California Ag Network

Category: Events

  • UnitedAg Announces 2020 Scholarship Recipients for 60 Students

    UnitedAg announced the 2020 recipients of the Agribusiness Education Foundation’s educational scholarship. The member-owned agricultural trade association awarded sixty students from agricultural communities across California and Arizona a combined $75,000.

    Each year, the association’s Board of Directors and the Foundation’s Education Committee spotlight two outstanding applicants with top awards. Karli Lundberg (affiliated with Babe Farms, Inc.) earned the Maurice McMillan Award. Allyson Tomasello (affiliated with Produce West, Inc.) received the William C. Goodrich Scholarship, created in honor of the late UnitedAg founder.

    The scholarship funds are for use during the 2020-2021 academic year and can be applied towards tuition costs, fees, books and room and board. Previous UnitedAg scholarship winners have earned degrees and taken their place in management, government, market development and foreign trade, with many working in agribusiness.

    Since its first award in 1989, the Agribusiness Education Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarship monies to over 900 students.

    2020 Scholarship Recipients 

    Maurice McMillan Memorial Scholarship Award

    Karli Lundberg, Babe Farms, Inc., (Santa Maria, CA)

    William C. Goodrich Scholarship Award

    Allyson Tomasello, Produce West, Inc., (Salinas, CA)

    California Recipients

    Bakersfield

    Miranda Devan, Braga Fresh Foods

    Calexico

    Andrea Soto, Foothill Packing

    Castroville

    Diviana Navarro, Watsonville Coast Produce

    Chico

    Ryan Calbert, Wizard Manufacturing, Inc.

    Dinuba

    Kandra Salinas, Citrus Research Board

    Firebaugh

    Sandy Rubio, Toma-Tek

    Fresno

    Venissia Garcia, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Denver Noell, Nichols Pistachio

    Gilroy

    Brenda Barragan, Christopher Ranch, LLC

    Glenn

    Ashlynn Geiger, McCorkle Farms, Inc.

    Greenfield

    Elizabeth Acevedo, Fresh Foods, Inc.

    Hanford

    Oscar Garcia-Medina, Dover Dairy Farms

    King City

    Belinda Silva Chavez, South County Packing

    Kingsburg

    Madelynn Reed, Mountain View Cold Storage, LLC

    La Grange

    Brandon Harden, Green Rubber-Kennedy Ag, LP

    Merced

    Emely Cruz, Church Brothers, LLC

    Monterey

    Jennifer Burton, Ippolito International

    Oxnard

    Edgar Lopez, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Cesar Rivera, Ventura Pacific Co.

    Arianna Sanchez, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Salinas

    Ricky Alvarez, The Nunes Company, Inc./ Blanco

    Kenya Burton, Markon Cooperative, Inc.

    Lizbeth De La Torre, Ramco Employment Services

    Benjamin Eastman, Brent Eastman Insurance Services., Inc.

    Mercedez Espino, Green Rubber-Kennedy Ag, LP

    Miriam Garcia Cendejas, Elkhorn Packing Co., LLC

    Maria Medina, Ramco Employment Services

    Selena Medina Medrano, Ramco Employment Services

    Melody Neely Cabrera, Sea Mist Farms

    Allyson Tomasello, Produce West, Inc.

    San Ardo

    Aaron Hernandez, McIntyre Labor Service, Inc.

    San Diego

    Bryan Amaro, Pacific Ag Consulting

    Santa Maria

    Eddie Lundberg, Babe Farms, Inc.

    Santa Paula

    Osvaldo Ambriz Magana, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Katherine Miller, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Elizabeth Miller, Saticoy Lemon Association

    Soledad

    Rachel Costa, Foothill Packing

    Michelle Flores-Leon, Braga Ranch

    Rebeca Gallaga, Ramco Employment Services

    Cristian Vargas, Al Pak Labor

    Adriana Vargas Mendoza, Braga Ranch

    Tulare

    David Fagundes, Bosman Dairy

    Jazmin Rios Martinez, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Turlock

    Hannah Ryan, Associated Feed & Supply

    Valley Center

    Jenna Stehly, Nick Stehly Farms, Inc.

    Ventura

    Josef Martinez, Ventura Pacific Co.

    Visalia

    Isabella Argueta, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Brendon Atsma, Angiola Dairy

    America Huipio-Piedra, Nichols Pistachio

    Michele Noell, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Alondra Sanchez, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Brian Valencia, Nichols Farms, Inc.

