Prune growers enjoyed a more sizable harvest than last year, with excellent quality despite the early start. It now comes down to getting the word out about buying and consuming California prunes. Kiaran Locy from the California Prune Board spoke with Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to discuss efforts to promote and market their crop. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Category: Consumer Health
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USDA Requires SNAP Authorized Retailers to Carry More Real Food
The USDA published the final rule regarding stocking standards for retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), requiring that a broader variety of nutritious food is available to SNAP participants at authorized retailers.
Since January 2025, the Food and Nutrition Service has taken action on nearly 3,200 retailers regarding current stocking standards, either for failing to meet them upon application or failing to maintain them once authorized. The latter results in disqualification from accepting SNAP benefits.
“To turn the tide on our nation’s health crisis, we need to ensure our nutrition assistance programs emphasize real food first, and that’s exactly what these updates to SNAP retailer requirements will do,” said U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “SNAP authorized retailers accept over $90 billion a year, or $236 million a day, in taxpayer dollars—USDA is making sure they’re actually in the business of selling food. And for those retailers who are the only food outpost for miles, I know you will be so excited to serve your customers and communities healthy food.”
“This rule puts real food back at the center of SNAP,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “I thank Secretary Rollins for her leadership in advancing these commonsense reforms. It demands more from retailers and delivers better options for the families who depend on this program. This administration is committed to working across government to improve nutrition, strengthen accountability, and drive better health outcomes nationwide. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”
Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits must now carry seven varieties of items across four categories of staple foods: protein, grains, dairy and fruits and vegetables. According to the USDA, this change more than doubles the requirement of available foods, emphasizes more whole foods, increases the perishable food requirements and eliminates loopholes that for too long have allowed retailers to count certain snack foods toward their staple food requirements.
These changes will not only ensure vulnerable families in need have more nutritious options wherever they shop but demand more accountability from retailers who not only have stocked the bare minimum, but have seen the most program violations, including benefit trafficking and other fraudulent behavior.
These updates go into effect Fall 2026, and the Department plans to issue additional guidance to retailers in the coming weeks.
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Research Suggests Fresh Grapes are a Superfood
A new article appearing in the current issue of the peer-reviewed Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry explores the concept of “superfoods” and makes a case that fresh grapes have earned what should be a prominent position in the superfood family. The author, leading resveratrol and cancer researcher John M. Pezzuto, Ph.D., D.Sc., Dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Western New England University, brings forth an array of evidence to support his perspective on this issue.
As noted in the article, the term “superfood” is a common word without an official definition or established criteria. Mainstream superfoods are typically part of the Mediterranean Diet and generally rich in natural plant compounds that are beneficial to a person’s health. Pezzuto addresses the broader topic of superfoods in detail, then makes the scientific case for grapes, noting that fresh grapes are underplayed in this arena and often not included with mention of other similar foods, such as berries.
Grapes are a natural source of over 1,600 compounds, including antioxidants and other polyphenols such as flavonoids, anthocyanidins, catechins, phenolic acids, resveratrol, and more. Polyphenols are credited with the health benefits of grapes, via antioxidant activity and influencing cellular processes. It is the whole grape and the unique matrix of these compounds within it that creates the biological effects, not a single component.
Over sixty peer-reviewed studies have been published in the scientific literature on grapes and health. The role of grapes on cardiovascular health is well established, including promoting relaxation of blood vessels and healthy circulation, as well as modulating cholesterol levels. Clinical trials also show that grapes support brain health (help maintain healthy brain metabolism and beneficial impacts on cognition), skin health (enhanced resistance to UV radiation and DNA damage in skin cells), gut health (modulating the gut microbiome and increasing diversity in the gut), and eye health (retinal impact via increase in macular pigment optical density). Finally, in the realm of nutrigenomics – the study of foods on gene expression in the body – grape consumption has been shown to positively alter gene expression in relevant body systems. Pezzuto suggests that it is these activities at the genetic level that are likely the
driving force behind the health benefits of grapes.
“Dr. Pezzuto shows that based on the science, grapes are indeed a superfood, and should be recognized as such,” said Ian LeMay, president of the California Table Grape Commission, “and we are hopeful that using this nomenclature in association with grapes becomes common practice. Luckily, whether consumed for health or sheer enjoyment as a healthy snack, eating California grapes is a win for consumers.”
