California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • NMPF Releases Statement on New World Screwworm

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) released a statement following the detection of New World screwworm in Texas last week. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud weighed in on the news stating:

    “The return of Wew World screwworm to the United States decades after its initial eradication is a disappointing milestone, but it’s also one for which dairy producers have been preparing for more than a year, in collaboration with USDA and across agriculture. It’s important to remember that this development has no effect on food safety, and that measures to combat both the screwworm and its spread are in place and time-tested. We appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proactive efforts to prepare for this moment, and we stand ready to work with the department to address any ongoing challenges.

    Now that USDA has confirmed that screwworm is here, dairy farmers and all livestock producers pledge close collaboration with USDA, state and local officials, and producer organizations to mitigate any harmful effects and educate farmers on how to protect their herds. We have been creating resources to guide farmers in their responses, and we will keep our members well informed of any important screwworm developments.

    We also urge officials to follow scientific guidance in any decisions affecting animal movements and regulatory responses to avoid causing economic harm that could be greater than the screwworm itself. We also ask that adequate resources be provided to combat this problem, which causes suffering in animals and creates risk for producers.”

    Currently, no instances of New World screwworm have been reported in California.

  • New World Screwworm Detected in Texas

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) confirmed the detection of a New World screwworm (NWS) in a bovine in Zavala County, Texas. NWS is a serious pest that affects livestock, pets, wildlife, and less commonly, people and birds. NWS larvae (maggots) burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious damage to livestock and economic losses.

    The affected animal is a 3-week-old calf and larvae were identified in its umbilical area. To date, there have been no further detections.

    “All models showed New World Screwworm entering the country in 2025; however, thanks to the hard work across the entire Trump administration and our industry, state, and local partners, we were able to buy time for this moment. Protecting our livestock industry is a national security issue of the utmost importance, and USDA is wasting no time in taking action,” said Dudley Hoskins, Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs. “USDA invested heavily in the tools needed to eliminate NWS ever since cases started increasing in Central America and Mexico. The United States has defeated this pest before, and we will do it again.”

    USDA and Texas officials are taking immediate action to contain and eradicate NWS from the United States, following the strategies and actions outlined in the NWS Response Playbook (884.59 KB). This includes:

    • Forming a unified Incident Command Team with the Texas Animal Health Commission and deploying response personnel to the area;
    • Establishing a 20 km infested zone around the detection and implementing quarantines, movement controls and surveillance in this area;
    • Expediting targeted release of sterile NWS flies (423.58 KB) by immediately deploying ground release chambers in the area, in addition to the 4 million sterile flies per week already being released aerially in the area;
    • Increasing trapping for NWS flies along the border and just outside of the dispersal area;
    • Implementing NWS surveillance and management strategies in wildlife; and
    • Conducting targeted outreach in the local area.

    Additionally, USDA’s National Veterinary Stockpile stands ready to assist and will provide resources including treatments, equipment and logistics support the response as needed.

    USDA will continue to work with state departments of agriculture, animal health officials, industry and producers to mitigate economic impacts of restrictions as much as possible, including negotiating with our trading partners to regionalize any trade restrictions on live animals, limiting them to defined geographic areas.

    NWS maggots can infest livestock and other warm-blooded animals, including in rare cases people. They most often enter an animal through an open wound and feed on the animal’s living flesh.

    USDA urges residents in the area to check their pets and livestock for signs of NWS. Look for draining or enlarging wounds and signs of discomfort. Also look for screwworm larvae (maggots) and eggs in or around body openings, such as the nose, ears, and genitalia or the navel of newborn animals. If you suspect your animal is infected with screwworm, contact your state animal health official or USDA area veterinarian in charge immediately.

    While not common in people, if you notice a suspicious lesion on your body or suspect you may have contracted screwworm, seek immediate medical attention.

    The U.S. food supply is safe. Screwworms do not infest meat, fruits, vegetables, or other food sources. USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe and properly labeled. Under the Federal Meat Inspection Act (FMIA), FSIS inspection personnel must inspect all eligible animal species unless they are exempt or covered by a state inspection program.

    Any evidence of screwworm infestation in an animal would be identified during these inspections, and any contaminated product from an affected animal would not be allowed to enter the food supply.

