California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • USDA Announces Signup for Ag Commodity Container Assistance Program

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP) which currently includes a partnership with the Port of Oakland in California and the Northwest Seaport Alliance (NWSA), which is a marine cargo operating partnership between the Port of Seattle and the Port of Tacoma in Washington State. Ongoing market disruptions have created logistical challenges associated with the availability and flow of shipping containers to transport agricultural commodities, which has prevented or delayed American-grown agricultural commodities from reaching their markets.

    “Both the Port of Oakland and the NWSA in Seattle have been identified as key gateways for American-grown agricultural commodities, and each has experienced significant challenges with the flow of containerized agricultural commodities and products,” Secretary Vilsack said. “While USDA’s per-container reimbursements will not cover the full cost of moving and storing shipping containers, the assistance provided will help ensure American-grown agricultural products can once again efficiently move through supply chains to reach global markets.”

    Port of Oakland  

    Fewer shipping containers have been made available for U.S. agricultural commodities as ocean carriers have circumvented traditional marketing channels and rushed containers back to be exported empty and, as a result, many of these carriers have suspended service to the Port of Oakland.

    The Howard Terminal “pop up” site in the Port of Oakland will provide space to prepare empty containers. Agricultural companies and cooperatives will have easier access to these containers, which they can fill with commodities, which will help restore shipping services to agricultural commodities while relieving congestion.

    For the Port of Oakland, the Agricultural Marketing Service covered 60% of the start-up costs for the “pop up” site and under CCAP the Farm Service Agency (FSA) is providing a $125 per container payment to partially assist agricultural commodity owners for the additional logistical expenses associated with picking up empty shipping containers to be filled with agricultural commodities and products at the Port of Oakland. Under CCAP FSA will also provide payments of $200 per dry container and $400 per refrigerated, or reefer, container to help cover additional logistical costs associated with moving the shipping container twice, first to the preposition site and then to the terminal loading the vessel, along with the cost of temporary storage.

    Northwest Seaport Alliance  

    Congestion-induced impacts to vessel schedules and prioritization of returning containers empty to Asia have significantly raised barriers for exporting agricultural commodities in containers, resulting in lost markets and disappointed customers. The Northwest Seaport Alliance has seen a nearly 30% decline in the export of agricultural commodities in the last six months of 2021 and the ratio of loaded versus empty container exports has shifted to predominately empty containers since May 2021.

    In Seattle, a 49-acre existing near-dock facility “pop up” site will be used to accept either dry agricultural or refrigerated, or reefer, containers for temporary storage at NWSA in Seattle to reduce operational hurdles and costs so containers can more quickly be loaded on ships at the export terminals.

    For the NWSA, under CCAP FSA will provide payments of $200 per dry container and $400 per reefer container to help cover the additional logistical costs of moving the container twice, first to the preposition site and then to the terminal loading the vessel, along with the cost of temporary storage. The NWSA “pop-up” site itself does not require USDA cost-share assistance as this site already has handling equipment and reefer plugs.

    How to Apply   

    The Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make monthly direct payments to agricultural companies and cooperatives on a per-container basis based upon the location of the port, and the type of shipping container, including empty containers, dry filled containers, and reefer filled containers.  Both sites will have the ability to pre-cool refrigerated shipping containers to receive perishable commodities.

    To apply for CCAP, applicants must complete form FSA-862, Commodity Container Assistance Program (CCAP) Applicationaccording to FSA-862 instructions and submit the form to the FSA National Office by email to SM.FPAC.FSA.CCAP@usda.gov. Payments will be made in arrears and verified with terminal records. A Unique Entity ID (12 alphanumeric characters assigned by SAM.gov) is required. Applicants that wish to receive payment by direct deposit must complete SAM.gov registration online at sam.gov/content/home and provide bank account information. Applicants may submit applications on a monthly basis, but all applications must be submitted by Jan. 31, 2023.

    FSA will make payments to eligible owners or designated marketing agents of U.S. agricultural commodities based on the number of eligible shipping containers utilized from March 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2022, from the Port of Oakland or the NWSA to ship agricultural commodities to their designated markets on container ships. Eligible commodities include agricultural commodities (other than tobacco) which are grown or produced in the United States for food, feed, or fiber, and products made from those commodities, including certain forestry products.