    Watsonville

    Jason Gonzalez, Henry Hibino Farms, LLC

    Kevin Gonzalez, Henry Hibino Farms, LLC

    Arturo Infante II, Ocean Mist Farms, Inc.

    Arizona Recipients

    Avondale

    Maria De Jesus Rizo, Duncan Family Farms

    San Luis

    Jaydi Ramirez, Valley Pride, Inc.

    Tolleson

    Melanie Rodriguez, Duncan Family Farms

    Yuma

    Alberto Rivera Torres, Foothill Packing

    About the Scholarship Program

    Established in 1989, the scholarship program provides financial assistance to UnitedAg-affiliated students in any major of study. Previous scholarship winners have taken their place in management, government, market development, international sales and foreign trade. Some students have gone on to pursue advanced graduate studies.

    About the Agribusiness Education Foundation

    Founded in 2000, the Agribusiness Education Foundation (AEF) assists members, employees of members and their families pave their way to educational and future success. The Foundation empowers the ag community through financial assistance, business skills education and leadership development.

    About UnitedAg

    Founded in 1980, UnitedAg is a multi-commodity member-owned agricultural trade association dedicated to providing innovative healthcare solutions for a strong and healthy agricultural industry. Our over 1,000 agriculture affiliated member organizations network and share creative ways to transform our ever-changing industry. UnitedAg strives to bring innovative health benefits and solutions to agribusiness by meeting our member’s employee health benefits needs, advocating for ag with lawmakers and helping members comply with regulations.  Based in Irvine, Calif., UnitedAg has offices in Oxnard, Corona, Salinas, Fresno and Santa Maria. For more information, visit www.unitedag.org or contact Maribel Ochoa at 949.471.3206 or mochoa@unitedag.org.

  • CDFA Reschedules STOP QIP Petition Hearing for June 9-10

    Notice is hereby given that the California Department of Food and Agriculture is calling a public hearing to consider the suspension of Chapter 3.5 of the Food and Agricultural Code (62750 et seq). 

    This hearing is being called pursuant to Division 21, Part 3, Chapter 3.5, section 62752 of the Food and Agricultural Code, as implemented by the procedure described below and as later determined to be necessary. 

    Hearing Dates and Times 

    June 9, 2020 9:00 am – 4:00 pm June 10, 2020 9:00 am – 12:00 pm 

    Hearing Procedures 

    Webinar and Teleconference.
    The internet link and call in information will be provided in procedures document to be issued later. 

    Pursuant to Executive Orders EO-N-25-20, EO-N-29-20, and EO-N-33-20, this hearing will be conducted via internet and telephone only. No in person attendance by the public will be allowed. The public may provide public comment during the hearing and observe remotely. Written testimony will also be accepted prior to the conclusion of the hearing. 

    Exhibits and Testimony 

    A designee of the Secretary shall present exhibits into the record. Exhibits received in advance of the hearing will be posted on the Departments web site for public inspection. 

    Any interested person may file a written statement concerning the call of the hearing. Written statements may be any length, must be limited to relevant matters, signed, delivered personally or by mail any time after the notice of hearing, and shall be received by the Department prior to the close of the hearing. 

    Persons are encouraged to submit exhibits and witness statements in advance of the hearing at the 

    Department’s Headquarters to: 

    California Department of Food and Agriculture Legal Office
    1220 N Street, Suite 315
    Sacramento, California 95814 

    Testimony will be received under oath. A time limit for testimony will be determined by the Hearing Officer at the beginning of the hearing, not to exceed 20 minutes. Witnesses may supplement testimony by submitting a written statement at the time the testimony is given. The Hearing Officer may allow additional time for testimony by any witness or group of witnesses depending on the number of witness wishing to testify. At the conclusion of testimony, witnesses will be subject to questioning by a representative of the Attorney General’s Office (AGO). Any member of the audience may submit questions to the Hearing Officer for possible use by the AGO. Questions of witnesses must be related to their testimony and pertinent to the call of the hearing. Department witnesses may be questioned by members of the audience. 

    Any person who has testified under oath may be granted, upon request prior to the close of the hearing, to file a post-hearing brief. The brief must be filed within 10 calendar days following the close of the hearing, 

    Hearing Transcript 

    The hearing shall be recorded and transcribed. Copies of the transcript may be obtained from the Department Legal Office 

  • Almond Board of California 2020 Election Underway

    Voting will begin April 29 to select one independent grower member and alternate position and two independent handler member and alternate positions on the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors. These positions will serve terms beginning on August 1, 2020.

