California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • New Invasive Pest Threatens Western Tree Nut Industry

    Western tree nut commodities just got through a very tough season, and markets are still less than ideal.  The last thing growers want to hear about is a new pest threatening their orchard production.  But the Carpophilus Beetle has already been under the radar far too long, damaging Central Valley orchards under the guise of “Navel Orangeworm.”  Watch this brief video with Bob Klein from the California Pistachio Research Board as he explains, and read more about this new pest in the December and January issues of Pacific Nut Producer magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Thunder Creek Equipment for their industry support.

  • Growers, Researchers & Leaders Exchange Ideas at Almond Board Conference

    Almond Board of California — The Almond Conference 2023 drew the largest turnout since 2019 as attendees met new Almond Board of California president and CEO Clarice Turner and heard about the array of programs – ranging from building global demand to increased trade efforts to research to maximize grower efficiency – aimed at helping the industry face difficult times.

    As always, the gathering at Sacramento’s SAFE Credit Union Convention Center was the largest of the year for the almond industry, drawing 3,819 attendees and providing an opportunity to further relationships, build new ones and exchange ideas and information.

    “This year, we were able to share what we learned about the challenges we’re facing as well as outline the efforts ABC is making to address each,” said Alexi Rodriguez, chair of ABC’s Board of Directors. “The best path for our industry is going to be together, and The Almond Conference offered a great opportunity to take into account all the ideas and experiences that were shared to help us move forward.”

    During the State of the Industry presentation, Turner talked about what she called a great strength of the almond industry – the supportive nature of everyone in it.

    “I’m so impressed with how you all work together, help each other, and care so deeply,” Turner said. “As the industry struggles to deal with challenges, many we don’t control, it’s critical to pull together and focus on what we can control or influence to find our way forward … We have some difficult times to endure, but I’m certain that strong leadership, focus and the industry DNA of ‘grit and innovation’ will get us to a better place.”

    The theme of The Almond Conference 2023 was “Connecting the Dots,” and sessions offered practical information for growers in many forms as well as a forum to exchange knowledge. One focus was providing information about the range of assistance available to the industry, and the conference again included an Incentive and Grower Support Zone, a popular offering that helped attendees get their questions answered by more than a dozen agencies and organizations that offer incentives or help getting them.

    Attendees also heard from Doug McKalip, Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, who was part of the State of the Industry presentation, and from CDFA Secretary Karen Ross, who spent time with McKalip visiting the trade show floor.

    The annual awards given to long-time industry leaders during the Gala dinner were also highlights, as they are every year.

    Dick Cunningham was given the 2023 Almond Achievement Award for his remarkable commitment to the advancement of the almond industry over a 50-year career, and Wes Asai was awarded the 2023 Almond Technical Achievement Award, which recognizes an industry member who has contributed to significant technical advancement for the betterment of the California almond industry through research, innovation or facilitating the adoption of practices.

    And Richard Waycott, ABC’s outgoing president and CEO, was recognized for his 20-plus years of service to the industry with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

    Attendees at The Almond Conference 2023 visit the Incentive and Grower Support Zone to get information and questions answered by more than a dozen agencies and organizations that offer incentives or help getting them. Photo courtesy of the Almond Board of California.

    What’s next

    • PDF versions of the slide presentations covering a wide range of topics and featuring expert speakers are available at Conferences Presentations (almonds.com). Video recordings will be posted and available in the new year.
    • Save the date for 2024: Dec. 10-12 again at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in downtown Sacramento.

  • American Pistachio Growers Awarded $5 Million Healthy Soils Grant

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) has been awarded a $5 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to help growers adopt healthy soils practices in the Golden State.  The grant is a part of the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands.

    The grant to APG is among 14 grants funded through the CDFA Healthy Soils Block Grant Pilot Program, which awarded $62 million in soils block grants in 2023 to various organizations.  The program will fund projects for three years, with a limit of $200,000 per project over the lifetime of the grant. The objective is to better connect farmers and ranchers with programs that encourage and incentivize the implementation of management practices that sequester carbon, reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases, and improve overall soil health.

    “As the non-profit trade association for the pistachio industry, American Pistachio Growers is uniquely positioned to assist growers in implementing and managing various Healthy Soils Block Grant qualified projects,” said Wes Wilson, APG Director of Member Services and Communications. “We look forward to connecting growers with these valuable programs that will not only improve the overall health of our California soils, but have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon, all while increasing yields and reducing traditional inputs.”