    Visit the Notice of Funds Availability for more information on applicant eligibility and how to apply.

    About the Partnership  

    USDA’s partnerships with the Port of Oakland and NWSA is part of the Administration’s Supply Chain Task Force efforts with state and local governments and builds on earlier efforts including a US Department of Transportation partnership with the Port of Savannah in Georgia. The benefits of relieving congestion and addressing capacity issues at ports through partnerships go well beyond the local region, as commodities and agricultural products grown and processed from thousands of miles away flow through these ports.

    USDA continues to seek opportunities to partner with additional ports or other intermodal container facilities to help American farmers and agricultural producers move their product to market and manage the short-term challenges while pressing the ocean carriers to restore better levels of service.

  • World Ag Expo, Toyota Presents $79,200 Check to Valley Children’s Healthcare

    The International Agri-Center®, World Ag Expo®, and the Central Valley Toyota Dealers presented a check in the amount of $79,200 to Valley Children’s Healthcare during the All Guild Picnic on the hospital grounds on May 25, in Madera, California. Valley Children’s became the fundraiser beneficiary in 2015 and $550,179 has been raised through the program to date.

    The check represented the total funds raised by the Guilds of Valley Children’s Healthcare, who participated in World Ag Expo’s® Toyota Tundra Giveaway by selling chances to win a new 2022 Tundra. The proceeds from the giveaway will directly benefit the Central California hospital.

    “The Guilds of Valley Children’s are proud to collaborate with World Ag Expo and Central Valley Toyota Dealers in raising funds and promoting goodwill for Valley Children’s for the past eight years,” said Connie McClaskey, Chair of the Guild Coordinating Council. “We are lucky to live in a community that is so supportive of Valley Children’s and the care they provide to children and their families.”

    The Tundra truck, won by Dianna Alexander of Chowchilla, CA on the final day of World Ag Expo®, was donated by the Central Valley Toyota Dealers, through their role as the Official Truck of World Ag Expo®.

    “This is one of the most rewarding programs we do,” said Jerry Sinift, Chief Executive Officer, International Agri-Center®. “The Guilds do an amazing job driving this fundraiser. The Central Valley community and World Ag Expo attendees are always great supporters. And of course, we couldn’t do it without the support of our Central Valley Toyota dealers.”

    The 2023 World Ag Expo® Toyota Tundra Giveaway, benefiting Valley Children’s Healthcare, will kick off ticket sales this fall.

    The International Agri-Center® is home to World Ag Expo®, February 14-16, 2023 in Tulare, California. An estimated annual average of 100,000 individuals from 65 countries attend World Ag Expo® each year. The largest annual agricultural show of its kind, World Ag Expo® hosts 1,200 exhibitors displaying cutting-edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show grounds.

    The Guilds of Valley Children’s Healthcare have been raising funds since 1949, having raised over $30 million. The Guilds remain dedicated to their long-standing mission of raising funds, advocating for children, and promoting goodwill for Valley Children’s Healthcare and their objectives of raising financial support and developing ongoing community support. In addition to the main campus in Madera, there are now Specialty Care Centers in Bakersfield, Modesto, and Visalia.

    The Central Valley Toyota Dealers have been a sponsor of World Ag Expo® for more than a decade, every year providing a Toyota Tundra for the giveaway and helping raise funds for the partnered charity.

  • CA to Hold Public Workshops on Statewide Pesticide Application Notification System

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation will hold three public workshops on June 27, 28 and 29 to collect feedback to inform the next phase of design and development for the state’s pesticide application notification system.

    California will be the first state in the nation to develop a statewide system to provide the public more transparent and equitable access to information in advance of pesticide applications.

    The workshops will be hosted online via Zoom and facilitated by the UC Davis Center for Regional Change. Each workshop will follow the same format, including a brief overview of the proposed design for the statewide notification system and an opportunity for the public to provide input. The proposed system design has been informed by broad stakeholder feedback provided in public focus groups and webinars convened by DPR in 2021. The information collected during the workshops will further inform the design of the statewide notification system.