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California Walnut Board & Commission Target Young Shoppers with New ‘Feel Good’ Campaign
California walnuts are shedding their traditional image and emerging as a must-have ingredient for health-conscious young consumers. The California Walnut Board & Commission has launched its bold new “Feel Good” campaign – an integrated marketing effort designed to drive consumer demand and reposition walnuts as a vibrant, versatile offering within the fresh produce space.
Grounded in extensive consumer research, the campaign introduces a modern, energetic look and feel designed to connect with millennials and Gen Z audiences, demographics that increasingly shape food trends and purchasing behaviors. At its core, “California Walnuts. Feel Good.” reintroduces walnuts as a fresh, versatile produce item that supports feel-good eating moments across consumers’ lifestyles.
“This isn’t just a new marketing campaign – it’s a complete repositioning of California walnuts for a new generation of consumers who prioritize nutrition and versatility in their food choices,” said Christine Lott, director of integrated communications for the California Walnut Board & Commission. “By reaching younger consumers, we’re building future generations of walnut consumers and supporting California farmers for decades to come.”
The cornerstone of the campaign is relationships with social media influencers. With 77% of Gen Z and 50% of millennials following social media personalities who strongly shape their purchasing decisions, according to KS&R Entercom Landscape Tracker, this strategy is intended to reach consumers where they spend their time: social media. As part of the campaign, the California Walnut Board & Commission is partnering with more than 20 cooking, wellness, lifestyle and hosting influencers who collectively reach millions of potential consumers.
The California Walnut Board & Commission will also showcase trend-driven, authentic content designed to resonate with younger consumers. Paid media efforts will extend the campaign’s reach across social platforms, streaming services and online video – channels where these shoppers spend their time.
Beyond digital, the campaign includes experiential marketing with sampling at wellness events nationwide, allowing potential consumers to taste and experience the convenience and versatility of California walnuts in environments that reflect their values and lifestyles.
Discover recipes, industry insights and the latest on California walnuts at walnuts.org.
About the California Walnut Board and Commission
The California Walnut Board (CWB) and California Walnut Commission (CWC) represent more than 3,700 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California.
The CWB, established in 1948, promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research. The CWC, established in 1987, is involved in health research with consuming walnuts as well as domestic and export market development activities.
To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.
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It’s Official! California’s Snacking Hour is 3:00 PM — Snack on Dairy
Afternoon snacking is becoming more prevalent than ever, with 35% of consumers now snacking between 2 and 5 p.m.* For most, the dreaded afternoon slump typically hits at 3 p.m. To help consumers snap out of the slump, Real California Milk is declaring 3:00 p.m. the official snacking hour for Californians!
When it comes to delicious, satisfying snacks, nothing beats California dairy – but with so many options, how to choose? The culinary experts at Real California Milk created a snacking guide to assist Golden State denizens in selecting the perfect snack. From retro to healthy to indulgent, take this journey to identify the best snack for every craving this summer.
“California dairy foods are not only delicious and on-trend but packed with the essential nutrients you look for when choosing an afternoon snack,” said Jennifer Giambroni, VP of Communications at Real California Milk. “There’s an option for everyone and every occasion.”
According to California dietitian Patricia Bannan, MS, RDN, “that afternoon energy dip is real – and it’s not just in your head. Our circadian rhythms naturally slow in the afternoon and many people feel a drop in energy or focus a few hours after lunch. A good snack can turn your whole afternoon around—especially when it tastes great and helps you feel more focused and energized. The right dairy-based snack can satisfy your cravings and give your brain and body the fuel they need to power through the rest of the day.”
Bannan also suggests pairing your dairy-based snack selection with a fruit or vegetable to help boost fiber and overall nutrient density.
For more afternoon snacking inspiration, visit https://www.realcaliforniamilk.com/smart-snacking.
About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world. Connect with the CMAB at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.
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USDA Secretary Rollins Works to Make America Healthy Again
In the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins has taken bold action to support the leadership of President Donald J. Trump and work to Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
“President Trump has made fixing our chronic health problems a main priority. Our farmers and ranchers produce the safest, most abundant food supply in the world, and we are working every day to ensure our kids and families are eating the healthiest foods. We have made great strides in the last 100 days to Make America Healthy Again,” said Secretary Rollins.
