California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • United Dairy Families of California Forms to Resolve Quota Dispute

    On March 29, 2019 the Department received a petition to terminate the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP). Per the procedures for handling petitions, the Department has performed a review of the petition signatures and has determined that the twenty five percent (25%) threshold has not been achieved. Therefore, the petition will not be referred to the Producer Review Board.

    In calculating the qualified signatures, the Department utilized producer data from February 2019 as it was the most current producer information available. The review identified 1,197 dairy farms with various producer ownership status. When farms with common ownership were combined and counted as one producer, the Department identified 992 producers eligible for participation in the petition process.

    June Dairy Story

    The Department performed a review of the 283 signatures submitted as part of the petition. Of those, 243 signatures were validated. During its review, the Department utilized a variety of source documents to determine if the signatures submitted were valid under the requirements of the QIP and various Food and Agriculture Code sections (62716, 62717, 61834, 61836) pertaining to referendums. Signatures disqualified included Grade B shippers, dairy farms that had gone out of business, signatures that did not have the petition text included, signatures that did not match Department producer files, and signatures from individuals that were not listed as an owner per Department ownership files. When the 243 signatures were merged for common ownership, this resulted in signatures from 197 producers.

    The result of the petition review process revealed that nearly twenty percent (20%), or 197 of the 992 market milk producers submitted valid signatures.

    Regarding the announcement, Western United Dairymen shared, “Where does that leave us? Well for one, there is no restriction on when another petition can be submitted. So the same group or another can submit a petition to CDFA. With the petition in the rearview mirror, we can only hope this will give an incentive for the Stop QIP, United Dairy Families of California, or any other group that desires to take a leadership role on this challenging issue to get involved in effecting quota change, to sit down and discuss how to deal with the future of the QIP.”

    Geoff Vanden Heuvel from Milk Producers Council added, “A process is needed that will enable the California producer community to evaluate its options for the future with regards to quota. The existence of the STOP QIP movement has spawned the creation of another group of producers who organized specifically to focus on the quota issue.  That group is named the “United Dairy Families of California.” This group is committed to a process that seeks to find an equitable resolution to the quota issue. The existing cooperatives and trade associations have been understandably reluctant to get involved in this debate because its splits their membership. It would be in the best interest of the industry if a process emerged that would facilitate a long-term resolution of this issue. Ultimately this is a producer issue and for many producers a very personal one.”

  • Ag Advocacy Group Awards Cornucopia Award

    Members of the California Women for Agriculture (CWA) walked the halls of California’s state capitol earlier this month to discuss current agriculture policies with legislative representatives. As part of the organization’s annual statewide meeting in Sacramento, the CWA also honored Assembly Member Susan Talamantes Eggman with its Cornucopia Award, celebrating her commitment to support California agriculture.

    “CWA has a proud tradition of honoring urban legislators that are open to learning about California agriculture through our Cornucopia Award,” said CWA State President Sara Reid Herman. “Assembly Member Eggman is a shining example of a legislator that is willing to work to understand the needs of California agriculture and develop solutions that work for all impacted.”

    Since 1975, the CWA has been working to bridge the gap between California growers and those who live in urbanized areas. Through public relations efforts, educational projects and legislative advocacy, the group aims to be a voice for agriculture.

    A leader with experience in public service and community-building, Dr. Susan Talamantes Eggman was first elected in November, 2012 to represent the 13th Assembly District, which draws together the San Joaquin Delta communities of Stockton, Tracy, Thornton and Mountain House. She has since been re-elected in 2014, 2016, and 2018, and currently sits as the chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture.

    Throughout her years of service, Assembly Member Eggman has been committed to policies that advance the good of her community. Some of the projects she has worked on include improving access to health care, expanding educational opportunities and addressing her district’s need for resources to address crime. She has also been successful in working across partisan divides to find working solutions to real problems.

    “CWA is an effective voice for ag in California, especially at the grassroots level in their communities,” stated Assembly Member Eggman. “They mentor the next generation of women farmers and ranchers, ensuring they will have a strong voice in California.”

    As the largest all-volunteer organization dedicated to promoting agriculture in California, the CWA is currently is gearing up to host its largest scholarship fundraiser of the year: the Ag Booster’s BBQ. Hosted in conjunction with Fresno State’s Ag One Foundation, the event is scheduled to take place on September 8, 2019. For more information about the CWA, please visit www.cawomen4ag.org.

