California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Celebrating Bee Friendly Farming® Certified Almond Orchards on National Almond Day

    Pollinator Partnership (P2) announced today that it has certified over 55,000 acres of almonds in 2020 as pollinator friendly and environmentally sustainable through its Bee Friendly Farming (BFF) Certified program. The Almond Board of California’s Bee+ Scholarship program has been instrumental in leading this movement by offsetting the cost of BFF certification, allowing land managers to apply those funds that would be used on certification fees to pollinator habitat. Coupled with significant Integrated Pest Management, the floral resources now available for local and migratory pollinators will increase biodiversity and add a variety of benefits to almond operations across California.

    Bee Friendly Farming® Certified provides guidelines for farmers, growers, and land managers to promote pollinator health on their lands. BFF sets standards for sustainable farming on important concepts like planting pollinator food sources, providing nesting habitat, and incorporating an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy to help growers prevent pest infestations and find solutions that solve pest problems while providing safe harbor for pollinating species.

    BFF Certified growers report substantial benefits to their operations. In addition to increased pollination services, they see improved soil health and water retention as well as an increase in the presence of natural enemies to combat common pests. BFF’s rigorous and stringent compliance protocol helps ensure that these almond orchards play an essential part in keeping pollinators healthy and the food supply abundant. Look for the BFF logo in your local supermarket on almond products – it is the mark of forward-thinking growers who value quality production and represent exemplary stewardship.

    “Bee Friendly Farming seeks practical solutions for farmers with the goal of seeing real environmental change. It is thrilling to see how the almond industry is turning this superfood into a driver for pollinator and environmental health as well,” stated Laurie Davies Adams, President of Pollinator Partnership, parent organization of Bee Friendly Farming.

    “We congratulate our Bee Friendly Farming Certified growers on National Almond Day for their leadership and vision in building a sustainable future for one of California’s most important crops and one of the world’s favorite foods,” added Miles Dakin, Bee Friendly Farming Coordinator from Pollinator Partnership’s California headquarters.

    Visit www.BeeFriendlyFarming.org for more information on Bee Friendly Farming and to learn how you can participate as a farmer, gardener, or partner.

    ABOUT POLLINATOR PARTNERSHIP (P2) Established in 1997, Pollinator Partnership (P2) is the largest 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated exclusively to the health, protection, and conservation of all pollinating animals. Pollinator Partnership’s actions for pollinators include education, conservation, restoration, policy, and research. P2’s financial support comes through grants, gifts, memberships and donations from any interested party. Its policies are
    science-based, set by its board of directors, and never influenced by any donor. To make a donation in
    support of our mission, or for information, visit www.pollinator.org.

    ABOUT BEE FRIENDLY FARMING (BFF)Bee Friendly Farming is a certification program from Pollinator Partnership that provides guidelines for farmers and growers interested in promoting pollinator health on their lands.
    https://www.pollinator.org/bff.

  • CA Utilized Vegetable Production Value Shows Slight Decline

    The value of California’s 2020 utilized vegetable production dropped 0.9% to $7.68 billion compared to 2019’s value of $7.74 billion according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Field Office.

    Despite the decrease in state’s overall total value of utilized production, crops showing an increase included broccoli, cantaloupe, lettuce of all types, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. California fresh market and processing vegetable growers planted 939,700 acres of principal vegetable crops in 2020, down 3% from 2019. Utilized production totaled 433.8 million hundred weight up slightly from 2019’s 431.7 million hundred weight.

    California leads the nation in vegetable production, accounting for 39% of the U.S. vegetable acreage. USDA NASS recently posted the Vegetables 2020 Summary for vegetables grown during the 2020 crop year in California and across the U.S. The report includes survey data collected for acreage, production, marketing year price and value collected on an annual basis for 26 vegetable and melon crops in the U.S. Questionnaire content, survey timetables, and survey administration are state specific. Data are gathered by telephone interviews, mail-out/mail-back, faxed questionnaires, and personal interviews.
    Family favorites grown in California include artichokes, broccoli, carrots, garlic, tomatoes, and more. For a copy of the full report, visit Vegetables 2020 Summary. Just interested in California? Here are comments on 2020 crops where The Golden State is the largest producer. The data reflects U.S. numbers:

    Artichokes: Total production in 2020 totaled 812,000 cwt, down 15% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 5,900 acres, down 11% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 5,800 acres, was down 12% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $62.6 million, 16% below the previous season. Utilized production totaled 792,500 cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, artichokes enjoyed a routine spring with strong supplies and steady demand. The March increase could be attributed to consumers pushing the demand for healthy vegetables. The pandemic temporarily impacted labor availability and elevated production costs, but generally favorable weather resulted in good quality and production.