    The workshops will be held at the following times:

    Monday, June 27: 1-3 p.m.
    Tuesday, June 28: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
    Wednesday, June 29: 6-8 p.m.

    Registration is not required to attend. Spanish interpretation will be provided at all workshops. A copy of materials presented during the workshops will be made available on DPR’s website following the workshops.

    DPR began developing the statewide notification system in mid-2021, after the state budget allocated $10 million to DPR for system development.

    DPR has partnered with four County Agricultural Commissioners to launch pilot projects to inform the department’s development of the statewide system. These county-led pilot projects have launched in communities within Riverside, Stanislaus and Ventura counties. The Santa Cruz community pilot will launch this summer. The UC Davis Center for Regional Change will conduct independent evaluations of the pilot programs.

    For more information and updates on statewide notification, please visit DPR’s website.

    ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF PESTICIDE REGULATION

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation protects human health and the environment by fostering safer and sustainable pest management practices and operating a robust regulatory system to evaluate and register pesticides and monitor and regulate their sale and use across the state.

    DPR’s work includes conducting scientific evaluations of pesticides to assess and mitigate potential harm to human health and the environment prior to and following registration, registering all pesticides prior to sale or use in California, monitoring for pesticides in the air and water, and enforcing pesticide laws and regulations in coordination with 55 County Agricultural Commissioners and their combined 400 field inspectors across the state’s 58 counties. DPR invests in innovative research, outreach, and education to encourage the development and adoption of integrated pest management tools and practices and conducts outreach to ensure pesticide workers, farmworkers and local communities have access to pesticide safety information.

  • USDA Seeks Feedback from Producers on 2022 Crops, Stocks, Inventories, and Values

    During the next several weeks, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’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 contact nearly 2,100 producers across California to determine crop acreage and stock levels as of June 1, 2022.

    “The June Agricultural Survey and the June Area Survey are two of the most important and well-known surveys NASS conducts,” explained Gary R. Keough, director of the NASS Pacific Regional Office. “When producers respond to these surveys, they provide essential information that helps determine the expected acreage and supply of major commodities in the United States for the 2022 crop year. The results are used by farmers and ranchers, USDA, businesses, exporters, researchers, economists, policymakers, and others to inform a wide range of decisions.”

    Producers can respond to the June Agricultural Survey online at agcounts.usda.gov, by phone, or mail. They will be asked to provide information on planted and harvested acreage, including acreage for biotech crops and grain stocks. For the June Area Survey, agency representatives will interview farm and ranch operators in randomly selected segments over the phone. Producers will be asked to provide information on crop acreage, grain stocks, livestock inventory, land values, and value of sales.

    “NASS safeguards the privacy of all respondents, by keeping all individual information confidential and publishing the data in aggregate form only to ensure that no operation or producer can be identified,” said Keough. “We recognize that this is a hectic time for farmers, 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.”

    NASS will analyze the survey information and publish the results in a series of USDA reports, including the annual Acreage and quarterly Grain Stocks reports June 30, 2022. Survey data also contribute to NASS’s monthly and annual Crop Production reports, the annual Small Grains Summary, annual Farms and Land in Farms and Land Values reports, various livestock reports, including Cattle, Sheep and Goats, and Hogs and Pigs, and USDA’s monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates.

    These and all NASS reports are available at nass.usda.gov/Publications/. For more information, call the NASS Pacific Regional Field Office at 1-800-851-1127. 

  • Abby Kornegay Joins Animal Agriculture Alliance as Manager, Issues & Engagement

    The Animal Agriculture Alliance recently hired Abby Kornegay as manager, issues and engagement. Kornegay assumed her new role on May 9. In this role, Kornegay is responsible for shaping the Alliance’s issues management and crisis communications strategy.

    Kornegay joins the Alliance team from her previous role as animal care program manager for Butterball, LLC. She managed the organization’s industry-leading animal care and well-being program, directed innovative strategies within their biosecurity program, and worked closely with auditing organizations for both welfare and marketing program audits. Kornegay also brings experience in project management, leadership and public relations.

