California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • USDA Now Accepting Applications to Help Cover Organic Certification Costs

    Through the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP), USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will cover up to 75% of organic certification costs at a maximum of $750 per certification category. FSA is now accepting applications, and organic producers and handlers should apply for OCCSP by the Oct. 31, 2024, deadline for eligible expenses incurred from Oct. 1, 2023, to Sept. 30, 2024. FSA will issue payments as applications are received and approved.

    “Costs associated with obtaining organic certification can be a barrier for California producers wanting to get certified,” said Blong Xiong, FSA State Executive Director in California. “Through OCCSP assistance, FSA helps California organic producers obtain certification and leverage related benefits like premium prices for commodities and access to broader markets and additional technical assistance.”

    OCCSP was part of a broader organic announcement made by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack on May 15, 2024, which also included the Organic Market Development Grant program and Organic Transition Initiative.

    Eligible Applicants, Expenses and Categories

    OCCSP provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of organic agricultural commodities for expenses incurred obtaining or maintaining organic certification under USDA’s National Organic Program.  Eligible OCCSP applicants include any certified organic producers or handlers who have paid organic certification fees to a USDA-accredited certifying agent.

    Cost share assistance covers expenses including application fees, inspection costs, fees related to equivalency agreement and arrangement requirements, inspector travel expenses, user fees, sales assessments and postage. OCCSP pays a maximum of $750 per certification category for crops, wild crops, livestock, processing/handling, and state organic program fees (California only).

    How to Apply

    To apply, producers and handlers should contact FSA at their local USDA Service Center and be prepared to provide documentation of organic certification and eligible expenses. OCCSP applications can also be submitted through participating state departments of agriculture.  For more information, visit the OCCSP webpage.

    Opportunity for State Departments of Agriculture

    FSA is also accepting applications from state departments of agriculture to administer OCCSP. FSA posted a funding opportunity summary on grants.gov and will electronically mail the Notice of Funding Opportunity to all eligible state departments of agriculture. Applications are due July 12, 2024.

    If a state department of agriculture chooses to participate in OCCSP, both the state department of agriculture and FSA county offices in that state will accept OCCSP applications and make payments to eligible certified operations. Producers or handlers can receive OCCSP assistance from either FSA or the participating state department of agriculture but not both.

    More Information

    USDA offers other assistance for organic producers, including the Organic Transition Initiative (OTI), which includes direct farmer assistance for organic production and processing and conservation. For more information on organic agriculture, visit farmers.gov/organic.

    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.

  • Unofficial Facility Registration Websites: Warning for Ag Exporters

    The USDA Foreign Ag Service (FAS) has received inquiries about several websites that offer facility registration to export various food and agricultural products to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Many of these websites, however, are not official PRC government websites. Exporters should register their facilities through official government websites or through a U.S. government agency.

    The General Administration of Customs of the PRC (GACC) requires establishments exporting specific categories of food products to the PRC to register with either the Bureau of Import and Export Food Safey (BIEFS) or with the Department of Animal and Plant Quarantine (DAPQ). Depending on the product, businesses can either self-register or are required to work with a U.S. government agency to register. Those establishments self-registering with BIEFS will do so through the China Import Food Enterprises Registration (CIFER) system.

    FAS has received inquiries about several websites or service providers that purportedly offer facility registration services. These websites disguise themselves as an official GACC website or as a website of the State General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), an agency that no longer exists after merging to become GACC. These non-official websites attempt to lure overseas manufacturers to register their facilities to export their product to China in exchange for a fee. Several of these websites look legitimate, and contacts who have engaged these websites have shared that customer service representatives are responsive to inquiries. These websites will often have“GACC” or “CIFER” in the name, while others may reference “AQSIQ” in the name. Some of the websites mirror the layout of the official website and display official logos, which has misled exporters to believe the website is the official website for registering facilities in the PRC. In addition, these websites are usually the top results of internet searches making it even harder to determine that they are not legitimate. These websites, however, are not official PRC websites for facility registration and, GACC staff have shared that, when questioned, these spurious websites are not official.

