California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • New Pesticides Could Better Control Mite Disease in Honey Bees

    The Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a parasite of the honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) and is considered one of the species’ most serious threats, inflicting more damage and higher economic costs than all other bee keeping diseases. Varroa mites harbor numerous viruses and feed on honey bee adults and pupae, causing weakened immune systems, decreased body weight, and a shortened lifespan. The external wounds caused by repeated feeding can become infected with bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

    ARS researchers at the Bee Research Lab tested numerous pesticides for the chemical control of Varroa mites, and screened 40 compounds of samples in the lab (and three in the field). They documented how the viruses, carried by the mites, move within honey bee colonies and play key roles in bee-to-bee transmission. Through this research, two promising miticides were identified to manage the Varroa mite. This ARS research could lead to new management techniques that can minimize bee losses, reduce bee keeper and crop pollination costs, and ensure food security for all Americans. —By USDA Ag Research Service

  • Opportunity to Respond to Petitions for Reconsideration of Water Quality Certification for McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project

    On March 13, 2026, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) issued a Notice of Opportunity to Respond to Petitions for Reconsideration of Water Quality Certification for McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project (Notice).

    The Notice includes information to access copies of the petition for reconsideration and associated documents.  Any party or person wishing to file a response to the petition with the State Water Board must do so by 4:00 PM on April 3, 2026, as directed in the Notice.

    The Notice and water quality certification are available on the State Water Board’s McCloud-Pit Hydroelectric Project webpage at:

    https://waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/water_quality_cert/mccloudpit_ferc2106.html

    If you have questions regarding the Notice, please contact Savannah Downey by email at Savannah.Downey@waterboards.ca.gov.

    To receive emails related to the Notice and other projects pursuing certifications managed by the State Water Board’s Division of Water Rights, interested persons should enroll in the “Water Rights Water Quality Certification” email notification service.  Instructions on how to sign up for the State Water Board’s email notification service are outlined below:

    1. Visit: http://www.waterboards.ca.gov/resources/email_subscriptions/swrcb_subscribe.shtml#rights
    2. Provide your email in the required field, then click the “Submit” button.
    3. In the next page, below Subscription Topics, 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 Subscription 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.  You can enroll or un-enroll from the email subscription service at any time. — By the CWB State Water Resources Control Board

  • USDA NIFA Launches Grants Opportunity to Combat Emerging Ag Threats

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announces the launch of a new competitive grants program aimed at rapidly addressing emerging and re-emerging pest and disease threats across the nation’s food and agricultural systems.

    The grants program, Rapid Response to Emerging and Re-emerging Pest and Disease Events Across Food and Agricultural Systems, is designed to deploy timely, science-based solutions to protect agricultural productivity, ecosystem health, and food security.

    “Invasive and emerging pests and diseases can devastate crops, livestock, and ecosystems, disrupt supply chains and threaten food security,” said NIFA Director Dr. Jaye Hamby. “This program empowers researchers and Extension professionals to act quickly, delivering practical solutions that safeguard our agricultural communities and the nation’s food supply.”

    This program is part of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI), designed to improve plant and animal production and sustainability, and human and environmental health. AFRI is the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. These grants are available to eligible colleges, universities, and other research organizations.   

    With a maximum award of $500,000 and a grant duration of 12 to 24 months, the program supports grants for research, Extension, or integrated projects. Applications are accepted on a continuous basis, within 180 days of a qualifying pest or disease event, ensuring swift mobilization of resources when threats arise.

    Applications must directly address the effects associated with the emergence or re-emergence within the last 180 days of pests and/or disease in animal and/or plant production systems or within the food supply, and one or more of the following emphasis areas: One Health, plant and animal health, and ecosystem health.

    Funded projects will focus on applied research and Extension and outreach activities that generate actionable knowledge and tools. These may include:

    • Rapid understanding of pest/pathogen ecology, epidemiology, and immunology.
    • Development and validation of diagnostics, vaccines, and control methods.
    • Communication strategies, training programs, and best practices for mitigation.
    • Technologies and protocols for detection, management, and prevention.

    To ensure impact, projects must implement or develop at least one deliverable within six months of award receipt, with all activities completed within the grant period. Proposals are encouraged to integrate biological and social sciences, engage public-private partnerships, and support small- and medium-sized farms and ranches.

