California Ag Network

Category: Ag Economics

  • California Dairies, INC. To Acquire DairyAmerica

    California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), the largest dairy farmer-owned cooperative in California, announced today that it has agreed to acquire DairyAmerica, effective January 1, 2023.

    DairyAmerica, a globally recognized supplier of quality and sustainable dairy ingredients, is a federated cooperative currently co-owned by CDI, Agri-Mark, Inc., and O-AT-KA Milk Products. As part of the acquisition, CDI will purchase the ownership rights currently held by Agri-Mark, Inc. and O-AT-KA Milk Products, making DairyAmerica a wholly owned subsidiary of CDI.

    “This investment in DairyAmerica provides the opportunity for CDI to unlock significant synergies and represents another step towards improving efficiencies in providing world markets with high quality dairy ingredients,” said Brad Anderson, president and chief executive officer of California Dairies, Inc.

    Under the new structure, DairyAmerica will continue to market milk powders produced by Agri-Mark, Inc. and O-AT-KA Milk Products. These marketing agreements will allow for the continued multi-origin and sustainable supply benefits currently enjoyed by DairyAmerica.

    “We continue to support the Dairy America vision,” said William Schreiber, chief executive officer of O-AT-KA Milk Products.

    “We are pleased to be a part of this transition and have seen the benefits of DairyAmerica’s transformation under its new leadership the past two years,” said David Lynn, interim chief executive officer at Agri-Mark, Inc.

    DairyAmerica will remain under the leadership of Patti Smith, chief executive officer, and the DairyAmerica office will remain in Fresno, CA.

    “As we continue to transform our business, this investment by CDI provides the framework to focus on our people and processes while strengthening our global competitiveness,” said Patti Smith, chief executive officer of DairyAmerica.

    About

    California Dairies, Inc., is the largest member-owned milk marketing and processing cooperative in California, producing approximately 40 percent of California’s milk. Co-owned by more than 300 dairy producers who ship nearly 17 billion pounds of Real California Milk annually, California Dairies, Inc. is the home of two leading and well-respected brands of butter – Challenge and Danish Creamery. California Dairies, Inc.’s quality dairy products are available in all 50 United States and more than 50 foreign countries. For additional information on CDI, visit www.CaliforniaDairies.com.

    DairyAmerica, Inc. is a federated marketing cooperative founded in 1995 and serves to market quality dairy products regionally, nationally, and internationally to its ever-expanding and diverse customer base. For additional information on DairyAmerica, Inc., visit www.DairyAmerica.com.

  • December USDA Lending Rates for Agricultural Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for December 2022, which are effective Dec. 1, 2022. USDA’s 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 and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including veterans, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for December 2022 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.

    Pandemic and Disaster Support

    FSA broadened the use of the Disaster Set Aside (DSA), normally used in the wake of natural disasters, to allow farmers with USDA farm loans who are affected by COVID-19, and are determined eligible, to have their next payment set aside. Because of the pandemic’s continued impacts, producers can apply for a second DSA for COVID-19 or a second DSA for a natural disaster for producers with an initial DSA for COVID-19. The COVID-DSA is available for borrowers with installments due before Dec. 31, 2022, and whose installment is not more than 90 days past due when the DSA request is made. The set-aside payment’s due date is moved to the final maturity date of the loan or extended up to 12 months in the case of an annual operating loan. Any principal set-aside will continue to accrue interest until it is repaid. Use of the expanded DSA program can help to improve a borrower’s cashflow in the current production cycle.

    FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options.

    Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Producers

    On August 16, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. It is a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities that USDA serves. Section 22006 of the IRA provided $3.1 billion for USDA to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain FSA direct and guaranteed loans and to expedite assistance for those whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. USDA has allocated up to $1.3 billion for initial steps to help these distressed borrowers. This includes both automatic and case-by-case assistance. For more information producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/inflation-reduction-investments/assistance.

  • Fresno Chamber of Commerce Announces Ag Leader Award Winners

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Ag Awards, a long-standing tradition that honors and celebrates our region’s agricultural industry leaders. The honorees were recognized at the Ag Awards Celebration on November 3rd at PR Farms.

    The 2022 Ag Awards Honorees include:

    • Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year Award – Triple Delight Blueberries

    • Agriculturalist of the Year Award – Russel Efird, Owner & President, Double E Farms Inc.; Vice President, Efird Ag Enterprises Inc.