    Broccoli: Total production in 2020 totaled 15.8 million cwt, down 5% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 100,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 100,300 acres, was also down 4% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $875 million, 3% more than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 15.8 million cwt, of which 15.3 million cwt was for the fresh market and 25,060 tons for processing. In California, the pandemic caused a variety of changes in the marketplace. Most notably was the decreased demand from the food service industry for broccoli. Growers plowed under broccoli due to limited demand by the hospitality industry.

    Cabbage: Total production in 2020 totaled 23.7 million cwt, up 6% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 60,600 acres, down 3% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 58,600 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $428 million, 16% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 23.6 million cwt, of which 19.1 million cwt was for the fresh market and 224,241 tons for processing. In California, weather during the planting in the fall of 2019 and through head development in 2020 was favorable. No reports of pathogen impact were reported for the crop.

    Cantaloupes: Total production in 2020 totaled 11.3 million cwt, a slight increase from 2019. Planted areas was estimated at 41,000 acres, down 15% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 40,600 acres, down 15% from 2019. The value of the crop total was $296 million, an increase of 24% from previous year. The utilized production was 11.3 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, lack of rainfall during the spring months and high temperatures during the summer months provided ideal growing conditions for cantaloupes compared to last year.

    Carrots: Total production in 2020 totaled 31.1 million cwt, down 6% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 69,900 acres, down 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 69,700 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $716 million, 7% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 31.1 million cwt, of which 22.3 million cwt was for the fresh market and 441,787 tons for processing. In California, the largest producing State, the carrot market was steady through the spring of the year. In the heavily farmed central portion of the Cuyama Valley, where a lot of California’s carrots are grown, the water table continued to drop in 2020.

    Cauliflower: Total production in 2020 totaled 9.0 million cwt, down 11% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 42,500 acres, down 6% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 42,200 acres, was down 7% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $346 million, 25% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 8.9 million cwt, of which 8.8 million cwt was for the fresh market and 2,724 tons for processing. In California, growers have seen dramatic movement of cauliflower during the pandemic. This year has seen generally shrinking volume from the beginning of February, and lower volume than the previous two year since the beginning of March. Pricing is below the prior two years and continues decreasing, although price has not stabilized, the rate of decrease has slowed.

    Celery: Total production in 2020 totaled 16.1 million cwt, up 2% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 29,200 acres, up 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 28,800 acres, increased 2% from the previous year. The value of the crop totaled $359 million, down 24% from previous year. Utilized production for 2020 totaled 16.1 million cwt, up 2% from 2019.
    In California, growers reported higher production but price dropped considerably.

    Garlic: Total production in 2020 totaled 3.46 million cwt, down 10% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 24,700 acres, unchanged from the previous year. Area harvested, at 24,700 acres, was unchanged from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $264 million, 12% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 3.46 million cwt, of which 1.21 million cwt was for the fresh market and 112,385 tons for processing. In California, producers were tempered by soil borne pathogens that reduced yield in some areas, though overall the growing season experienced favorable weather.

    Honeydew: Total production in 2020 totaled 2.36 million cwt, down 9% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 7,600 acres, down 25% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 7,600 acres, was also down 25% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $49.2 million, down 11% from the previous season. Utilized production totaled 2.36 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, lack of rainfall during the spring months and high temperatures during the summer months provided ample growing conditions for honeydew compared to last year.

    Head lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 40.7 million cwt, down 3% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 114,000 acres, down 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 112,900 acres, was down 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $1.25 billion, 12% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 40.7 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, the largest producing State, higher than normal temperatures in the central valley resulted in substantial losses. In the coastal region, warm weather and wildfires affected supplies later in the year. Significant occurrences of crop disease also contributed to a tight market, prompting concerns of shortages in other parts of the country. Some producers in Arizona and California have allowed some head lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Leaf lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 15.6 million cwt, up 25% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 62,900 acres, up 9% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 61,700 acres, was also up 8% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $800 million, 23% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 15.6 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, some growers did not harvest their fields during the spring in response to market conditions, but demand improved as the year progressed. There was a small amount of heat damage to the crop, but yields were up significantly from the previous year. Quality was reported to be fair and demand was strong enough to keep prices up. However, some producers in Arizona and California have allowed some leaf lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Romaine lettuce: Total production in 2020 totaled 30.3 million cwt, up 11% from the 2019 total. Planted area was estimated at 93,100 acres, up 4% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 91,500 acres, was up 4% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $948 million, 8% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 30.3 million cwt, all of which was for the fresh market. In California, there were quality issues in the late summer crop as instances of Sclerotinia and Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus were found in the Central Coast region. In November, there was a voluntary recall of Romaine lettuce due to a potential outbreak of E.coli. Overall, yields were up from a year ago. Some producers in Arizona and California have allowed Romaine lettuce to die in the field or to be disced under, due to decreased sales to food service companies.

