Watch this interview featuring Audra Cooper from Turrentine Brokerage as she describes results of the 2022 Central Coast grape harvest and its impact on the local wine market. The lighter crush was followed by unusually early activity in the wine market. Read more about it in the March Crush Report issue of American Vineyard Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.
As attention focuses on heart disease this February for American Heart Month, the latest research on strawberries, including their potential heart health benefits, was presented at the 9th biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium (BHBS) in Tampa, FL. This research adds to the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the role of strawberry consumption in promoting heart health.
According to Britt Burton-Freeman, Ph.D., professor at the Illinois Institute of Technology and BHBS Heart and Healthy Aging Session Chair, “The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study showed that a diet low in fruit is among the top three risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes. To address the “fruit gap” we need to increase the amount of total fruit consumed as well as the diversity of fruit in the diet. Accumulating evidence in cardiometabolic health suggests that as little as one cup of strawberries per day may show beneficial effects.”
Studies demonstrate that the cardiometabolic benefits of strawberry consumption are multi-faceted and may include decreased total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, increased vascular relaxation and tone, decreased inflammation and oxidative stress, decreased insulin resistance, and decreased blood sugar. Clinical trials have linked strawberries to improvements in various markers for cardiovascular disease, including lipid levels.
In one randomized controlled crossover trial of 33 obese adults, daily consumption of strawberries at a dose of two-and-a-half cups per day significantly improved insulin resistance and moderately improved high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particle size in comparison to the control group.
“Our study supports the hypothesis that strawberry consumption can improve cardiometabolic risks,” said lead investigator Arpita Basu, Ph.D., R.D.N., associate professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, “Furthermore, we believe this evidence supports the role of strawberries in a ‘food as medicine’ approach for the prevention of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in adults.”1
Another study with 34 adult men and women with moderate hypercholesterolemia conducted at the Illinois Institute of Technology found that vascular function, as indicated by flow-mediated dilation, improved one hour after strawberry intake.2
As one of the most popular and accessible fruits in the U.S., strawberries are a flavor-favorite with consumers. A serving of 8 strawberries (one cup) fulfills the daily recommended value of vitamin C and delivers a host of other nutrients and beneficial bioactive compounds. Available year-round, strawberries offer consumers a versatile and convenient fruit option beloved by kids and adults.
About California Strawberry Commission
The California Strawberry Commission is more than 300 strawberry farmers, shippers, and processors, all working together to advance strawberry farming for the future of our land and people. Commission programs create opportunities for success through groundbreaking programs focused on workforce training, strawberry production research, and nutrition research. Through science-based information and education, it delivers the good news about sustainable farming practices that benefit the health of people, farms, and communities.
On Thursday, Feb. 23, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) honored six leaders for their innovation and commitment to implementing integrated pest management (IPM) at the department’s annual IPM Achievement Awards ceremony.
The IPM Achievement Awards celebrate organizations and individuals who are leading the adoption of IPM in California, including a program that supports underserved farmers and a Major League Baseball stadium. IPM is an approach to pest management that uses the least toxic, effective method to solve pest problems. IPM is a foundational element of the state’s approach to accelerate a systemwide transition to safer, more sustainable pest management in agriculture or in urban or wildland settings.
The ceremony, hosted by DPR Director Julie Henderson, spotlighted the six awardees, and include remarks from California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia; California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross; and representatives from state leadership and the Legislature.
“Building on the foundation of effective integrated pest management approaches in urban and agricultural environments is critical to accelerating a statewide transition to sustainable practices,” said DPR Director Julie Henderson. “The awardees we are recognizing are leaders in the advancement of new tools and practices and expanding adoption of integrated pest management. They are valuable stewards of our state’s natural resources and an inspiration to future generations.”
