California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • New Traps Cut Off Citrus Greening Pests from Hiding Places

    Researchers across the nation are struggling to end the scourge of citrus greening disease, also known as huanglongbing. The disease renders citrus fruit inedible and eventually kills entire orchards. In Florida alone, from 2012-2016 the disease caused production losses of $4.4 billion and eliminated about 7,900 jobs.

    With economic impact like that, it’s no wonder that previous citrus greening research and mitigation efforts have mainly focused on commercial production. Now, researchers with the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Horticultural Research Laboratory in Fort Pierce, FL, and their collaborators are bringing the citrus greening fight to the suburbs, where citrus trees are popular landscape plantings.

    The Asian citrus psyllid, an insect about the size of an aphid (roughly 1/8 of an inch), carries the bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in its salivary glands. As it feeds on citrus leaves, the psyllid transmits the bacterium to the tree. The bacterium then prevents sugars created through photosynthesis from traveling throughout the tree. The result is yellowed leaves, bitter fruit, and eventual tree death.

    Spraying insecticides is not really an option in residential areas because many homeowners either have concerns about insecticides or find it too difficult to adequately treat backyard trees, said ARS research entomologist Joseph Patt.

    “There are virtually no control measures being taken against psyllids in citrus trees growing in residential and commercial landscapes,” he said. “This is important because the psyllid can fly from residential areas to commercial citrus groves. In other words, residential areas provide a kind of refuge for the psyllids because homeowners haven’t had a way to control them in their backyard trees.”

    Leaves of an orange tree infected with Huanglongbing, or citrus greening. The blotchy mottling pattern seen here, along with thickening, are characteristic symptoms of infected leaves.

    Patt and Texas A&M-Kingsville entomologists Andrew Chow and Mamoudou Setamou developed “attract-and-kill” traps to prevent this hide-and-seek, back-and-forth migration of psyllids. The traps, which are hung from citrus trees, are the same color as young citrus foliage and contain a fast-acting insecticide that kills the psyllid. According to Patt, the traps provide an environmentally friendly way for homeowners to help control Asian citrus psyllid and citrus greening disease. The insecticide remains in the device and does not spread to the surrounding foliage. The active ingredient is not toxic to mammals or birds and does not persist in the environment.

    Initial testing was completed last year in the Rio Grande region of Texas. “The results are promising,” Patt said. “Deployment of 20 attract-and-kill devices per test tree resulted in a 90-percent decrease in psyllid eggs compared to unprotected test trees. We are currently working on a design for use in commercial citrus. Psyllids invade citrus groves by first landing in the trees growing along the edge of the grove, so we will run tests to determine if devices placed only on border trees are effective in controlling the psyllid throughout the grove.” – by Scott Elliott, USDA-ARS Office of Communications

  • UCCE Tulare County Dried Plum Program Assists Efforts for Detection of Invasive Beetle

    Following a tip generated by citizen scientists in the Porterville/Tulare area, UC ANR researchers have installed traps to determine the potential for Velvet longhorned beetle, Trichoferus campestris (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), introduction to the southern San Joaquin Valley. The beetle, also called Mulberry longhorn beetle, is native to Asia and Russia, but now has an extended geographic range across Europe and North America.  The pest is currently established in 4 counties in Utah, with cherries and peaches serving as hosts.

    The Velvet longhorned beetle is not a serious pest in Asia and has only had a low impact on European timber and orchard production.  The insect pest is of concern due to its potential to impact fruit yield and decrease tree longevity. It has been repeatedly intercepted at ports of entry in California; however, it is not known to be established in the state.  Because the pest has a wide host range, affecting over 40 genera of broadleaf and coniferous plants, and is tolerant of dry conditions, researchers and regulators have initiated monitoring efforts for the pest.  Locally, traps have been installed in dried plum and fresh prune orchards in Tulare County.