    The agreement with the CDFA Office of Environ mental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) was executed on December 5, 2023, with grower applications opening January 1, 2024.  APG anticipates funding more than 30 projects, with special consideration given to growers who qualify as Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers or have farms of 500 acres or less.

    APG will conduct outreach and accept applications from growers in Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. Under the program, qualifying practices include compost application, cover crop planting and management, mulching, hedgerow planting, nutrient management that results in a 15% or greater reduction in fertilizer application, residue and tillage management, and prescribed grazing.

    “Our pistachio growers are true innovators and conservationists, and this grant will bring even greater awareness to the importance of healthy soils in our pistachio orchards,” added Wilson. “It’s a benefit not only for growers but also for all Californians.”

    Growers who have questions or need additional information can contact Wilson at (559) 289-9375, wwilson@americanpistachios.org, or Carlee Branco at (559) 410-7482, cbranco@americanpistachios.org.

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

  • CAWG Awarded CalAgPlate Grant for Owl Box Construction

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is excited to announce the receipt of a $9,908 grant from the 2023 California License Plate (CalAgPlate) program, administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). This grant aims to elevate agricultural education and leadership opportunities for both students and teachers throughout California.

    The grant project, aptly named “Creating a Sustainable Future: Owl Box Construction for Hands-On Agricultural Learning,” will empower FFA students with a unique hands-on experience in constructing 200 owl boxes. These purpose-built boxes will be distributed to winegrape growers as part of CAWG’s upcoming 50th-anniversary celebration in November 2024. Beyond the celebratory aspect, the grant presents FFA students with a valuable opportunity to contribute to practical solutions for sustainable agriculture.

    Through this engaging project, students will not only gain woodworking experience but will also delve into essential aspects of agriculture, including the role of biodiversity, pest management strategies, and the critical importance of preserving natural ecosystems. The educational components seamlessly align with FFA’s overarching mission to nurture and develop young agricultural leaders.

    Natalie Collins, President of CAWG, shared her enthusiasm for the grant, stating, “This project is truly exciting for both CAWG and California’s FFA students. It introduces solutions that promote hands-on learning and contribute to environmental stewardship, cultivating collaboration between our association and the future stewards of our industry in FFA. It’s a win-win that propels us toward a greener and more resilient viticultural landscape.”

    This project was one of only four applications selected for funding in 2023. The funding for the CalAgPlate program is derived from the sales of specialized license plates with an agricultural theme, through the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Since the initiation of the CalAgPlate grant program, CDFA has awarded more than $2 million to foster agricultural education and leadership development.

  • California Dairy Innovation Center Announces 2024 Conference & Schedule For Hands-On Dairy Products Education

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) announced the latest short courses to be offered in 2024, as well as dates for the second Dairy Products, Processing, and Packaging Innovation Conference.

    The Dairy Products Processing and Packaging Innovation Conference returns to Shell Beach, Calif., February 27-29, 2024. The conference will feature presentations on packaging innovation by McKinsey & Company and dairy industry leadership panels. This year’s program will focus on sustainability advances at the dairy plant level and throughout the supply chain. The detailed program and speakers is available at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia Registration is now available at:  https://calpoly.irisregistration.com/Site/Dairy-Innovation-Conference-2024 CDIC is proud to collaborate with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo to organize this event, with support from the Pacific Coast Coalition, Dairy Management Inc., and the California Dairy Research Foundation.

    The CDIC will offer eight workshops and hands-on training programs in 2024. The first short course, “Coffee, Tea, and Creamers: The Science and Art of Milk Ready-to-Drink Beverages” will focus on beverage formulation, and will be held January 16-17, 2024 at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. This new course will feature presentations by product development experts, as well as industry representatives from Nestlé, Chobani, Torani and more. The course will also include hands-on training, demonstrations, and ample networking opportunities. There are no pre-requisites required for this course, which is ideal for marketing personnel, as well as for entrepreneurs and established beverage processors. Registration is open at www.chapman.edu/coffeeteacreamers.