    • AGvocate of the Year Award – Christine Torosian-Klistoff, Teacher Fairmont Elementary School, Sanger, CA

    • Agricultural Employee of the Year – Jose Erevia, Director of Safety, Workers Compensation & Regulatory Compliance, Prima Wawona

    • Lifetime of Service Award for Significant Contributions to Fresno County Agriculture–

      Margaret Mims, Fresno County Sheriff, and Dr. Dennis Nef, Dean and Professor Emeritus, Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences & Technology and Department of Agricultural Business, California State University, Fresno

      The Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year Award is presented to Triple Delight Blueberries; a notable leader in the Valley’s ag industry who has established market outlets for valley berries with various wholesale buyers as well as corporate kitchens, specialty grocers and various restaurants. “Triple Delight Blueberries is the absolute perfect business to receive the Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year Award,” stated Janell Attebery, Partner, Moss Adams. “Moss Adams is proud to partner with the Fresno Chamber of Commerce in awarding Triple Delight Blueberries this year’s award because of their dedication to build their business since 1997, while simultaneously building their industry. They are true examples of pillars of the Central Valley ag community.”

      The recipient of the 2022 Agriculturalist of the Year Award is Russel Efird from Double E Farms Inc. Efird is known amongst his peers to be a mentor and teacher, spending much of his personal time educating members of the community and elected officials about agriculture. Today, Russel and his son, Matthew, farm 1,500 acres of almonds, walnuts, raisins, and wine grapes in the Caruthers, Riverdale and Raisin City areas.

    Returning this year after a 2021 debut is the AGvocate of the Year Award. This year’s AGvocate of the Year is Christine Torosian-Klistoff, teacher to K-8 students at Fairmont Elementary School in Sanger, CA. Torosian-Klistoff has lead the team within Sanger Unified to develop plans on a 2-acre parcel adjacent to the school to build a state of the art, one of a kind Ag/STEM Educational center, which includes a comprehensive K-8 agriculturally based curriculum and adheres to state-mandated NGSS science standards.

    The Agricultural Employee of the Year will be given to Jose Erevia from Prima Wawona. Erevia’s experience working in the various departments and his noticeable work ethic has enabled him to find solutions and improve areas within the department of regulatory compliance & environmental health & safety.

    “Each of the awards presented represent an integral facet of Fresno’s agricultural community,” Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen said. “With the addition in 2021 of the AGvocate and Agricultural Employee of the Year Awards, the Ag Awards Celebration now recognizes an additional set of people who are key to the success of the local industry and the Central Valley itself. Because of these amazing leaders, Fresno County is the agricultural capital of the nation.”

    The Lifetime of Service Award for Significant Contributions to Fresno County Agriculture went to Sheriff Margaret Mims and Dr. Dennis Nef. Sheriff Mims began her career in 1983 as the first female police officer in Kerman and continued her career to attain the rank of Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Sheriff, and elected Sheriff in 2006. Showing her dedication to the agriculture industry, she was awarded the Common Threads Award for the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation in 2018.

    For the last 39 years and counting, Dr. Nef has impacted countless students and graduates along with faculty, staff and administrators at Fresno State as well as agriculturalists throughout the Central Valley and beyond. As Dean, the University Agricultural Laboratory became a focus and priority. This 1,000 acre laboratory is home to research, teaching and learning for the nearly 2,000 students studying agriculture at Fresno State. From 2003 to 2019, he served as vice provost, interim provost and associate dean of undergraduate studies, and most recently appointed to lead the Jordan College.

  • Changing Labor Laws & Regulations Ag Employers Need to Know

    As California farmers prepare for the New Year, there are some labor-related changes to laws and regulations that ag employers need to be aware of.  Watch this brief interview with Adam Borchard from the California Fresh Fruit Association as he explains, based on his recent presentation at the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting Highlights Record Profitability

    At the 112th Blue Diamond Growers Annual Meeting held mid-November in Modesto, CA, Blue Diamond Growers President and CEO, Mark Jansen, highlighted the accomplishments of the past year, while recognizing remarkable headwinds the cooperative tackled through creative solutions, strategic partnerships, and world-class innovation.

    “Although 2022 was marked by supply chain disruptions, the ongoing COVID-19 impact, and a continuing drought, we still fulfilled our mission and provided considerable competitive advantage with our grower returns,” said Jansen. “It could not have happened without the dedication of our 3,000 grower-owners or the 1,800 hard-working Blue Diamond team members.”