    “This program reflects USDA’s commitment to proactive, science-driven responses to agricultural threats,” Hamby said. “By supporting rapid innovation and collaboration, we’re helping communities stay resilient in the face of evolving challenges.”

    The program also welcomes proposals that address ecosystem health, including strategies to mitigate the environmental impacts of pests and diseases affecting plants, animals, and pollinators. Projects that incorporate community development, youth development, and 4-H are also eligible, provided they align with the program’s emphasis areas.

    Applicants are encouraged to coordinate efforts across institutions and regions, and to contact program staff at afri-rapidresponse@usda.gov with questions regarding project fit. While this program is designed for short-term, rapid response efforts, longer-term projects may be better suited for other AFRI program area priorities such as Agricultural Biosecurity, Diseases of Agricultural Animals, or Food Safety and Defense.

    For more information, visit nifa.usda.gov or email afri-rapidresponse@usda.gov. — By the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture

  • CDFA Accepting Pre-Proposals for 2026 Fertilizer Research and Education Grant Cycle

    Sacramento, March 23, 2026 – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is now accepting pre-proposals for the 2026 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds proposals that advance efficient nutrient and irrigation management practices that minimize environmental impacts through research, demonstration, education and training.

    This year’s priorities include: outreach, education, and demonstration projects focused on increasing the adoption of efficient crop nutrient and irrigation management practices and technologies; evaluating challenges and barriers to adoption of management practices; the role of organic input materials in soil nutrient management; demonstrating and/or validating management practices that optimize nutrient and/or irrigation water use; filling knowledge gaps for nutrient and irrigation management in specific crops; understanding nutrient movement from the root zone; and mitigation strategies to reduce nutrient losses.

    California’s agricultural communities are diverse and many have historically lacked access to resources and information needed to help them successfully run their businesses. CDFA encourages projects that include demonstrable benefits for socially disadvantaged farmers and farm workers, including groups whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic, or gender discrimination.

    Applicants are invited to submit pre-proposals to FREP by April 27, 2026. Pre-proposals should be aligned with at least one of the identified funding priorities and use the provided pre-proposal template. Further information on the 2026 FREP RFP, including timelines, funding priorities, and templates are available on the Grant Program web page at www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/frep/CompetitiveGrantProgram.html

    All pre-proposals will be reviewed by the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC). Applicants whose pre-proposals are selected by TASC will be invited to develop full proposals.

    Since 1990, FREP has funded more than 280 projects, investing over $32 million in research, outreach, and education projects focusing on irrigation and nutrient management practices in California. A database of completed and ongoing research is available on the FREP Research web page at www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/FREPresearch

    For more information, please send email inquiries to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov. — By the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • UC Seeks Consumers to Weigh in on New Method of Controlling Asian Citrus Psyllids

    To understand consumers’ attitudes toward a bioengineered pesticide for citrus crops, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources researchers are asking for volunteers to participate in focus groups in Riverside, Oakland and Fresno.

    Bacillus thuringiensis, or Bt, is a naturally occurring bacterium being tested to control the spread of Asian citrus psyllid, the small insect that transmits the disease huanglongbing to citrus trees. Both the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing have been found in Southern California backyard citrus trees and threaten to spread throughout the state.

    Huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease, is a bacterial infection that stunts citrus trees, reduces their fruit production, deforms and greens the fruit and eventually kills the tree. There is no known cure or effective control.

    The disease has already devastated Florida’s citrus industry, slashing the state’s orange production by 92% between 2005 and 2025, according to Karen Jetter, associate director and project economist at the UC ANR Policy Institute. By the time the magnitude of the problem was revealed, both Asian citrus psyllid, or ACP, and huanglongbing were widespread in Florida.

    “In California, we still have the opportunity to slow the spread of huanglongbing through ACP management,” Jetter said.  “This unique technology is designed to be part of a comprehensive ACP management program, not to replace it.”

    Jetter and Fiona Ogunkoya, survey researcher at the UC ANR Policy Institute, are conducting focus groups to assess consumer attitudes toward an engineered Bt pest control method that targets Asian citrus psyllids, the primary vector of the disease, to stop the spread of huanglongbing.

