California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • Millennials, Gen Z Place High Value on Health Benefits of Organic

    A $70-billion market now, organic may be maturing, but younger consumers –including new parents and their babies — are eating it up. A survey released by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) finds that organic’s benefits to personal health and nutrition are resonating deeply with Millennials and Gen Zer’s, making them the most committed organic consumers of any generation.

    In its new “Consumer Perception of USDA Organic and Competing Label Claims,” OTA partnered with Euromonitor International to survey over 2,500 consumers across the country in October 2024. Survey participants were asked about their familiarity with organic and other food label claims, their priorities in making food choices, how often they bought organic, and how willing they were to pay a premium for the organic label.

    The results showed that not only do members of the Millennial and Gen Z generations buy the most organic, but that the USDA Organic label garners the deepest trust from consumers of all ages and is synonymous with health in the minds of most shoppers. Organic’s benefits to personal health outrank its benefits to environmental health in purchase decisions, especially with younger consumers, and the sometimes-higher prices of organic products are not an obstacle to those health-conscious individuals.

    While older demographics may worry about the affordability of organic, the younger consumer – at every income level — is more willing to pay a premium for organic. The Gen Z generation (those between the ages of 13 and 28) in particular is leading the way in prioritizing organic, with nearly 90 percent of consumers surveyed in that age group already either a committed or relatively new consumer of organic. As this generation matures, has families, and advances professionally, all signs point to the Gen Zer’s being the drivers of organic into the future.

    “There’s lots of good news in this report: younger consumers are embracing organic; consumers of all ages value the Organic label more than any other food label or claim,” said Tom Chapman, Co-CEO of the OTA. “The challenge to the organic sector is to demonstrate the distinct value of the USDA Organic label and break through the noise of all the other health, nutrition and sustainability claims in the marketplace.”

    “Free from” and health-first  

    Consumers surveyed want their food to be clean and safe. That means free from toxic pesticides and chemicals, free from GMO’s, and produced without synthetic hormones and the heavy use of antibiotics. When sorting through the multitude of labels and claims in the grocery aisles, the survey found that while the big labels like organic, natural and local are familiar to today’s shopper, the “free from” or single attribute claims like no added hormones and raised without antibiotics carry greater weight in what finally lands in the shopping cart.

    The sticking point here for organic, according to the survey findings, is that shoppers frequently do not realize that organic certification inherently meets all these “free-from” expectations. The USDA Organic label is backed up by strict government standards that ban the use of toxic pesticides and synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, antibiotics, synthetic hormones, and GMO’s. The survey results showed there is an untapped opportunity to more clearly inform consumers, especially the younger ones, about the full scope of what that Organic label stands for.

    “This latest survey shows a great opportunity for organic,” said Matthew Dillon, Co-CEO of OTA. “Today’s younger consumers who are driving organic’s growth pay close attention to claims and want to know more about the products they’re buying. At times they don’t realize that organic encompasses the single attribute claims they value, like no antibiotics or growth hormones. We have an opening here to educate consumers, about the broad sweep of value and the attributes organic offers.”

    Another revealing finding was that claims tied to the health and nutritional benefits of organic are more important to younger consumers in their purchasing decisions than broader environmental claims. That said, the survey shows that a consumer shift could be beginning, with younger generations increasingly considering the social and environmental impacts of their buying patterns. So, while the “secondary” environmental benefits of organic may not yet tip the scales for organic, it is a key part of the organic promise.

    Regenerative claim not yet clearly understood or valued 

    The survey looked at 11 different food and beverage claims and certifications to see how organic stacked up. The food and beverage claims included in the survey were organic, natural, local, raised without antibiotics, non-GMO, no added hormones, free range, pasture raised, humanely raised, fair trade and regenerative.