    The Velvet longhorned beetle may serve as a pest of forests and orchards, and it has been moved internationally on wood packing material and in furniture and home décor. The adult beetle is large (around 1-2 cm), brown, has long antennae, and is nocturnal. Its peak mating activity is in June/July in Utah.  Black Intercept Panel Traps were established in Tulare County in June and will be removed prior to prune harvest in September. — By Elizabeth Fichtner & Houston Wilson, UC Cooperative Extension

  • NEW NITROGEN MANAGEMENT RESOURCE AVAILABLE FOR CITRUS & AVOCADO

    To address nitrate pollution of groundwater, the Central Valley Regional Water Quality Control Board has initiated a regulatory program requiring growers to utilize nitrogen management practices that mitigate nitrate loading. Because nitrogen plays such a critical role in in the growth and development of avocado trees — and because it can be difficult to ensure trees are receiving the optimal amount of nitrogen — the University of California Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources has created the Nitrogen Management in Citrus and Avocado publication.

    This document is designed to optimize growers’ application of nitrogen while reducing nitrogen leaching by focusing on applying nitrogen at the right rate, at the right time with the right placement and from the right source (otherwise known as the four R’s of nutrient management). The guide provides specific examples for the rate of application based on the age, alternate bearing status and vegetative state of the tree and discusses the optimal spring/fall application periods. In addition, the document provides guidance on how to conduct leaf analysis and what optimal concentration percentages to look for.

  • FIRE RECOVERY GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR SO CA GROWERS

    Erosion damage caused by the 2018 – 2020 California wildfires can result in discharges of sediment, metals, nutrients and other pollutants that threaten streams, aquatic life and public health. In an effort to mitigate the effects of erosion caused by the fires in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, the Post Fire Recovery Project will allocate $320,000 worth of reimbursable supplies to applicants for their erosion control best management practices. The grants can be used to obtain items such as silt fencing, jute netting, sandbags, native plantings, seeding, straw wattles and more.

    Grant funds will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested growers can complete the application online.

    Online application assistance workshops will be held August 5 at 5:30 p.m. and December 8 at 5:30 p.m. For more information, contact Andy Spyrka, Resource Conservation Specialist at andyspyrka.vcrcd@gmail.com or 805.764.5135.

  • CA’s Robert Mondavi Winery Ranks #5 in 2020 World’s Best Vineyards, Sonoma County also Recognized

    The World’ Best Vineyards just released their 2020 results of top 50 vineyards, recognizing California’s Robert Mondavi Winery as the fifth top vineyard in the world, and North America’s number one vineyard.  Watch the full announcement HERE. As the awards were supposed to debut in Sonoma County this year, but curtailed by COVID-19, there was special recognition given to Sonoma County Winegrowers as leaders in sustainability — along with the following ten reasons to visit Sonoma’s wine country.

    1. Highest Ranking Vineyard in Sonoma – Francis Ford Coppola Winery

    The Highest Ranking Vineyard in Sonoma award recognises the vineyard that came highest in the 2020 list once all the World’s Best Vineyard nominations were counted and, in turn, the list created.

    Film director Francis Ford Coppola’s winery resort in Geyserville, in the Alexander Valley, offers a touch of movie magic.  Memorabilia on show includes the Godfather’s desk, a Tucker car, scripts, and Oscars.

    Star attraction

    In Geyserville did Coppola a stately pleasure dome decree… One of the most-visited attractions in Sonoma Wine Country, Francis Ford Coppola Winery is so much more than a mere winery. This sprawling estate complex offers an inexhaustible array of visitor attractions, from a landscaped park to a tasting room, a bar, two restaurants, two swimming pools with poolside cabanas, a cinema, a film gallery, bocce courts, a performing arts pavilion – oh, and there’s a winery somewhere in there too…

    A wine wonderland
    Taking inspiration from the magical Tivoli Gardens theme park and pleasure garden in Copenhagen, Francis Ford Coppola wanted to offer visitors much more than a glass of wine when he opened his eponymous winery in 2010. He wanted to create a wonderland every bit as immersive as his unforgettable films – a place for the whole family, with oodles of things for kids to do with no danger of getting bored while their parents indulge in fine Californian wines and food. He enlisted Academy Award-winning production designer Dean Tavoularis, whom he met on the set of The Godfather, to make this dream a reality – and make it a reality Tavoularis very much did.