    Prior to her work at Butterball, LLC, Kornegay held several internships within the animal agriculture community, including working with large animal veterinarians and research farm positions at North Carolina State University.

    Kornegay is originally from upstate New York. Her passion for agriculture comes from her family and growing up in the restaurant business where she worked with food and local farmers from an early age, sparking her interest in agriculture. In college, she was a member of Alpha Zeta – Professional Agricultural Fraternity.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Abby to the Alliance team as our manager, issues and engagement,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, Alliance president and CEO. “Abby is well-versed in issues and crisis management and will serve as a great addition to the organization. Her background in animal welfare and poultry will add to the strengths of the team and allow us to better serve our diverse membership and the animal agriculture community.”

    Kornegay holds a B.S. and M.A.S. in animal science from North Carolina State University. She currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    In addition to Kornegay joining the Alliance’s small but mighty team, Emily Solis was promoted to manager, communications and content, effective May 1. In this new role, Solis is tasked with shaping the organization’s brand and proactive communications strategy.

    “Emily has been an incredible asset to the Alliance team and has helped make our communications efforts, including our social media strategy, Annual Report and Sustainability Impact Report, more professional and effective,” said Thompson-Weeman. “This well-deserved promotion comes in recognition of her commitment to excellence, and I’m excited to see what more she is able to accomplish for animal agriculture in her new role.”

    Solis joined the Alliance as communications specialist in 2020. She holds a B.S. in animal science from the University of Maryland and currently resides in east Tennessee.

    About the Alliance:

    The Animal Agriculture Alliance safeguards the future of animal agriculture and its value to society by bridging the communication gap between the farm and food communities. We connect key food industry stakeholders to arm them with responses to emerging issues. We engage food chain influencers and promote consumer choice by helping them better understand modern animal agriculture. We protect by exposing those who threaten our nation’s food security with damaging misinformation.

  • Fruit World Reports High Quality, But Lower Volume, For Early Season Central Valley Stone Fruit

    Fruit World, a family-owned, values-driven grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit, has been harvesting and shipping delicious organic apricots and cherries since mid-April from their Central Valley orchards. “The March freeze tempered early stone fruit production volumes throughout California, especially compared to the banner year we had in 2021,” explained CJ Buxman, Fruit World co-founder. “Fortunately, the fruit that set is looking good, and all our ranches are yielding great product.”

    Severe weather events this spring impacted California’s cherry crops substantially. “We have been extremely fortunate that our organic cherries from the Patterson area were eleven days earlier than last year and had exceptional quality and a larger peak size. We will finish shipping our cherries by the end of next week with Corals, Brooks and Tulares,” said Fruit World Director of Sales, Cindy Richter.

    As a family operation that is focused on quality and sustainability, Fruit World continues to expand their use of cardboard punnet clamshells. “We have found many of the consumers who are seeking premium fruit, especially organic varieties, are also seeking out more sustainable packaging options,” reveals Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO.

    Grower partnerships have been key to Fruit World’s growth and success. “We are fortunate to have formed long-term relationships with several growers who share our values, dedication to farming, and approach to business,” Kaprielian said. “Blossom Hill’s apricots and Masumoto Family Farm’s peaches and nectarines allow us to provide more varieties, higher volumes and longer seasons of top-notch fruit. They are seamless brand extensions, and fully integrated into the Fruit World family.”

    “No farmer works alone. We depend on partners like organisms in the living soil, good neighbors, talented farm workers, to name a few,” said Nikiko Masumoto, fourth-generation farmer and artist. “Fruit World is one of our loyal partners. We get to focus on what we do best in the fields and Fruit World helps us find a home for our fruit. We couldn’t do it without them!”

    Today’s consumers are thoughtful about the environment and sustainability, and appreciate high-quality fruit packed with flavor. Delight them with extraordinary organic cherries, apricots, peaches and nectarines, all grown by family farms, and available from Fruit World.

    For more information or to place an order, call (559) 650-0334, or visit fruitworldco.com to learn more about the Fruit World story.

  • California Dairy Innovation Center Offers Opportunities For Cheese Education

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) announced the latest list of short courses which will be offered this year in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Coalition and industry instructors. Dates for an inaugural Dairy Products, Processing, and Packaging Innovation Conference were also announced.