    Organic, local and natural were the claims consumers said they knew the best, with 90 percent of those surveyed familiar with organic. The regenerative claim, while increasingly part of the food industry lexicon, does not appear to have hit home yet with most consumers. Over 40 percent of consumers surveyed said they were unsure about what regenerative means, only about 25 percent found the regenerative claim important, and only 10 percent said they are willing to pay more for a product labeled regenerative.

    Careful choices by young minds 

    Younger generations are reading the labels of their food closely. OTA’s survey found that food claims like organic, vegan and allergen-free are almost 40 percent more important to Millennials and Gen Zer’s than to older generations.

    The USDA Organic label is particularly important for younger consumers, with over two-thirds seeking out the organic label in almost every food purchase. The Organic label was most valued in fresh food categories like fruits, vegetables, meat/poultry, baby food, eggs and dairy, and these items were the most likely products to be purchased as organic over the last 12 months.

    More than half of U.S. consumers bought an organic fruit or vegetable in the last year. Consumers surveyed bought more bread in the last 6 months than any other food item, and 27 percent said they chose organic bread. For those surveyed consumers buying baby food, a whopping 93 percent chose organic.

    “In just a little over two decades, the USDA Organic label has earned deep trust among consumers and has become one of the most identifiable food labels in our grocery stores,” said OTA’s Dillon. “The Gen Z consumer is now making its presence known, and this survey shows it puts a high value on organic. By continuing to reach out to this generation, and to all consumers, organic can establish a foundation for sustained growth across future generations.”

    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 organic businesses and producers across the nation. Its members include growers, shippers, processors, certifiers, farmers’ associations, distributors, importers, exporters, consultants, brands. retailers and others. OTA’s mission is to promote and protect ORGANIC with a unifying voice that serves and engages its diverse members from farm to marketplace.

  • U.S. Dairy Exports Reach $8.2 Billion, Marking Second-Highest Level Ever—Industry Poised for a “Golden Age” of Trade

    The U.S. dairy industry is poised to establish a new “golden age” of U.S. dairy trade, with exports reaching $8.2 billion in 2024—the second-highest total export value ever and a $223 million year-over-year increase, according to new data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Mexico and Canada—U.S. dairy’s top two global trading partners representing more than 40% of U.S. dairy exports—each imported record values of dairy at $2.47 billion and $1.14 billion respectively. Central American markets also surged, with Costa Rica, Guatemala and El Salvador all importing record values of U.S. dairy. U.S. dairy exports to China declined in 2024, marking the lowest year since 2020.

    “The U.S. dairy industry is ready to capitalize on a renewed trade agenda in 2025,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO, International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA). “Consumers in the United States and around the world continue to demand more U.S. dairy because we provide an assortment of delicious, nutritious and affordable dairy products. From award-winning cheeses, to high-value whey ingredients and milk powders used to make life-saving products for children and adults to safe and nutritious ESL milk, U.S. dairy is known throughout the world for quality and reliability.

    “Our industry is poised to become the world’s leading supplier of dairy products thanks to the resilience and innovation of the American dairy industry. To do that, we need a trade agenda that prioritizes market access and ensures a level playing field. For too long, our exports to Canada have yet to fulfill the promises of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) because Canadian policies continue to prevent American exporters from filling their tariff-rate quotas. Demand remains soft in key markets such as China and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, illustrating the need for a strategic approach to trade with markets in the Asia Pacific region. Overall, U.S. dairy exports are performing well, but we can do more. With new trade agreements that remove obstacles and increase market access, we wouldn’t just break records—we would redefine the global dairy landscape for decades to come.”

    The U.S. dairy industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs in the United States and pumps almost $800 billion into the U.S. economy, has invested more than $8 billion in new processing capacity that will come online in the next few years. The industry relies on trade agreements to open new markets and increase exports. After being a net importer of dairy products a decade ago, the United States now exports $8 billion worth of dairy products to 145 countries. U.S. dairy exports nearly tripled since the early 2000s, and the United States became the world’s third-largest dairy product exporter behind New Zealand and the European Union (EU). Today, approximately one day’s worth of milk produced on America’s dairy farms each week is exported, or roughly 18% of all production. As U.S. milk production continues to increase over the next decade, expanding markets will become even more vital to ensure the global competitiveness of the industry and to boost the American economy.