    The official GACC CIFER single window portal website address is https://cifer.singlewindow.cn. It is the only website to register products that fall under Decree 248 with BIEFS, while DAPQ facility registration must be done via a government agency.

    BIEFS Registration

    BIEFS requires establishments to register in the CIFER system prior to shipping products covered under Decree 248. Please see the latest USDA GAIN Report updating the list of products subject to Decree 248: Decree 248 Product List Update – May 2024 | CH2024-0064. Depending on the product, exporters can register their facilities through a self-registration process or will need the assistance of the U.S. competent authority. The attached spreadsheet in the report lists products covered by Decree 248 by HS code and indicates whether the facility can be self-registered or if it needs assistance from the U.S. competent authority.

    NOTE: U.S. exporters of meat, poultry, dairy, infant formula, and seafood products should follow the procedures for exporting to the PRC as outlined by relevant U.S. food safety regulators: the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For further assistance, FDA-regulated facilities may contact: cfsanexportcertification@fda.hhs.gov. mailto:FSIS-regulated facilities are encouraged to seek assistance from FSIS In-Plant Inspection Personnel at their establishments and can also send inquiries to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s AskFSIS mailbox at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/contact-us/askfsis.

    DAPQ Registration

    DAPQ requires exporters and traders whose commodities fall under DAPQ’s authority, such as grains and oilseeds under PRC Decree 177, pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet foods, compound and mixed feed, feed ingredients and additives, live animals and genetics, and some aquatic products, to register via a government agency. Currently, USDA China offices, FAS and APHIS, manage or administer 43 lists transmitted to GACC DAPQ. These include lists compiled by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), the USDA AMS Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS), the Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and industry associations.

    For general information regarding Decree 248, please contact: Decree248Inquiry@usda.gov. For general information regarding DAPQ’s registration process, please contact:

    FASChinaDAPQRegistrations@usda.gov.

  • Organic Trade Association, The Organic Center Awarded $4.4 Million Market Development Grant

    The Organic Trade Association (OTA) and The Organic Center are pleased to be the recipients of $2.2 million in Organic Market Development Grant (OMDG) matching funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to expand organic markets through consumer education and promotion.  The funds provided by USDA match those provided by the OTA, The Organic Center and Organic Voices for a three-year project totaling $4.4 million.

    The joint project by the trade association and The Organic Center is designed to stimulate the demand for and increase the sales of organic products by promoting the science-backed benefits of USDA certified organic products and farming to consumers. The project will be done in collaboration with Organic Voices and an Industry Advisory Committee.

    “We thank USDA for making this project possible with this important funding. Consumers lack information about all that the USDA Organic label stands for and all the benefits it delivers for human health, the environment, and businesses,” said OTA co-CEO Tom Chapman. “Our project aims to increase the consumption of organic by giving consumers access to more credible information about what organic production and processing means, and the advantages it provides.”

    “We want to educate people about the difference organic makes, and inspire them to choose organic,” said Dr. Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center. “This project will highlight organics’ ability to protect natural resources, sequester carbon and regenerate soil health, while also providing nutritional benefits and protecting us from synthetic pesticides, preservatives, antibiotics and more. The more educated consumers are about organic, the more likely they will seek out that Organic label.”

    The project will develop fresh creative content on the regulatory and science-based environmental, animal and human benefits of organic, focusing on targeted information to motivate consumers to purchase organic products, prioritizing organic dairy, grain and fiber. A full-scale integrated marketing campaign will be launched, and particular focus will be made to ensure that the promotion reaches beyond mainstream organic markets into regions and communities where organic production is not prevalent.

    The project will culminate with a final comprehensive report on effective organic consumer marketing strategies, content, and messaging which will be shared with the entire organic industry through the distribution of printed copies of the report, and availability through social media channels.

    “The longevity of this project will extend far beyond its 3-year timeframe,” said OTA co-CEO Matthew Dillon. “The creation of valuable educational content and marketing resources will continue to benefit organic producers and brands, while the consumer promotion and education campaign will yield a lasting impact by expanding the community of informed organic consumers to create a growing and stable market for organic.”