    For more than a year, USDA has led a unified response to NWS. As the lead coordinating agency, USDA has deployed advanced surveillance systems and supported robust cross-border response efforts in Mexico and Central America to combat the pest and push NWS away from the United States. These efforts have bought time for USDA to increase domestic preparedness efforts.

    Learn more about New World screwworm at Screwworm.gov. — Story contributed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

  • California Dairy Families and Raley’s Partner To Fight Food Insecurity

    In honor of June as National Dairy Month, the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) is partnering for the fourth year with Raley’s Food For Families program to deliver milk and dairy foods to nourish families in California communities.

    Throughout June, California dairy families, through the CMAB, will match customer donations made in-store and online to the Food For Families program dollar-for-dollar, up to $35,000, helping supply California dairy products to feeding programs. Messaging featuring “Do Good with Dairy” will appear in-store and across digital channels to raise awareness of the initiative.

    In California, over 1.8 million households face food insecurity.

    “Even in the most productive agricultural state in the nation, families can struggle with food insecurity and nutritional challenges,” said California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “When we work together – the way the California Milk Advisory Board and Raley’s are for Dairy Month – we can get more fresh, nutritious dairy products where they are needed most, and where they can do the most good.”

    “As a California dairy farmer, I strongly believe in making milk and dairy foods accessible to families, as they are among the most nutritious and affordable options available,” said Nicole Morris, who operates JNM Dairy with her husband. “This partnership provides essential support to communities while emphasizing the vital role dairy plays in supporting families’ health and well-being.”

    Milk donations will be distributed to 12 Food For Family partner food banks – Alameda County Community Food Bank, Central California Food Bank, Food Bank for Monterey County, Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano, Feeding the Foothills, Food Bank of Northern Nevada, Redwood Empire Food Bank, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, Second Harvest of the Greater Valley and Yolo Food Bank.

    “Milk is a nutrient-rich staple that plays a vital role in helping our neighbors maintain healthy food choices at home. We are incredibly grateful for the continued partnership between the CMAB and Raley’s Food For Families. Being able to provide dairy products like milk to the community makes a meaningful difference,” said Second Harvest of the Greater Valley CEO Jessica Vaughan .

    Raley’s absorbs all administrative costs to maximize the impact of every donation.

    “Throughout the year we welcome donations to Food For Families to nourish our communities,” said Zoe Edwards, Raley’s Food For Families Operations Manager. “Dairy remains one of the most in-demand, nutritious food groups and an important source of protein that food banks are eager to ensure access to. We are proud to partner with Real California Milk to supply dairy products to our food bank partners.”

    The Real California Milk CADAIRY4GOOD platform focuses on increasing access to dairy foods for individuals and families throughout California through partnerships to pilot programs to deliver product and refrigeration resources to the state’s food banks and feeding programs. — Story Contributed by the California Milk and Raley’s Food For Families

  • USDA Launches TRUMP Mission to Argentina and Ecuador

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched a Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers (TRUMP) mission to Argentina and Ecuador this week to open new markets and strengthen export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers and producers.

    Built on the Reciprocal Trade and Investment agreements signed with Argentina and Ecuador earlier this year, the mission led by USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg, aims to increase fair access to two of the Western Hemisphere’s fastest-growing markets.

    “Our three-point plan has already reduced the agricultural trade deficit by 42%, and now, TRUMP trade missions like this one are turning new market access into true market share,” said Under Secretary Lindberg. “By taking our farm groups straight to the table with willing buyers in Argentina and Ecuador, we’re converting these historic reciprocal agreements into lasting commercial wins for our hardworking farmers, ranchers and producers back home.”

    In 2025 alone, the U.S. exported $166 million in seeds, essential oils, livestock genetics, tree nuts and more to Argentina. The same year, $595 million in agricultural products were exported to Ecuador, including soybean meal, wheat and other feeds and fodders.