    Building for the future
    Having worked at the famed Napa estate Inglenook (purchased by Coppola in 1975, reportedly with profits from The Godfather), chief winemaker Corey Beck has assumed a pivotal role at the Geyserville estate, not only growing the wine portfolio into the 11 distinct wine brands available today, but also managing hospitality and implementing the estate’s vital sustainability programme. Climate change has hit Californian wine in a big way in recent years, and Beck and his team are leading by example with such things as irrigation water management and vineyard biodiversity. Such responsible steps are good for both the environment and the precious wine grapes – and serve to confirm Francis Ford Coppola Winery as a true jewel in the Sonoma Wine Country crown.

    2. Great wines…

    From producers who care. Sonoma County’s wine industry is made up of many multi-generational family businesses. There are 59,218 acres (nearly 24,000ha) planted to vineyards, more than 40% of which are in the hands of growers with parcels of less than 20 acres (8ha). Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon are the most prevalent grape varieties, but Sonoma County is home to more than 60 varieties – from Alicante to Zinfandel. With valleys, mountains, a diversity of soil types and more than 50 miles of coastline, it is also home to 18 unique growing regions with their own special terroir.

    This small-plot, artisan approach to winegrowing, coupled with a diverse growing region, has attracted many world-renowned winemakers, resulting in endless styles of quality wine. Sonoma County was one of the first regions in California to have “vineyard designate” wines, illustrating the close relationship between winegrowers and winemakers.

    3. Great food, too

    Sonoma County is an agricultural wonderland, which means there is an abundance of local farms which deliver fresh produce, fish and meats, eggs and cheeses to local restaurants. It has also attracted many famous chefs who regard Sonoma County as an authentic leader in “farm to table” dining. The food is so good that many wineries have culinary programmes. St Francis Winery & Vineyards in Santa Rosa boasts one of America’s top restaurants. The food and wine pairing features five courses using produce and herbs grown on the estate, paired with wines from St Francis’ artisan collection. The stunning Sonoma Valley view just adds to the experience. Meanwhile, the Lynmar Estate in the Russian River Valley offers ‘Pinot & Pizza’, featuring seasonally inspired artisan pizzas made with estate-grown vegetables prepared in a brick pizza oven, and paired with an array of Lynmar wines. Silver Oak’s renowned winery in Alexander Valley has a full kitchen and winery chef on-site to offer unique food and wine pairings, sourced from the winery’s culinary garden.

    4. Sustainability is a top priority

    Sonoma County has long been regarded as a global leader in growing and making great wines while minimising the impact on the environment. 99% of its vineyards are certified sustainable by a third-party program, making it the most sustainable winegrowing region in the world. To continue this sustainability leadership, Sonoma County launched a ground-breaking climate program earlier this year. It is the exclusive partner in the California Land Stewardship’s Climate Adaptation Certification Program, the first program of its kind for agriculture. Soon, you will know how drinking Sonoma County wine can offset your carbon footprint!

    This sustainability focus is also found in our local wineries and hotels. Vintner’s Resort, a beautiful hotel in the heart of wine country, offers sustainable practices that guests can see and enjoy, including walking paths through the vineyards and vegetable gardens and olive trees that supply the on-site restaurants. Vintners Resort was awarded the Environmentalist Level in the California Green Lodging Program by the State of California’s Department of General Services.

    5. It’s open all year

    In the off-season (December-March), there are bigger discounts and fewer crowds. Some think it’s the most beautiful time to visit, too, as it’s mustard season. Many vineyards plant mustard flower between the vines as a cover crop.

    Spring and early summer sees the launch of the new rosé wines, sometimes during rosé-themed parties. Two great wineries for rosé are Taft Street and Flowers Winery. Spring is also the beginning of the grapegrowing season, with budbreak in the vineyards.  Don’t miss events such as the Annual Barrel Tasting (March 6-8 and 13-15) and the California Artisan Cheese Festival (March 27-29).

    Summer sees a slew of outdoor events. Check out these two winery concerts: Gundlach Bundschu’s folksy Huichica Music Festival in June and the Sonoma Harvest Music Festival at BR Cohn Winery in September. Kendall-Jackson Estate, BR Cohn Winery, Imagery Estate, Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Patz & Hall Winery, and Seghesio Family Vineyards put on farm-to-table dinners in their vineyards May-October.