Recipients of the 2022 IPM Achievement Awards include:
For training the next generation of IPM ambassadors in the strawberry industry
Award winner: Cal Poly Strawberry Center
The Cal Poly Strawberry Center advances IPM and sustainability in strawberry production through prolific research and outreach programs with a focus on plant pathology, entomology and labor automation. The center is conducting ongoing research to increase commercial beneficial predatory mite quality and improving the Lygus bug vacuum as alternatives to traditional pesticides. The center also provides IPM training for undergraduate and graduate students who plan to advance to positions within the strawberry industry and carry the center’s IPM and sustainability philosophy throughout California and beyond. Contact: Gerald Holmes.
For managing weeds with IPM, prioritizing sustainability, field aesthetics and athletic safety
Award winner: Oracle Park
Oracle Park, located in San Francisco, is home of the San Francisco Giants. In the care of Major League Baseball (MLB) fields, managers typically have a low threshold for turf weeds to avoid player injury and to maintain the aesthetic quality of the field. Oracle Park invests in a unique sustainability-centered turf management approach with novel and innovative practices for weed management. The biological nutrition program focuses on soil and turf health to support high-quality, high-performance turf and to minimize and prevent turf pest problems. Innovative technologies such as drones, autonomous mowers, soil sensors and a sub air system to carefully control soil conditions are also used. Oracle Park’s unique sustainability-centered approach is a cutting-edge, first-of-its-kind IPM model for turf management at MLB parks. Contact: Greg Elliott.
For using IPM to support safe human-wildlife interactions
Award winner: California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Human-Wildlife Conflicts Program (HWC)
The Human-Wildlife Conflicts Program provides statewide best practices and training for conflicts and interactions between humans and wildlife. The program collects and analyzes wildlife incident data to identify conflict hotspots and conducts educational outreach activities in affected communities. Through their Wildlife Watch Program, integrated wildlife management plans, and other efforts, HWC makes substantial contributions in awareness and appreciation for wildlife in California by educating the public on integrated wildlife management techniques that support safe human-wildlife interactions. Contact: Victoria Monroe.
For developing sustainability benchmarks to promote IPM adoption in wine growing
Award winner: Vineyard Team
Vineyard Team is an educational network that promotes sustainable vineyard growing practices and oversees the Sustainability In Practice (SIP) Certified Program. Vineyard Team’s outreach efforts include in-field trainings, podcasts and blogposts, and a Sustainable Ag Expo—all of which aim to bring together researchers, growers and decision-makers as a strong grower network promoting sustainability. The SIP Certified Program encourages vineyards and wineries to improve sustainability efforts by meeting rigorous certification standards that range from biological conservation and resource sustainability to social equity and continuing education. Currently, 42,000 acres of vineyards and wineries in California are SIP certified. Contact: Beth Vukmanic.
For providing multilingual IPM resources to underserved growers
Award winner: Appropriate Technology Transfer for Rural Areas (ATTRA) Program, Western Regional Office of the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT)
NCAT’s Western Regional Office provides multilingual support for underserved growers. NCAT’s ATTRA Program provides effective outreach and education to encourage and assist growers in adopting IPM practices in their fields or transitioning to organic production. Notable successes include informing growers about lower-risk pesticide options and providing hedgerow planting for beneficial insects. Contact: Martin Guerena.
For a lifetime of IPM innovation, adoption and outreach in urban centers
Award winner: Chris Geiger, Lifetime IPM Achievement Award
Chris Geiger’s career has been dedicated to the promotion and adoption of IPM in a variety of California’s urban settings. From 2004 – 2022, Chris managed the San Francisco Department of the Environment’s Integrated Pest Management Program (SF IPM), where he guided IPM efforts that resulted in reduced pesticide use and publishing key IPM resources. Chris was a champion of the Rental Assistance Demonstration project, a collaborative project that aimed to renovate and decrease pest pressure and pesticide use in San Francisco’s public housing buildings. Chris has also co-authored “Pest Prevention by Design and Pest Prevention by Design – Landscapes,” which contains IPM strategies for preventing pests through structural or landscape design. Most recently, Chris was a member of the Sustainable Pest Management Work Group and Urban Subgroup, which was convened by DPR, California Environmental Protection Agency, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture last year to develop the Sustainable Pest Management Roadmap for California. Chris’s support of peer networking and partnership has been a lifelong commitment and continues beyond the workplace. Contact: Chris Geiger.