    Candidates for the independent grower position are:

    Position One, Member (One-year term): Position One, Alternate:

    Paul Ewing, Los Banos (petitioner) Joe Gardiner, Earlimart (petitioner)

    Louie Ott, Modesto (petitioner) Brad Klump, Escalon (petitioner)

    Mike Mason, Wasco (petitioner)

    Candidates for the independent handler positions are:

    Position One, Member (Three-year term): Position One, Alternate:

    Terry Boone, Modesto (petitioner) Ron Fisher, Modesto (incumbent)

    Alexi Rodriguez, Caruthers (petitioner)

    Micah Zeff, Modesto (petitioner)

    Position Three, Member (One-year term): Position Three, Alternate:

    Jonathan Hoff, Denair (petitioner) Chad DeRose, McFarland (petitioner)

    Darren Rigg, Le Grand (petitioner) Dave Phippen, Manteca (petitioner)

    Ballots and instructions have been mailed to all independent growers whose names are on file with ABC. The Almond Board must receive ballots by May 27, 2020, for them to be counted. If an independent grower or a handler does not receive a ballot, one may be obtained by contacting ABC’s Bunnie Ibrahim, senior analyst, Government Affairs, at (209) 343-3228.

    As a governing body for the industry, the ABC Board of Directors is comprised of five handler and five grower representatives who set policy and recommend budgets in several major areas including production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    About the Almond Board of California
    Almonds from California are a healthy, natural, wholesome and quality food. The Almond Board of California promotes almonds with a research-based approach to responsible farming, production and marketing on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond growers and processors in California, many of whom have third- and fourth-generation family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on the Almond Board of California or almonds, visit Almonds.com or check out California Almonds on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the California Almonds blog. – Article and photo courtesy of the Almond Board of California

  • Dairy Girl Network to Host Two Events in CA Early 2020

    The Dairy Girl Network (DGN), an organization supporting all women in dairy by enhancing lives and creating opportunities, announces two events taking place in California in January and February 2020.

    DGN will be hosting a new event in California during the California Holstein Association’s state convention. The DGN Sharing Wisdom and Connect event will be held at The Penny in San Luis Obispo, California, on Friday, January 24, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event will be open to dairywomen involved in all aspects of the dairy industry attending the Holstein meeting or just from California for a day of education and networking. Buses will leave the Embassy Suites at 8:45 a.m. and will handle transportation to and from the event. If traveling in for the day or want to drive separate, parking is available at The Penny.
     
    The DGN event will be held in beautiful downtown SLO at The Penny and include training seminars, lunch and wine tasting. The speakers will include Celeste Setrinni, a cattle rancher and owner of a design and communications business and Erin Nutcher, partner in Hidden Valley Dairy, who will share about her agriculture advocacy experiences and tips. Also speaking will be Paul Swearingen, Core-Leaders Network Founder who will cover conflict resolution and lead an activation and communication exercise. Welcoming the group and enjoying in the day will be Carrie Mess, a DGN Board Member and blogger at DairyCarrie.
     
    Event ticket price is $50.00 and includes transportation, lunch, wine tasting and a DGN special gift. All registrations are due January 8th. There is a student discount available. Visit DairyGirlNetwork.com for registration and further details.
     
    The second event in California will be held at World Ag Expo, Tulare, California, International Agri-Center. The Connect Event during World Ag Expo will be a coffee break open house which will be available at booth DS 105/106 on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. A short program will be held at 10:30 a.m. Join other dairywomen for a quick recharge to talk about your lives involving dairy farming. The event is for all women involved with any part of dairy – whether as a calf feeder, dairy owner, marketing or sales consultant servicing dairy farms or cheese producers, veterinarian, researchers, etc. If there is a dairy cow involved in what you do, you’re invited. The DGN Connect event price for World Ag Expo is $10.00. Attendees will enjoy coffee, snacks and receive a special DGN gift.
     
    For the second consecutive year at World Ag Expo, a Family Lounge will also be provided by Dairy Girl Network at booth DS 105/106. The Family Lounge provides a much-needed quiet space for families and new mothers. Amenities in the Lounge include a comfortable chair for  nursing/pumping, a diaper changing station with supplies, and a place to rest and recharge. This quiet space is perfect for families or nursing mothers to escape the hustle-and-bustle of World Ag Expo.
     
    Registration for both events are now open. Those interested can visit DairyGirlNetwork.com to learn more and to register. DGN asks that those who plan to attend pre-register for each event.

