California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Wheat Resistant to Devastating Rust Fungal Diseases

    Nature Biotechnology has published research—partially funded by The 2Blades Foundation—on the development of a new wheat variety that shows exceptional resistance to wheat stem rust.

    Stem rust is among the world’s most devastating plant diseases, with records of stem rust pandemics dating back over 2000 years. The stem rust pathogen Puccinia graminis is capable of completely destroying a crop of wheat in a matter of weeks.

    The most effective and environmentally benign way to control wheat rust is through the use of genetic resistance. The recurring threat to the wheat crop had been managed successfully in the 1960s through Norman Borlaug’s breeding of the wheat varieties introduced in the Green Revolution. But rust pathogen races have now evolved to overcome that resistance and once again the disease threatens harvests.

    Resistance genes “stacked” to ensure durable resistance to wheat stem rust disease

    The research team developing the new resistance to wheat rust was led by Dr. Mick Ayliffe at the Canberra laboratories of Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, who used genetic technologies to build and insert a “stack” of five rust resistance genes into a single location in the genome of a common wheat variety. The resulting new wheat variety shows exceptional resistance to stem rust.

    The result represents an advance over conventional wheat breeding methods where the development of an equivalent disease-resistant wheat would require a long succession of crosses, and the resulting resistance could be lost in subsequent crosses.

    In this new approach individual resistance genes are assembled rapidly into a single stack and introduced into a chosen wheat line. This not only eliminates time-consuming breeding efforts, it also ensures that the desirable trait (determined by multiple genes) will not be lost in subsequent breeding. This study targeted wheat stem rust, but the same technology is being used to create durable resistance for wheat stripe and leaf rust diseases which also attack wheat crops.

    In future, gene stacks could be prepared with genome-editing tools to develop improved crops that may be considered non-GM (non-genetically modified) in some countries, such as the U.S.

    In addition to the CSIRO group, the international consortium working on this program has included researchers from University of Minnesota, Aarhus University, The John Innes Centre in the UK, USDA, and Xinjiang University.

    Research could help address critical global food security challenges

    Wheat provides roughly 20 percent of calories and protein for human nutrition worldwide and is the third largest crop grown in the United States.

    The most effective and environmentally sound way to defend against wheat rust diseases is through the deployment of resistance genes in wheat varieties. This is particularly important in developing countries where the fungicides used to combat rust disease may be expensive or unavailable.

    International adoption of rust-resistant wheat varieties is essential since rust fungi produce trillions of spores that can be carried by winds for thousands of miles—even across oceans—thus infecting vulnerable wheat crops.

    Dr Ayliffe’s research was supported The 2Blades Foundation’s continuing program on the control of wheat diseases which was started in 2008.

    The 2Blades Foundation, based in Evanston, Illinois, is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to the discovery, advancement, and delivery of durable disease resistance in crops. 2Blades establishes and manages development programs addressing significant unsolved crop disease problems in collaboration with leading research institutions around the world and at the 2Blades Group in The Sainsbury Laboratory, Norwich, UK.

  • Alexandre Family Farm Becomes The First Certified Regenerative Organic Dairy Farm In The US

    Alexandre Family Farm has become the Regenerative Organic Alliance’s first and only Regenerative Organic Certified dairy farm in the United States. The Alexandre Family Farm is also the first dairy to obtain Ecological Outcome Verification certification by the Savory Institute. These certifications acknowledge that the farm’s practices go far beyond sustainability to continuously improve soil biology as well as the entire ecosystem – water, land, air and animals.

    “When we began farming this way 30 years ago, we weren’t intentionally trying to have an impact on climate change,” says founder Blake Alexandre. “We were focused on the health of the soil and manage our pasture by having our animals graze our land. When you increase organic matter in soil, you also capture carbon. We soon came to realize that healthy soil not only has positive effects on our pasture, our cows and their milk, but it has a profound effect on our planet as well. Over the years, we’ve become increasingly proud of producing food that’s not only good for your body but good for the earth.”

    The Savory Institute’s Land to Market Program tracks outcomes in soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem function through the Ecological Outcome Verification (EOV) protocol, which collects scientific data over time to prove regenerative outcomes.

    “We strongly believe that regeneration must be measured. By using empirical data, the Alexandres show foresight and initiative in managing land with an ecological approach,” says David Rizzo, COO, Land to Market. “This is a major step forward for dairy, and we are excited to see these verified products in the marketplace that meet the consumers desire to know their purchase is supporting the shift to regenerative agriculture.”