    The bioengineered pest control strategy, developed in Florida and shown to be effective, uses an engineered citrus tristeza virus to transmit an engineered Bacillus thuringiensis to citrus trees. The Asian citrus psyllid lays eggs on the tender new leaf growth of the trees. After the nymphs hatch, the immature insects consume the modified Bt-infected leaves, become sick and die.

    California citrus growers surveyed by Sandipa Gautam, UC Cooperative Extension integrated pest management citrus advisor, said they are interested in the approach. But they growers are concerned that consumers will not accept fruit grown with this new bioengineered insecticide.

    To find out what consumers think, the researchers will meet with three focus groups, with each session limited to six to eight people to allow all participants time to express their thoughts.

    The 90-minute focus group meetings will be held at UC Cooperative Extension offices in Riverside on March 30 at 6 p.m., in Oakland on April 6 at 2 p.m. and in Fresno on April 8 at 2 p.m. Pizza will be served.

    To participate in a focus group, register for a session at https://forms.gle/QPyUd7QazTLfNdATA. To be eligible, participants must be 18 years of age or older and able to attend the focus group in person. — By UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

  • California State Fair Announces Best in the State for 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition

    The California State Fair is excited to announce the top winners of the 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, recognizing the finest Extra Virgin and Flavored Olive Oils made from 100 percent olives grown, milled, and packaged in California.

    Now in its eleventh year, the prestigious competition celebrates the excellence and diversity of California’s olive oil industry. After a rigorous blind tasting conducted by a panel of professional sensory judges led by Head Judge Julie Menge, three exceptional oils earned the competition’s highest honors, Best of Show.

    “The California State Fair Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition truly celebrates and honors our many olive oil producers across all regions of the state that continue to produce the finest of California olive oils,” said Menge.

    Best of Show Award Winners

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    San Martin, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend

    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Flavored Olive Oil

    McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric

    Petaluma, CA

    The 2026 Best of Show Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil from San Martin, CA. This high polyphenol oil is made from estate grown Frantoio olives, picked at the first sign of ripening, and milled on site within 90 minutes of harvest for freshness, flavor, and balance. Patrick Martin, Owner, Grower and Miller of Frantoio Grove Olive Oil, and a 6th generation farmer, attributes the success of his olive orchard to regenerative farming and biologically intensive management.

    “Winning this award for our Regenerative Organic Certified olive oil validates the work we’ve done to rebuild living soil in our orchard,” said Martin. “As soil biology and tree health improve, the oils have developed more aroma, energy, and complexity.”

    The 2026 Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend is Capay Valley Olive, French Blend, from Capay, CA. This is Capay Valley’s first year entering the California State Fair Competition, as well as their very first harvest and first milling. Sherri Wood, owner of Capay Valley Olive and Capay Valley Lavender has curated a blend that impressed judges, who said it, “Smells like summer.”

    “This award celebrates the terroir of Capay Valley and the many hands behind this oil. My thanks to CalAthena for designing the blend, Chacewater Mill for expert milling, and the UC Davis Olive Oil Center for the research and standards that support our craft,” said Wood.

    The 2026 Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil is McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric Olive Oil from Petaluma, CA. This oil is produced by co-milling fresh, organic ginger root and turmeric together with McEvoy’s estate olives. Three generations of the McEvoy family have been producing high-quality olive oils since 1990.

    “Winning Best of Show at the California State Fair for our 2025 Harvest Ginger Turmeric Olive Oil is a profound validation of our team’s unwavering dedication to creating innovative, vibrant flavor profiles in olive oil,” said Samantha Dorsey, President of McEvoy Ranch. “We invite everyone to experience this unique blend, as an ingredient in everyday cooking or as a healthy tonic, which we have crafted with the same passion and meticulous care that has defined McEvoy Ranch for over three decades.”

    This year’s competition featured 216 entries from producers across California’s major olive growing regions, reflecting the continued strength, innovation, and quality of the state’s olive oil industry. Entries were evaluated through a blind sensory tasting process and scored based on aroma, flavor, and finish, according to internationally recognized extra virgin olive oil standards.

    “Olive oil production continues to grow with increased consumer demand for local, sustainable, high-quality olive oils,” Menge continued.  “It is exciting for the judges to taste, evaluate and award medals to those entries that meet and exceed the rigorous standards with the finalists being the most exceptional, carefully crafted, outstanding extra virgin olive oils. We are very fortunate to live where we have access to locally produced, high-quality, California extra virgin olive oils.”