    About California Women for Agriculture

    The California Women for Agriculture (CWA)’s mission is to promote and develop the interest of California women involved or interested in agriculture and to promote a strong agriculture industry in California. CWA’s efforts are guided by five principle objectives: to speak on behalf of agriculture in an intelligent, informative, direct and truthful manner; to keep CWA members informed on legislative activities pertaining to agriculture; to join forces when the need arises to deal with agricultural issues and challenges; to improve the public image of farmers and; to develop a rapport with consumers, educators, and governmental & business leaders in communities throughout the State.

  • USDA Seeks Feedback from California and Nevada Growers about 2019 Crops, Stocks, Inventories, and Values

    During the next several weeks, USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct two major mid-year surveys, the June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey. The agency will survey over 3,100 farmers across California and Nevada, and nearly 30,000 across the U.S. to determine crop production and supply levels in 2019.

    “Due to the widespread and significant impact of its results, the June Agricultural Survey, also known as the Crops/Stocks Survey, and the June Area Survey are two of the most important and well-known surveys NASS conducts,” explained Gary Keough, director of the NASS Pacific Regional Office. “When growers respond to these surveys, they provide essential information that helps us determine the prospective production and supply of major commodities in the United States for the 2019 crop year. Everyone who relies on agriculture for their livelihoods is interested in the results.”

    NASS gathers the data for the June Agricultural Survey online, by mail, phone and in-person interview. For the June Area Survey, agency representatives visit randomly selected tracts of land and interview the operators of any farm or ranch on that land. Growers provide information on crop acreage – including biotech crops—as well as grain stocks, livestock inventory, cash rents, land values, and value of sales.

    NASS will compile and analyze the survey information and publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Acreage report and quarterly Grain Stocks report, both to be released June 28, 2019. Survey data contribute to NASS’s monthly and annual Crop Production reports, as well as the annual Small Grains Summary and USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

    “NASS safeguards the privacy of all responses and publishes only state- and national-level data, ensuring that no individual operation or producer can be identified,” stated Keough. “We recognize this is a hectic time for farmers and ranchers, but the information they provide helps U.S. agriculture remain viable and capable. I urge them to respond to these surveys and thank them for their cooperation,” said Keough. All reports are available on the NASS website:  http://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications. For more information on NASS surveys and reports, call the NASS Pacific Regional Office at 1-800-851-1127.

  • Almonds Included in Round 2 of Relief Funding Due to Tariff Retaliation

    Almond Alliance LogoToday USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced round two of support for farmers impacted by retaliatory tariffs and trade disruption in key export markets, specifically China. California almonds are included in the $16 billion trade mitigation package. The package will consist of $14.5 billion for the Market Facilitation Program (MFP), $1.4 billion for the Food Purchase and Distribution Program (FPDP) and $100 million for the Agricultural Trade Promotion (ATP) program.  The damage assessment figure assigned to almonds is not known at this time. Payments for almonds will be based on a per acre basis, not Average Gross Income (AGI) like the first round of retaliatory tariff mitigation support.

    Almond Alliance President Elaine Trevino noted almonds are one of California’s top three valued commodities and the leading agriculture export.  The California almond industry exports 67% of what it produces. “The Almond Alliance has been working tirelessly to ensure that almonds are included in the discussion, both in the trade impacts experienced to date and the desired mitigation outcome.  During the first round of trade assistance, approximately 50% of California almond growers applied for direct payment, but many were limited due to the AGI limitations,” said Trevino.

    Almonds have been impacted by retaliatory tariffs in a significant way, and this announcement is confirmation of that reality by the Administration. The mitigation is based on the trade impacts in China, with almond exports down about 33%. Looking specifically at direct China shipments for the first quarter of 2019 (Jan-March), California almonds are at about 60% of what was shipped in the first quarter of 2018.  Meanwhile, Australia has taken full advantage of the 0% tariff under their FTA with China, increasing their 11-month almond exports into China by almost 2,000 percent. These retaliatory tariffs have impacted California’s market share of almonds in China, a region that the California almond industry has invested in for over 30 years to develop.