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

  • Signs of Stabilization in the Wine Market on the Horizon

    With the preliminary Crush Report revealing the lowest wine grape crush California has experienced in many years, and having heard from State of the Wine Industry panelists at Unified Wine & Grape Symposium, including Glenn Proctor from Ciatti Company, growers and winemakers are still wondering when will things get better for the wine industry. Watch this brief video as Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network interviews Glenn sharing that hope is on the horizon based on new indicators in the global wine market. Read more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • How Shifting Consumer Demand Patterns are Contributing to High Egg Prices

    U.S. consumers are facing a prolonged period of higher egg prices that will likely extend through the Easter holiday and well into 2025. Rising egg prices and increased volatility in the market are largely attributable to supply challenges brought on by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. Since the current outbreak began impacting U.S. poultry farms in 2022, nearly 100 million table egg laying hens have been affected.

    However, HPAI is not the only factor contributing to the supply and demand imbalance driving egg prices higher. Consumer demand for eggs has skyrocketed in recent years, with per capita consumption growing 20% from 2016-2019. Demand has also shifted away from conventional eggs as more consumers are choosing cage-free and other types of specialty eggs – further complicating the supply challenges. As well, nine states have enacted laws that require eggs sold in their states to be from cage-free hens.

    According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the increase in overall demand for eggs, combined with the growing preference for specialty eggs, is exacerbating the impact of tight supplies precipitated by HPAI. The confluence of all three factors is prolonging the timeline for bringing egg supply and demand into closer alignment. Until then, retail egg prices will remain elevated.

    “Egg demand was relatively stable in the early 2000s and seasonality played a much bigger role in peak demand periods than it does today,” said Brian Earnest, lead animal protein economist with CoBank. “While seasonality remains an influencing factor, egg use has grown dramatically over the last 20 years. “Eggs have become a staple item for innovation in quick-service restaurant entrees, and marketing trends like the emergence of all-day breakfast have significantly boosted egg demand.”

    Rising demand for cage-free eggs has also outpaced supply in recent years. Currently, more than 120 million or roughly 40% of the table egg layers in U.S. commercial flocks are housed in cage-free production systems. That compares with just 30 million layers housed in cage-free systems in 2015. While the growth in supply of cage-free eggs has been substantial, more will be needed to adequately meet demand projections.

    Total egg laying hen inventories, including conventionally raised hens, have not been substantially depleted from where they were at the beginning of the HPAI outbreak. Commercial operators who have been impacted have moved swiftly to repopulate hens. Through January 2025, the U.S. egg industry has 8% fewer egg-laying hens than it did two years ago. But HPAI has evolved to become a persistent, year-round threat to production.

    “The last widespread outbreak of HPAI in 2015 was largely seasonal with most cases occurring during the winter and spring migration periods for wild birds,” said Earnest. “That seasonality appears to be gone. During the current outbreak, HPAI has been detected in birds or other species nearly every month since the outbreak began in February 2022.”

    Read the report, Surging Egg Prices are Being Driven by More than Bird Flu.

    About CoBank

    CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.

    CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.

  • Who is the American Wine Industry? – Time to Reframe Tariff Messaging

    Open any one of the wine industry’s major news aggregator email blasts, and it won’t take long to see trade media flooded with opinions and editorials on wine tariffs and their potential harm to the “American wine industry.” The focus thus far has been exclusively on the loudest voices — the American importers and distribution companies, as well as the retailers they serve.

    But let’s be clear: these voices alone do NOT represent the heart or entirety of the “American” wine industry.