    The Organic Market Development Grant Program is part of the USDA Organic Transition Initiative, a $300-million initiative launched in 2022, to help existing organic farmers and those transitioning to organic production and processing.

    About the Organic Trade Association

    The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing more than 500 organic businesses across 50 states and 9,500 farmers through its Farmers Advisory Council. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.

    About The Organic Center

    The Organic Center is a nonprofit research and education organization whose mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental impacts of organic food and farming and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center works to fill critical industry knowledge gaps by managing research projects and providing tools and training to help organic farmers and businesses thrive. Its research projects focus on climate change mitigation and environmental health, human health, and building tools and solutions to support organic operations. The Center operates under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.

    About Organic Voices

    Organic Voices is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help consumers better appreciate and eliminate confusion about all the benefits of Organic. It is dedicated to educating consumers about the significance of the USDA Organic seal, ROC certification, and GOTS certification through its Only Organic campaign. It creates compelling educational content tailored to inform and engage consumers, using multiple online channels to reach new audiences through large-scale consumer-facing campaigns. Partnering with brands, retailers, farmers, and consumers, Organic Voices strives to amplify the message of the benefits of organic and establish a unified voice throughout the organic industry.

  • US Organic Marketplace Posts Record Sales in 2023

    U.S. sales of certified organic products approached $70 billion in 2023, a new record for the sector. Dollar sales for the American organic marketplace hit $69.7 billion last year, up 3.4 percent, according to the 2024 Organic Industry Survey released by the Organic Trade Association (OTA).

    Despite stubborn price inflation seen throughout retail aisles, consumers remained clear-eyed about their priorities in the products they chose for themselves and their families, valuing health and sustainability, and seeking out the USDA Organic label. The organic marketplace recalibrated its supply chain and reconciled the cost of doing business in part with increased retail pricing. The industry continued to grow, with organic food sales in 2023 totaling $63.8 billion and sales of organic non-food products totaling $5.9 billion.

    “It is encouraging to see that organic is growing at basically the same rate as the total market. In the face of inflation and considering organic is already seen as a premium category, the current growth shows that consumers continue to choose organic amidst economic challenges and price increases. Although organic is now a maturing sector in the marketplace, we still have plenty of room to grow,” says Tom Chapman, co-CEO of OTA.

    Matthew Dillon, co-CEO of OTA, adds that to achieve this growth, “It is essential to educate consumers that choosing organic is a straightforward way to tackle some of the greatest challenges we face. Whether it’s accessing healthy foods, improving transparency in supply chains, mitigating climate change, supporting rural economic resilience, protecting natural resources, or realizing the multitude of other benefits, effectively communicating and delivering on these promises is the key to expanding organic’s share of our dinner plate.”

    In 2023, the increase in dollar sales in the organic market was driven more by pricing than unit sales. But that said, consumers boosted their purchases of many organic products. Increases in unit sales were reported for up to 40 percent of the products tracked in this year’s survey. The survey also showed that prices for many non-organic products climbed at a faster rate than organic products. This means the price gap between conventional and organic is closing, which should help fuel growth for organic products in 2024.

    The top organic sellers 

    Produce held its spot as the largest organic category in 2023, continuing to be the primary entry point for consumers into the organic market. Organic produce meets the consumer’s desire for clean, healthy food, and the importance of organic’s critical benefit of no toxic

    synthetic pesticides is easy to grasp when buying organic berries or carrots. In 2023, the category grew by 2.6 percent to $20.5 billion. Organic produce now accounts for more than 15 percent of total U.S. fruit and vegetable sales. Top sellers in the organic produce section were avocadoes, berries, apples, carrots, and packaged salads, and organic bananas saw stronger growth in 2023 than non-organic bananas.