    A variety of advanced and expanded learning opportunities will be available throughout the year, including:

    • Hispanic and Mediterranean Cheeses, March 26-27, 2024 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
    • Dairy 101 and Value-Added Milks, April 2024, final date and location to be confirmed
    • Advanced Unit Operations and Dairy Economics, May 14-15, 2024 Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
    • Fermented Milks, Yogurts & Probiotics, June 20-21, 2024, UC Davis, Davis
    • Advanced Cheesemaking, July 16-17, 2024, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
    • Innovation Workshop and State of the Industry, September 12, 2024, Fresno State

    For more information about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact Veronique Lagrange at vlagrange@cmab.net or visit www.cdic.net.

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and produces more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which indicates they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families.

    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.

    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.

  • Legislation to Help California Dairy Producers Impacted by Flooding

    Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) introduced the Emergency Assistance for Dairy Producers Act. This legislation aims to ensure dairy producers impacted by California’s historic storms this year can qualify for Commodity Credit Corporation emergency assistance funds.

    “This year’s storms and flooding had a severe impact on parts of the Central Valley. Ensuring our communities have the resources needed to recover has continued to be one of my top priorities,” said Congressman Valadao. “Property damage, feed losses, and transportation costs from moving livestock during the flooding were devastating to Central Valley dairy farmers, but there are limited options for them to be reimbursed for these costs. The Emergency Assistance for Dairy Producers Act will ensure California’s dairy farmers can access available federal dollars to help offset some of these losses.”

    “We commend Representative David Valadao for authoring the Emergency Assistance for Dairy Producers Act. California dairy farm families endured major challenges this year from storms that displaced families and cattle, damaged farms and feed supplies, and severely impacted crops being grown to feed the state’s dairy cows. Nobody understands these unique challenges better than Rep. Valadao, whose legislation points the way toward providing needed emergency resources to help California dairy producers recover from their losses,” said Jim Mulhern, president and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation.

    Milk Producers Council of California strongly supports and endorses the “Emergency Assistance for Dairy Producers Act.” This legislation can’t come soon enough for our producers who experienced catastrophic losses due to the historic flooding in the Tulare Lake Basin in 2023. Time is of the essence to get financial support to individual dairy farmers who have lost years of feed supplies due to flooding, and are buying corn, wheat, alfalfa and other total mixed ration (TMR) ingredients on the open market,” said Kevin Abernathy, General Manager, Milk Producers Council of California.

    Background:

    California’s agriculture industry was hit hard by this year’s historic storms, with the total cost of damage and losses still yet to be realized. Currently, there are limited avenues available to assist dairy producers impacted by natural disasters. The Emergency Assistance for Dairy Producers Act aims to address this gap by amending the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act to authorize the use of Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) funds for emergency assistance to dairy producers in the case of livestock relocation and feed crop losses due to natural disasters and ensures the Secretary of Agriculture has the proper explicit authorities to assist dairy producers using CCC funds.

    Read the full text of the bill here.

  • International Research Conference on Huanglongbing VII Coming March 2024

    The California Citrus Research Board (CRB) and the Conference Steering Committee are pleased to share the International Research Conference on Huanglongbing VII (IRCHLB VII) will return March 26-29, 2024, to Riverside, California.

    The Conference is being produced by the CRB with the support of California’s citrus industry partners and guidance of the international Steering Committee. The California citrus industry is excited to welcome researchers, regulators, and citrus industry members from around the world to the Golden State. The Conference was previously held in Riverside in 2019 and welcomed more than 500 attendees, representing over 22 countries.

    The IRCHLB VII will feature presentations and poster sessions detailing the global status of Huanglongbing (HLB), highlight ongoing research efforts, and share how research can move toward field solutions. A select group of keynote speakers will provide insight on innovative HLB research with a variety of perspectives and methodologies, including both domestic and international approaches.

    HLB has affected hundreds of thousands of citrus trees in Florida and around the world and continues to be one of the biggest threats facing California’s citrus industry.

    “It has been nearly four years since the HLB research community has met to discuss their findings on strategies to manage the devastating effects of citrus greening disease,” said MaryLou Polek, Ph.D., Chair of the IRCHLB Steering Committee. “I am looking forward to the IRCHLB VII to hear about research progress made by scientists from around the world.”

    Registration for the conference is now open and additional information can be found at www.irchlb.com. The early bird registration rate of $425 is available through December 31, 2023 and will increase to the regular registration rate of $550 on January 1, 2024.