    Jansen further reported that despite the many challenges of the year, Blue Diamond was able to increase payments by an average of $.20 a pound and deliver a record competitive advantage in grower returns.

    In an additional highlight, he shared that to counter global transportation disruptions, the Blue Diamond Supply Chain Team worked with the Almond Alliance, California Department of Food and Agriculture, and the California Governor’s Office of Business Development to build a new multi-port export strategy. This included implementing a pop-up yard at the Port of Oakland to stage products closer to the port to reduce wait times at congested terminals. In addition, the Supply Chain Team partnered on the launch of the first inland direct-rail port from Fresno to the Port of Los Angeles. Based on these learnings, the team spearheaded the Almond Express train to carry containers from Oakland to Los Angeles, Long Beach and Norfolk, Virginia. The containers were then offloaded onto terminal docks for guaranteed export to Asia, the Middle East and India.

    “Navigating the global supply chain issues and devising creative solutions – while working alongside our partners – is just one way we remained true to our vision of delivering the benefits of almonds to the world,” said Jansen.

    At the meeting, it was shared that during fiscal year 2022 Blue Diamond was able to:

    • Deliver its share of the California almond industry’s second largest crop of 2.8 billion meat pounds; closely following the record 3.1-billion-pound crop of 2020
    • Develop new value-added uses for almonds through ongoing new product development via the Almond Innovation Center (AIC). As a result, AIC delivered $90 million in innovation revenue and 18.9 million pounds of innovation volume for Blue Diamond.
    • Launch several new Blue Diamond branded consumer products including Extra Creamy Almond Breeze®, Almond & Oat Almond Breeze® (international markets) and new Snack Almonds (Chilé ‘n Lime, Probiotics, Elote, Korean BBQ, and Mash Ups)
    • Sell 83 million pounds of almonds as part of Blue Diamond’s Snack Almond line alone, while remaining the No. 1 almondmilk in the plant-based milk category
    • Achieve 17% volume growth compared to the previous year for Almond Breeze® products in more than 70 countries – via a global network of licensee partners
    • Increase Global Ingredient sales from new customer applications of almond butter, almond flour, and almond protein powder
    • Open new markets in Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Bolivia and Argentina, while driving 33% volume growth in Asia

    “Blue Diamond has experienced substantial growth in recent years through thoughtful, smart decisions and actions,” said Dan Cummings, Chairman of the Board, Blue Diamond Growers. “With our focus on innovation, deeply established partnerships, and steadfast commitment to going above and beyond to deliver on consumer and retail demands, I expect this progress to continue well into the future.”

    Blue Diamond Announces Continuing Board Members

    In addition to sharing highlights from the past year, Blue Diamond also announced its continuing board members, including:

    • Dan Cummings, Chairman, District 1, Chico
    • John Monroe, District 2, Arbuckle
    • Dale Van Groningen, District 3, Ripon
    • George A. te Velde, District 4, Ripon/Escalon
    • Steve Van Duyn, Vice Chairman, District 5, Modesto/Ripon
    • Nick Blom, District 6, Turlock
    • Dan Mendenhall, District 7, Winton
    • Matthew Efird, District 8, Fresno
    • Kent Stenderup, District 9, Arvin
    • Joe Huston Director-at-Large, Monterey
    • Kristin Daley Director-at-Large, San Francisco
    Blue Diamond Annual and Sustainability Reports Now Available

    In conjunction with the Annual Meeting, Blue Diamond Growers is also releasing its “Partnering for a Sustainable Future” Annual Report and inaugural “Growing a Better Tomorrow” Sustainability Report. Both reports are 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.

  • Ag Conservation Easement Programs Permanently Protect Over 3.4 Million Acres

    American Farmland Trust‘s Farmland Information Center recently released results from its annual survey of state Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement (PACE) programs. Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement programs use public funds to compensate property owners for keeping their land available for agriculture. The findings from the 2022 survey are summarized in “Status of State Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easement Programs.

    As of the start of this calendar year, PACE programs in 30 states have invested more than $5 billion in state funds to acquire nearly 18,500 easements and permanently protect more than 3.4 million acres. Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, Delaware, and Massachusetts lead the nation in easements acquired while Colorado, Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and California stood out for acres protected to date (see maps). Key partners, including local governments, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service and other federal agencies, foundations, and landowners, have spent an additional $3 billion to complete these projects.