    The second biggest-selling food category in the organic aisles was the grocery category with sales of $15.4 billion for a 4.1 percent growth. This new category represents many of the products previously grouped under breads and grains, condiments, and packaged and prepared foods. With 21 different subcategories, close to 40 percent of the sales in the grocery category were driven by the top three performers —in-store bakery and fresh breads with sales of $3.1 billion for a gain of almost 3 percent, dry breakfast goods up around 8 percent to $1.8 billion in sales, and baby food and formula at $1.5 billion for a hefty gain of nearly 11 percent.

    Beverages were the third largest category for organic in 2023, posting $9.4 billion in sales, up 3.9 percent. As always, this category was a driver of innovation with functional beverages, whether for enhanced hydration or mental focus, playing a prominent role.  2023 also saw a surge in new organic non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. On the flipside, organic wine sales were up 2.5 percent to $377 million, and organic liquor and cocktails, while still the smallest sector of beverages at $59 million, posted over 13 percent growth.

    Organic dairy and eggs, the fourth-largest category in the organic food market is another entry point for consumers who want clean, ethical sources of protein with lower environmental impacts. In 2023, organic dairy and egg sales were up 5.5 percent, reaching $8.2 billion. Organic dairy and eggs now account for over 8 percent of all dairy and egg sales. Milk and cream sales were up almost 5 percent to $4.2 billion, and the organic dairy alternative category grew almost 14 percent in 2023 to around $700 million.

    The rate of growth in the sales of the organic non-food categories was mixed. Personal care products saw the strongest growth in 2023 with sales reaching $1.3 billion up almost 7 percent, and sales of organic supplements were up over 4 percent to $2.1 billion. Organic fiber continues to be the largest segment of the U.S. organic non-food products, representing 40 percent of the category’s sales in 2023 of around $2.4 billion. Sales for organic fiber were essentially flat year-over-year, not due to lack of buyer interest but restricted more by supply chain issues.

    Organic remains a stand-out in a growing sea of labels 

    The number of claims and labels continued to expand in the retail aisles in 2023, but the organic seal stayed a stand-out with consumers. A growing consumer focus on personal and family health, sustainability, and a desire for clean products free from antibiotics, hormones, preservatives, and dyes kept shoppers turning to organic. More consumers are aware of the potential health benefits associated with organic foods, and many consumers, especially the Gen Z generation, are increasingly conscious of the ethical implications of their food choices and are looking for products that align with their values, such as animal welfare, fair trade, and support for organic farmers.

    Research is showing a consistent and growing interest in organic from Millennials and Gen Z. These generations grew up with organic and sustainability, and the health of people and planet, are all top-of-mind for these consumers. Industry experts see this as an opportunity for organic, with the sector well positioned to meet the product attributes and values sought by consumers today and for future generations. By 2030, the U.S. population will consist of a majority driven by Millennial, Gen Z and younger generations.

    But the future for organic is not without its challenges. The latest term adding confusion to the marketplace is “regenerative.” While regenerative labels are not necessarily top of mind for consumers yet, the attributes they claim to represent include soil health, animal and human welfare, and biodiversity — attributes already embodied by the USDA Organic seal. As new certifications develop around regenerative agriculture, there is concern of consumer confusion, making it all the more important to elevate organic education.

    Methodology 

    This year’s survey was conducted early in 2024 and was produced on behalf of the Organic Trade Association by Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ). Numerous data sources were compiled to create as complete a picture as possible of the organic industry which consists largely of private companies. Inputs include but are not limited to point-of-sale data, expert interviews, annual report data, and in-depth direct survey data. Roughly 65 companies completed a significant portion of the in-depth survey.

    In an effort to better represent how products are marketed within the grocery aisles, newly arranged organic product categories are being presented in the 2024 report. Shelf stable and fresh products that have traditionally been part of the packaged and prepared foods, breads and grains, and condiments category are now largely part of the new grocery category. Fresh produce, the largest organic subcategory, is now a full-fledged category of its own, as frozen and canned produce is now in the grocery category.

    Executive summaries of the survey are available to the media upon request. The full report can be purchased; online orders can be placed on this page.

    The 2024 OTA Organic Industry Survey is available in full as a benefit to association members.