    Onions: Total production in 2020 totaled 75.2 million cwt, up 8% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 134,700 acres, up 2% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 132,800 acres, was up 3% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $878 million, 12% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 73.5 million cwt, of which 49.5 million cwt was for the fresh market and 1.20 million tons were for processing. In California, the largest producing State, growers reported the summer being too hot too early. Later in the summer there wasn’t enough sun when wildfires blanketed the state in smoke for months.

    Bell peppers: Total production in 2020 totaled 11.7 million cwt, up 1% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 38,100 acres, up 1% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 37,100 acres, was up 1% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $479 million, 11% less than the previous year. Utilized production totaled 11.7 million cwt, of which 8.22 million cwt was for the fresh market and 171,808 tons for processing. In California, the summer turned very hot early, which quickly turned bad as fires ravaged through large portions of the state burning cropland and producing a thick layer of smoke blocking the sun for months. Some producers had to divert peppers intended for fresh market to processors as state lockdowns caused stoppages in the supply chain.

    Spinach: Total production in 2020 totaled 7.23 million cwt, down 24% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 56,800 acres, down 14% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 56,200 acres, was also down 14% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $439 million, 28% less than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 7.23 million cwt, of which 6.45 million cwt was for the fresh market and 39,204 tons for processing. In California, the largest producing State, the coastal regions experienced damaging cold temperatures in early spring, bringing yields down below last year. Acreage decreased after some growers responded to a drop in demand by plowing under their fields.

    Sweet potatoes: Total production in 2020 totaled 30.7 million cwt, down 4% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 158,000 acres, up 7% from the previous year. Area harvested, at 156,800 acres, was up 7% from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $726 million, 10% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 30.6 million cwt, of which 23.9 million cwt was for the fresh market and 331,638 tons for processing.

    Tomatoes: Total production in 2020 totaled 241 million cwt, up 1% from 2019. Planted area was estimated at 280,000 acres, down 1% from the previous year. Area harvested, estimated at 272,900 acres, was down slightly from 2019. The value of the crop totaled $1.66 billion, 4% more than the previous season. Utilized production totaled 239 million cwt, of which 12.6 million cwt was for the fresh market and 11.3 million tons for processing. In California, there were no major issues during planting, but higher than average temperatures in late spring affected early crop yields. Inconsistent weather patterns throughout the growing season prompted short interruptions in the flow of ripe tomatoes. Wildfires that raged through the state in late summer and early fall slowed the processing tomato harvest. Crop quality varied by region and disease pressure was low. Due to a lack of rain, water availability continued to be a concern.

    For more agricultural statistics, visit www.nass.usda.gov.

  • ITC Deems Foreign Imported Blueberries Not a Threat to Domestic Production

    Blueberry growers were disappointed in US International Trade Commission’s ruling today, not seeing the threat of rising imported foreign-grown blueberries to domestic growers.  The American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) released the following statement regarding the outcome of the ITC’s global safeguard investigation into imports of fresh, chilled or frozen blueberries:

    “The American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) is disappointed with the decision today by the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to find that rising imports of foreign-grown blueberries are not a substantial cause of serious injury, or threat of serious injury, to domestic farmers. We disagree with the outcome of the Commissioner’s investigation.

    Throughout this case, blueberry growers across the United States provided the ITC with extensive data and personal experiences about the significant harm caused by surging imports on the supply and pricing of blueberries in the U.S. market, especially during our critical growing and harvest seasons. We believed this data and testimony made a compelling case that safeguard measures were critical to the survival of our domestic farmers, and we are disappointed by the Commission’s decision.

    We actively participated in this investigation because we believe U.S. trade laws must support a level playing field for American farmers – one in which lower labor costs and more lax environmental standards in other countries does not drive our domestic growers out of business. The outcome of this investigation reveals deficiencies in U.S. trade laws, which unfortunately will put the long-term viability of the domestic blueberry industry in jeopardy.

    We have received strong support from members of Congress, state elected officials, agricultural associations and other farm interests throughout this investigation, and we plan to work with these groups on other remedies to ensure that American consumers continue to have access to fresh, high-quality, safe, domestically grown blueberries.

    Meanwhile, our domestic growers will face another year of economic uncertainty as they grow and harvest their 2021 blueberry crop. No doubt, imports will now accelerate to overwhelm our domestic market this year. This will cause even greater hardship on family-owned farm operations, as well as on providers of packing and freezing services, and damage to local communities and tax bases.”

    About American Blueberry Growers Alliance

    American Blueberry Growers Alliance (ABGA) is a national association representing blueberry growers and farmers in the United States. ABGA provides a unified voice for blueberry growers in states across the country, including California, Florida, Georgia, Michigan, Oregon and Washington, advocating on behalf of their interests and for the long-term viability of the domestic blueberry industry. For more information, visit: americanblueberrygrowers.com.