    The Regenerative Organic Certified (ROCTM) program is based on strict standards for soil health and land management in addition to animal welfare and farmworker fairness. Alexandre Family Farm was one of only 21 farms selected globally to be a part of the ROC Pilot Program, and joins leading brands Patagonia, Dr. Bronner’s and Nature’s Path in attaining certification.

    “Dairies face unique challenges to earning a certification as rigorous as ROC. The Alexandres’ achievement of this high-bar seal is a true testament to their commitment to ecological, humane and ethical practices across the board.” says Elizabeth Whitlow, Executive Director of the ROA. “We are so proud to welcome them into the ROC family!”

    Regenerative Organic A2/A2 Milk Becomes Available Nationwide On February 1st, 2021

    Milk is an efficient superfood and a great source of energy, vitamins, electrolytes and protein. Milk protein is made up of whey and casein. Traditionally, the beta casein in cow’s milk was the same as the primary protein in human milk called A2/A2. This protein is easily digestible and is similar to breast milk, sheep and goat milk. However, over time, a genetic mutation resulted in the introduction of the A1 protein –which is difficult for humans to digest and linked to stomach upset and inflammation.

    In fact, many people who believe they are lactose intolerant are actually A1 intolerant. After Blake and Stephanie Alexandre learned about this genetic mutation, they started to carefully crossbreed their cows to remove the A1 protein from their gene pool. After two decades, they now have the only regenerative dairy herd of 100% A2/A2 cows in the U.S.

    Starting February 1st, Alexandre Family Farm milk will become the first 100% A2/A2 regenerative organic milk to be distributed nationwide. Alexandre cartons (59 oz) will be available at Whole Foods and other retailers throughout the country.

    About Alexandre Family Farm

    As fourth generation dairy farmers with over 40 years of experience, Blake and Stephanie Alexandre founded Alexandre Family Farm in Crescent City, California in 1988, and began bottling under their brand in 2017. Along with their five grown children and spouses, they operate the only certified regenerative organic and 100% A2 dairy and mobile coop egg ranch in the United States. Their products include 59 oz. eco-carton milks, distributed nationwide, and eggs, bottled milks and yogurts available west of the Rockies.

  • CA Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Certification Report Shows Continued Growth

    Marking a decade since the launch of Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing and nearly two decades since the release of the 1st Edition California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing Workbook (the Code), the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) issued the 2020 Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Annual Report and published the 4th Edition California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing containing over 200 best practices.

    “Transparency and continuous improvement are two of the mantras of sustainable winegrowing in California,” said Allison Jordan, CSWA’s Executive Director. “The 2020 report provides statistics and demonstrates progress in adoption of sustainable practices by a growing number of certified vineyards and wineries over the past year. CSWA considers the Code a ‘living document’ that is regularly updated to reflect the latest sustainability best practices.”
    2020 Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing Annual Report

    The California wine industry’s commitment to sustainability is demonstrated by the incredible growth in vineyard and winery participation in Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing over the past decade. Commemorating the program’s 10-year anniversary, CSWA released the 2020 certification report, the 4th annual publication, which illustrates California’s global leadership in sustainable winegrowing, with the most widely adopted sustainable winegrowing programs in the world in terms of both winegrape acreage and case production.

    As of December 2020, 171 wineries producing 80% of California’s total wine production (255 million cases) and 2,247 vineyards farming 32% of California winegrape acreage (204,122 acres) are Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing. The total statewide certified vineyard acreage is nearly 50% based on the additional 15% of California vineyard acreage certified to other state sustainability programs, including Fish Friendly Farming, Lodi Rules, Napa Green and Sustainability in Practice (SIP). The program was updated in 2017 to allow use of a new logo on labels and 6.2 million cases (76 million bottles) bear the logo, showing that the wine was made in a Certified California Sustainable Winery with 85% or more of grapes from certified vineyards (including Certified California Sustainable, Lodi Rules and SIP) and 100% from California.

    View a list of current Certified California Sustainable vineyards, wineries and wines here.

    View the Annual Report here and companion appendix here, which includes more comprehensive reporting of the adoption of sustainable practices by certified vineyards and wineries.