    “While direct payments are not the ideal solution, they will help assist those who have been negatively impacted by the pricing effects resulting from the retaliatory tariffs and allow them to continue to operate in these uncertain times,” said Trevino. “I would like to strongly state that the California almond industry is focused on trade and market growth.  None of the mitigation programs will begin to offset the financial impacts, the disruptions to our relationships with commercial partners, or the longer term effect this could have on the considerable market development investments the almond industry has made over the past decades.”

    The California almond industry generates about 104,000 jobs statewide, over 97,000 in the Central Valley, especially in areas that suffer from chronic unemployment. The industry also generates more than $21 billion in economic revenue and directly creates more than $11 billion to the size of the state’s total economy.

    The announcement by USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue pertaining to almonds is a result of the industry coming together and advocating through the Almond Alliance.  “The California almond community should be proud that through a unified organized effort they were able to have their voice heard and be acknowledged for what they provide to the national economy and what significance they have in the international market place,” said Trevino.

    For USDA’s press release, Click Here.

  • Harder Leads Bipartisan Coalition to Protect Local Farmers from China Tariffs

    WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10) is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers from across the country in an effort to ensure that Central Valley specialty crop growers aren’t again left out of a critical aid program provided to farmers harmed by Chinese tariffs. Although the ongoing trade war has cost the California walnut industry over $600 million, walnut farmers were not covered by the last Market Facilitation Program (MFP). Rep. Harder led a letter with Congressman Jimmy Panetta (CA-10) and 14 other members of Congress who represent districts that rely on specialty crops directly to Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue asking that these crops, including walnuts, be included in the next trade mitigation package.

    “Our walnut growers can’t become collateral damage in this trade war – our local folks have already lost millions in revenue and were left out of the last round of funding,” said Rep. Harder. “Walnut producers don’t want to have to rely on bailouts, but if farmers of other crops are getting a hand, we want to make sure our farmers qualify as well. We need the USDA to work for Central Valley farmers – that means providing critical support to help blunt the impact of these tariffs.”

    “Although my specialty crop producers on the central coast of California want long term business and not short term bailouts, all farmers affected by China’s retaliatory tariffs should be included in the forthcoming USDA trade mitigation package,” said Rep. Panetta.

    “The Administration must bring this trade war to an end. California’s farmers and ranchers have been hit hard and USDA’s initial trade relief package did little to make them whole,” said Jim Costa, Chairman of the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee. “As Chairman of the Livestock and Foreign Agriculture Subcommittee, I urge Sec. Perdue to fully take the needs of California’s specialty crop growers, as well as dairy farmers, into account for this second attempt.”

    “Family farmers deserve to be served equally when caught in the middle of a trade war,” said Jamie Johansson, president of the California Farm Bureau Federation. “It’s vital that USDA works closely to ensure that producers of all impacted commodities are fairly represented in a relief package. We applaud this bipartisan effort to bring attention to the needs of California agriculture.”

    The last MFP program included many crops valuable to the Central Valley agriculture industry, but walnuts were not included. After the Chinese announced another round of retaliatory tariffs this week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) elected to provide additional assistance to farmers who are hurt from the volatile trade market. The coalition of representatives has asked that the USDA include specialty crops, including walnuts specifically, in the expanded program.

    The text of the letter is below and an original copy is available here.

     

    Dear Secretary Perdue,

    Thank you for your leadership supporting our nation’s farmers and overseeing the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). We appreciate the opportunity to work together to help our agriculture communities thrive. We understand that the USDA is actively working on another trade aid package to assist our farmers. We ask that as your office creates this trade mitigation package, it ensures that all specialty crops are included.

    Farmers are the bedrock of our rural economy, representing one of our nation’s top industries. They are navigating declining commodity prices and unstable trade markets all the while net farm income continues to fall. Our farmers deserve predictability in national trade policies, especially given the impact of trade deals on the agricultural economy. As these trade negotiations and tariff issues persist, it is important to ensure the needs of fruit, vegetable and tree nut producers are heard and reflected in these policies.

    As you know, the Market Facilitation Program (MFP) was created to help those who were directly impacted by foreign retaliatory tariffs and the loss of traditional export markets. MFP helped address the financial sting of tariffs for some farmers, but the reality is that many were consciously left out of this program, such as walnut and table grape growers. While we were pleased to see sweet cherries and almonds added to the MFP, there are many other specialty crops that have suffered from the ongoing trade disputes that deserve to be included in the next trade assistance package. As a result we request that specialty crop farmers receive direct assistance payments in a similar fashion to their program crop brethren.