  • 2020 CA Preliminary Grape Crush Report

    The 2020 crush totaled 3,542,038 tons, down 13.9% from the 2019 crush of 4,115,413 tons. A crushing disappointment for the industry, this represents the lowest tonnage and some of the lowest prices growers have experienced in the last decade.  Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 1,813,964 tons, down 15.9% from 2019. White wine varieties crushed totaled 1,590,335 tons, down 9.8% from 2019. Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 42,425, down 30.5% from 2019, and tons crushed of table type varieties totaled 95,315, down 29.1% from 2019.

    The 2020 average price of all varieties was $674.72, down 16.8% from 2019. Average prices for the 2020 crop by type were as follows: red wine grapes, $791.33, down 22.4% from 2019; white wine grapes, $554.74, down 5.9% from 2019; table grapes, $162.41, down 38.2% from 2019; and raisin grapes, $250.58, up 2.3% from 2019.

    In 2020, Chardonnay continued to account for the largest percentage of the total tonnage crushed at 15.2%. Cabernet Sauvignon accounted for the second largest percentage of the total crush at 14.1%. Table grape varieties crushed for wine accounted for less than 3% of the total crush for the first time since 2016. Raisin varieties crushed for wine were a record low at 1.2% of total crush.

    District 13 (Madera, Fresno, Alpine, Mono, Inyo Counties; and Kings and Tulare Counties north of Nevada Avenue (Avenue 192)), had the largest share of the State’s crush at 1,229,676 tons. The average price per ton in District 13 was $314.25.

    Grapes produced in District 4 (Napa County) received the highest average price at $4,577.62 per ton, down 20.7% from 2019. District 3 (Sonoma and Marin counties) received the second highest average price at $2,417.48 per ton, down 15.1% from 2019.

    The 2020 Chardonnay average price of $827.85 was down 9.3% from 2019 and the Cabernet Sauvignon average price of $1,230.96 was down 30.5% from 2019. The 2020 average price for Zinfandel was $519.04, down 11.0% from 2019, while the French Colombard average price was up 4.2% from 2019, at $287.52 per ton.

    Prices reflect adjustments due to smoke damage, as reported by purchasers. For more information about how purchasers reported smoke damaged grapes, go to: www.cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/pdf/GrapeCrush2020_Smoke_Taint_FAQ.pdf

    The entire Grape Crush Report is available online at www.nass.usda.gov/ca, and don’t miss the March issue of American Vineyard Magazine to read a full analysis of the Crush Report. Subscribe for free HERE.

  • Hive Strength and Bee Health/Safety for Successful Almond Crop

    For a successful harvest, start the season strong. A large crop at harvest requires good bee activity at bloom in the orchard. The current UC general recommendation for bee hive stocking rates is 1-3 strong hives per acre. A strong hive contains at least 8 frames covered with bees, an actively laying queen, and one to two frames of brood. Where cold, rainy and/or windy conditions limit bee flight (remember the 2019 bloom?), two to three strong hives may be needed to supply enough bees to set a decent crop when narrow windows of good bee weather open up. Less than two hives per acre may be sufficient to set a good crop in extended good bloom weather (2020 bloom). Good bee weather is at least 59oF, no rain and less than 10 mph wind speed. [In general, bees begin to forage when temperatures reach 55oF, winds less than 15 MPH and it’s not raining.]

    Hive strength makes a difference in pollination activity (see graph below). The more frames covered with bees in a hive means more foraging bees and more flowers pollinated. The best possible start to the season begins with strong hives in the orchard at the start of bloom. 

    Average pollen collected per hive for a range of hive strengths based on frames of bees per hive over a 7 or 10 day period. Data from Sheesley and Bernard, Cal Ag, 1970 

    To ensure strong hives in the orchard as bloom starts, pollination contracts should include 1) language stating hive strength and 2) an inspection clause stating that some fraction of the hives will be opened and frames inspected by a third party at or soon after delivery to confirm if the contracted hive strength was delivered. The hive strength check should happen at or close to delivery because, as almond flowers are an excellent food source for honeybees, a four-frame hive at delivery to the orchard can become stronger as the pollination season progresses. Assessing colony strength at the end or close to the end of pollination season is not an accurate measure of the pollination activity at the start of the season when strong hives are most needed.

    Growers using lower bee stocking rates (1-2 hives/acre) in an effort to save money are the most in need of contract language stating hive strength and a hive inspection. A single 8-frame hive collects 2.5x the pollen as a 4-frame hive.

    Hive health. Where hives are located and bees treated in an orchard can impact hive health and potentially pollination performance. Hive location, availability of clean water and spray programs (materials and timings) all should be considered by growers and communicated with beekeepers. Hive placement plays a role in good bee activity across the orchard. Hives should be placed in locations where early morning sun will warm the hives and in groups in or around the orchard no more than a quarter of a mile apart.