For more information about sustainable pest management or IPM, visit www.cdpr.ca.gov.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGULATION
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s mission is to protect human health and the environment by fostering safer and sustainable pest management practices and operating a robust pesticide regulatory system. DPR’s work includes registering all pesticides sold or used in California, conducting pre- and post-registration scientific evaluations of pesticides to assess and mitigate potential harm to human health or the environment, monitoring for pesticides in the air and water, and enforcing pesticide use laws regulations in coordination with 55 County Agriculture Commissioners and their 500 field inspectors. DPR also conducts outreach to ensure pesticide workers, farmworkers and local communities have access to pesticide safety information. DPR invests in innovative research and outreach and education to encourage the development and adoption of integrated pest management tools and practices. More information about DPR can be found on our website.
Elections for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors have launched for the 2023-2024 crop year with the call to all candidates to file their petitions or declarations of candidacy by April 1, 2023.
The industry will choose for one independent grower position and two independent handler positions on the ABC Board of Directors in voting that starts April 21 and ends May 25. Alternate seats for those spots are also open, plus a second grower alternate seat, currently empty, is also up for election.
To be considered for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (as verified by ABC). Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.
All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections. All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 9th St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.
“The ABC Board of Directors is tremendously important to the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Richard Waycott. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on them to guide the work of the Almond Board and to help the industry navigate these complicated times.”
The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.
Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.
ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.
Applications are now being accepted for scholarships awarded through the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation.
Each year, the Foundation awards scholarships to high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a four-year or two-year school. These scholarships are available to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. In addition, one Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year.
The CAWG Foundation board selects scholarship recipients who have demonstrated excellence across the board, from academic achievement and extracurricular activities to public service and community involvement. Selection criteria include scholastic ability, financial need, community service, leadership experience, and a personal essay.
“The CAWG Foundation scholarships are a tribute to the families of employees who help make the winegrape and wine community a special part of California culture. The continuity of this scholarship program is made possible by the generous donations from the winegrape industry, and we express our gratitude to them,” remarked Davindar Mahil, the CAWG Foundation board of directors’ chair.
Each year, three, 4-year scholarships are available at $8,000 each ($24,000 total) for students who plan to attend any campus in the University of California or California State University system. There are also three 2-year scholarships available at $2,000 each ($6,000 total) for students who plan to attend any California community college.
The Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship provides either $500 for Alan Hancock College or $1,000 for Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (see the link below for this scholarship’s eligibility and study subject requirements).
Since the program’s inception in 1998, the CAWG Foundation has awarded $554,500 in scholarships to help students pursue higher education. Generous donations from CAWG members and the California wine community fund the scholarship program.
Applications can be found at https://cawgfoundation.org/ and are due March 4, 2023.
From lattes to cocktails, fashion and even paint colors, pistachios are having a moment. Food industry leaders like Baum + Whiteman and Lyons Magnus recently predicted pistachios would be the top nut of 2023 in food trend research, and outlets like Forbes and Eat This, Not That! all covered the news. Beyond the taste and nutritional benefits of the nut, trends are extending into the color – and even smell – of pistachios, with the nutty aroma now being used in candles and perfumes.
Looking back at where the pistachio craze began, the pandemic forced consumers to reevaluate their health and wellbeing; people were forced to consider not only what they ate and how it affected them, but also how it affected the planet. The result was a movement toward plant-based proteins, and as a source of complete protein, pistachios fit the bill. Further, the sustainability of pistachios stands out from other crops; pistachios are a permanent crop that spans generations of farmers and as a high desert plant, are relatively drought tolerant.
“Pistachios aren’t just the hottest snack, their surging popularity is because of research that shows their unique health benefits,” said Judy Hirigoyen, VP of Global Marketing for American Pistachio Growers trade association. “They’re a complete protein which is the quality of protein usually found in animal proteins. Further, thanks to a recently published study by Cornell University, we now know they’re also very high in antioxidants. In fact, they rival the level of antioxidant capacity you’d find in blueberries, pomegranates and red wine.”