    Harvest season (September-November) – the busiest period – offers visitors the chance to stomp grapes among the golden autumn leaves and witness the grapes being brought in for winemaking.

    One of the traditional highlights around the holiday season is the annual “Lighting of the Plaza” in the idyllic centre of downtown Sonoma. Enjoy local food and drink vendors, while listening to live music and watching the trees and buildings in the 8-acre (3.2ha) plaza alight with festive bulbs signalling the start of the holiday season.

    6. Free tastings

    Many wineries in Sonoma County offer either free wine tasting or waive the tasting fee with a wine purchase. These include Adastra Wines in Sonoma, Alexander Valley Vineyards in Healdsburg, Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, Korbel Champagne Cellars in Guerneville, Sonoma Portworks in Petaluma, and Williamson Wines in Healdsburg.

    7. Vineyard picnics

    One of our favourite experiences is picnicking among the vines. There are plenty of opportunities in Sonoma County, especially in Healdsburg (for example at Dry Creek Vineyard, Landmark Vineyards at Hop Kiln Estate, and Preston Farm and Winery) or in Kenwood (at VJB Vineyards, Cellars & Marketplace, Ledson Winery, and Chateau St Jean).

    8. California’s oldest winery

    Buena Vista Winery – founded in 1857 by Hungarian farmer, author and businessman Agoston Haraszthy – is California’s oldest premium winery. Since 2011, the winery has been owned by Jean-Charles Boisset, a Frenchman who first visited Buena Vista at the age of 11 with his family, who own estates in Burgundy, the South of France, and California’s Napa Valley. Jean-Charles has renovated the winery, cellar and grounds, and installed the Wine Tool Museum – a fascinating tribute to Haraszthy.

    Sonoma County also boasts the oldest, continuously operating family winery – Gundlach-Bundschu, built in the 1870s and now in the hands of the sixth generation.

    9. Gorgeous gardens

    There’s more to the wineries than wines and vines. Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery’s four acres of gardens include a secluded tea garden and a stream. Matanzas Creek Winery has three acres of lavender – a popular spot for marriage proposals in the summer. Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens has a viticultural demonstration vineyard, and red and white wine sensory gardens with plants that have aromas found in some wines. Arista Winery has a Japanese-style water garden. Korbel Champagne Cellars has more than 250 varieties of antique roses and more than 1,000 other types of flowers. Paradise Ridge Winery’s 156-acre estate provides sweeping views of estate vineyards and the Russian River Valley and a large sculpture garden, including an iconic two-storey LOVE sculpture.

    10. Dog-friendly wineries

    The labels on the wines at Mutt Lynch Winery in Windsor feature dog art and a portion of sales is donated to local animal rescue organisations. Mutt Lynch also hosts monthly ‘Yappy Hours’ and the annual Dog Days of Summer gala. Kunde Family Estate Winery in Kenwood has a dedicated dog hike that winds through oak woodlands, native grasslands, and chaparral, with magnificent views of Sonoma Valley.

    Get the FREE Sonoma County Wineries Map: https://www.sonomacounty.com/guide-order

    Sonoma County in numbers

    1812 – when the first vineyards were planted

    59,218 acres planted to vineyards (about 6% of Sonoma County’s total acreage)

    500 wineries

    1,800+ growers

    18 American Viticultural Areas (AVA), with plans to designate more

    60+ grape varieties but the main ones are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

  • UC Riverside Discovers First Effective Treatment for Citrus-Destroying Disease

    UC Riverside scientists have found the first substance capable of controlling Citrus Greening Disease, which has devastated citrus farms in Florida and also threatens California.

    The new treatment effectively kills the bacterium causing the disease with a naturally occurring molecule found in wild citrus relatives. This molecule, an antimicrobial peptide, offers numerous advantages over the antibiotics currently used to treat the disease.

    Orange afflicted with Citrus Greening Disease. (UCR)

    UCR geneticist Hailing Jin, who discovered the cure after a five-year search, explained that unlike antibiotic sprays, the peptide is stable even when used outdoors in high heat, easy to manufacture, and safe for humans. 

    “This peptide is found in the fruit of greening-tolerant Australian finger limes, which has been consumed for hundreds of years,” Jin said. “It is much safer to use this natural plant product on agricultural crops than other synthetic chemicals.”