    The American wine industry is a diverse network of people rooted in their local communities—grape growers, winemakers, farm workers, and wineries (often family-run). Add to this list the countless restaurants and retailers whose livelihoods depend on the tourism dollars generated from domestic wine production, and you’ll find an industry that is as vast, as it is vulnerable.

    And while the focus of the discussion around tariffs has overwhelmingly centered on the ‘harm’ they might cause, domestic growers and wineries are fighting for survival —and they’re conspicuously left out of the conversation.

    Controlling the Narrative

    With the narrative being controlled by importers and distributors, a misconception has been created that lower import prices are fundamentally better for all segments of the industry. In reality, these low-cost imports have made, and continue to make, it more challenging for U.S. growers and wineries to survive.

    Now, it should hardly be surprising that importers and distributors have a vested interest in maintaining an unimpeded flow of low-cost foreign wines. Indeed, few would argue against their right to access these products. However, these wines land so cheaply on our shores for a reason. Current trade policy ignores the market distortions created by foreign production subsidies and unfairly undermines domestic producers, who are struggling to compete against these heavily subsidized imports and the lower costs of production abroad.

    Another argument that continues to circulate is the claim that ‘wine isn’t fungible’; suggesting consumers will never trade their Bordeaux or Sancerre for a local option. In my opinion, this argument is far overstated and diminishes the quality and array of varieties and flavor profiles being produced by the 17,000+ bonded U.S. wineries. It’s also worth noting that those who profess such inflexibility often have the means to adjust their habits without breaking the bank.

    The System is Broken

    Today, many American restaurant wine menus read like foreign trade catalogs. The lack of local options not only limits consumer choice, but also actively undermines the visibility and viability of American wines.

    The hypocrisy is glaring. We promote localism in our food chain but eagerly look to pair that food with a foreign wine. It’s particularly painful to see this in Sacramento, with its celebrated “Farm-to-Fork” narrative, or even in our nation’s capital where putting the interests of “America First”, now dominates the discourse. Remember, the Italian and French restaurants here likely aren’t serving food imported from Europe—they’re serving dishes inspired by those regions. So why not serve domestic wine inspired by these wine cultures, but made right here in our own backyard?

    It really is a simple equation: supporting your community ensures your community can support you.

    These issues of exposure and cultural hypocrisy are compounded by systemic inequities in distribution and production. As consolidation continues throughout the supply chain, wine growers and consumers will suffer from limited choice and narrow control of pricing. The recent announcement from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that they had filed a lawsuit alleging that a major distributor offered steep discounts to large chain retailers, while denying smaller grocery and convenience stores the same opportunities, is a timely example of just that.

    The effects of such practices ripple across the entire supply chain, as wineries rely on fair distribution practices to secure shelf and menu space to reach consumers. When small, independent retailers—often those who champion local wines—are disadvantaged, smaller domestic wineries face even greater challenges in an already competitive market dominated by subsidized imported wines and large-scale producers.

    As outgoing FTC Chair Lina M. Khan aptly put it, ‘When local businesses get squeezed because of unfair pricing practices that favor large chains, Americans see fewer choices and pay higher prices – and communities suffer.’

    In this environment, local producers are being squeezed out before they even have the chance to pour their first glass.

     

    Leveling the Playing Field

    Imposing tariffs is not always about harming competition, tariffs are meant to aid in leveling the playing field – to give domestic companies a fair shot at competing within their own markets. These hypothetical tariffs are not aimed at crippling industries or retaliating against countries for unrelated matters. They are modest and intend to address the competitive advantages created by foreign subsidies and lower production costs.

    Often overlooked in discussions on tariffs and trade, is the responsibility American growers and wineries bear in complying with stringent environmental and social policies. These regulations, designed to promote sustainability, worker protections, and environmental stewardship, reflect values that American voters have long prioritized. However, adhering to these high standards—especially for the 80% of U.S. wine produced in California—comes with very real, and very significant production costs, which inevitably impact wine pricing.