    Annual Trends Show Increased Pace of Protection, Lower Acquisition Costs, and Uptick in Local Match

    In 2021, programs reported acquiring 589 easements on approximately 106,700 acres, spending over $183.7 million in state funds and leveraging more than $118 million from other sources to do deals. For the single year, program activity in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Ohio, and New Jersey topped the list for easements acquired. California, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, and Maryland lead for acres protected (see tables).

    While annual state spending was down 3%, total funds invested in easement acquisitions grew 8% from 2020 levels. This reflects a nearly 31% rise in funding from non-state sources, as reported by program managers. Local government contributions represented the most significant share of non-state funding, up 70%. The value of landowner donations also more than doubled, while the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement component (ACEP-ALE) kicked in an additional 18% of the non-state dollars. ACEP-ALE is a voluntary federal conservation program implemented by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that protects agricultural land from conversion to non-agricultural uses. ACEP-ALE provides matching funds to eligible entities to acquire conservation easements on farmland and ranch land.

    The number of easements acquired in 2021 decreased from 2020, but the total acreage protected increased by more than 12% year-over-year. Notably, the average easement size increased 28% from 141 acres per easement in 2020 to 181 acres per easement in 2021—also an increase from both the 2018 and 2019 average easement sizes.

    Average cost for acquisition, meanwhile, was at its lowest point in four years. Based on total funds spent, the average cost to protect an acre of farmland or ranchland dropped 3% from $2,926 per acre in 2020 to $2,833 in 2021.

    AFT’s Farmland Information Center has been conducting its annual survey of State PACE programs since 1995. The 2022 State PACE Program Survey collects information about transactions completed in calendar year 2021 and summarizes cumulative data through January 2022. Other nationwide surveys conducted by the Farmland Information Center include a survey of local PACE programs, and of land trusts that protect agricultural land. The data collected through these surveys help AFT track the progress of on-the-ground programs working to save our nation’s farmland.

    For more information on Purchase of Agricultural Conservation Easements, visit AFT’s Farmland Information Center website. The FIC is a clearinghouse for information about farmland protection and stewardship and is a public/private partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and American Farmland Trust.

    American Farmland Trust is the only national organization that takes a holistic approach to agriculture, focusing on the land itself, the agricultural practices used on that land, and the farmers and ranchers who do the work. AFT launched the conservation agriculture movement and continues to raise public awareness through our No Farms, No Food message. Since our founding in 1980, AFT has helped permanently protect over 7 million acres of agricultural lands, advanced environmentally-sound farming practices on a half million additional acres and supported thousands of farm families.

  • New Commercial HLB Detection Response Guide

    To ensure California citrus growers are well prepared in the event of a potential commercial grove detection of Huanglongbing (HLB), the deadly citrus plant disease that can be spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program (CPDPP) has developed a response guide for growers to utilize and educate themselves on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) action plan.

    The Response Guide for a Confirmed HLB Positive Detection in a Commercial Grove details the steps taken by CDFA and actions required of the property or grove owner, as outlined in CDFA’s Action Plan.

    The actions in the response guide represent the most effective tools known to the citrus industry at this time and are meant to protect California’s citrus groves and support CDFA’s current required regulatory response. While, as of today, there have been no positive detections of HLB in a commercial citrus grove, the CPDPP recognizes the importance of proper preparation.

    In addition to the requirements outlined in the guide, growers are encouraged to use as many methods as feasible for their operation in order to limit the spread of the ACP and HLB.

    To read or download the response guide, please click HERE. If you have any questions or would like to order physical copies of this response guide, please visit our Resources page. — By the California Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program

  • UCCE Virtual Workshop Series on Nitrogen Management in Organic Production

    Growers of organic vegetables and strawberries across California are invited to attend an online training to learn how to manage nitrogen fertilization. UC Cooperative Extension is offering the three-part Nitrogen Planning and Management in Organic Production of Annual Crops Workshop on Nov. 29, Dec. 5 and Dec. 12.

    Growers, certified crop advisers, pest control advisers and other agricultural professionals who are interested in learning about nitrogen management in organically farmed crops are encouraged to enroll.

    The workshop is also available in Spanish.

    Tuesday, Nov. 29, 1-3 p.m. – Part 1: Understanding nitrogen: the nutrient, the role of microbes and the relevance of soil organic matter. Daniel Geisseler, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in nutrient management at UC Davis; Radomir Schmidt, program manager for the Working Lands Innovation Center at the UC Davis Institute of the Environment; and Margaret Lloyd, UCCE small farms advisor will give an overview of the sources, transformations and fates of nitrogen in soil. They also will discuss the role and dynamics of microbes in nitrogen management, and how nitrogen fixation impacts management decisions.