    Currently, some growers in Florida are spraying antibiotics and pesticides in an attempt to save trees from the CLas bacterium that causes citrus greening, also known as Huanglongbing or HLB. 

    “Most antibiotics are temperature sensitive, so their effects are largely reduced when applied in the hot weather,” Jin said. “By contrast, this peptide is stable even when used in 130-degree heat.”

    Jin found the peptide by examining plants such as the Australian finger lime known to possess natural tolerance for the bacteria that causes Citrus Greening Disease, and she isolated the genes that contribute to this innate immunity. One of these genes produces the peptide, which she then tested over the course of two years. Improvement was soon visible. 

    “You can see the bacteria drastically reduced, and the leaves appear healthy again only a few months after treatment,” Jin said.

    Because the peptide only needs to be reapplied a few times per year, it is highly cost effective for growers. This peptide can also be developed into a vaccine-like solution to protect young healthy plants from infection, as it is able to induce the plant’s innate immunity to the bacteria.

    Jin’s peptide can be applied by injection or foliage spray, and it moves systemically through plants and remains stable, which makes the effect of the treatment stronger.

    The treatment will be further enhanced with proprietary injection technology made by Invaio Sciences. UC Riverside has entered into an exclusive, worldwide license agreement with Invaio, ensuring this new treatment goes exactly where it’s needed in plants. 

    “Invaio is enthusiastic to partner with UC Riverside and advance this innovative technology for combating the disease known as Citrus Greening or Huanglongbing,” said Invaio Chief Science Officer Gerardo Ramos. “The prospect of addressing this previously incurable and devastating crop disease, helping agricultural communities and improving the environmental impact of production is exciting and rewarding,” he said. “This is crop protection in harmony with nature.”

    Hailing Jin, Geneticist, UC Riverside

    The need for an HLB cure is a global problem, but hits especially close to home as California produces 80 percent of all the fresh citrus in the United States, said Brian Suh, director of technology commercialization in UCR’s Office of Technology Partnerships, which helps bring university technology to market for the benefit of society through licenses, partnerships, and startup companies. 

    “This license to Invaio opens up the opportunity for a product to get to market faster,” Suh said. “Cutting edge research from UCR, like the peptide identified by Dr. Jin, has a tremendous amount of commercial potential and can transform the trajectory of real-world problems with these innovative solutions.”

    While the long-term effectiveness of this research has not yet been confirmed or published in a scientific journal and the project is still in its early stages, Dr. Jin’s promising findings have resulted in a commercial licensing agreement between UCR and Invaio Sciences. It is not uncommon for researchers to team with commercial licensing partners during the early phases of their studies. In this case, more work still needs to be done to confirm the robustness and viability of this treatment. Additional greenhouse trials are being initiated by Dr. Jin and her team at the citrus-specific Bio-Safety Level-3 Laboratory in Riverside, California. It also is expected that field trials will be conducted to show the effectiveness of the treatment under commercial grove conditions. — By Jules Bernstein, UC Riverside

    Regarding the announcement, Marcy Martin from the California Citrus Research Board shared, “While the release was understandably enthusiastic about potentially promising research and we are heartened by the commercial interest in this peptide, we are looking forward to reviewing complete studies on the effectiveness of this therapy in greenhouse and field studies.

    Importantly, this is not the time to let down our guard.  It continues to be critical for all citrus growers in the state to remain extremely vigilant in protecting their groves against the Asian citrus psyllid and HLB. The psyllid arrived from Mexico in 2008 and is now firmly established in southern California. The first HLB-positive tree was found in residential Los Angeles County in 2012. As of July 3, 2020, 1,926 HLB-affected trees have been identified and removed to slow the spread of the disease in residential areas of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Unlike Florida, where HLB has decimated commercial citrus groves, California growers invested in research early through the CRB and have been diligent in applying best-management practices; therefore, the disease has not yet been detected in any commercial groves. The CRB will continue to focus intensive efforts on a variety of promising research to find a solution to HLB.

    Moving forward, we at the CRB are proud to work on behalf of the 3,300-plus California citrus growers to invest in key studies to find a solution to HLB. Citrus growers always have been resilient and resourceful. Together, we will look toward the horizon for a solution to HLB.