    About the Organic Trade Association

    The Organic Trade Association (OTA) is the membership-based business association for organic agriculture and products in North America. OTA is the leading voice for the organic trade in the United States, representing more than 500 organic businesses across 50 states and 9,500 farmers through its Farmers Advisory Council. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, retailers and others. OTA’s Board of Directors is democratically elected by its members. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.

  • NorCal Dairy Tour Provides Beef/Dairy Nutrition and Sustainability Insights

    If you think school lunch begins in the cafeteria, you’d be mistaken. It starts back at its nutritional roots…on the farm. Recently, the California Beef Council (CBC), in partnership with the Dairy Council of California, took 55 future healthcare professionals, students, educators, and school nutrition professionals to DeSnayer Dairy in Lodi, California to learn about and see firsthand the critical role dairy farms play in sustainable agriculture and supporting school nutrition programs.

    “We chose DeSnayer Dairy Farm for this tour because they operate sustainably, with practices that optimize resource use and reduce environmental impact,” said Kori Dover, the CBC’s Director of Food & Nutrition Outreach. “Attendees were able to engage with firsthand experiences and demonstrations that showcased the interconnectedness of food production, consumption, and sustainability.”

    Participants gained insights into the lifecycle of dairy production from feed management to milking, and learned how the dairy industry contributes to the beef supply chain. Most importantly, the group gained a deeper understanding of how these two agricultural sectors-beef and dairy-contribute to providing nutritious food options for school programs and consumers.

    “Tours like this help foster an open dialogue about production practices,” Dover said. “They go a long way toward dispelling myths, clarifying common misconceptions, and building trust. Our goal with events like these is to develop and nurture strong connections between agricultural sectors and educational entities.”

    So, how are these two agricultural sectors connected? Beef and dairy-both top agricultural commodities in California-are nutrient-dense foods that provide high-quality protein and other essential nutrients necessary at all stages of life. In addition, dairy cattle are a significant part of the U.S. beef supply, contributing between 18% and 24% to the total U.S. beef supply since 2002. This contribution equates to a larger amount of choice and prime cuts for consumers.

    “Open dialogue about dairy and beef cattle farming and production practices goes a long way toward building trust between our beef and dairy producers, and educational stakeholders,” Dover said. “It’s an important partnership with significant benefits for all concerned.”

    For more information about food and nutrition outreach programs, contact Kori Dover at kori@calbeef.org. For more information on the CBC, visit calbeef.org.

    About the California Beef Council

    The California Beef Council (CBC) was established in 1954 to serve as the promotion, research, and education arm of the California beef industry, and is mandated by the California Food and Agricultural Code. The CBC’s mission is to amplify the voice of the California beef industry to strengthen beef demand through innovative promotions, research, and open communication. For more information, visit calbeef.org.

    About the Beef Checkoff

    The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen’s Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.

    About the Dairy Council of California

    Dairy Council of California is a nutrition organization overseen by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Funded by California’s dairy farm families and milk processors, we are the dairy community’s philanthropic contribution to community health, positively impacting countless lives advancing milk and dairy’s unique and essential contributions to healthy, sustainable eating patterns.

    Dairy Council of California also works to secure grant funding for community nutrition projects. We value collaboration and partner with organizations with shared values to extend our collective impact through collaboration and co-creation. For more information, visit dairycouncilofca.org.

  • $5.87 Million Awarded To Dairy Businesses In California And Other Western States

    $5.87 million in grants have been awarded to dairy processors along the Pacific Coast, strengthening the region’s food systems. The Pacific Coast Coalition – Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (PCC-DBII), hosted by California State University, Fresno, has named 28 winners across California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada and New Mexico. While all grants are pivotal to the sustainability and longevity of each respective business, Rosa Brothers Milk Company (Hanford, CA) was awarded almost $1 million for the purchasing of ice cream equipment to meet demands, produce novelty items, provide healthier alternatives and expand into the pet food market with Greek-style frozen yogurt pet treats. Grants of $500,000 were given to Pacific Cheese Co. (Reno, NV) for an upgraded cheese cuber that will almost triple production in a growing market, Petit Pot (Emeryville, CA) for launching a more affordable paper cup 2-pack without compromising on quality, and CheeseBits (Riverbank, CA) for reducing COGS through automation, adding jobs and expanding into new markets. With $4.78 million going towards equipment-related investments, all grants support the economics of innovation in the dairy industry.

