit Walla Walla, as well as leadership positions on the boards of numerous other non-profits.

    “I am humbled and excited to join such a talented and dedicated group of remarkable professionals, who are passionate about serving our 800-plus grower members in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” said Fraser. “I wake up every morning excited and grateful to meet with, and learn from, growers, processors, vendors, suppliers and consumers of the best nut in the world. How lucky am I that I get to work alongside some of the best people in the industry to educate and market a product that I am already a huge fan of? Let’s get every consumer eating the most nutrient-dense, protein-packed nut in the world – American-grown pistachios.”

    Fraser looks forward to meeting APG members and the greater pistachio community on July 26th at APG’s annual member luncheon in Visalia. Pacific Nut Producer Magazine Editor Matthew Malcolm recently had the opportunity to meet with him, so stay tuned for a video introduction with Zachary to be released shortly.

    Fraser is fluent in English and French. He and his wife JoLynn have three children, including a son who lives in Ghana, West Africa.

    American Pistachio Growers is the non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers and member processors in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.