American Pistachio Growers is the entity that is responsible for consumer education globally, something that’s been easy to do with myriad scientific studies that keep coming from around the world.
“Shipments of American-grown pistachios to export markets continue to grow in double digits,” said Hirigoyen. “We know the educational efforts are working,” said Hirigoyen, citing an analysis of shipments from the U.S. to key export markets from 2016 through 2021. “In the export markets where we promote the research, shipments grew by 36 percent on average.”
American Pistachio Growers is a non-profit trade association representing more than 865 members who are pistachio growers, processors and industry partners in California, Arizona and New Mexico. American-grown pistachios are sold under many quality brand names internationally, so look for country of origin on packaging. For more information, visit AmericanPistachios.org.
The sun is rising again for increased U.S. export trade opportunities in “Land of the Rising Sun”. Japan has a well-developed food retail market that demands high-quality, high-value agricultural and food products. Despite reduced economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic, trade data show that agricultural imports have remained resilient (with growth opportunities for California tree nuts in particular). As Japan’s top supplier of agricultural products, the United States is a stable and reliable partner with a long-standing relationship. Although competition in Japan has intensified in recent years, U.S. suppliers can find many opportunities to market consumer-oriented products that follow Japanese retail trends. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) maintains a website to help U.S. food and beverage exporters to navigate the Japanese market: USDAJapan.org.
Macroeconomic Perspective
Japan is a high-income country with a population of 125.7 million people. It is one of the most highly urbanized countries in the world with more than 90 percent of the population living in urban areas. With the third-largest economy in the world, behind only the United States and China, Japan has a highly diversified manufacturing and service economy. According to household data from IHS Markit, 95 percent of Japanese households, approximately 51.6 million households, have incomes higher than $20,000 at purchasing power parity. In 2021, Japan had a gross domestic product (GDP) per capita at purchasing power parity of $42,940. According to the latest International Monetary Fund forecast, real GDP growth is projected at 1.6 percent in 2023 and 1.3 percent in 2024.
Since the initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, the Government of Japan’s containment measures and consumers’ risk-averse behaviors limited economic activity. However, in the third quarter of 2022, Japan loosened border controls, boosting economic activity and seeking to reconnect with the world. Since October 2022, visa-free tourism resumed for U.S. citizens While Japan’s economic recovery continues, challenges remain. Japan’s lack of natural resources, including agricultural land, makes the country susceptible to external pressures such as food and energy prices. For example, price shocks from Russia’s war in Ukraine and supply chain disruptions have impacted domestic purchasing power. Increased prices have subdued household confidence and real income. Also, from a demographic perspective, Japan not only has an aging population but also a declining population. This trend continues to limit economic growth and presents fiscal policy challenges.
Despite various challenges and an uncertain global economic environment, Japan’s agricultural trade, particularly agricultural imports, has been resilient because these imports play a crucial role in Japan’s domestic food supply. According to Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries annual report, Japan’s food self-sufficiency ratio on a caloric basis was 37 percent in 2020, suggesting that many food items depend on imports to boost food availability. In particular, imported livestock products and animal feed supplement Japan’s limited domestic agricultural production.
In 2022, Japan imported $70.2 billion of agricultural products, a 16.4-percent increase from pre-COVID 2019 and also surpassing record-level agricultural imports of 2011 and 2012. Although rising food prices contribute to higher unit prices, putting downward pressure on real income and purchasing power, Japan is an advanced economy where demand for high-quality food is relatively stable compared to emerging economies.
The United States is a dependable agricultural trading partner of Japan. Despite supply chain disruptions and economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States has continued to supply safe, high-quality agricultural products. With the implementation of the 2020 U.S.-Japan Trade Agreement (USJTA), U.S. agricultural exporters remain competitive, from a tariff perspective, with Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) member countries. However, macroeconomic conditions, including Japan’s economic recovery and exchange rate dynamics, affect U.S. export competitiveness. As the U.S. dollar strengthened during 2021 and 2022, U.S. exports to Japan became more expensive. However, since October 2022, the Japanese yen has rebounded somewhat, increasing purchasing power for Japanese importers.