    About the IRCHLB VII Conference

    The International Research Conference on Huanglongbing VII is organized by the Citrus Research Board in collaboration with numerous citrus industry, state and federal government, and university partners. Learn more at www.irchlb.com.

    About the Citrus Research Board

    The Citrus Research Board administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 enabling the state’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research. More information about the Citrus Research Board may be found at www.citrusresearch.org.

  • Scholarship Opportunities Offered by California Table Grape Growers

    Three categories of scholarships, offered by California table grape growers, are available to graduating high school seniors from the table grape growing regions of California.

    Of the three categories of scholarships, two are available to field workers and their families. The first category is a Bridge Scholarship for $14,500 and is available to graduating seniors who will attend two years of a community college and transfer to a four-year university. The second category is a $25,000 scholarship for graduating seniors who will attend a four-year university.

    The third category of scholarship is a $25,000 Agricultural Scholarship available to students residing in the Coachella or San Joaquin valleys who will attend a four-year university and are interested in a field of study applicable to the table grape industry.

    Three scholarships from each category are available. Applicants for all scholarships must plan to attend a California college or university. The deadline to apply for all scholarships is Friday, February 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m.

    Since 1985, California table grape growers have aided nearly 200 students in attending college. To hear recent scholarship recipients in their own words, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/scholarship-recipients/

    For more information on the scholarship program, please visit: https://www.grapesfromcalifornia.com/community-outreach/ or email: Scholarships@grapesfromcalifornia.com.

  • Blue Diamond Growers 113th “Growing Together” Annual Meeting Highlights a Year of Resilience

    At the 113th Blue Diamond Growers “Growing Together” Annual Meeting on Nov. 15 in Modesto, Blue Diamond Growers’ CEO, Kai Bockmann, reflected on his first ten months in the leadership role by acknowledging significant challenges faced by growers and the world’s largest almond cooperative.

    In Bockmann’s remarks – along with those of Blue Diamond Growers’ Board Chairman, Dan Cummings – both pointed to remarkable headwinds for the almond industry, including higher input costs and inflationary pressures, depressed market prices, shifts in consumer shopping patterns, unfavorable weather conductions, and reduced crop sizes. To help counter these challenges, Blue Diamond Growers is advancing an aggressive strategic growth plan to navigate the marketplace conditions and drive substantial growth.

    “Volatility is our new normal, but our destination is set – and it is one of growth,” said Bockmann. “While this past year brought many challenges for our growers, no challenge is insurmountable. We have a rich history, an exceptional brand, and the right people and culture to deliver against our ambitious growth plan.”

    In laying out the plan, Bockmann shared with the annual meeting audience that what has helped bring the cooperative to where it is today, will not get it to where it is going in terms of growth and market expansion. The new growth plan prioritizes expansion into the massive foodservice channel and strategically selected international markets, while strengthening the value-added business, doubling down on product innovation, and driving for operational efficiencies.

    “Foodservice is a trillion dollar industry that represents a significant growth opportunity for Blue Diamond, and we will directly target that sector as a strategic priority,” said Bockmann. “Additionally, we will diversify and innovate our product portfolio beyond our flagship Blue Diamond Snack Almonds® and Almond Breeze® brands. We will build on the tremendous success of these products – which are both the #1 brands in America for almonds and almondmilk.”

    Bockmann shared that flavor-focused product innovation remains a top priority commenting that “no one does flavor like Blue Diamond” as evidenced by the widely popular Chilé N Lime flavored snack nuts. The flavor was launched as a limited time offer at Costco and won the “Best Nuts” award in PEOPLE Magazine’s 2023 Food Awards.

    The Blue Diamond Research & Development team will continue to innovate with new flavors, while advancing new and existing categories, including plant-based yogurt, chocolate, baking, beverages and plant-based cheese. On the foodservice front, the strategic growth plan focus is already delivering results. The Blue Diamond International Consumer and R&D teams worked closely with Maeil Dairies in the past year to develop Almond Breeze® Barista Blend, which was introduced in 6,500 Starbucks across China earlier this year.

    “I’m confident that Blue Diamond Growers is poised to thrive in the years to come because we are stronger together,” said Bockmann. “We are excited to grow together as we bring our strategic plan and collective vision to life.”