    Additionally, we would like to express our support in expanding any export promotion program that may be a component in the trade package USDA is developing. Specialty crop growers throughout the country have spent decades developing these markets that are now at risk. As such they will need to rely heavily on export promotion and market retention efforts to stay competitive. Furthermore, with higher than average adjusted gross incomes, we anticipate not all our growers will be able to access a direct payment option, should one be made available to them. We therefore request all unused direct payment funds be reallocated towards the export promotion component of the trade assistance package (with that money maintained for the respective specialty crop).

    Thank you, Secretary Perdue, for your attention to this important issue. We look forward to working with you.

  • California Milk Advisory Board 2019 Executive Committee Officers

    TRACY, Calif.— May 21, 2019 — Newly elected 2019 officers of the California Milk Advisory Board Executive Committee are (top row, left to right): Treasurer David Vander Schaaf of Stockton, Member-at-Large Renae DeJager of Chowchilla. Shown in the bottom row (left to right): Member-at-Large Megan Silva of Escalon, Chairman Josh Zonneveld of Laton, Secretary Essie Bootsma of Lakeview, Member-at-Large Kirsten Areias of Los Banos. Vice Chairman, Tony Louters of Merced, not shown.

    For further information, please contact Jennifer Giambroni, Director of Communications
    (209) 690-8244, jgiambroni@cmab.net.

    About Real California Milk/the California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Departmentof Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s more than 1,300 dairy families and is one of thelargest agricultural marketing boards in the United States. With a mission to increase demand for products made with Real California Milk, the CMAB is celebrating 50 years in 2019 promoting 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.

    Real California Milk Logo

     

     

  • Tulare Crop Report (For the Week Ending May 25, 2019)

    SMALL GRAINS AND OTHER FIELD CROPS:

    Winter wheat is being green-chopped for silage; some is being dried, with harvest nearing completion. Harvestedfields are being disked and planted to silage or other forage crops. Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; andbeing cut, dried, and baled. Corn continues being planted, and earlier planted fields are growing well. Local dairiescontinue to cut oats for silage and baled hay. Cotton continues to germinate and grow well. Newly planted fields ofBlack-eyed beans are starting to germinate. Recent rains are helping their growth.

    DECIDUOUS TREE FRUITS, NUTS, AND GRAPES:

    Late spring rains and hail have stone fruit growers worried about the quality of fruit they may have available forexport markets. Early varieties of peaches, nectarines and apricots are being picked and packed for both domesticand international consumers. Harvested peaches are being exported to Taiwan, Brazil, Costa Rica, the Philippines,and Canada. Nectarines are being harvested and packed for domestic markets, with exports to Costa Rica, Canada,and Brazil. Apricots are being harvested as well, with some domestic shipments and exports to Canada and thePhilippines. . Hand-thinning of late variety stone fruit trees is continuing. Cherries continue to be picked and packedfor domestic outlets. Intermittent rain has slowed down harvest. Walnuts and pistachios are still blooming. Lastseason’s pistachio nuts continue to be exported to Europe, Italy, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Spain, andIsrael. Almonds are still being sent to Japan, Korea, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, the Netherlands, Israel, NewZealand, Hong Kong, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Russia, and India. Pecans are being exported to the UnitedKingdom and Israel. Pomegranates are starting to bloom in most locations.

    CITRUS, AVOCADOS, AND OLIVES:

    Late navel oranges are still being packed for domestic markets, with some exports to Japan, China, Taiwan, and theDominican Republic. Star Ruby grapefruit are being picked and exported to Japan, Mexico, Panama, El Salvador,and Korea. Grapefruit harvest is expected to slow down. Valencia oranges continue to be harvested and exported forboth the domestic and international markets. International exports for Valencia’s continue to Korea, Singapore,Taiwan, Malaysia, and Japan. Seedless tangerine groves remain netted for the duration of bloom. Mechanicalmaintenance for citrus groves continues with orchards being thinned, topped, and/or skirted. Lemons continue to beharvested for domestic markets. Lemons are being exported to Japan, Korea, and Mexico. Olive orchards are in fullbloom, with some pruning taking place to thin out the trees.