    Grouped by state, grant awardees include:

    California

    Oregon

    Washington

    Nevada 

    New Mexico
    Camino de Paz (Santa Cruz)

    “Each grant awardee embodies the passion and initiative to build a stronger dairy presence on the West Coast, and to forge bonds between food producers/processors and consumers,  said PCC-DBII Project Director Carmen Licon Cano, Ph.D. “Recipients range from adding a creamery location where people can watch cheese being made on a small scale to transitioning a production line with automation, allowing employees to free up for other important tasks, like creating new value-added dairy products.  All projects are exciting, allowing dairy processors to make nutritious, delicious dairy products available locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.”

    Grant winners’ intentions range from upgrading equipment, streamlining processes, optimizing packaging, adding more jobs, developing new products, and generating new market growth. From first-generation businesses to multi-generational legacies, these grants support the future of the dairy industry and the strength of our nation’s food systems.

    Dairy processing businesses and farmsteads throughout the West Coast are actively investing grant funds to catalyze change via their product offerings, production efficiencies, job retention/growth, and market expansion.  Dr. Susan Pheasant, Director of the Institute for Food and Agriculture and the “cowkeeper” for the PCC-DBII commented “We are thrilled to work with each of these businesses and honored to steward the USDA AMS dairy innovation funding for product development, business resiliency, access to high-quality food nutrition, and the rebuilding of communities.

    About the Pacific Coast Coalition

    Dairy Business Innovation Initiative is funded through the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service and hosted by California State University, Fresno. The initiative is in collaboration with Cal Poly Humboldt, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chapman University, Chico State, Oregon State University, Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council, UC Davis, Washington State University, New Mexico State University and the California Dairy Innovation Center. This is the fourth round of grant funding through the PCC-DBII. Via four rounds of funding, PCC-DBII has made nearly $10.7 million in grants from the USDA AMS available to regional dairy businesses for innovation-related investments, helping dairy processors evolve their operations and adopt more sustainable practices. For more information on the PCC-DBII and available resources, please visit their website at https://www.dairypcc.net/

  • Compost Tax Credit Bill for California Farmers Progresses Through Legislature

    California growers investing in compost to boost soil fertility on the farm may soon reap additional benefits in the form of a tax credit. Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) joined Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share how this promising CAWG-sponsored bill is currently making its way through legislature. Watch this brief video to learn more.

  • New Report on Intersection of SGMA and Cover Crop Water Use in California’s Central Valley

    A multi-disciplinary authorship group of over 30 individuals has published a report comprised of literature review, policy analysis, and recommendations pertaining to the water impacts of cover crop practices in California’s Central Valley under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA).

    The report, entitled “Cover Cropping in the SGMA Era,” is the product of a convening process jointly developed by the California Association of Resource Conservation Districts (CARCD), California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), Natural Resources Conservation Service of California (NRCS-CA), and University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) and assembled by Sustainable Conservation.

    Cover Crops and their Potential

    Cover crops are non-income generating crops that are used to protect and improve the soil between regular annual crop production (such as tomatoes), or between rows of perennial tree and vine crops. The benefits of cover cropping include improved pollinator habitat, infiltration, water storage, carbon capture, and soil health, as well as decreased runoff and erosion – all vital factors in California’s changing agricultural context. These potential benefits are especially salient in the San Joaquin Valley (SJV), where groundwater challenges are more acute. Thus, this report evaluates the water implications of cover cropping practices to lay the groundwork for their adoption in the context of SGMA.

    Report Findings and Recommendations

    To understand the potential of cover cropping under SGMA, the report’s authors came together to answer the following questions:

    1. What are the impacts of cover crops on water cycles (both benefits and use) for California farms?
    2. How does SGMA management account for cover cropping and is it capturing cover crop benefits alongside their water use?
    3. How can we ensure that this practice remains available to growers where and when it makes sense?