    Marcy Martin, President, California Citrus Research Board

    In the meantime, we continue to monitor and review progress in potential therapies, new HLB-resistant varieties, better psyllid control strategies and more. We are enthusiastic about the commercial interest in HLB therapies and look forward to being able to share a range of potential approaches for California citrus growers as research progresses and matures. If you have any questions or would like additional information about the status of this research, please contact CRB President Marcy Martin at 559.708.3791 or marcy@citrusresearch.org.”

  • Resources for Employers Amidst COVID-19 Outbreaks at Ag Facilities

    Almond Alliance of California – There have been multiple COVID-19 outbreaks at agricultural facilities and operations throughout the State.  Several of the outbreaks in agricultural areas have been reported in farmworker housing facilities, fields and processing facilities.  CalOSHA, Department of Health Services and the Attorney General’s office have been engaged in situations with multiple positive cases.  Many of our peer agricultural organizations and individual employers have received letters from the Attorney General’s office reminding about the need to provide guidance to our membership on the health and safety of the agricultural workforce.

    Many grower and employer associations, local farm bureaus, and health and safety compliance businesses have shared resources with their members to help agricultural operations conduct an examination of workplaces to ensure that adequate measures are being undertaken to protect the health and safety of agricultural workers.

    Below are resources for almond growers, huller shellers and processors.  As these materials are updated, the Almond Alliance will distribute revisions. Please post COVID-19 safety materials in Spanish and English throughout the workplace.  Please call the Almond Alliance team if you have any questions or need additional information.   

    Responding to COVID-19 in the Workplace:

    This guidance and checklist are for use by employers experiencing an outbreak of COVID-19 in their workplace. Employers should be proactive and keep in mind that identification of even a single positive case among employees may quickly develop into an outbreak. As outbreak circumstances and work practices vary, employers may need assistance from their local health department (LHD) to plan and coordinate a response to the outbreak that meets the needs of the workplace.

    • Industry Guidance:  Agriculture and Livestock: Click Here.
    • COVID-19 General Checklist for Agriculture and Livestock Employers: Click Here.

    COVID-19 Safety Posters and Materials for you to Place in the Workplace in English and Spanish to Reduce the Risk of Employee Exposure in the Workplace:

    • CDC Symptoms of Coronavirus (COVID-19) English Poster: Click Here.
    • CDC Síntomas del coronavirus (COVID-19) Spanish Poster: Click Here.
    • CDC Share facts about COVID-19 English Factsheet: Click Here.
    • CDC Comparta la información sobre el COVID-19 Spanish Factsheet: Click Here.
    • OSHA Ten Steps All Workplaces Can Take to Reduce Risk of Exposure to Coronavirus English Poster: Click Here.
    • OSHA Diez Medidas que Todos los Lugares de Trabajo Pueden Tomar para Prevenir la Exposición al Coronavirus Spanish Poster: Click Here.

    Cal/OSHA Guidance and Resources:

    • COVID-19 Daily Checklist for Agricultural Employers: English | Spanish
    • COVID-19 General Checklist for Agricultural Employers: English | Spanish
    • Infection Prevention for Agricultural Employers and Employees: English | Spanish
    • COVID-19 Worker Protection Video – Infection Prevention for Agricultural Workers (Video Transcripts:  English | Spanish | Mixteco

    What to Do if You Have COVID-19 Confirmed Positive or Exposed Workers:

    This document recommends a consistent approach in how a company can continue operations in the event an individual has tested positive, given the global COVID-19 pandemic and high transmissibility of this respiratory virus from person to person.

    U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):  What to Do if You Have COVID-19 Confirmed Positive or Exposed Workers in Your Food Production, Storage, or Distribution Operations Regulated by FDA: Click Here.

    Food Industry Recommended Protocols When Employee/Customer Tests Positive for COVID-19:

    This summary, derived from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, outlines key steps that employers and workers can take to help stay open, prevent and slow the spread of COVID-19, and support continuity of essential operations if workers are diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, or show symptoms associated with COVID-19: Click Here.