On her first full day in office, Secretary Rollins sent a letter to the nation’s governors (PDF, 88.8 KB), outlining her vision for the Department and inviting them to participate in a new “laboratories for innovation” initiative to create bold solutions to long-ignored challenges. She has supported the leadership of states who are submitting waivers to Make America Healthy Again. The MAHA movement at USDA has also supported major voluntary changes to make food healthier, including applauding the dairy industry for voluntarily removing artificial colors from the National School Lunch Program.
At the direction of President Trump, USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) are ensuring programs work harder to encourage healthy eating and lifestyle habits. As part of the MAHA Commission led by HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., this work will not only research and report the many reasons children face unbelievable rates of diet-related disease like obesity and diabetes but also how government can implement change through things like revised dietary policy, state innovation, and less regulation. Secretary Kennedy and Secretary Rollins collaborated on their first MAHA event during a visit to Ferdinand T. Day Elementary School in Alexandria, VA where they participated in a healthy snack time with students and met facility staff. The event was an opportunity to learn more about the impact that federally funded nutrition programs have on children and signaled their strong partnership to work together to effectuate their vision for a healthier America. The Secretaries also wrote an opinion piece in USA Today outlining their plan to MAHA.
The Secretaries most recently visited Texas to discuss food security and learn how America’s farmers are working to Make America Healthy Again by visiting cutting-edge laboratories at the Texas A&M Norman E. Borlaug Building and receiving a briefing on the Grand Nutrition Challenge at the Institute for Advancing Health Through Agriculture (IHA). The Secretaries then toured the Automated Precision Phenotyping Greenhouse in addition to touring the fourth-generation Sawyer Farms who are utilizing stewardship practices to ensure healthy production of a robust barley, rye, corn, and wheat crop. The visit to Texas A&M IHA included amplifying the HHS and USDA commitment to a timely and consumer-facing update to Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). On March 11, 2025, after the inaugural meeting of the Make America Healthy Again Commission, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Kennedy announced a commitment to a final DGA no later than Dec. 31, 2025.
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Little Birds, Little Poops, Little Food Safety Risk
It doesn’t require a degree in ornithology, a lab test or even an app for most growers to determine whether bird poop near their crops presents a food safety risk. They just need to ask themselves a simple question: How big is it?
That’s according to a study from the University of California, Davis, published today in the Journal of Applied Ecology. The study said an informed, nuanced view of food-safety risks and wild birds could help growers avoid crop losses and manage farms for food safety, biodiversity conservation and crop production.
Since 2006, when an E. coli outbreak devastated the U.S. leafy greens industry, growers have been pressured to remove natural habitat to keep wildlife — and the foodborne pathogens they sometimes carry — from visiting crops. Growers are often advised not to harvest crops within a roughly three-foot radius of any wildlife feces, lest they risk failing a food safety audit or losing a buyer contract. Growers often cite such concerns as a barrier to implementing conservation actions they would otherwise consider taking on their farms.
“We wanted to find out the true risk of wild birds to food safety,” said lead author Austin Spence, a postdoctoral researcher in the UC Davis Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology. “Which birds have pathogens, which birds are spending time on farms, and if a bird has a pathogen, does that pathogen survive long in bird poop? Our findings indicate that we can co-manage our areas for both agriculture and conservation.”
Northern harrier on sprinkler in leafy-green field, coastal CA (image by Rose Albert, UC Davis) Where pathogens persist
Through field and greenhouse experiments, bird surveys, point counts and fecal transects, the authors assessed food-safety risks from nearly 10,000 birds across 29 lettuce farms on California’s Central Coast. They spent hours following turkeys, bluebirds and other wild birds at the UC Davis Student Farm and nearby Putah Creek, collecting hundreds of fecal samples. They compared E. coli survival in bird droppings on lettuce, soil and plastic mulch to measure pathogen persistence.
After all of these efforts, they landed on a simple finding: Smaller poops from smaller birds carry very low risk of foodborne pathogens, which were rare in birds overall. If a bird were to become infected, pathogen survival depends heavily on the bird’s size.