    Bees need water and will go find it (somewhere else) if not available in your orchard. Check-in with your beekeeper to decide on location and responsibility for providing watering stations for bees in your orchard. The water stations should be protected from pesticides by covering or moving the station or changing the water, or changing after spraying. Bees can’t drink while flying and can drown trying to get to water if there is no landing site at the water source. A 5 gallon bucket with clean water and an old towel or piece of burlap draped over the bucket lip and into the water works as a bee watering site. The Almond Board of California’s most recent Honey Bee Best Management Practices is available at almonds.com/sites/default/files/2020-12/BeeBPMs_12212020.pdf

    Bees can be harmed by pesticides. Certain pesticides and practices can be particularly harmful. In particular, all/any insecticides (except B.t. products such as Dipel) should not be used at bloom. Adjuvants, particularly organosilicones, can harm bees directly and/or increase the impact of pesticides on bees and should be left out of bloom sprays. Foliar nutrients may also harm bees. Protect your bee investment; put only fungicide(s) in the spray tank at bloom.

    While both bees and fungicides are needed during bloom in Sacramento Valley almond orchards in most years, the best practices for bee health and crop set require dividing the day between time for bee activity and time for spray activity; a split shift for bees and sprayers (on spray days). This approach lets bees work and then flowers can be protected. Here’s how that works.

    The key to good hive health is keeping sprays off the daily pollen load that forager bees carry back to the hive and fed to the brood. Almond flowers release some pollen every morning as humidity drops after sunrise. This occurs for several days after the flower opens. In an orchard with good bee activity, pollen released that morning is stripped from flowers by early afternoon. Fungicide spraying shouldn’t start until then; when pollen available for the day is gone (collected by bees and flown back to the hive). There are a couple of ways to check if the pollen is gone from flowers. If the pollen gathering bees (the ones with yellow lumps of pollen on their hind legs) are just doing touch-n-go landing on flowers, those flowers don’t have pollen left and it’s OK to spray. Another method is to rub the flower anthers (the spikey structures in the center of the flower) between your thumb and fingers and then check for yellow pollen on your hands. If there is little to no pollen on your fingers, the bees have been there and gone. (Wash your “pollen– check” fingers before rubbing your eyes. Don’t ask me how I know.)

    Almond flowers provide pollen (and nectar) that build strong hives while providing pollination leading to nut set and a good harvest for growers. The continued success of this annual win/win relationship relies on consideration of the needs of both partners. Growers need strong hives at the beginning of bloom and beekeepers need strong hives at the end of bloom.

    Finally, hives should be removed once 90% of the flowers in the last pollinizer variety have shed their pollen. By this time, the colonies have done their job in the orchard and most bees working the flowers will be foraging for nectar, not pollen. The majority of the pollen gathering bees will be foraging off-site and not providing pollination services to the grower who rented the hives. — By Franz Niederholzer, UCCE Farm Advisor, Colusa & Sutter/Yuba Counties

  • Novel Treatment Causes Killer Citrus Disease to Leak & Die

    New research affirms a unique peptide found in an Australian plant can destroy the No. 1 killer of citrus trees worldwide and help prevent infection. Huanglongbing, HLB, or citrus greening has multiple names, but one ultimate result: bitter and worthless citrus fruits. It has wiped out citrus orchards across the globe, causing billions in annual production losses.

    Untreated citrus plants on the left, as compared to treated ones on the right. (Hailing Jin/UCR)

    All commercially important citrus varieties are susceptible to it, and there is no effective tool to treat HLB-positive trees, or to prevent new infections. However, new UC Riverside research shows that a naturally occurring peptide found in HLB-tolerant citrus relatives, such as Australian finger lime, can not only kill the bacteria that causes the disease, it can also activate the plant’s own immune system to inhibit new HLB infection. Few treatments can do both.

    Research demonstrating the effectiveness of the peptide in greenhouse experiments has just been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

    The disease is caused by a bacterium called CLas that is transmitted to trees by a flying insect. One of the most effective ways to treat it may be through the use of this antimicrobial peptide found in Australian finger lime, a fruit that is a close relative of citrus plants.

    “The peptide’s corkscrew-like helix structure can quickly puncture the bacterium, causing it to leak fluid and die within half an hour, much faster than antibiotics,” explained Hailing Jin, the UCR geneticist who led the research.

    When the research team injected the peptide into plants already sick with HLB, the plants survived and grew healthy new shoots. Infected plants that went untreated became sicker and some eventually died.

    Arrows point to areas of fluid leakage from the bacterial cell after treatment with the antimicrobial peptide. (Hailing Jin/UCR)

    “The treated trees had very low bacteria counts, and one had no detectable bacteria anymore,” Jin said. “This shows the peptide can rescue infected plants, which is important as so many trees are already positive.”

    The team also tested applying the peptide by spraying it. For this experiment, researchers took healthy sweet orange trees and infected them with HLB-positive citrus psyllids — the insect that transmits CLas.