    This report synthesizes the learnings from the collaborative initiative including 100+ multidisciplinary experts, a policy analysis, interviews with Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) staff and consultants, and the expertise contributed by its 30+ authors. In light of these findings, the report advances a series of recommendations aimed at bridging critical knowledge gaps, enhancing the integration of cover crops into policies and incentive programs, and bolstering data infrastructure and other mechanisms to support sustainable groundwater management initiatives. One vital throughline is the need for additional guidance from the state to support local GSAs in facing the complex challenges of developing and implementing groundwater management strategies for their local watersheds. These measures aim to maximize the water benefits of cover crops within SGMA frameworks and promote sustainable water management practices crucial for the region’s agricultural resilience and environmental health.

    Side-by-side of Donny Hick’s almond orchard without (left) and with (right) cover crops after a big rain event

    Testimonials

    “Cover crops are one of the most popular practices we see farmers employ through our Healthy Soils Program,” said Karen Ross, Secretary of the CDFA. “Cover crops supply a host of benefits, such as helping to protect against soil erosion, improving soil health, crowding out weeds, controlling pests and diseases, and increasing biodiversity; and they can bring increased profitability as the number of other inputs are reduced. They also provide water benefits such as improved infiltration and reduced runoff. Yes, cover crops require a nominal amount of water to establish – and sometimes rainwater is sufficient — but the myriad co-benefits are worth it.”

    “This report is unique because the University collaborated closely with state agencies and private sector partners to ensure that the different perspectives provided both the best science available as well as viable policy options,” said Glenda Humiston, University of California Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR). “By taking a comprehensive view, we can advance recommendations for cover crop policy that help us meet multiple goals, manage our natural resources more effectively, and avoid unintended consequences.”

    “Cover crops are a valuable soil health practice that can help ensure the resilience of California farms to climate extremes,” said Sarah Light, UC Cooperative Extension Agronomy Farm Advisor. “As we balance the complexities of water and soil management, it is important to understand the role that cover crops play in an annual water budget so that they are not disincentivized in certain parts of the state. UC ANR expert participants provided science-based information during the convening sessions and co-authored the white paper. This paper can provide guidance to GSAs and policy makers who are charged with implementing SGMA in their regions.”

    View the Executive Summary

    View the Full Report

  • New Herbicides Tools for California Rice Weed Management in 2024

    This year brings several new chemical tools to California rice. With many herbicide-resistant species as well as emerging problematic weed species, the new chemistries are a welcome tool for managing resistance and preventing the selection of resistant biotypes.

    Rice (photo credit: Brad Hooker)

    Last year, we had use of Loyant® CA Rinskor™ active (florpyrauxifen-benzyl) for the full season (registered late in 2022). Loyant®, which is an auxin mimic, is applied as a foliar product. It gives additional options for early-season control of sedges and broadleaf weeds, and although not strong on watergrasses when applied alone, provides added control when tank-mixed with other herbicides for grass control. Based on data collected in 2022-2023, two good tank-mix options for watergrass control are SuperWham®/Stam® (propanil) and Regiment (bispyribac-sodium). It does not control sprangletop.

    Cliffhanger™ (benzobicyclon) was just registered in 2024, and is a new formulation of a previously-registered granular product already widely in use in California rice. Since it can be applied as a foliar product, it expands the timing that benzobicyclon can be applied in the flooded system. It can also be applied as a direct-stream application into the water. It is an HPPD-inhibitor, providing a good option for rotation. It controls sprangletop, ricefield bulrush and smallflower umbrella sedge. Additional tank-mix testing will be occurring this season to determine if it might be a good partner in combination with other herbicides for added late-season watergrass control.