    The Dairy Girl Network connects all women of the dairy industry, encouraging ideas and camaraderie in an effort to achieve personal and professional development. Designed as a welcoming network of passionate women involved in dairy, relationships will grow through shared experience, support and inspiration. 

  • National Watermelon Promotion Board Wraps Up Fitness Sponsorships

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) recently wrapped up a cross-country tour of fitness events including the Fit Foodie Festivals in Denver and San Diego and concluded with the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.

    From 5ks to ultra-marathons, and distances in between, over 35,000 watermelon samples found their ways into participants and attendees’ hands helping them rehydrate, refuel and replenish.

    “Watermelon is such a perfect fit for these events: healthy, hydrating, great for families and all fitness levels,” said Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications at NWPB.

    The tour kicked off at the Denver Fit Foodie Run on National Watermelon Day (August 3). Upon finishing, the 1,000 participants received a watermelon medal, fresh watermelon juice and were able to sample a variety of refreshing watermelon skewers, including Classic Watermelon, Mediterranean Caprese and Mexican Chile.

    In October, watermelon again found its way into fitness fanatics hands at the San Diego Fit Foodie event. In addition to the watermelon medal and fresh juice, the 2,000 San Diego participants were able to DIY their watermelon flavor pairings including lemon juice and salt, Tajín chili lime seasoning and jalapeño, cinnamon and vanilla, and ginger, sesame and soy. The watermelon “bar” was such a hit that attendees formed lines to try all the flavor pairings. Fitness enthusiast and influencer, Jennifer Fisher from The Fit Fork, taught watermelon cutting techniques and additional flavor pairings at a culinary demo during the finish festival.

    To round out the tour, fourteen board members attended the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) at the nation’s capital for NWPB’s seventh year of attendance. Over 26,000 participants and their supporters received more than 32,000 samples of fresh watermelon in a record-breaking six hours. In addition to the tasty treat, runners could capture their success with a Mission Accomplished banner and two watermelon carvings featuring “Oorah” and MCM logo.

    “It was great to see the runners react when they were offered a cup of fresh, cold watermelon chunks. Their faces lit up like it was the greatest thing in the world,” recalled Lee Wroten, National Watermelon Promotion Board Vice President.

    At 92% water, watermelon makes an ideal partner for fitness events as a delicious way for athletes to rehydrate, refuel and recover. Not only is it hydrating, but as a source of potassium (6%), watermelon may help with water balance and avoiding muscle cramps. Pre- or post-workout, watermelon’s nutritional line-up delivers a simple and tasty way to fuel a healthy lifestyle.

    About National Watermelon Promotion Board

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 1,500 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

    Watermelon packs a nutritious punch, with each serving providing an excellent source of Vitamin C, 8% of your daily vitamin A, and a delicious way to stay hydrated, with only 80 calories. Watermelon consumption per capita in the United States was an estimated 15.8 pounds in 2018. Watermelon consumption in the United States was approximately 5.2 billion pounds in 2018. The United States exported an additional 325.4 million pounds of watermelon. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

  • Coming up – Healthy Soils Week Dec 2-6

    CDFA has introduced a webpage to promote the week-long Healthy Soils Week, December 2-6, 2019. CDFA, several partner agencies, and non-governmental organizations have joined forces to promote awareness about the importance of soil health to fight climate change, enhance food security, and conserve California’s natural resources.

    The website provides details about the following daily events:

    • Monday, Dec. 2: Ribbon cutting to unveil large display panels near the Governor’s Office.
    • Tuesday, Dec. 3: A legislative briefing plus an informational session with the State Board of Food and Agriculture.
    • Wednesday, Dec. 4: A regional workshop, “Building our Food Resilient System,” in Santa Barbara. Also, CalRecycle will deliver fruit grown in a composted grove to state legislators.
    • Thursday, Dec. 5: World Soil Day as well as a tour for legislative staff and partner agencies that will include farms that employ healthy soils practices and a local compost facility.
    • Friday, Dec. 6: An event, “Rebuilding Urban Soil with Three Sisters Gardens” in West Sacramento.

    Healthy soil is quite literally the foundation of sustainable food, water, air and biodiversity. Restoring and preserving healthy soil results in:

    • Improved plant health and yields
    • Increased water infiltration and retention
    • Sequestered carbon and reduced greenhouse gases (GHGs)
    • Reduced sediment erosion and dust
    • Improved water and air quality
    • Improved biological diversity and wildlife habitat

  • Having Fun and Protecting Farmland go Hand-in-Hand

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is excited to announce a fun-filled evening of painting, sipping, and protecting farmland at their Sunset Vine Paint and Wine event Friday, Sept. 20 at Bokisch Vineyards from 4-7pm in Lodi.