    After spraying at regular intervals, only three of 10 treated trees tested positive for the disease, and none of them died. By comparison, nine of 10 untreated trees became positive, and four of them died.

    In addition to its efficacy against the bacterium, the stable anti-microbial peptide, or SAMP, offers a number of benefits over current control methods. For one, as the name implies, it remains stable and active even when used in 130-degree heat, unlike most antibiotic sprays that are heat sensitive — an important attribute for citrus orchards in hot climates like Florida and parts of California.

    In addition, the peptide is much safer for the environment than other synthetic treatments. “Because it’s in the finger lime fruit, people have eaten this peptide for hundreds of years,” Jin said.

    Hailing Jin, research leading UC Riverside geneticist

    Researchers also identified that one half of the peptide’s helix structure is responsible for most of its antimicrobial activity. Since it is only necessary to synthesize half the peptide, this is likely to reduce the cost of large-scale manufacturing.

    The SAMP technology has already been licensed by Invaio Sciences, whose proprietary injection technology will further enhance the treatment.

    Following the successful greenhouse experiments, the researchers have started field tests of the peptides in Florida. They are also studying whether the peptide can inhibit diseases caused by the same family of bacteria that affect other crops, such as potato and tomato.

    “The potential for this discovery to solve such devastating problems with our food supply is extremely exciting,” Jin said. — By Jules Bernstein, UC Riverside

  • $12.5M Now Available for Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program

    Almond Board of California — Starting February 9, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (District) is offering $12.5M total in state and federal funding to Central Valley nut growers through its Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program. This program aims to improve air quality in the valley by helping growers fund the purchase of harvesting equipment that achieves at least a 40% reduction in particulate matter (PM) emissions or, simply put, harvest dust.

    This program comes roughly three years after the District allocated $2M toward a Low-Dust Nut Harvester Pilot Program, supported by the Almond Board, which allowed for the replacement of 29 older, conventional nut harvesters with new, low-dust harvesters throughout the San Joaquin Valley. Through that program, growers and custom harvesters had the opportunity to provide feedback on the performance of low-dust equipment, feedback that the District said, “has been overwhelmingly positive” and accordingly “interest in the program significantly exceeded available funding.”

    Based on feedback and growing demand for low-dust equipment, the District secured funding to launch the new Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program, which provides funding to growers via two separate categories:

    • The District received $10M from the federal Environmental Protection Agency’s Targeted Air Shed Grant. These funds may be allocated to nut growers within the entire District basin, which covers seven counties from San Joaquin to Kern.
    • Additionally, the District received $2.5M in funding through the state’s Community Emission Reduction Program for the deployment of low-dust nut harvesting equipment operating within the community of Shafter. This means there is $2.5M allocated specifically for nut growers operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by California Assembly Bill 617.1

    “The California almond industry is driven by family farmers, many who have a vested interest in improving air quality during harvest as they themselves live, work and raise their families in these local communities,” said Jesse Roseman, principal analyst in Environmental and Regulatory Affairs at the Almond Board of California (ABC).

    “This program allows the industry to continue moving the needle toward a future with reduced harvest dust and improved air quality, an objective outlined in the industry’s Almond Orchard 2025 Goals. These goals not only encourage innovation to improve industry practices and ensure profitability, but also to protect our communities and environment by continuing to grow almonds in better, safer, and healthier ways,” said Roseman.

    The following guidelines detail how the District will allocate program funding between the two sources of capital:

    Environmental Protection Agency (federal): $10M

    • Eligible Entities: Growers and customer harvesters in the San Joaquin Valley Air basin.
    • Eligible Equipment for Purchase:
      • Equipment, such as qualified pick-up machines, that achieve a minimum 40% PM2.5 reduction compared to standard equipment, as demonstrated by available peer-reviewed information and/or District-approved methodology
      • Funding available to replace a maximum of five machines
        • Maximum of $150,000 awarded per machine.
    • Funding Available:
      • Funds will cover up to 50% of the cost of eligible equipment.
    • Funding Allocation: Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on submittal of complete applications.
    • Old Equipment Disposition: Participants must agree to destroy or render existing old equipment permanently inoperable in accordance with established District criteria.

    Community Emission Reduction Program – Shafter: $2.5M

    Growers and custom harvesters within a seven-mile radius of Shafter are heavily encouraged to apply for equipment replacement funding as the District will cover up to 75% of the cost to purchase each new piece of equipment, and there is no limit on the number of eligible pieces of equipment for which applicants may receive funds.