    The following are Best of California Award Winners of the other categories:

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Micro-Producer (Two olive oils tied for this award)
    Balestrieri, Estate Blend

    Briones, CA

    Luretík Estate Olive Oil, “Meridione” Certified Organic

    Solvang, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by an Artisan Producer
    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Large Producer
    ENZO, Organic Medium

    Madera, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Delicate Intensity
    Olive Truck, Arbequina-California

    Headquartered in San Francisco, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Intensity
    Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    San Martin, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Robust Intensity
    Marcum Olive, Itrana

    Paso Robles, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Delicate Intensity
    Luretík Estate Olive Oil, “Sicily” Certified Organic

    Solvang, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Medium Intensity
    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Robust Intensity
    Gold Ridge Organic Farms, Picholine Blend

    Sebastopol, CA

    Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil
    McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric

    Petaluma, CA

    “The California State Fair extends its congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair. “Their achievements reflect the innovation, dedication, and agricultural excellence found throughout California’s olive oil industry.”

    During the 2026 California State Fair, fair guests will be able to explore award-winning extra virgin and flavored olive oils through educational exhibits, cooking demonstrations, tastings, and opportunities to purchase products directly from California producers.

    Complete results and competition information can be found at CAStateFair.com

    About the California State Fair
    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future. The 2023 State Fair will include a comprehensive set of competitions, including California’s best commercial wines, cheeses, craft beers, cannabis, olive oils, and fine arts, among others.

  • USDA Promotes New, Voluntary ‘Product of USA’ Label

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced the launch of a national public awareness campaign to inform meat, poultry, and egg producers of the “Product of USA” voluntary labeling standard which went into effect on January 1, 2026, and increases consumer understanding of what the label means.

    “Our great patriot ranchers and producers grow, raise, and harvest the world’s safest, most affordable, and abundant food supply. American consumers want to support America by buying American and this label will strengthen our food supply chain through transparency, fairness, and trust,” said USDA Secretary Rollins. “This new standard policy ensures producers who invest in a fully American supply chain can compete fairly, and it gives consumers the confidence they deserve about the food they bring home.”

    “When we choose to purchase from American producers, we get a superior product while supporting the hardworking family farms who put it all on the line every day to feed, clothe, and fuel our nation,” said SBA Administrator Loeffler. “Amid President Trump’s work to end years of unfair competition and eliminate the massive red tape that has crushed domestic agriculture, Made in America is finally making a comeback. Today, on National Agriculture Day, I urge all Americans to join me in support of the hardworking farmers and ranchers who anchor the U.S. food supply chain that is so vital to keeping our nation strong, safe, and healthy.”

    “Our farmers and ranchers are essential to putting real food back at the center of the American plate and delivering on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,” said HHS Secretary Kennedy. “‘Product of the USA’ labeling puts American producers first, gives families clear, honest information, and empowers them to choose food raised right here at home.”

    “U.S. producers are the best in the world, and produce the highest-quality products,” said North Dakota Senator Hoeven. “A ‘Product of USA’ label benefits our ranchers and provides transparency and confidence for consumers. We appreciate Secretary Rollins and the Trump administration for their efforts to support our farmers, ranchers and rural communities.”

    Under this standard, the “Product of USA” label is reserved exclusively for meat, poultry, and egg products from animals that were born, raised, harvested, and processed in the United States. The claim is voluntary, but companies using it must meet this transparent and verifiable requirement. This ends the prior practice which allowed imported products to carry the claim after minimal processing and strengthens consumer confidence by aligning with what Americans expect and demand.

    Since 2017, the United States has lost over 17% of family farms, more than 100,000 operations over the last decade. The national herd is at a 75-year low while consumer demand for beef has grown 9% over the past decade. In October 2025, Secretary Rollins released the USDA Plan to Fortify the American Beef Industry that focuses on rebuilding domestic capacity, improving transparency across the supply chain, and ensuring U.S. ranchers can compete on a level playing field.

    Today’s announcement on enforcement and promotion of the strengthened “Product of USA” label is a key deliverable under this initiative, advancing the Trump Administration’s priorities of fairness, competition, and consumer trust.