    4th Edition California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing

    Beginning late 2019, CSWA undertook a significant review process in preparation for the publication of the 4th Edition Code, which was published in December 2020. Each chapter was reviewed extensively by staff and consultants, the Sustainable Winegrowing Joint Committee (a group of over 50 California growers and vintners) as well as subject matter experts, in addition to a public comment period. Updates include several new criteria addressing topics such as diversity, soil carbon sequestration, virus management, vineyard solid waste, as well as new prerequisites and educational content. The 4th Edition is available free-of-charge to California vineyards and wineries via the CSWA Online System, or via a publicly available and downloadable PDF. (Learn more here.)

    The Code is the centerpiece of CSWA’s educational and certification programs, covering a broad range of sustainable practices used in vineyard and winery operations. Within its 15 chapters, the Code addresses best practices from grape to glass: sustainable business strategy, viticulture, soil management, vineyard water management, pest management, wine quality, ecosystem management, energy efficiency, winery water conservation and quality, material handling, solid waste reduction and management, sustainable purchasing, human resources, neighbors and community, air quality and climate protection.

    Building on major trends and successful regional efforts, including the first five viticulture chapters of the Lodi Winegrower’s Workbook and the Central Coast Vineyard Team’s Positive Points System, the Code was first published in 2002 to help all California vintners and growers continuously improve and adopt sustainable practices. (The 2nd Edition was published in late 2006, and the 3rd Edition was released in January 2013.) In 2010, the Code became the basis of Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, with independent auditors annually verifying that vineyards and wineries are using required practices and meeting an overall score threshold, as well as the accuracy of self-assessment scores.

    About the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

    The California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization incorporated in 2003 by Wine Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers. CSWA’s mission is to encourage adoption of sustainable winegrowing practices and communicate the California wine industry’s global leadership through education, outreach, certification and partnerships. The result of this work will be a healthier environment, stronger communities, and vibrant businesses.

  • National Dairy Board Scholarship Applications Being Accepted

    Applications are being accepted for college scholarships that are awarded by America’s dairy farmers and importers through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB). Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded, as well as a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship to one outstanding recipient. NDB funds, in part, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), which manages the national dairy checkoff program.

    Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2021-2022 academic school year and majoring in one of the following fields are eligible: communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.

    Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, an interest in a career in a dairy-related discipline, and demonstrated leadership, initiative and integrity. Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses, and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.

    Applications can be found at www.usdairy.com/about-us/dmi/scholarship

    Completed applications must be received no later than May 7 at 11:59 p.m. CST. Questions about the program can be submitted to ndbscholarships@dairy.org

  • 2021 Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program Applications Accepted

    NMPF is now accepting applications for its National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program for the 2021-2022 academic year. Each year, NMPF awards scholarships to outstanding graduate students (enrolled in Master’s or Ph.D. programs) who are actively pursuing dairy-related fields of research that are of immediate interest to NMPF member cooperatives and the US dairy industry at large.

    Graduate students pursuing research of direct benefit to milk marketing cooperatives and dairy producers are encouraged to apply (applicants do not need to be members of NMPF to qualify).  The top applicant will be awarded the Hintz Memorial Scholarship, created in 2005 in honor of the late Cass-Clay Creamery Board Chairman Murray Hintz who was instrumental in establishing NMPF’s scholarship program.

    Recommended fields of study include but are not limited to Agriculture Communications and Journalism, Animal Health, Animal and/or Human Nutrition, Bovine Genetics, Dairy Products Processing, Dairy Science, Economics, Environmental Science, Food Science, Food Safety, Herd Management, and Marketing and Price Analysis.

    Applications must be received no later than Friday, April 16, 2021.  For an application or more information, please visit the NMPF website or email scholarship@nmpf.org.

  • Yellow Leaves In Spring Indicative Of Need To Adjust Nutrient Management

    California Avocado Commission — In spring, as California avocado trees begin to bloom, growers often report seeing yellow leaves at the ends of branches of otherwise healthy trees. Dr. Danny Klittich, of Redox, recently posted an online article about the yellowing of leaves in spring, what this indicates, and what growers can do to remedy the situation.

    When avocado trees begin producing flowers, the blooms become major sinks for nutrients — gathering the nutrients they need to set and retain fruit. The timing of fruit development also coincides with the cooler months of the California avocado growing season, when growers tend to fertilize less and the soils, adapting to cooler temperatures, tend to provide less nutrition to the trees. Thus, trees begin to reallocate nutrients from the roots and leaves to the more important task of developing blooms for fruit set. With nutrients reallocated, leaves on the ends of branches may begin to yellow.