    • Eligible Entities: Growers and custom harvesters operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by the Shafter AB 617 community boundary.
    • Eligible Equipment for Purchase:
      • Equipment, such as qualified pick-up machines, that achieve a minimum 40% PM2.5 reduction compared to standard equipment, as demonstrated by available peer-reviewed information and/or District-approved methodology.
      • There is NO LIMIT on the number of pieces of equipment for which an applicant may receive funding. In addition, there is NO maximum amount awarded for each individual piece of machinery.
    • Funding Available:
      • Funds will cover up to 75% of the cost of eligible equipment for those operating within a seven-mile radius of Shafter, as defined by the Shafter AB 617 community boundary.
    • Funding Allocation: Funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, based on submittal of complete applications.
    • Old Equipment Disposition: Participants must agree to destroy or render existing old equipment permanently inoperable in accordance with established District criteria.

    To note: Equipment eligible for purchase through the Low-Dust Harvester Pilot Program does qualify for funding through this new program. Off-ground harvesting equipment may also be eligible.

    “This low-dust harvesting program provides a great example of research coming full circle for the California almond industry,” said Roseman. “For over 15 years, the Almond Board has explored opportunities to reduce harvest dust by funding research, producing harvest best management practices for growers and custom harvesters, and gaining a greater understanding of how the industry can contribute to the big picture of improving air quality in the Central Valley.

    “In 2018, the Almond Board supported the District’s Low-Dust Harvester Pilot Program to further help growers and custom harvesters invest in low-dust equipment. Today, with millions of dollars available to the industry, ABC is thrilled to again support the District and the industry as we work together to improve air quality in the Central Valley while simultaneously advancing the use of low-dust harvesting equipment.”

    Those interested in applying for this program should visit the District website for more information. The application will be posted to the website on February 9, so be sure to check the site frequently that day if you wish to submit your application early.

    Growers and custom harvesters should direct all questions to the District’s Supervisor of Strategies & Incentives Aaron Tarango at aaron.tarango@valleyair.org or (559) 230-5873.

    1 The community of Shafter was prioritized by the District and subsequently selected by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) as one of two communities in the San Joaquin Valley to receive clean air resources newly available under California Assembly Bill 617, which requires CARB and air districts to develop and implement measures to improve air quality in disadvantaged communities. One measure identified and prioritized by the Shafter Community Steering Committee was to provide enhanced and dedicated incentive funding for low-dust harvesters operating within the Shafter AB 617 community boundary

  • U.S. Dairy Exports Volume Sets All-Time High Mark in 2020

    Despite significant disruptions in trade throughout 2020, the United States exported nearly 2.4 million metric tons of dairy goods last year–a record-setting mark, according to data released today by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). Michael Dykes, D.V.M., President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) issued the following statement:

    “Last year was yet another banner year for U.S. dairy exports, a testament to the resilience, innovation, and growth of the U.S. dairy industry. While logistical issues challenged the industry in 2020 and some continue today, U.S. dairy exports maintained an accelerated pace throughout the year. Export volumes were boosted by 10 percent over 2019, setting an all-time record for export volumes in one year and pushing export values to more than $6 billion for the first time since 2014.

    “A look at the United States’ top markets shows positive trends with trading partners new and old. Export volumes and value are up over 2019 levels in 9 of our top 10 markets. Some Asian markets—China, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia—saw increases between 40-50% in value over 2019, with correlating increases in volume to those markets. In fact, the few countries in the top 20 export markets that did decline by volume all have known tariff and non-tariff barriers in place, on which IDFA has been advocating with our U.S. government colleagues.

    “Two decades ago, U.S. dairy was almost completely a domestic market. But the past 20 years have been transformational. During that time, U.S. dairy exports increased 5X, and the United States became the world’s third-largest dairy product exporter. Now, we export approximately 15% of U.S. milk production.

    “With more than 95 percent of potential customers living outside the United States, expanding access to international markets is essential for the future America’s dairy industry. We cannot achieve this growth alone—we need the Administration’s support and the support of our elected officials to continue growth in U.S. dairy exports.”

    Additional Background on USDA’s Export Data Release

    USDA today released U.S. agricultural export data for December 2020, completing the full picture for exports in 2020. In total, dairy exports were $6,452,903,000, up 9% from 2019. Here are the top five markets and products:

    Top 5 markets (value):

    • Mexico: $1,415,827,000 – down 8% from 2019
    • Canada: $675,993,000 – up 1% from 2019
    • China: $539,059,000 – up 45% from 2019
    • Philippines: $409,855,000 – up 50% from 2019
    • S. Korea: $370,481,000 – up 12% from 2019

    Top 5 products (value):

    • Milk powder, <1.5% fat (0402.10): $2,011,058,000 – up 22% from 2019
    • Fresh cheeses (0406.10), cheese all kinds (0406.20), and cheeses mixed (0406.90): $1,304,763,000 total – down 2% and up 21% and 5% from 2019, respectively
    • Milk albumin, including concentrates of whey proteins (3502.20): $355,917,000 – up 6% from 2019
    • Lactose (1702.11): $317,326,000 – up 10% from 2019
    • Infant formula (1901.10): $292,813,000 – down 6% from 2019

  • CDFA Seeks Public Comments on New Alternative Manure Management Program Practices

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation (OEFI) is seeking public comments on recommendations for proposed new manure management practices to be potentially included in its Alternative Manure Management Program (AMMP).