    VEGETABLES, MELONS, AND BERRIES:

    Summer vegetables continue to grow and the fields are being prepped for harvest. Early planted melons are beingpicked and shipped domestically. Zucchini is being harvested. Strawberry and blueberry growers are picking theirlocally grown berries for sale to the public and for export. Blueberries are still being exported to Canada and Taiwan.Ground preparation for summer vegetable fields continues, weather permitting.

    LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY:

    Rangeland forage continues to remain in good condition. Late season rains have benefitted the growth of grasses andforbs. Forecasted rain this week will provide an added boost to forage quality. Cool and wet conditions arebenefiting grazing conditions for local cattlemen.

    ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

    Wholesale nursery shipments have slowed down, with less demand from retail outlets as summer approaches. Mature olive trees are being dug from groves and sold for use in landscaping. Bare roots roses are being sent toHawaii.Prepared by:Tom TuckerTulare County Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer

  • California Crop Weather (Week Ending: May 19, 2019)

    WEATHER

    Temperature highs ranged from the low 50s to mid 70s in the mountains, low 60s to high 80s along the coast, mid 60s to low 90s in the valley, and mid 70s to low 100s in the desert. Temperature lows ranged from the low 30s to mid 30s in the mountain, mid 30s to low 60s in the desert, low 40s to low 50s along the coast, and mid 40s to mid 50s in the valley.

    FIELD CROPS

    Sunflowers were planted and wheat harvest will begin soon in Imperial County. In the Sacramento Valley, winter wheat progressed well. Corn continued to be planted in Kings County. Alfalfa harvest continued. Blackeye peas were planted. In Tulare County, wheat, alfalfa, and oats were harvested. Silage crops were being cut. Corn and cotton continued to be planted.

    FRUIT CROPS

    Stone fruit thinning was on going as late season immature fruit developed. Early varieties of apricot, peach, and nectarine were harvested. Though intermittent rain hampered harvest, cherry harvest continued at an accelerated rate with the forecast of more rain. Nutrient sprays and pesticides, herbicides and fungicides were applied to orchards and vineyards. Mechanical vineyard maintenance continued. Shoot thinning and positioning were also underway in grape vineyards. Late Navel orange quality declined and harvest was wrapping up for the season. Star Ruby grapefruit were harvested. Seedless tangerinesremained netted for the bloom. Valencia and lemon harvesting continued. Citrus groves were thinned, topped and skirted. Olive bloom was progressing well. Some olive trees were pruned.

    NUT CROPS

    Almonds were sizing well. Walnut and pistachio bloom continued. Young nut orchard floors were mowed and irrigations systems repaired.

    VEGETABLE CROPS

    In the Sacramento Valley, asparagus harvest continued. Tomatoes for processing continued to be planted. In Imperial County, onions progressed well. Broccoli, asparagus, and carrot harvests concluded in Fresno County.

    LIVESTOCK

    Foothill rangeland and non-irrigated pasture were in good to fair condition. Late season precipitation benefitted grass and forb growth. Sheep grazed in fallow fields. Some bees were moved out of state Crop Weather Report, while others were moved to kiwi vineyards and melon fields for pollination.

    Crop Report Chart

  • Trial Lawyers Once Again Coming for U.S. Farmers & Dairy Producers

    It isn’t often that US farmers and dairy producers’ side with the EPA. However, in the case of a growing number of suits targeted at farming practices, and one ingredient in particular, US farmers and dairy producers are supporting the EPA and its science-based approval system as it links to glyphosate. Glyphosate, or what many commonly refer to as RoundUp as it is the main active ingredient in the product, is under fire in California where cases are underway claiming a cause and effect of the weedkiller and cancer.

    Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in U.S. agriculture, and as Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue stated, “If we are going to feed 10 billion people by 2050, we are going to need all the tools at our disposal, which includes the use the glyphosate”. US farmers and ranchers utilize weed killer to maximize the output on their farms and maintain healthy crops and forage, for both consumers and their herds. Glyphosate has been used for years across the country and users must follow strict guidelines and application practices. New guidelines are even now being integrated as the industry looks to decrease any “drift” from the product and its potential effect on pollinators.