As Japan’s top agricultural supplier, the United States exported $14.6 billion of agricultural products in 2022, with consumer-oriented products making up almost half ($6.8 billion) of the agricultural exports. Japan was the fourth-largest market for U.S. consumer-oriented products.
Japan’s highly developed food retail market allows consumers to have several options to meet their food needs, whether it is dining at a restaurant, shopping at supermarkets and convenience stores, or retailing via e-commerce, where customers have quality groceries and food delivered to their doorsteps. Customers continue to seek out high-quality food, emphasizing convenience and accessibility, such as ready-to-eat meals and on-the-go packaged food. Also, Japan’s demographic shift has opened the door for increased demand for health food. Japan’s older population generally has more spending power and influence regarding household consumption patterns, and the health-conscious population are willing to pay more for high-quality, nutritious foods Food products that consumers believe support health and dietary and functional needs are promising for the foreseeable future.
In October 2019, the United States and Japan signed the USJTA, which provides for limited tariff reductions and quota expansions to improve market access. Japan agreed to reduce or eliminate tariffs on about 600 agricultural tariff lines (e.g., beef, pork, and cheese), and expand preferential tariff-rate quotas for a limited number of U.S. products (e.g., wheat). Opening Japan’s highly protected agriculture market and reaching parity with exporters from Japan’s free trade agreement partners was a major priority for the U.S. agriculture sector.
Beef and Beef Products: Despite higher beef retail prices, beef shipments to Japan in value and shipment volumes have remained steady. Higher prices may shift consumer preferences from fresh or chilled beef to frozen beef, or from beef products to pork and poultry products. However, beef consumption is expected to increase in 2023 as Japan’s reopening to foreign visitors further supports the hotel, restaurant, and institutional (HRI) sector’s recovery. As a result of the recently revised agreement with Japan regarding the beef safeguard mechanism, U.S. beef exports are less likely to trigger safeguard tariffs in the coming years even with increased shipments. In 2022, the United States exported $2.3 billion of beef and beef products to Japan, nearly matching the previous year’s record of $2.4 billion.
Cheese: The United States exported $231.8 million of cheese products to Japan in 2022, a 23.4-percent increase from a year ago. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, cheese products were generally marketed and consumed in dining options outside of the home. However, consumers taking advantage of expanded retail options in supermarkets during the pandemic have continued to consume cheese products beyond the stay-at-home period. According to cheese consumption data from the Agricultural Trade Office at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, Japan’s per capita cheese consumption is significantly lower than other advanced economies. From a marketing perspective, elevating the cheese consumption experience with cheese pairing guides will be important. Although the European Union (EU) suppliers enjoy a degree of marketing advantage (product differentiation) by promoting their geographical indications, import demand for most cheese products continues to rise.
Tree Nuts: In 2022, Japan imported $826.5 million of tree nuts, of which 51.0 percent (approximately $421.1 million) were from the United States. Elevated unit prices in 2022 did not negatively impact shipment volumes, suggesting that demand for tree nuts is stable. The United States almost exclusively supplies almonds and walnuts, the top two imported tree nuts (not including mixed or prepared tree nuts). Another positive development is shelled pistachios, which had a higher import value than in-shell pistachios. Japan imported $28.3 million of shelled pistachios in 2022, a 35.9-percent increase from 2021’s record-breaking imports ($20.8 million). Combined with in-shell pistachios, Japan imported $50.9 million worth of pistachios, and the United States supplies almost 90 percent of shelled and in-shell pistachios. With an image of “guilt-free” snacking, tree nuts have great potential as a stand-alone product as well as ingredients for other prepared food.