    Meanwhile, foreign competitors, who benefit from substantial government subsidies, such as crisis distillation programs, marketing and export support, and fewer regulatory burdens, continue to flood our market. This creates a deeply frustrating dynamic where American producers are burdened with the costs of meeting their social and environmental obligations, yet are left unsupported when those same costs leave them at a disadvantage in their own market.

    In the U.S., we produce less wine than we consume, yet today we are seeing vineyards being torn out en masse. Wineries are closing their doors, jobs are being lost, and communities are being weakened. Current estimates suggest that 30,000+ acres of grapes have been removed in California over the last 18 months. To use only one example of a single cultural task, the pruning of those lost acres would represent more than $10M in spending. That’s $10M no longer reaching the pockets of farm workers in many of our most vulnerable communities. So, instead of viewing tariffs as a purely punitive measure, what if they were viewed as a tool to ensure U.S. producers, growers, and farm workers, have the opportunity to be at the table?

    By focusing on measured, proportional tariffs, we can support California winegrape growers and wineries, while bringing focus to prioritizing local industries.

    Call to Action: Support Local

    The irony is stark: while importers and distributors fight to protect subsidized foreign wine imports, American grape growers and wineries are going out of business.

    We need policies that recognize the vulnerability of domestic producers, invest in their growth, and acknowledge the role they play in our agricultural and economic landscapes.

    And again, tariffs are not about pushing out international wines altogether—there’s room for everyone! But the narrative needs to shift. The imposition of reasonable tariffs will not prevent a consumer from buying the tariffed product, but it very well may encourage them to shop for alternatives, and in this case, those alternatives are likely to be locally grown and produced.

    So, the next time tariffs on foreign wine come up, let’s remember who we’re really advocating for: the grape growers, the winemakers, the farm workers, and the restaurants and grocery stores in your hometown who build their wine lists around local offerings.

    It’s time to explore what ‘leveling the playing field’ means and not get lost in amplified trade policy rhetoric. — By Natalie Collins, President, California Association of Winegrowers

  • February USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for February 2025, which are effective Feb. 3, 2025. 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.

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans 

    FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for February 2025 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.

    More Information

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Additionally, producers can use online tools, such as the Loan Assistance Tool and Debt Consolidation Tool to explore loan options.

    FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

  • California Agricultural Leadership Foundation Names Lesa Eidman as New President and CEO

    The California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF) announced that Lesa Eidman has been selected as its new president and CEO, effective Feb. 18. Eidman will succeed Dwight Ferguson, who has served in the position since October 2020.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Lesa to the Ag Leadership team as our new president and CEO,” said CALF Board Chair Mike Young (Class 35). “Lesa brings to the role a deep connection to Ag Leadership, as a graduate of Class 49 and an actively engaged alum, as well as an inspiring vision for the future of Ag Leadership and California agriculture as a whole. Her passion and expertise will build on the strong foundation laid by Dwight and propel CALF to even greater heights.”

    Young also expressed his gratitude for Ferguson’s contributions over the past four and a half years. “Dwight has been instrumental in professionalizing our organization, leading our last strategic plan and positioning the foundation for long-term success and sustainability,” said Young. “His leadership has set the stage for an exciting future, and we are deeply grateful for his dedication and service. On a personal note, Dwight has become a close friend and mentor, and I am truly sad to see him go.”

    Eidman has extensive experience with agricultural producers and associations over the past 20 years. Since 2015, she has worked for Superior Farms – North America’s top processor and marketer of lamb – first as director of producer resources and sustainability and for the past five years as vice president of sales. From 2003 to 2015, Eidman was the executive director of the California Wool Growers Association and California Pork Producers Association.

    Eidman is a third-generation agriculturalist with a family heritage rooted in education and production agriculture. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and management from Fresno State and a master’s degree in agricultural and resource economics from UC Davis.