“Birds that are large produce really big feces, and that’s where pathogens are more likely to survive,” said Spence. “Birds that are small have tiny feces, and the pathogens die off quickly. So farmers don’t have to know the species of bird it came from. They just need to know the size. If it’s the size of a quarter, don’t harvest near that. If it’s a tiny white speck, it’s very low risk and probably fine.”
Loggerhead shrike in a cabbage field with farmworker in background (Image by Rose Albert, UC Davis) Balancing conservation, crop yields, and food safety
Beyond fecal size, what the birds pooped on — be it the crop, soil or plastic — made a difference for pathogen survival. In the study, E. coli survived longer on lettuce itself than on soil or plastic mulch.
Fortunately, about 90% of birds observed on the farms were small and tended to poop mostly on soil, where pathogens perish quickly. By avoiding no-harvest buffers when food-safety risks are low, growers of leafy greens could harvest about 10% more of their fields.
“Birds generally present really low food-safety risks,” said senior author Daniel Karp, a UC Davis professor in the Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology. “The industry has been concerned about birds for a while. But pathogenic E. coli and Salmonella are vanishingly rare in wild, farmland birds. And we now know E. coli tends to die off quickly in most bird poop.”
The study opens up new strategies for growers to better balance conservation and food-safety risks. For example, growers could erect nest boxes to attract small, beneficial insect-eating birds, like bluebirds and swallows, that help control pests without risking food safety.
The work also contributes to a growing body of research that suggests growers do not need to remove habitat to improve food safety.
“There have been no studies to date that suggest habitat removal improves food safety,” Karp said. “Habitat around farms is actually likely to favor the small, insect-eating birds that are unlikely to carry pathogens. Studies like ours are giving farmers science-based permission to conserve habitat — and many species of wild birds — on their farms again.”
The study’s additional co-authors are Jeffery McGarvey and SangIn Lee at the USDA Agricultural Research Service, Olivia Smith at Michigan State University, Elissa Olimpi at Conservation Science Partners, and undergraduates Wentao Yang and Meirun Zhang at UC Davis.
The study was funded through the Center for Produce Safety, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Agriculture. — By Kat Kerlin, UC Davis
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“Organic Night Out” Puts Spotlight on Organic Trend-Setters, Groundbreakers
The best of organic – from innovative entrepreneurs and established organic brands to cutting-edge organic research and visionary scientists – will be honored next month at organic’s premier event at the Natural Products Expo West trade show in Anaheim, California.
Hosted by The Organic Center and Organic Voices, “An Organic Night Out: Honoring the Year’s Best in Organic” on March 13 will recognize and celebrate the success of organic brands and companies in communicating the impact of organic to consumers, as well as showcase the latest organic research being conducted by The Organic Center and its partner scientists.
The honorees at the first-ever “Organic Oscars” – all nominated and chosen by their peers – will reflect the huge diversity of today’s organic sector. Over 70 organic companies have nominated more than a hundred organic businesses and champions: organic farmers of all sizes producing everything from dairy products to wine; organic makers of meats, chocolate, spices, coffee and more; and organic entrepreneurs marketing dog treats, vitamins, baby blankets and mattresses! Groundbreaking organic research will be honored with an Excellence Award going to the most impactful organic research of the year.
Awards will be given in eight categories: Best New Organic Food/Beverage Product; Best New Organic Non-food Product; Best Organic Messaging: Better for the Planet, People or Animals; Best Organic PR or Social Media Activation; Best Retailer Organic Activation; Most Impactful Organic Research Result or Finding; Emerging Organic Entrepreneur of the Year and Organic Company of the Year.
Award-winning actress, philanthropist, and co-founder of the organic, next-generation children’s nutrition company Once Upon a Farm, Jennifer Garner, will emcee the awards ceremony with organic visionary, advocate, and co-founder of the world’s largest organic dairy company Stonyfield Farm, Gary Hirshberg.
“The organic community is so excited to be recognizing these incredible organic game changers,” said Hirshberg. “The response from the organic industry to celebrate and honor the work of their peers truly demonstrates the creativity, generosity and dedication of our sector to create a greener and healthier future for our planet.”