Processed Fruit: Processed (frozen, prepared, or preserved) fruits are essential ingredients in bakery products and snack foods. Although consumers have generally regarded fresh fruit as a premium product, consumers are shifting from fresh fruit to processed fruit. The link between processed fruit’s longer shelf life and perceived “freshness,” or the lack thereof, is less significant, especially among the younger generation. Also, processed fruit allows consumers to enjoy seasonal products year-round and to take advantage of many more fruit options that aren’t available from domestic production. While the United States has a strong presence in the dried fruit market (raisin and dried prune products), frozen fruit competition continues to intensify.
Distilled Spirits: After record-high imports in 2019 ($817.1 million), the premium drink market experienced decreased sales with disruptions to the HRI food service industry in 2020 and 2021. During this slump, however, distilled spirits observed a consumption trend shift, where the COVID-19-induced trend of at-home drinking made distilled spirits more accessible. As consumers seek a premium experience, whether at home or from a bar, spirits-based, ready-to-drink beverages have growth potential. Imports from the United Kingdom, for example Scotch whiskey, make up more than 60 percent of the whiskey market share, but name recognition for American whiskeys, namely bourbon and Tennessee whiskey, is growing. In 2022, U.S. whiskey exports were up 7.2 percent in value during the past year.
Japan’s declining agricultural production and evolving consumption trends indicate that agricultural imports will continue to play an integral role in meeting Japan’s food demands. Japan has emphasized import diversification and stabilization to secure food supplies, including through trade liberalization. Accordingly, Japan signed significant trade agreements with major U.S. competitors in recent years, notably the CPTPP and the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement. As more economies in Asia and South America continue to join the CPTPP, Japan will continue to diversify trade partners for its food supply. Nevertheless, given U.S agriculture’s reputation for safety and reliability, the United States is well-positioned to continue as the leading agricultural product supplier.
As competition intensifies in the food retail market, crafting a marketing strategy to cater to Japan’s consumer preferences will be essential for U.S. suppliers to remain competitive in a Japanese market that seeks quality, value, and convenience. — By the USDA Foreign Ag Service
California Farmland Trust (CFT) is pleased to welcome Amy Wolfe to the CFT team. Amy will serve as the strategic marketing and development manager.
Amy has spent nearly 20 years in executive capacities within the charitable sector, most recently as the Interim Executive Director of the American Leadership Forum – Great Valley Chapter. Prior to that, Amy dedicated 11 years as the President and CEO of AgSafe. Her career also includes tenure with the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, as a professional staff member with the California State Assembly, and with the creative team for E&J Gallo Winery.
She currently serves on the Ag Innovations, Modesto Rotary Club, and League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County Boards of Directors. Her previous Board service and leadership includes the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Modesto Chamber of Commerce, Protected Harvest, and United Way of Stanislaus County.
Amy is a partner with Mujeres Poderosas, a collaboration of women who share their wisdom to improve organizations. The CFT team will certainly benefit from her knowledge and skills.
“I am thrilled that Amy has joined the CFT team, as her knowledge of CFT and previous experience with the organization are invaluable,” said Charlotte Mitchell, executive director at CFT. “In the early years of CFT, Amy assisted the young organization with strategic and philanthropic planning with the board and staff. I am extremely excited to have Amy join our team and lead our marketing and development efforts.”
Amy possesses a Master of Public Policy and Administration from California State University, Sacramento, and a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In addition, she is accredited as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE).
She, her husband (a high school agriculture teacher), and their daughter enjoy traveling, outdoor sports, and playing with their Great Dane.
California Farmland Trust is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 17,606 acres of farmland on 81 farms. To learn more, visit us at www.cafarmtrust.org.
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director Blong Xiong today announced that 41 counties in California are accepting applications for the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) to address damages from the recent severe storm to eligible farmland, fences, and conservation structures/other installations. ECP signup will begin on February 13th, 2023, and end on April 14th, 2023.
The approved ECP practices under this authorization include debris removal, grading, shaping & leveling, fence restoration & restoring conservation structures & other installations. The use of ECP funds is limited to activities to return the land to the relative pre-disaster condition. Conservation concerns that were present on the land prior to the disaster are not eligible for ECP assistance.