    The last product recently registered is Zembu™ (pyraclonil). Zembu™ is a granular formulation of pyraclonil, applied pre-emergence or at day-of-seeding into a flooded field. It provides control of smallflower umbrella sedge and broadleaf weeds, and provides suppression of watergrass. As a PPO-inhibitor, it is a new mode of action for watergrass, as the only other PPO-inhibitor registered in California rice only has activity on sedges. It will provide a great rotational option for growers at the beginning of the season, as well as a great partner product (for added control) with other granular into-the-water products.

    As always, the label is the law, so make sure to read and follow the current labels for each of these herbicides (found on the manufacturers website or at the Department of Pesticide Regulation’s website). Also check in locally with your Agricultural Commissioner’s office for training information and any other county-specific requirements.

    With these three new options, as well as the currently-registered products, rice growers in California should have a great suite of tools available this year, both for resistance management as well as to prevent the selection of future resistance. For help planning a weed management program, please reach out to your local Rice Farm Advisor. — By Whitney B Brim-Deforest, UCCE Rice Advisor

  • 2024 International Produce Excellence In Foodservice Awards Featured In Monterey, CA

    The International Fresh Produce Association has announced the names of the winners of the 2024 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards. Sponsored by FreshEdge, this prestigious awards program honors chefs and foodservice operators across the country for their produce innovation, creativity, and all-around excellence in the use of fresh produce in the culinary arts. Along with global exposure, the winners also receive a trip to IFPA’s Foodservice Conference in Monterey, California on July 25-26 where they will be honored on stage.

    These nine leading chefs and foodservice professionals were nominated by their peers and then evaluated by an expert panel of produce industry judges based on a certain set of criteria. By shining a spotlight on fresh produce through menu creativity and concept development and their ability to incorporate produce into culinary trends, each of these honorees has been instrumental in the increase of produce consumption in their communities.

    “We are proud of our continued commitment to this exceptional program that honors the best of the best in foodservice who are elevating fresh produce to the forefront of their menus,” said Steve Grinstead, CEO of FreshEdge.

    “Fresh produce remains a key driver of success for the foodservice, retail, and culinary industries with chefs and foodservice professionals playing an essential role in encouraging consumers to explore new produce items,” said Greg Corsaro, President of FreshEdge. “We are proud to recognize another great group of pioneers.”

    The 9 winners of the 2024 Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards are:

    • Business and Industry: EJ Jimenez, Executive Chef/Chef Instructor, Rancho Cielo Youth Campus
    • Casual and Family Dining Restaurants: Grace Goudie, Executive Chef, Scratch Board Kitchen
    • Colleges and Universities: Jonathan Guitierrez Santiago, Executive Sous Chef, University of California Merced/Yablokoff Wallace Dining Center
    • Fine Dining Restaurants: David Ruiz, Executive Chef, Scalo Restaurant
    • Hospitals and Healthcare: Roel Mesta, Executive Chef, The Village at Germantown
    • Hotel and Resort: Manfred Lassahn, Executive Chef, Hyatt Regency Hotels — Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa
    • K-12 Foodservice: Julie Raway, Registered Dietitian, Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES)
    • Supermarket and Retail Operators: Dorene Mills, Hannaford chef, Hannaford Supermarkets
    • Quick-Serve Restaurants: Chris Mayo, Development Manager, Wildflower

    More information on the Produce Excellence in Foodservice Awards program can be found here on IFPA’s website.

    About FreshEdge

    FreshEdge is headquartered in Indianapolis, IN, and was established in 2019 with the combination of Indianapolis Fruit and Piazza Produce in Indianapolis and Get Fresh Produce in Bartlett, IL. Since then, numerous other best-in-class distribution companies and their respective value-added operations have joined the FreshEdge family, growing it into a super-regional leader in the fresh food industry with a focus on fresh produce and specialty food items. FreshEdge’s footprint spans twenty-five states throughout the Midwest and southeastern United States. Together, Wind Point and FreshEdge intend to continue growing FreshEdge by welcoming more fresh food distribution companies into the group—all focused on high-quality produce and specialty food products, along with exceptional service—to create a unique group of complementary entities.

    Additional information about FreshEdge is available at www.freshedgefoods.com.