    Additional Materials:

    • Agricultural Employer Checklist for Creating a COVID-19 Assessment and Control Plan: Click Here.
    • Testing Strategy for Coronavirus (COVID‐19) in High‐Density Critical Infrastructure Workplaces after a COVID‐19 Case is Identified: Click Here.

    Note: This document is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Almond Alliance of California does not advise on the application of law to an individual’s or company’s specific circumstances. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult a lawyer if you want professional assurance that our information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation.

  • Additional Commodities Eligible for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program

    Today, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced an initial list of additional commodities that have been added to the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), and that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) made other adjustments to the program based on comments received from agricultural producers and organizations and review of market data. Producers will be able to submit applications that include these commodities on Monday, July 13, 2020.  USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting through Aug. 28, 2020, applications for CFAP, which helps offset price declines and additional marketing costs because of the coronavirus pandemic. USDA expects additional eligible commodities to be announced in the coming weeks.

    “During this time of national crisis, President Trump and USDA have stood with our farmers, ranchers, and all citizens to make sure they are taken care of,” said Secretary Perdue. “When we announced this program earlier this year, we asked for public input and received a good response. After reviewing the comments received and analyzing our USDA Market News data, we are adding new commodities, as well as making updates to the program for existing eligible commodities. This is an example of government working for the people – we asked for input and we updated the program based on the comments we received.”

    USDA collected comments and supporting data for consideration of additional commodities through June 22, 2020.

    Changes to CFAP include:

    • Adding the following commodities: alfalfa sprouts, anise, arugula, basil, bean sprouts, beets, blackberries, Brussels sprouts, celeriac (celery root), chives, cilantro, coconuts, collard greens, dandelion greens, greens (others not listed separately), guava, kale greens, lettuce – including Boston, green leaf, Lolla Rossa, oak leaf green, oak leaf red and red leaf – marjoram, mint, mustard, okra, oregano, parsnips, passion fruit, peas (green), pineapple, pistachios, radicchio, rosemary, sage, savory, sorrel, fresh sugarcane, Swiss chard, thyme and turnip top greens.
    • Expanding for seven currently eligible commodities – apples, blueberries, garlic, potatoes, raspberries, tangerines and taro – CARES Act funding for sales losses because USDA found these commodities had a 5 percent or greater price decline between mid-January and mid-April as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, these commodities were only eligible for marketing adjustments.
    • Determining that peaches and rhubarb no longer qualify for payment under the CARES Act sales loss category.
    • Correcting payment rates for apples, artichokes, asparagus, blueberries, cantaloupes, cucumbers, garlic, kiwifruit, mushrooms, papaya, peaches, potatoes, raspberries, rhubarb, tangerines and taro.

    Additional details can be found in the Federal Register in the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and Final Rule Correction and at www.farmers.gov/cfap.

    Producers have several options for applying to the CFAP program:

    • Using an online portal, accessible at farmers.gov/cfap, allows producers with secure USDA login credentials—known as eAuthentication—to certify eligible commodities online, digitally sign applications and submit directly to the local USDA Service Center.  New commodities will be available in the system on July 13, 2020.
    • Completing the application form using our CFAP Application Generator and Payment Calculator found at farmers.gov/cfap. This Excel workbook allows customers to input information specific to their operation to determine estimated payments and populate the application form, which can be printed, then signed and submitted to their local USDA Service Center.  An updated version with the new commodities will be available on the website on July 13, 2020.
    • Downloading the AD-3114 application form from farmers.gov/cfap and manually completing the form to submit to the local USDA Service Center by mail, electronically or by hand delivery to an office drop box. In some limited cases, the office may be open for in-person business by appointment. Visit farmers.gov/coronavirus/service-center-status to check the status of your local office.

    USDA Service Centers can also work with producers to complete and securely transmit digitally signed applications through two commercially available tools: Box and OneSpan. Producers who are interested in digitally signing their applications should notify their local service centers when calling to discuss the CFAP application process. You can learn more about these solutions at farmers.gov/mydocs.

    Getting Help from FSA

    New customers seeking one-on-one support with the CFAP application process can call 877-508-8364 to speak directly with a USDA employee ready to offer general assistance. This is a recommended first step before a producer engages the team at the FSA county office at their local USDA Service Center.