    The Frozen Desserts Innovation short course will be held on June 28th and 29th at the Dairy Innovation Institute, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a focus on capturing consumer trends: sugar-free, lactose-free and high protein. The short course features both lectures, demonstrations and actual ice cream manufacture in the Cal Poly pilot plant and creamery.  In addition, a sales and marketing educational segment will provide practical guidance to entrepreneurs, and established brands alike. Registration is open at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

    The Advanced Unit Operations short course will take place September 27-29. Designed for those working in dairy plants, this course delivers both theoretical and practical understanding and knowledge of pasteurization, separation, condensation, filtration systems, drying, as well as principles of food safety. Program and registration will open June 1.

    The California Dairy Innovation Center, in collaboration with Cal Poly, The Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, Pacific Coast Alliance, and Fresno State will hold a first ever conference on Dairy Products Processing and Packaging Innovation in Shell Beach, Calif, October 12th-14th. Featuring both national and international speakers, the conference focuses on consumer-driven innovation and the latest technological advances. Program outline and registration is open at: https://dairy.calpoly.edu/short-course-symposia

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

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • CA State Fair Announces 2022 Cheese Competition Awards

    After a two year hiatus, the California State Fair Commercial Cheese Competition was held on Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at Cal Expo. Out of 100 cheese entries from producers throughout the state, the best two cheeses in California have been named.

    Point Reyes Farmstead “Bay Blue”

    The Best of Show Cheese – Cow’s Milk has been awarded to Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company. Inspired by the sheer natural beauty of our coastal climate and locale, Point Reyes Farmstead Bay Blue took the honors. Bay Blue is a rustic-style blue cheese with a natural rind. It is known for its mellow flavor and sweet, salted caramel finish. Bay Blue is made from pasteurized, rBST-free cow’s milk with traditional rennet. It is gluten-free and aged for 90 days. This is their fifth time winning Best of Show for Cow’s Milk.

    Central Coast Creamery “Goat Gouda”

    The Best of Show Cheese – Other Milk Type goes to Central Coast Creamery for their Goat Gouda. This is the producer’s first time winning Best of Show! The Goat Gouda is made from 100% whole goat milk and goat cream, aged on pine wood in a ripening room for at least 5 months. This semi-soft cheese is ivory colored with a smooth mouth feel and the slightly grainy texture of an aged cheese. Goat Gouda has a caramel scent with a slightly nutty and sweet flavor that makes this cheese an ideal choice for your cheese tray, picnic basket, or when pairing with your favorite wine or beer.

    The 16 California cheese companies who entered the competition range from small artisan producers to large-scale cheese production companies. Cheese judges are selected from respected cheese merchants, writers, promoters, and educators. The cheeses are entered by Division and Class and evaluated for appearance, aroma, texture, and taste.

    This year, a panel of 9 official judges tasted and evaluated all 100 California cheeses at Cal Expo on May 11, 2022. You can find a complete list of the award-winning cheeses at CalExpoStateFair.com/California-Commercial-Cheese.

    2022 CA State Fair Commercial Cheese Competition Judges with Commercial Cheese Competition Coordinator, Marilyn Langhorst

    About the California State Fair

    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.

  • Central Valley Farmer Plans to Take Fight Back to D.C. as Congressman

    California agriculture may be on its way to getting better representation in Washington D.C. with John Duarte running for California’s new 13th Congressional District.  A Central Valley native and an active multigenerational farmer, John is no career politician.  Protecting property rights and increasing water storage are among his top priorities. Watch this brief interview with John to see what he plans to bring to the table.

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

  • Hundreds of Thousands of Prime CA Farmland Acreage Fallowed this Year Due to Drought

    Farmers and other California residents have been pushing legislature for many years to increase our state’s water storage capacity with no success, and with the “years of plenty” long past, hundreds of thousands of acres of prime farmland will go fallow this year. This will have devastating impacts on our nation’s food supply, local communities and the many families that traditionally worked these fields that will be left uncultivated. Watch this brief interview with Adam Borchard from the California Fresh Fruit Association as he addresses the current situation.

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