    This past April, the EPA reaffirmed its previous findings that glyphosate is not a cancer risk to users, nor is it a risk to children or expectant mothers. The EPA has repeated its claims that products such as RoundUp are safe for use on backyards and areas where children play.

    It’s no surprise though that organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) have come out against the EPA’s findings and are in support of the erroneous claims against the product. EWG and trial lawyers across the country are now turning their backs on science and turning the issue into a fiscal opportunity at farmers’ expense, lining their own pocketbooks with frivolous litigation.

    The cases filed in California state a direct link between the use of glyphosate-based products and cancer. Disregarding all available science, one case was initially ruled in favor of the plaintiff and millions of dollars were to be awarded to a groundskeeper who blamed the regular use of RoundUp on his cancer. Following the initial ruling, such activist groups as EWG jumped at the opportunity to skew public perception and promote anti-science based claims against the product and US agriculture.

    This issue is yet another example of trial lawyers using US agriculture as an easy target for frivolous lawsuits. Farmers and ranchers rely on science-based information and research to ensure they are utilizing best practices, and to safeguard against erroneous claims like those noted above. We must support the continued use and reliance on best-science to guide our management practices, and to protect our industry against those seeking an “easy win”. In this case, US farmers and dairy producers support the EPA and its reaffirmation of the safety of glyphosate.

    By: Laurie Fischer, C
    EO, The American Dairy Coalition

  • International Milk Genomics Consortium Welcomes New Director

    The International Milk Genomics Consortium (IMGC) announced the hiring of Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D. as its Director of Scientific and Strategic Development. The IMGC has established an inspiring vision to join mechanistic milk science with the innovators who bring science to practice. Its monthly publication, SPLASH!® reviews findings from current scientific articles on milk and lactation and has more than 1,700 subscribers along with thousands of social readers. Its annual Symposium joins together more than 85 international scientists, experts and innovators from varied disciplines, as well as industry, to share emerging scientific trends and findings in the study of lactation and milk.

    “Jennifer Smilowitz is uniquely qualified to guide the next exciting phase of the IMGC,” said Bruce German, Ph.D., founding member of the IMGC and director of Foods for Health Institute, Department of Food Science and Technology, University of California, Davis. “She has an impressive history of mechanistic research science combined with clinical research studies. Few people in the milk world have as much success in building new knowledge and bringing that science to commercial reality.”

    Smilowitz attended the inaugural IMGC Symposium in Napa, CA in 2004 and has since participated as either an attendee or invited speaker. As a result, Smilowitz has engaged in active collaborations with other attendees that have generated over 20 publications and demonstrated clinical safety and efficacy for several new products either in or on their way to the marketplace.

    “The tools of modern science are accelerating our understanding of mammalian genomics and lactation,” said Smilowitz. “Understanding the functions and impact of milk on, and innovating novel, effective approaches in science for, human health require cross-disciplinary and multi-collaborative approaches.”

    Smilowitz plans to use her first-hand experiences with the IMGC and her extensive background in milk and lactation research to further improve the profile of the IMGC and the successful networking environment that has been established.

    “It is time for the IMGC to broaden and accelerate the collaborations between the scientific community and the innovators who can make that science happen,” she said. “In the next two years, we will develop new initiatives that will propel collaborations between the scientific community and industry.”

    Smilowitz is a faculty affiliate in the Department of Food Science and Technology and Associate Director of the Human Studies Research Program for the Foods for Health Institute at UC Davis. She holds a doctoral degree in Nutritional Biology with an emphasis in Endocrinology from UC Davis and is a fellow of the UC Davis School of Management.

    To learn more about how you can interact with the IMGC or its annual Symposium, please contact Jennifer Smilowitz, Ph.D. at jsmilowitz@milkgenomics.org

    About the International Milk Genomics Consortium (IMGC):

    The mission of the IMGC is to provide a collaborative, interactive, and pre-competitive platform for the scientific community and industry to accelerate the understanding of the biological processes underlying mammalian milk genomics and facilitate the transition of that knowledge into usable benefits for human health. The IMGC is managed by the California Dairy Research Foundation. Read the recently published account of the impact of the IMGC at The collaborative effect of scientific meetings: A study of the International Milk Genomics Consortium. For more information visit www.milkgenomics.org.