    All other eligibility forms, such as those related to adjusted gross income and payment information, can be downloaded from farmers.gov/cfap. For existing FSA customers, these documents are likely already on file.

    All USDA Service Centers are open for business, including some that are open to visitors to conduct business in person by appointment only. All Service Center visitors wishing to conduct business with FSA, Natural Resources Conservation Service or any other Service Center agency should call ahead and schedule an appointment. Service Centers that are open for appointments will pre-screen visitors based on health concerns or recent travel, and visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines. Visitors may also be required to wear a face covering during their appointment. Field work will continue with appropriate social distancing. Our program delivery staff will be in the office, and they will be working with our producers in office, by phone and using online tools. More information can be found at farmers.gov/coronavirus.  

  • CA Congressional Delegation Asks USDA to Make Winegrape Growers Eligible for Direct Relief

    California’s congressional delegation wants winegrape growers to receive financial relief through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).

    Beginning May 26, CFAP intended to provide up to $16 billion in direct payments to agricultural producers who suffered losses due to COVID-19 related market and supply chain disruptions. Winegrapes were not among the 43 commodities listed under CFAP specialty crops.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic has broadly undermined market prices for California winegrapes and we believe the U.S. Department of Agriculture should include winegrapes on the list of specialty crops eligible for direct payments in the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program,” stated a July 6 letter to USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue, signed by 25 representatives and two senators.

    The delegation’s letter follows a May 19 letter from CAWG and the California Farm Bureau Federation to Perdue, which also urged USDA to allow winegrape growers access to COVID-19 assistance. The letter cited several factors contributing to growers’ current and future economic losses.

    “The letter from the California congressional delegation is a tremendous boost to our efforts to seek vital financial assistance for winegrape growers,” CAWG President John Aguirre said. “We applaud and appreciate the leadership of Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Napa) in crafting the letter and garnering support from his colleagues.”

  • USDA Confirms Record 3 Billion Pound CA Almond Crop Forecast

    The California Almond Objective Measurement Report, published today by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimates that the 2020 crop will be 3.00 billion meat pounds, up 18% from the 2019 crop production of 2.55 billion pounds.[1] This estimate is even with the 3.00 billion pounds estimated in the California Almond Subjective Forecast, published in May 2020.

    According to the 2020 Objective Report, the average nut set per tree is 5,645, up 21% from the 2019 almond crop. The Nonpareil average nut set is 5,621, up 27% from last year’s set. The average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.51 grams, down 2 percent from the 2019 average weight.

    “This year’s crop is proof that California is the perfect place to grow almonds,” said Holly A. King, Kern County almond grower and Chair of the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors. “Perfect weather during bloom, coupled with the steps almond growers have taken to ensure our orchards provide a healthy environment for honey bees and other pollinators, resulted in the abundant crop we are seeing on the trees up and down the Central Valley.”

    Recent disruptions in global trade due to COVID-19, and ongoing trade disputes and negotiations with China and other key markets extending into the year, have caused some short-term challenges with the current crop, but the long-term outlook remains positive.

    “As a shelf stable and nutritious food enjoyed by consumers around the world, we’ve weathered these disruptions in pretty good shape,” said Almond Board President and CEO Richard Waycott. “Domestic and export shipments are up year-to-date, and we expect global demand to be stronger than ever as we market this year’s record crop.”

    While the Subjective Forecast provides an initial estimate of the 2020/2021 crop, the Objective Report is based on actual almond counts and uses a more statistically rigorous methodology to determine yield. In Dec. 2019, ABC’s Board of Directors approved a modified sampling protocol to further improve the accuracy of USDA-NASS’s reporting. From this year forward, the Objective Report will include measurements from 1,000 target orchards throughout the state (an increase of 150 samples from 2019) and provide nut counts on not one but two branches per tree. The Objective Report will also provide the weight, size and grade of the average almond sample broken down by growing region – no longer growing district – and variety.

    USDA-NASS conducts the annual Objective Report, Subjective Forecast and Acreage Report to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions, and thanks all farm operators, owners and management entities for their time in providing the information necessary to create these reports. These reports are the official industry crop estimates. —Article & Featured Image Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

    [1] USDA-NASS. 2020 California Almond Objective Measurement Report. July 2020.