    Supporting Grower Success and Advancing Sustainability

    In addition to tackling the marketplace challenges with strategy, innovation, and expansion, Blue Diamond Growers also concepted and launched a new grower-focused buying coalition. To help connect growers with trusted, well-known suppliers and build local, long-term relationships, the Blue Diamond Growers Connect Marketplace aims to reduce production costs for farmers by negotiating better discounts with suppliers via Group Purchasing Organizations and the co-ops’ own internal platform. The goal of the marketplace is to reduce growers’ costs by 5-15%.

    Additionally, a notable highlight from the year is Blue Diamond Growers’ advancement in sustainability. To continue growing the cooperative’s commitment to stewardship, Blue Diamond’s Member Relations team held several online webinars, including hosting the Almond Board of California Almond Stewardship Platform and the Pollinator Partnership to discuss and educate growers on Bee-Friendly Farming.

    Along with the offered webinars, growers were encouraged to participate in Blue Diamond’s Orchard Stewardship Incentive Program (OSIP), a program where growers can earn financial incentives for implementing best practices related to orchard management, environmental issues, occupational health and safety, and community investment.

    In July of this year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded Blue Diamond a five-year, $45 million “Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities” grant, a program designed to help farmers implement “climate-smart” practices on their land. The program offers growers no-cost cover crop seed and a financial incentive to plant cover crops and/or conservation cover on their land. These practices notonly work toward taking carbon out of the atmosphere, but they also enhance orchard biodiversity and improve soil health. The USDA grant complements
    Blue Diamond’s OSIP by lowering the cost of initiating the pollinator-friendly practices required to receive Bee-Friendly Farming certification.

    “Without question it has been a challenging year, but the loyalty and leadership demonstrated by our board – combined with the resilence of our growers and dedication of Blue Diamond employees – will allow us to overcome the challenges together,” said Cummings. “I’m confident Blue Diamond will deliver great prosperity and a sustainable future for our growers, employees, their families, and the communities we call home.”

    Blue Diamond Annual Report Now Available

    In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, the Blue Diamond Growers 2023 “Growing Together” Annual Report is now available on the Blue Diamond website at www.bluediamond.com.

    About Blue Diamond

    Blue Diamond Growers, a grower-owned cooperative representing approximately 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.

  • Congressman Valadao Joins McCarthy, Schweikert to Introduce Bill to Combat Valley Fever

    Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Congressman David Schweikert (AZ-01) and Speaker Emeritus Kevin McCarthy (CA-20) to introduce the Finding Orphan-disease Remedies with Antifungal Research and Development (FORWARD) Act. This legislation supports various research and development programs with the goal of developing new drugs, treatments, and vaccines to combat Valley Fever.

    “Valley Fever has a huge impact on our neighbors and communities in the Central Valley, and we must prioritize the development of new treatments and vaccines to combat the spread of this disease and save lives,” said Congressman Valadao. “The FORWARD Act is an important step towards finding a cure for Valley Fever, and I’m proud to support it. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Valley Fever Task Force to move this critical legislation forward.”

    “I’m pleased to reintroduce the FORWARD Act this Congress as our Valley Fever Task Force makes significant progress in improving care, treatment, and research into this terrible disease that has devastated so many lives in our communities,” said Congressman Schweikert. “As we’ve seen Valley Fever cases rise across the western United States over the last decade, it’s critical that we continue to prioritize the delivery of medical breakthroughs that will help treat our family members and their beloved pets. This bipartisan legislation helps to combat Valley Fever by providing resources to further close the scientific gap in understanding this disease, support research, and accelerate vaccine development that will hopefully eradicate it once and for all.”

    Background

    Congressman Valadao is a member of the Valley Fever Task Force alongside Congressman Schweikert and Speaker Emeritus McCarthy. The bipartisan Task Force, which was founded in 2013, is committed to raising awareness and advancing policies to combat Valley Fever. Congressman Valadao has been a member since its founding.

    Earlier this year, Congressman Valadao participated in a Valley Fever Roundtable hosted by the Task Force to discuss ongoing treatment and vaccine developments. The roundtable included medical experts, researchers, and advocates focused on combatting Valley Fever.

    The FORWARD Act:

    • Establishes a working group at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to advise on strategies that confront gaps in science that can help detect, treat, and eradicate Valley fever.
    • Encourages the development of Valley fever vaccines, cures, and treatments by directing the FDA to include Valley fever in its priority review voucher program.
    • Provides additional resources to support research efforts and add antifungal development to the existing CARB-X program.