    Watch the sunset over the grapevines at the beyond-beautiful Bokisch Vineyards. Sip a glass of award-winning Spanish varietal wine and munch on tasty tapas (that’s Spanish for appetizers). All while, of course, making your own incredible painting of the view – no artistic talent or experience needed.

    “The painting will be led by Lindsey Liberman of Pinot’s Palette. You will be surprised at your abilities by the end of your experience,” said Melanee Cottrill, Associate Director for California Farmland Trust. “Lindsey will walk you through every step and all materials will be provided. All you need to do is get inspired by the incredible sunset, enjoy the amazing award-winning wines, and have a good time.”

    All proceeds from the event will directly benefit farmland conservation and protect the farms that feed your family. CFT’s mission is to protect the best farmland in the world –the very land you will be sitting upon and gazing at as you paint and sip.

    “Bokisch Vineyards is a long-time supporter of our work and has partnered with us to connect more people to the land and its bounty through this fun event,” continued Cottrill. “The team at Bokisch and their wines are all incredible. Their love of the land is unparalleled and we are grateful to share it with the public at this event.”

    “Last year was the first time I’ve ever participated in a Paint and Sip event,” said Liz Bokisch, owner at Bokisch Vineyards. “I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first, but once I got started I thoroughly enjoyed myself! It was fun, easy, relaxing and an all-around feel good moment knowing I was doing my part to support California farmland. What a perfect way to spend an evening!”

    Sunset Vine Paint and Wine is perfect for girls night out, date night, or just to try something new in a beautiful place with expert assistance. Join us and do something good for you and the land we all love!

    Visit www.cafarmtrust.org/events for your tickets today! For more information or photos, please contact:

    Melanee Cottrill, mcottrill@cafarmtrust.org or (916) 687-3178

  • California Food Expo Expands Proven Award Platform

    The California Food Expo’s expanded suite of awards promises expanded brand exposure and exclusive new opportunities with the unveiling of the Golden State Award and the Fred Ruiz Award. Applications for these awards and the New Product Awards announced in June are available on the Expo’s website now through August 23, 2019.

    “The Expo’s first priority is connecting exhibiting companies with business opportunities through new retail and foodservice buyer introductions, heightened brand awareness, and valuable industry and peer network connections,” said Amy Fuentes, Manager of the California Food Expo. “Our award programs have served as a catalyst for new product launches and reinforced longstanding company brands in valuable retail stores including Whole Foods, William Sonoma, Safeway, Vons, Vallarta Supermarkets and others.”

    The Golden State Award invites all exhibitors to submit a product of their choice for a chance to be voted the most ‘liked’ California Food Expo product. All submissions will be posted on the Expo’s Instagram page and Facebook where followers will be able to vote by liking the product of their choice beginning on Monday, August 26 through Sunday, September 8, 2019. Award participants are encouraged to rally their followers for a chance to win a complimentary 10×10 booth at the 2020 California Food Expo. All submissions will be displayed on a photo backdrop at this year’s Expo.

    The Fred Ruiz Award, named in honor of Fred Ruiz, founder of Ruiz Food Products Inc., the largest frozen Mexican food manufacturer in the U.S. will recognize one innovative California food or beverage company who is recognized by their peers as a pioneer in innovation and a steward in their community. Award finalists will have the honor to present their company to a member of the Ruiz family and the Expo’s founding partners for an opportunity to be chosen as the sole winner of this prestigious award.

    The New Product Awards announced in June offers awards in two distinct categories: the Buyer’s Choice Award and Consumer’s Choice Awards, giving participants an opportunity to have their entries reviewed and judged by both buyers and consumers for a chance to win 1st, 2nd or 3rd place in each category.

    The Buyer’s Choice Award will be judged by the Expo’s Retail Advisory Council – an esteemed group of retail buyers who represent a diverse range of categories and store formats. The Consumer’s Choice Award will be judged by the Expo’s official Consumer Panel which mirrors the demographics of California for gender, ethnicity, age, income and education.

    All award applications are available exclusively to 2019 confirmed exhibitors and are open for submission now through August 23, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. For more information about the full suite of Expo awards, including complete contest rules and how to apply, please visit:https://californiafoodexpo.com/awards.