    “I am honored and excited to be the 10th president and CEO of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation,” said Eidman. “CALF has a strong mission of growing leaders who make a difference, and I am eager to build on that foundation. My vision is to elevate the organization’s trajectory, expanding its reach and impact to address the challenges and opportunities facing California agriculture. Together with our dedicated team and alumni network, we will continue to empower transformative leadership and shape a brighter future for the agricultural industry.”

    ABOUT
    CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families. agleaders.org

  • California Dairy Short Course Training Opportunities and Conference For 2025

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for short courses and events as a part of its 2025 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:

    Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference – February 18-20, 2025 – Cliffs Resort & Spa, Shell Beach, Calif.
    In collaboration with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the Pacific Coast Coalition, this conference highlights advancements in dairy product innovation. This event will focus on dairy marketplace innovation, recent enhancements made to dairy processing and packaging and improved marketing as presented by today’s leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their insight and experience in today’s dairy industry.

    More information and registration are available here.

    Buttermaking & Milk Fat Fundamentals – March 12, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif. This one-day course will combine lectures and hands-on learning focused on buttermaking processes and milk fat technology. Innovation in the sector will featured in addition to solid training on fundamentals. Registration will be posted here.

    Dairy Products & Processing 201 – April 24, 2025 – Petaluma area, Calif. A one-day introduction to processes used to formulate dairy products, with in-depth review of regulations, packaging and claims. This is a free program open to all California-based processors, academia and supply chain partners.Registration will be posted here.

    Frozen Desserts – May 20-21, 2025 – Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
    A two-day deep dive into frozen dessert formulations, which will include 100% hands-on pilot plant demos and prototyping. The focus will be on innovative products: no sugar added, high protein, cottage cheese ice cream, “boozy” frozen desserts, ethnic flavors and more. Registration will be posted here.

    R&D Best Practices – June 17-19, 2025– Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif.
    This three-day program will feature lectures and is focused on process and helpful tools for research and development, featuring best practices for dairy products. Ideal for QA, R&D and operations – entry and junior level. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information.

    Exploring Cooking & Acid-Set Cheeses – October 7-8, 2025– Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Products Technology Center, SLO, Calif. Two days of hands-on cheesemaking workshops, which will focus on acid-set cheeses and their culinary uses. This new program will feature a variety of fresh and other cheeses used in food service and processed foods applications with a global flair, from fromage frais to paneer. Check the CDIC Training & Education page for registration information.

    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 the 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. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Tik Tok, Instagram, X and Pinterest.

  • Watermelon Growers Face Challenges When Expanding Their Season

    Watermelon is a favorite summertime treat for consumers. Naturally anticipating those summer picnics and BBQs, consumers may want to enjoy this sweet treat earlier or even later in the year, outside of California’s traditional harvest window. Determined to meet consumer demand with an innovative spirit, California growers are planting watermelons earlier than ever before and expanding their seasons late into the fall as well. This does not come without consequence though, and growers faced some particular challenges during their extended 2024 season that they won’t soon forget. Watch this brief interview as Zheng Wang, UCCE Vegetable Crop Advisor — specializing in Central Valley melon crops, discusses these challenges with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Hazelnut Farmer Sues Federal Gov’t Over Credibility of Organic Claimed Foreign Imports

    Organic farmers in the US undergo some of the most strict regulations and certification procedures in the world in order to obtain the consumer-trusted “USDA Organic” logo on their harvested crops, naturally commanding a premium price; however, when imported foreign products hit the US market and secure “USDA Organic” status, can consumers trust that those products came from farms that met the same criteria as required by US organic farms?  Bruce Kaser, an organic hazelnut grower in Oregon would beg to differ and is suing the federal government over what he claims not only comprises the integrity of the entire organic sector, but is also financially damaging to the American farmer. Watch this brief interview as Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm meets with Bruce to discuss the details.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor George Packing Company for their industry support.