    Staff from USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service will lead industry tours, host business-to-business meetings, and meet with Argentine and Ecuadorian officials to support U.S. trade priorities and American agricultural producers. The delegation includes representatives from:

    1.     California Almonds – Modesto, Calif.

    2.     USA Poultry & Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.

    3.     U.S. Grains and Bioproducts Council – Washington, D.C.

    4.     U.S. Livestock Genetics Export, Inc. – Mount Horeb, Wis.

    5.     U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.

    6.     U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.

    7.     U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — Story contributed by the USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • California Walnut Commission Voices Support for ASCF

    The California Walnut Commission issued a statement voicing its support for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ACSF) program. The program was announced May 29, offering $1.6 billion in federal assistance and relief to growers of specialty crops. This includes tree nuts like walnuts, almonds and pistachios.

    “The California Walnut Commission extends its appreciation to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff for the announcement and implementation of payment rates and the enrollment period for the ASCF program.

    In response to elevated input costs and market disruptions that impede specialty crop exports, USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers. Eligible walnut growers will be able to receive payments at a rate of $225 per acre based on their 2025 crop acreage report. This new funding will help walnut growers, many from multi-generational family farms, offset high production costs and ongoing market disruptions due to tariffs in key markets.

    ‘Walnut growers are in full swing nurturing this year’s crop, which just finished the bloom and nut set start of the crop year,’ said Bill Carriere, vice chairman of the California Walnut Commission. ‘This additional financial support will be utilized to lower input costs and improve our competitiveness abroad.’

    We thank Secretary Rollins and USDA for their continued commitment to supporting specialty crop producers, including California walnut growers, to strengthen the competitiveness of American agriculture at home and abroad.”

  • CDFA Urges Immediate Reporting of Grapevines Purchased at Costco

    The CDFA is urging anyone who purchased grapevines from Costco stores in Northern California between April 21 and May 21 to contact their local agricultural commissioner after an invasive pest was discovered among the 13,000 vines shipped during that period.

    Grapevines from a Fresno nursery shipped to California Costco stores in April and May were found to be carrying the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), an insect capable of spreading a potentially lethal vine disease.

    On May 19, the first glassy-winged sharpshooter was detected on vines sold at the warehouse retailer, triggering an immediate and widespread containment effort by CDFA, agricultural commissioners and winegrape growers throughout Northern California. Officials are responding to public reports, conducting inspections and public outreach and trapping near stores and locations where purchased vines were taken. They are also ensuring that potentially infested plants are safely contained and disposed of.

    In addition to destroying infested stock still in Costco warehouses, CDFA is working with agricultural commissioners and conducting public outreach to locate vines sold to consumers across 24 counties, as well as neighboring at-risk counties.

    “While many vines have been intercepted and destroyed, locating the thousands that may still be in customers’ hands remains our top priority,” said California Ag Secretary Karen Ross. “Anyone who purchased these vines should contact their local agricultural commissioner immediately.”

    Costco is offering a full refund to anyone who purchased these vines. Customers do not need to return the vines to receive a refund.

    To prevent the potential spread of the pest, CDFA officials urge customers to:

    •Immediately contact your county agricultural commissioner

    •Keep the plant in its original pot or container and away from other plants

    •If possible, place the plant inside two trash bags, one inside the other, and seal them closed

    •Do not place the plant in the trash or compost bin

    •An agricultural inspector will come, inspect the vine for GWSS and — if necessary — remove and dispose of the vine

    Winegrapes are one of California’s largest cash crops, generating approximately $73 billion annually in economic activity and supporting more than 422,000 jobs statewide. A 2025 economic study estimated that Pierce’s disease, which is spread by the glassy-winged sharpshooter, could cost California approximately $166 million annually if left unchecked.

    California first recognized the full threat of the glassy-winged sharpshooter in 1999, when a major Pierce’s disease outbreak in the Temecula Valley led to the destruction of more than 300 acres of vineyards. Winegrape growers quickly responded by working with the CDFA to create the Pierce’s Disease Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board to control the pest and find solutions to the disease it carries. The program has successfully contained GWSS for over 25 years. Visit cdfa.ca.gov/pdcp/PD_GWSS_Board.html. — Story Contributed by the California PD/GWSS Board

  • American Wine Truth in Labelling Bill Advances

    The California State Assembly approved AB 1585 (Connolly and Ransom), legislation that would require wine labeled “American” and sold or bottled in California to be made entirely from American-grown grapes. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a 67-0 vote and now advances to the California State Senate.

    Sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and Family Winemakers of California (FWC), AB 1585 would establish a truth-in-labeling standard to improve transparency for consumers and reinforce the integrity of American wine labeling.  Under current labeling regulations, wine labeled “American” may contain up to 25% of foreign-grown grapes while still carrying the American appellation designation.

    “A 67-0 vote sends an unmistakable message: California stands behind its growers, wineries, and farmworkers, and behind honest wine labeling,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “AB 1585 is common sense – consumers choosing ‘American’ wine deserve to get American grapes. We’re grateful for the Assembly’s unanimous support and look forward to the Senate taking up this important consumer protection.”

    “Family Winemakers of California is proud to stand alongside CAWG and the more than 400 industry members who have championed this legislation,” said GinaLisa Tamayo, Board President of Family Winemakers of California. “We are encouraged by the Assembly’s strong support and eager to carry this momentum into the Senate.”

      The progress made this week is another step in a legislative process that will continue through August. AB 1585 will next be considered by the California State Senate Governmental Organization Committee in June.

  • Comment Period for Draft Water Quality Certification for Relicensing of the Balch Hydroelectric Project

    Today, State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) staff released for public review and comment a draft water quality certification for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) relicensing of the Balch Hydroelectric Project (Project; FERC Project No. 175). The comment period for the draft water quality certification closes at noon, June 19. Please see the notice for details on how to submit comments. The notice and draft water quality certification for the project are available here.

    The draft water quality certification and additional information on the Project are available on the State Water Board’s Project webpage(https://waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/water_quality_cert/balch.html)

    Instructions on how to sign up for the State Water Board’s email notification service are outlined below:

    1. Visit the Email Subscription webpage(https://waterboards.ca.gov/resources/email_subscriptions/).
    2. Provide your email in the required field, then click the “Submit” button.
    3. In the next page, select, “State Water Resources Control Board”, select “Water Rights”, then “Water Rights Water Quality Certification.”
    4. Click the “Submit” button.
    5. An email will be sent to you. You must respond to the email message to confirm your membership on the selected Topic(s).

    By enrolling in this email notification service, you will receive notices for other current projects overseen by the Division of Water Rights’ Water Quality Certification Program, including the project. You can enroll or un-enroll from the email subscription service at any time.

    The State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) and the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards (Regional Water Boards) – collectively known as the California Water Boards – are dedicated to a single vision: abundant clean water for human uses and environmental protection to sustain California’s future.

    Under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) and the state’s pioneering Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act, the State and Regional Water Boards have regulatory responsibility for protecting the water quality of nearly 1.6 million acres of lakes, 1.3 million acres of bays and estuaries, 211,000 miles of rivers and streams, and about 1,100 miles of exquisite California coastline. — Story Contributed by the State Water Resources Control Board

  • USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program Accepting Applications

    The California Avocado Commission is encouraging its growers to apply for aid from the USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program

    For growers who submitted their 2025 eligible acres before the April 24 deadline, the ACSF has allocated $1.6 billion through a one-time bridge payment for specialty crops not covered through the Farm Bridge Assistance program. Payment limitations are set at $250,000 and the program has an adjusted gross income limitation of $900,000. The program is designed to provide financial support to allow specialty crop growers pay for production and marketing inputs in the face of significant market disruptions during the 2025 growing season.

    To be eligible, producers must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien and have reported eligible acres for the 2025 crop year by April 24. Avocado growers are considered tier 2 at $255 per acre.

    Pre-filled applications are available for growers who reported their 2025 crop acreage report by the deadline. Producers also can request their pre-filled application from their local Farm Service Agency office beginning June 8. Completed applications can be returned in person, via email or fax or electronically using Box and One-span.

    The deadline to apply is August 7, 2026. — Story contributed by the California Avocado Commission

  • Last Chance for Free Cover Crop Seed from Project Apis m.

    There are less than 100 spots left for growers to take advantage of free cover crop seed from Project Apis m. Through their Seeds for Bees program.

    Running from April 1 to Aug. 31, Seeds for Bees encourages the adoption of cover crop to provide forage for bees in orchards in California and elsewhere. This has the added benefit of fixing nitrogen and other vital nutrients into the soil. The seed mixes available through Seeds for Bees are designed to bloom through critical parts of the year, when natural forage is scarce and pollinators need it the most.

    Learn more about Project Apis m. and their Seeds for Bees program here.