Counties approved for ECP: Alameda, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Kings, Lake, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Tulare, Ventura, Yolo and Yuba.
ECP assists producers with the recovery cost to restore the farmland to pre-disaster conditions. Approved ECP applicants may receive up to 75 percent of the eligible cost of restoration measures. Eligible socially disadvantaged and beginning farmers and ranchers can receive up to 90 percent of the eligible cost of restoration. No one is eligible for more than $500,000 cost sharing per natural disaster occurrence.
Cost share assistance has now been authorized to:
To be eligible for assistance, practices must not be started until all the following are met:
Producers with damage from such events must apply for assistance prior to beginning reconstructive work. FSA’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and environmental compliance review process is required to be completed before any actions are taken. Submitting an application after reconstructive work has been completed may impact eligibility for ECP.
For more information on ECP, please contact your local FSA office or visit farmers.gov/recover. To find your local FSA office visit farmers.gov/service-center-locator.
USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is commemorating 60 years since the beginning of the Interregional Research Project No. 4 (IR-4 Project). Since it was established by Land-grant Universities and the USDA in 1963, IR-4 has championed specialty crop growers by facilitating the registration of safe, effective pest management solutions to meet their unique needs.
Dr. Michelle Samuel-Foo, NIFA National Program Leader, serves as a member of IR-4’s Project Management Committee. As a former Regional Field Coordinator for IR-4’s Southern Region, Samuel-Foo brings deep knowledge of IR-4’s work to her role at NIFA and helps coordinate research and equity initiatives between the two organizations.
“The IR-4 project is an outstanding example of a long-standing and very successful program that has been funded by USDA-NIFA,” said Samuel-Foo. “On a fundamental level, IR-4 helps to ensure that American consumers have access to a safe and nutritious supply of fruits and vegetables, which is a critical component of a healthy diet. I am extremely proud of the work that IR-4 does and grateful to be a proponent linking NIFA’s support and IR-4’s continued work.”
Specialty crops are essential components of a healthy diet, a thriving landscape, and a robust U.S. economy. According to an economic impact study by Michigan State University in 2022, IR-4 contributes $8.97 billion annually to the gross domestic product. Additionally, seven jobs today can be attributed to every $1,000 of public investment in IR-4.
IR-4 has secured over 23,000 pest management product registrations through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for food crops, and countless others for ornamental crops. Putting farmers’ needs first, IR-4 assesses a range of tools — including reduced-risk chemical and bio-based pesticides, as well as emerging technologies and integrated solutions.
Notable registrations facilitated by IR-4 include Chlorantraniliprole (a reduced-risk conventional pesticide) and Spinosad (a bio-based insecticide approved for both conventional and organic growers). As a result of IR-4’s submissions, these products are approved by EPA for use on numerous specialty crops. IR-4 has also secured several biopesticides to manage Varroa mites in honeybee colonies. These registrations help reduce dietary exposure to pesticides, increase growers’ pest management options, and secure the vitality of the U.S. food supply.
IR-4 works closely with public and private sector partners to achieve its mission. NIFA, IR-4’s federal funding organization, is a key partner. NIFA and IR-4 share goals of advancing agricultural research to best serve growers and the environment, as well as ensuring all U.S. citizens enjoy a nutritious, accessible food supply. NIFA’s support is critical to IR-4’s research, and IR-4’s findings in the field and lab help shape NIFA’s understanding of the specialty crop community’s needs.
Headquartered at North Carolina State University since 2021 (formerly at Rutgers University), IR-4 works nationwide through four regional offices, each collaborating with growers, commodity groups, state liaisons, Land-grant University researchers, Extension, and industry leaders to determine research priorities and conduct studies. IR-4 also works with international partners to harmonize pesticide regulations, spearheading the effort to streamline crop grouping across agencies.
As the future of pest management grows increasingly complex, IR-4 and NIFA will continue to guide the specialty crop community forward with innovative and sustainable solutions. Visit the IR-4 website to connect via email, newsletter or social media— the organization will be sharing stories of impact throughout 2023 to commemorate its 60-year milestone.