    Proposals for new practices were accepted through a Request for Proposals (RFP) between July 6, 2020 and September 4, 2020. There were several important requirements needed to submit a manure management practice for consideration in AMMP.  Submitted proposals were reviewed by subject matter experts within CDFA, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the AMMP Technical Advisory Committee. Recommendations for practices for potential inclusion under AMMP are now available for public comments through March 1, 2021. Comments must be submitted via email to cdfa.oefi_ammp_tech@cdfa.ca.gov by 5 p.m. PT on March 1, 2021.

    To further assist those interested in submitting public comments, CDFA OEFI staff will provide information regarding the process and requirements, and answer stakeholder questions in a webinar workshop on Tuesday, February 16, 2021 from 10 a.m. to noon (PT). Registration information for the workshop is available on the AMMP webpage: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/AMMP/.

    Interested stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to register in advance. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

    AMMP is part of California Climate Investments (CCI), a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. The Cap-and-Trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. CCI projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are located within and benefiting residents of disadvantaged communities, low-income communities and low-income households across California. For more information, visit the CCI website.

  • Updates to Conservation Easements Strengthen Protection for Farmland, Grassland and Wetland

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today released the final rule for its Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP), which enables agricultural producers and private landowners to protect farmlands, grasslands, and wetlands with conservation easements. The rule updates ACEP as directed by the 2018 Farm Bill and incorporates public comments made on an interim rule.

    “Conservation easements are a critical conservation tool helping landowners sustain vital working landscapes and wetland ecosystems,” said Terry Cosby, acting chief of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “These minor updates to the ACEP final rule are intended to improve processes that will help strengthen the impacts of our investments and continue to elevate protection of ecologically important lands through voluntary conservation.”

    ACEP is USDA’s premier conservation easement program, offering financial and technical assistance to help protect productive farm and ranch lands from conversion to other uses and to restore and protect the nation’s critical wetlands. It uses innovative conservation systems to support the restoration of wetland ecosystems and to protect working lands, helping to sequester carbon, trap sediment, and filter pollutants for clean water.

    ACEP’s agricultural land easements (ALE) component assists state and local governments, non-governmental organizations and American Indian tribes that have farmland or grassland protection programs purchase conservation easements from eligible landowners. This helps protect the long-term viability of the nation’s food supply by preventing conversion of productive working farmland and grassland to non-agricultural uses or non-grassland uses.

    The wetland reserve easements (WRE) component helps landowners restore and protect wetlands in agricultural landscapes that provide benefits, including increased wildlife habitat, improved water quality, reduced impacts from flooding, groundwater recharge, and more outdoor recreation and educational opportunities. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance directly to private and tribal landowners to restore, protect and enhance wetlands through the purchase of these easements.

    NRCS received more than 570 comments on the ACEP interim rule, which was published on January 6, 2020. Overall, comments expressed support for the changes made in the interim rule but requested some clarifications and additional changes. View the final rule on the Federal Register
    . The final rule responds to these comments and adopts the interim rule with minor changes, including:

    Updates to ACEP:

    • Revised the definitions for beginning farmer or rancher, eligible land, farm or ranch succession plan, future viability and maintenance to provide additional clarity, especially around succession planning.

    Updates to ACEP Agricultural Land Easements:

    • Incorporated priority into the ACEP-ALE ranking criteria for lands enrolled in the Transition Incentives Program under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP-TIP).
    • Clarified the non-federal match requirements and added new types of costs that may be used to satisfy the non-federal match requirements.
    • Modified one of the regulatory deed requirements to clarify the types of changes to the easement deed or easement area that must be approved in advance by NRCS.
    • Updated the regulatory language describing the United States’ inspection authority to reflect the existing right of enforcement language used in ACEP-ALE conservation easements, wherein NRCS provides the agricultural land easement holder and the landowner notice and a reasonable opportunity to participate in an inspection of the easement area.
    • Revised the regulatory language to specify the minimum and maximum durations for ACEP-ALE agreements based on an eligible entity’s certification status under ACEP-ALE.

    Updates to ACEP Wetland Reserve Easements:

    • Incorporated priority into the ACEP-WRE ranking criteria for lands enrolled in the CRP-TIP that are farmed wetland and adjoining land that has the highest wetland functions and values and is likely to return to production after the land leaves CRP.

    NRCS accepts ACEP applications year-round, but applications are ranked and funded during enrollment periods that are set locally. For more information, visit your state website from nrcs.usda.gov, or contact your local NRCS field office.