    Learn more at productofusa.gov. — By the U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • Notice of Funding Opportunity for 3 U.S. Agriculture Market Promotion Trips 

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service announced on March 16, 2026, the availability of three $115,000 NOFOs that create opportunities for U.S. agricultural producers to increase exports to Uzbekistan and Armenia through U.S.-based agricultural marketing tours. USDA invites eligible applicants to apply to its three NOFOs to design and host 2-week marketing programs to educate international buyers on the superiority of U.S. agricultural products and arrange business connections between U.S. industry and Uzbek and Armenian buyers.

    The three marketing tours seek to:

    • Increase U.S. distilled spirits exports to Uzbekistan by educating Uzbek buyers on the superiority of American whiskeys.
    • Increase U.S. soy exports in Uzbekistan by educating Uzbek importers on using U.S. soy for livestock feed.
    • Expand business opportunities and reduce trade barriers for U.S. companies exporting agricultural products to Armenia.

    The funding opportunities are described in the Notice of Funding Opportunity published on Grants.gov here:

    The application deadline for this NOFO is 11:59PM Eastern Standard Time (EST) on May 14, 2026.

  • Honey Bees Get Hangry Too

    If you have ever been hangry (a portmanteau for hungry and angry), then you know what it is like to be irritable, bad-tempered, or easily annoyed. While being hangry may seem like an excuse for unpleasant behavior, research shows that hunger can cause shifts in our hormones, brain processes, and nervous system that result in negative emotions like anger.

    According to a recent study, honey bees, like humans, may also experience hanger when they do not get enough nutrients. Pollen scarcity and nutritional stress are major issues that beekeepers are tackling to protect their hives.

    “If honey bees are not getting enough pollen, which is one of their main sources of protein and an essential part of their diets, then it can lead to colony stress and defensive behaviors in bees,” said Elizabeth Walsh, ARS Research Scientist at the Honey Bee Breeding, Genetics, and Physiology Research Unit in Baton Rouge, LA. “Changes in colony defensiveness are of particular concern to beekeepers as increased defensiveness also increases safety risk of personnel.”

    To better understand honey bee behaviors and to help beekeepers manage their hives, Walsh and the research team, including ARS scientists from both the Baton Rouge research unit and the Pollinator Health in Southern Crop Ecosystem Research Unit in Stoneville, MS, conducted a 5-week field study to simulate a pollen dearth, or shortage, in an apiary.

    “We found that honey bees who did not get enough pollen (the experimental group) became more aggressive than the honey bees who received enough pollen (the control group) throughout the study,” said Walsh.

    Walsh added that the study was more than just observing honey bee behaviors. The researchers found that honey bees in pollen-poor conditions also showed physiological changes throughout the study. In particular, the pollen-deprived honey bees had smaller glands and different fat and sugar levels, which are signs of stress. The expression of some genes linked to aggression also was changed in these honey bees.

    As beekeepers are concerned about pollen scarcity and nutritional stress, Walsh and the researchers believe that these research findings will help develop best management practices.

    “Ultimately, this study shows that both researchers and beekeepers must find ways to evaluate how bees perform in changing environments in order to form best management practices while ensuring beekeeper safety,” said Walsh. – by Jessica Ryan, USDA Ag Research Service  Office of Communications

  • Almond Bloom Concludes in Orchards

    The 2026 almond bloom concluded this week. The weather in all growing regions was mild, with daytime temperatures peaking in the high 60’s to mid 70’s while overnight lows settled mostly in the mid 30’s to lower 40’s. Bees were enjoying the sunny or partially cloudy skies and were out in force working whatever bloom they could still find.

    Orchard color rapidly shifted from the white of blooming flowers to the green of leaf growth during this period with almost no bloom left in any orchards. Interestingly, this year, Independence had probably the longest bloom period. It was among the first of the varieties to bloom and hung on to be one of the last varieties blooming during this week along with the Butte and Padre. Most varieties are now well into the jacket and nutlet stages.

    Going forward, focus will shift to assessing nut sets, with particular attention being given to the size of the nuts developing on the trees. The trees will soon shed the smallest and some of the mid-sized nuts in development and will hold on to more of the larger nuts. This can give the earliest indications of crop size for the upcoming harvest.

    Beekeepers are busy again this week, moving hives out of orchards. As they are removed, growers are applying post-bloom treatments to prevent development of fungal diseases. Additionally, growers are also setting traps within the orchards to monitor lifecycle development of significant insect pests. — By Anthony Scudder, Blue Diamond Growers Regional Manager