Celebrating the Science Behind Organic
“To grow the organic industry and its positive impact on people and the planet, we all must understand the value of organic and the holistic benefits when we buy products carrying the USDA Organic seal. This event will showcase the brilliant science that demonstrates those benefits and helps organic farmers succeed,” said Dr. Amber Sciligo, Director of Science Programs for The Organic Center. “The celebration of leaders in the organic industry, in combination with the spotlight on the latest organic research, promises a meaningful and unforgettable evening.”
The evening will feature an interactive science fair demonstrating research being conducted by The Organic Center and other scientists. Attendees will see first-hand the real benefits organic practices have on crop production and the health of our planet and people. Displays will show how organic farming protects the health of our pollinators with a live bee observation hive, how choosing organic cotton is good for our environment, how the organic industry is leading the charge to tackle the devastating citrus greening disease without the use of toxic chemicals, and how organic farming helps protects consumers against contamination of pesticides, antibiotics and synthetic growth hormones in their milk and dairy products. To learn even more about the many benefits of organic, attendees can spin the Organic Wheel of Sustainability.
An eye-catching installation at the science fair by artist Cynthia Minet will remind attendees of the copious amounts of plastic used and wasted across the food chain and the need to dramatically reduce its production. The Organic Center has partnered with stakeholders across the industry to tackle the use of plastic in agriculture products. In 2023, The Center’s signature conference event, “Organic Confluences,” focused on reducing plastic across the organic supply chain. The activating message symbolized so effectively by Minet’s installation is at the heart of the work The Organic Center will continue throughout 2024 in an effort to provide tools and solutions for the organic industry to reduce their reliance on plastic.
Bringing together hundreds of organic visionaries, activists and businesses, the occasion is the single biggest fundraising event for The Organic Center and Organic Voices, both nonprofit organizations that work on important research, education and communication with the organic industry and with consumers.
Sponsorship opportunities for this incredible evening are still open. Join the list of organic brands and champions who are making this event possible: Alexandre Family Ecodairy Farms, Amy’s Kitchen, Back to the Roots, Cal-Organic, Ciranda, Daves Killer Bread, Driscoll’s, Egg Innovations, Environmental Working Group, Forager Project, Gallant, General Mills, Global Organics, Handsome Brook Farms, Harmless Harvest, Independent Natural Food Retailers Association, Just Ice Tea, National Co+op Grocers (NCG), Nature’s Path, Naturepedic Organic Mattresses, New Hope, Once upon a Farm, Orgain, Organic Valley, Pete & Gerry’s, SPINS, Stonyfield, Taste For Life Publications, Thrive Market, Tradin Organic, Traditional Medicinals, True Organic Products, Inc., Uncle Matt’s Organic, Vivify Specialty Ingredients, WearPACT and Whole Foods Markets.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact Cassandra Christine (cchristine@ota.com)
About The Organic Center
The Organic Center‘s mission is to convene credible, evidence-based science on the health and environmental impacts of organic food and farming and to communicate the findings to the public. The Center is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) research and education organization operating under the administrative auspices of the Organic Trade Association.
About Organic Voices
Organic Voices is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to help consumers better appreciate and eliminate confusion about all the benefits of Organic. It is dedicated to educating consumers about the significance of the USDA Organic seal, ROC certification, and GOTS certification through its Only Organic campaign. It creates compelling educational content tailored to inform and engage consumers, using multiple online channels to reach new audiences through large-scale consumer-facing campaigns. Partnering with brands, retailers, farmers, and consumers, Organic Voices strives to amplify the message of the benefits of organic and establish a unified voice throughout the organic industry.
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Celebrating Mornings With California Cheese And Dairy
The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) announced the return of its consumer promotion focused on holiday breakfast traditions made special with California 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 the special breakfast recipes we spend a little extra time on during the season. 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, Ricotta Churro Waffles, California Breakfast Sopes and Chocolate Chip Sheet Pan Pancakes.
The promotion, which runs November 8 through December 31, will be geotargeted around 1,162 California stores including Ralphs, Safeway, Raley’s, Mollie Stone’s, and Cardenas, 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, Instacart SEM, targeted email blasts, influencer activations, sponsored social media posts, and targeted display banner ads.
“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 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.