    Monday, Dec. 5, 1-3 p.m. – Part 2: Estimating nitrogen release from organic amendments and contributions from cover crops. Patricia Lazicki, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Lloyd will discuss estimating nitrogen release from compost, organic fertilizers, cover crops and crop residue and irrigation water.

    Monday Dec. 12, 1-3 p.m. – Part 3: Putting it all together: Completing a nitrogen budget, synchronizing nitrogen release with nitrogen demand, and using soil tests. Joji Muramoto, UC Cooperative Extension organic production specialist; Richard Smith, UC Cooperative Extension vegetable crops advisor; and Lloyd will address nuances of organic soil fertility management in vegetables. Discussions will include crop nitrogen demand and strategies to supply demand, as well as using and interpreting soil testing. Specific references will be made to strategies for complying with forthcoming regulations. The session will conclude with a discussion on new frontiers in organic nitrogen management.

    Registration for the virtual event is $25 and includes all three classes. A single registration can be shared by members of the same farm. Space is limited to 75 participants. To register, visit https://ucanr.edu/organiccrops22.

    Participants may earn six hours of CDFA-INMTP continuing education credits (formerly CURES CE Credits) or six hours of CCA credits.

    For more information, contact Margaret Lloyd at (530) 564-8642 or mglloyd@ucanr.edu.

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings the power of UC to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu and support our work at donate.ucanr.edu.

  • Real California Milk Begins Holiday Season With Mornings Mean More Campaign

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced today the return of its consumer promotion focused on holiday breakfast traditions with dairy. The annual campaign – titled Holiday Mornings Mean More – debuted in 2020 and focuses on the California market. Holiday Mornings Mean More communicates messages of family, togetherness, and the importance of celebrating time together over special breakfast recipes. The featured promotional menu provides a turn-key solution for busy shoppers, where any of the recipes can be scaled up or down to accommodate gathering sizes. The menu includes recipes designed to be enjoyed together such as a Greek Veggie and Feta Frittata, a Pancake and Waffle Party Board, Cheesy Hash Brown Egg Bites, and a Hot & Tasty Beverage Board.

    The promotion, which runs November 28 through December 25, will be geotargeted around 1,557 California stores including Smart & Final, Ralphs, Safeway and Walmart, among others. It will be supported with in-store media and shopper marketing activations. Integrated digital media will include banner ads and in-line recipe pairings throughout Chicory’s recipe network, a targeted email blast, Ibotta rebate offers, Instacart SEM, sponsored social media posts, targeted display banner ads, and food influencer partnerships across Instagram and TikTok.

    “Dairy is an essential part of breakfast. These holiday breakfast recipes were curated to showcase the best of California dairy while inspiring families to spend time together during the holidays creating new traditions in the kitchen,” said Katelyn Harmon, Director of Business Development, U.S. Retail for the CMAB. “High quality, sustainably produced Real California dairy products are perfect additions to make breakfast as a family that much more special.”

    California is the nation’s leading milk producer and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California products can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which certifies they are made with milk from the state’s dairy farm families using sustainable farming practices.

    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.

  • Organic Fruit Grower Workshop, Dec. 8

    The UC Cooperative Extension is hosting an in-person Organic Agriculture Workshop on December 8 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The workshop is designed for growers, CCAs, PCAs and other agricultural professionals interested in organic agriculture. The session will cover regulations, assistance programs, fertilization, irrigation, and managing pests, diseases and weeds.

    The workshop will discuss the specifics of organic production as related to avocados, citrus and berries. The sessions will include group instruction followed by discussion and questions. Presentation topics of interest to California avocado growers include the following:

    • Overviews of organic production in San Diego County and California
    • Lessons from the field (organic growers panel discussion)
    • Nitrogen management
    • Weed control alternatives
    • Updates on organic regulatory issues
    • Insect pest management options
    • Water and irrigation efficiency
    • Mulching and compost effects on good soil quality and health

    Registration is required for this event and registration is limited to 60 persons. Early registration (November 17 – November 27) is $60 per person. Late registration (November 28 – December 5) is $75 per person.  The workshop will take place at the Farm Hub-Farm Bureau Conference Room, 420 South Broadway, Escondido, CA.

    The complete agenda is available online. For additional information, contact Jan Gonzales at jggonzales@ucdavis.edu.