    According to research, nitrogen, zinc and iron leaf concentrations were lower in chlorotic (yellow) leaves. This makes sense when you consider the importance of each of these to bloom and fruit development. In general, Dr. Klittich recommends that trees should yield a fall tissue sample of 2.5 – 2.7% nitrogen for higher yields. This level provides the tree with an adequate reservoir for bloom development.

    Dr. Klittich recommends growers complete the following to improve yield potential.

    • Early bud development — During cauliflower bloom and floral elongation, apply nitrogen, zinc, iron, boron and calcium.
    • Bloom spray — Nutrient applications should provide calcium, zinc, iron and amino acids and can be made from cauliflower stage through full bloom
    • Fruit set — Weekly applications should be designed to support fruit set and development

    To view Dr. Klittich’s specific product and dosage recommendations, as well as an informative video concerning avocado bloom strategies, visit his latest online article.

  • Preventing & Managing Wind Damage In CA Avocado Groves

    California Avocado Commission — When it comes to potential wind damage, California avocado growers typically face two different scenarios: chronic wind exposure or severe wind events.

    Avocado trees housed in windy portions of a grove are often stunted and underperform production wise.  They also may be water stressed, which will impact the uptake of minerals, and their roots may be stressed due to consistent rocking caused by the wind. The only remedy, in these cases, is to create a wind shelter that minimizes wind exposure.

    In windy groves, fruit often will exhibit markings that can be mistaken for diseases or pest damage. For example, black marks caused by wind may be mistaken for anthracnose post harvest rot or russet scars may lead growers to suspect their trees have persea thrips damage. While some superficial wind damage may not affect the quality of the fruit – particularly if that damage occurs when the fruit is young – some wind damage can lead to large scars or “alligator skin” that are more impactful to fruit quality.

    Severe wind events often blow avocado trees over. In these instances, unless the tree is very young, consider removing the tree. Attempting to move the tree back into an upright position can further damage the roots. If the fallen trees looks like it will recover, it can remain where it is. New shoots may emerge from the trunk and form the structure for a new tree. If this occurs, large, old branches can be removed later as the new portion of the tree takes shape. If you do remove the tree, avoid planting a new tree close to where the old tree existed unless you remove the stump and sterilize the soil. The roots from the old tree could become infected by Phytophthora root rot and thus infect a new tree.

    Strong wind events also can break limbs or blow fruit off the trees. After a storm, windfall should be properly disposed of and broken branches removed.  It is important to monitor trees after severe storms, paying close attention to signs of wilting that may indicate stressed roots or a broken branch that was missed during earlier assessments.

    For more information about preventing and managing wind damage, visit the California Avocado Commission’s wind protection online library.

  • California Avocado Commission Referendum Announced

    Every five years the California Department of Food and Agriculture holds a state-mandated referendum vote to provide California avocado growers the opportunity to determine whether the California Avocado Commission will be reapproved to continue for the next five years.

    “The referendum process is a vital component of the law that established the California Avocado Commission,” said Rob Grether, chairman of the CAC board of directors. “It provides growers the opportunity to cast their vote on continuing the operations of the organization.”

    Ballots will be mailed to eligible California avocado commercial producers on February 15, 2021 and must be postmarked and sent to CDFA for tallying by March 16, 2021. Eligible commercial producers who do not receive a ballot should contact the CDFA Marketing Branch staff at 916-900-5018. Results are expected to be tallied by CDFA and announced no later than March 31, 2021.

    “The California Avocado Commission exists to support California avocado growers and is governed by a board of directors comprised of their peers to ensure good stewardship of grower funds,” said CAC President Tom Bellamore.

    The Commission focuses on fostering grower viability by building demand for California avocados at a price premium and increasing the fruit’s perceived value, preference and loyalty. About 70% of CAC’s current budget goes toward marketing, which includes developing strategic, targeted programs with retailers and foodservice operators. Other key activities include advocating for California avocado growers on issues such as water, trade and export, supporting production research and grower education.

    There have been eight reaffirming referenda since the establishment of the California Avocado Commission in 1978.

  • Multiple Recent Studies Examine Walnuts & Heart Health

    New findings from three publications supported by the California Walnut Commission, demonstrate the impact of walnuts on various aspects of heart health. The findings were so compelling that the papers were supported by the journals with a press release and/or editorial coverage, stimulating broad media coverage. The California Walnut Board (CWB)/California Walnut Commission’s (CWC) mission is to work collectively to promote the benefits and many ways walnuts can play a role in the overall health of consumers in the U.S. and around the world.