    About the California Food Expo:

    The California Food Expo is an exclusive industry trade show for California food and beverage companies to connect with more than 750 qualified retail and foodservice buyers, network with industry peers and showcase California’s thriving food industry.

    More than 150 California food and beverage companies are expected to participate in the two-day event which includes educational sessions, business-to-business tradeshow, and a competition for California renowned chefs. The 2019 event will be hosted at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center starting Monday, September 9, through Tuesday, September 10, 2019. For more information about the California Food Expo including the complete event agenda, or to register to exhibit or attend, please visit:www.CaliforniaFoodExpo.com.

     

     

  • Nomination Deadline Nears for 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award

    Know a California farmer, rancher or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award.

    Applications must be postmarked by July 15, 2019. Mail applications to:

    Leopold Conservation Award
    c/o Sustainable Conservation
    98 Battery Street, Suite 302
    San Francisco, CA 94111

    Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at:https://sandcountyfoundation.org/uploads/CA-CFN-LR.pdf

    Sand County Foundation, the nation’s leading voice for the conservation of private land, presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 20 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In California the $10,000 award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation.

    Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their exemplary dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

    “Aldo Leopold inspires Lundberg Family Farms to continue our family’s commitment to conservation, nutrition and innovation,” said Bryce Lundberg, VP of Agricultural Operations for the farm, which received the award in 2018. “Lundberg Family Farms encourages other farmers, ranchers and foresters to connect with Leopold and submit an application.”

    “From clean and abundant water, to breathable air, to healthy wildlife, keeping California the special place we all love requires everyone doing their part,” said Ashley Boren, Executive Director of Sustainable Conservation, which has co-sponsored the award since its launch in California more than a decade ago. “On the front lines of conservation are many deserving, but often overlooked, landowner heroes stepping up every day to steward our environment and Californians’ quality of life. The Leopold Conservation Award celebrates these inspiring individuals and families, and co-sponsors hope farmers, ranchers and other private landowners come forward this year to be recognized.”

    “The Leopold Conservation Award provides outstanding recognition of farmers and ranchers who often take small steps to realize big gains in managing their farms in a sustainable and profitable manner,” said Jamie Johansson, California Farm Bureau Federation President. “The awarded families are great examples of the generational appreciation farmers and ranchers have for their land. The stewardship they employ at their farms and ranches serves as a great example of California farmers’ and ranchers’ commitment to the environment.”

    “Leopold Conservation Award recipients are at the forefront of a movement by America’s farmers and ranchers to simultaneously achieve economic and environmental success,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer.

    The Leopold Conservation Award in California is made possible thanks to the generous support of Sustainable Conservation, the California Farm Bureau Federation, Farm Credit West,American Ag Credit,The Harvey L. & Maud S. Sorensen Foundation,The Nature Conservancy in California, McDonald’s, andCalifornia LCA recipient alumni.

    The Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in December.
    The first California Leopold Conservation Award recipient was selected in 2006. Lundberg Family Farms of Richvale received the award in 2018.

    For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

  • Agricultural organizations hold heat illnesses prevention training sessions in Easton, California

    EASTON, CA – On April 12, 2019, a coalition of agricultural organizations will hold two Heat Illness Prevention Sessions in Easton, California. Manuel Cunha, Jr., President of Nisei Farmers League said, “we appreciate the staff and the efforts of the Department of Industrial Relations, Cal/OSHA Consultation with their presentation of the safety message: WATER, REST, SHADE.”

    Cunha continued, “the efforts by all our agricultural partners, as well as Cal/OSHA is to educate employers and supervisors about the dangers of working in the heat. We have held many educational sessions, sent out publications, had media events and continue to have ongoing outreach efforts throughout the State. Education is the key to reducing the number of heat illnesses that we see in our fields.”

    Attend one of the sessions on April 12, 2019 for the latest documents outlining high heat procedures, including additional steps to be taken to ensure our employees safety.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

    Date: Friday, April 12, 2019

    Time: Session One in Spanish 10:00 a.m. to noon

    Session Two in English 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

    Place: C.P.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall, 172 W Jefferson Avenue, Easton

    There is no cost for attending these training sessions.

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

    We want to thank our agricultural partners listed below:

    Nisei Farmers League                              Fresno County Farm Bureau

    Allied Grape Growers                                  California Fresh Fruit Assn

    African America Farmers of Calif        American Pistachio Growers

    California Apple Commission         California Blueberry Commission

    California Olive Growers Council    Sun-Maid Growers of California