    Here are the highlights:

    • A studypublished in the online journal Heart analyzed the impact of a traditional Mediterranean diet, green Mediterranean diet, and healthy US diet on LDL cholesterol, weight and insulin resistance. Both Mediterranean diets included a daily serving of walnuts.
    • Research shared in the Journal of the American College of Cardiologylooked at regular consumption of foods rich in marine or plant-based omega-3s and risk of death among individuals who have suffered a heart attack. Walnuts are the only nut with an excellent source of plant-based omega-3 ALA (2.5 grams/ounce).
    • Another publication in the Journal of the American College of Cardiologyexplored regular consumption of walnuts and anti-inflammatory effects. Chronic inflammation, caused by factors such as poor diet, obesity, stress and high blood pressure, is damaging and a factor associated with heart disease risk.

    These publications and subsequent editorials and press releases have been seen over 400 million times by U.S. consumers to-date, in popular media outlets such as TODAY, Health Digest, Yahoo!, Consumer Reports, and Eat This, Not That! The California Walnut Commission (CWC) continues to fund health research to address important scientific questions, ultimately sharing findings that educate consumers about the health benefits of walnuts, helping to build market demand within the industry.

    In this case, consumers can see how including walnuts in their diet can have a beneficial impact on heart health and this easily translates to keeping walnuts top-of-mind when grocery shopping. This news also keeps walnuts in front of health professionals, who can then recommend walnuts to their patients based on new evidence-based research.

    Carol Sloan RDN, FAND, Health Research Director for California Walnuts shares, “Our industry health research program is dedicated to funding research in a credible and transparent manner that will improve understanding and expand knowledge about the effects of walnut consumption on public health outcomes.”

    Carol Sloan

    “The program began with study findings showing the positive benefits of consuming walnuts as part of a healthy diet on decreasing risk of heart disease,” Sloan continued.  “Although it is now well established that walnuts are a heart-healthy food, California Walnuts continues to support research in this area to build upon previous scientific findings, and also to keep pace with new biomarkers and outcomes related to heart disease, the #1 cause of death in the US.”

    “As a registered dietitian, I appreciate the fact that I can share scientific findings with my colleagues that assist consumers with having healthier lives with the simple addition of heart healthy foods like walnuts. Enjoying a handful of walnuts a day is an easy way to decrease risk of chronic illness such as heart disease. For example, preparing walnut “meat” tacos for dinner, or putting walnut butter on toast for breakfast or in a smoothie with fruits and walnut milk for lunch are easy, delicious and fun ways to eat more plants, including walnuts without sacrificing taste or nutrition,” Sloan concluded.

  • UC Davis Launches $3 Million Project to Improve Farmworker COVID Safety

    California’s 800,000 farmworkers have been hit hard by COVID-19, the disease that has infected more than 25 million people and killed more than 420,000 in the United States. Farmworkers are especially vulnerable to the airborne virus that causes COVID-19 because they often live, work and carpool in close quarters with other people. As essential employees, farmworkers have stayed on the job during the pandemic to plant, process and harvest the nation’s food.

    Agricultural safety experts and communicators at the University of California, Davis, have launched the COVID-19 Statewide Agriculture and Farmworker Education Program to reverse that trend. Funded by a $3 million contract with the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, the project provides workers, growers, farm labor contractors, community groups and others the training and safety information they need to reduce farmworkers’ risk of contracting COVID-19.

    The COVID-19 project is led by experts at the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety, who are collaborating with the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Communications Team, a network of community-based organizations, and agricultural industry groups.

    “Our team will work directly with community organizations who are trusted by farmworkers and have already been assisting them throughout this COVID crisis,” said Heather Riden, program director at the Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety. “Our goal is to amplify their efforts and help them build capacity as they continue to provide critical COVID safety information to their communities.”

    The team is also working closely with farmers and others in the agriculture industry as they navigate state COVID-19 workplace safety standards, establish protocols and provide employees the tools they need to stay safe on the job.

    “As employers across the state implement that new COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standards, we want to be a resource for them so they can take all the necessary steps to ensure a safe work environment,” said Riden.

    The program will be especially active in areas of high agricultural employment, such as the Central Valley, the Imperial Valley, Napa Valley and fertile regions along California’s south and central coastlines.

    Free trainings and other events are already underway. You can learn more and register for upcoming presentations on the UC Davis Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety website. The center also offers extensive COVID resources and information in multiple languages on its COVID-19 Resources page. — By Diane Nelson, UC Davis