California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • 12th Annual Harvest STOMP Raises a Record- Breaking $2.32 Million for the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation

    The Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) and Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation are proud to announce that a record-breaking $2.32 million was raised at the 12th annual Harvest STOMP, held this past Saturday, August 24th. Thanks to the generous support of sponsors, 100% of donations made during the event go directly to programs that preserve Napa Valley vineyards and provide educational opportunities and professional development for farmworkers and their families.

    “We are so grateful for the generosity shown tonight,” said co-chairs Lisa Callan Hoskins and Dan Hoskins. “In addition to preserving Napa Valley’s agricultural heritage, the Napa Valley Grapegrowers provides continuing education on sustainable farming, environmental stewardship and best practices – and this special place would not be the same without their work.” Lisa and Dan are fifth generation Napa Valley grape growers. Their family currently owns Ferrogiaro Vineyard and has been in Napa Valley since 1863.

    Harvest STOMP is a highly-anticipated event in the valley, drawing 600 guests and featuring NVG member wines and local foods. Attendees donned festive ranch attire and danced the night away, celebrating the upcoming harvest.

    During a poignant moment in the live auction, over $1 million was raised for the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation, the first organization of its kind in the United States. The Farmworker Foundation has provided education and professional development to more than 18,272 farmworkers and their families. Saturday’s contributions will help grow its programs. One of the programs highlighted was the Patrick Foley Fields of Opportunity Summer Mentor Program, which is a mentorship program for local high school students that teaches them about how to work and succeed in the wine and agricultural industries.

    U.S. Representative Mike Thompson, who is from St. Helena, enjoyed Harvest STOMP with his wife, Jan, and was impressed by the community support.

    “Jan and I had an incredible evening at the 12th annual Harvest STOMP and we were proud to see so many in our community turn out to support our local agriculture. A big thank you to the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and the Napa Valley Farmworker Foundation for another great event and for all you do to preserve our beautiful vineyards and support farmworkers and their families throughout the year.”

    Next year’s Harvest STOMP will be held on August 29, 2020 and chaired by John and Michele Truchard, owners of FARM Napa Valley, and Oscar and Denise Renteria, owners of Renteria Vineyard Management and Tres Perlas Wines.

    About Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG)

    Napa Valley Grapegrowers (NVG) is a non-profit trade organization that has played a vital role in strengthening Napa Valley’s reputation as a world-class viticultural region for more than 43 years. Its mission is to preserve and promote Napa Valley’s world-class vineyards. NVG represents 725 Napa County grapegrowers and associated businesses. For more information, visit www.napagrowers.org.

    Follow Napa Valley Grapegrowers on Facebook and Instagram.

  • First Petition in 30+ Years to Amend California Grape Pricing District Boundary

    Suisun Valley, Fairfield, California: The Suisun Valley Vintners and Growers Association has formally requested California Department of Food and Agriculture to petition for amendment to boundary definition of Grape Pricing District (aka crush district) 5 in eastern Solano County. The effort is being filed on behalf of the Association by Roger King, Chairman, Growers Committee.

    The last such amendment to California Administrative Code Title 3 Chapter 2 Article 1 Section 1700 was dated July 24, 1985. It involved District 17 which will also be involved in this amendment request.

    The Clare Berryhill Grape Crush Report Act of 1976 set in motion today’s current price discovery reporting system, for achieved grape pricing averages each year across the State of California, now subdivided into 17 Districts. Price discovery is often used for future grape contracting or contract resets, as well as factors into crop insurance considerations and some financial institution asset valuation.

    The grape and wine industry has changed significantly over these decades and the initial Grape Pricing District count of 11 has morphed to 17 as the industry advanced. That evolution continues with this approach to amend the boundary of District 5 in the Ryer Island region (Sacramento River) of Solano County, thus moving the region into District 17 to establish fairness in price discovery for producers and processors.

  • SIP Certified Announces Newly Certified, High-Profile Vineyards for 2019

    Atascadero, California, August 27, 2019 – SIP Certified (Sustainability in Practice) has just released a list of new vineyards that have been certified sustainable for 2019. The high-profile group includes six new properties and two long-time members.

    SIP Certified is one of the wine industry’s oldest and most important sustainability assessment and certification programs. The SIP Certified logo guarantees that farmers, wineries and winemakers have used sustainable methods throughout the growing and winemaking process to preserve the environment and protect human resources. The values of the program include:

    • Social Responsibility – Competitive wages, medical insurance, training, and education
    • Water Management – Reduced/recycled water in the vineyards and winery
    • Safe Pest Management – Introduce beneficial insects, attract raptors and plant enriching cover crops to keep vineyards healthy
    • Energy Efficiency – Alternative fuels and energy sources like solar and wind, minimal tractor usage, enhanced insulation in winery
    • Habitat – Create wildlife corridors and preserve open space
    • Business – Ethical practices that treat employees and community with care and respect

    According to Beth Vukmanic Lopez, SIP Certified Manager, “We are very excited to announce the addition of more than 3,800 acres that have recently been certified in California. Each of these properties has met our strict guidelines regarding environmental protection and social responsibility. This brings our grand total to 273 ranches and more than 40,000 acres that are currently SIP Certified.”

    New Certified Vineyards for 2019

    • Pebble Ridge ‑ 692.72 acres certified in Paicines, CA
    • Gateway Vineyard ‑ 95.25 acres certified in Paso Robles, CA
    • Windfall Farms ‑ 223.38 acres certified in Paso Robles, CA
    • John Silva ‑ 22.03 acres certified in San Luis Obispo, CA
    • North Fork Vineyard ‑ 839.44 acres certified in Cuyma, CA
    • Rick Jekel/Vititech Vineyards ‑ 206.56 acres certified in Creston, CA

    Added Acres

    • Jackson Family Wines – Certified an additional 350 acres bringing their total to 12,894.07 acres
    • Lone Tree Creek – Certified an additional 1400+ acres owned by The Wine Group bringing their total to 1798.49 acres

    ABOUT SIP CERTIFIED

    Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified is one of the wine industry’s oldest and most important third-party assessment programs. It utilizes a block-to-bottle, integrated approach to management, enabling farmers, wineries and winemakers to preserve the environment and protect human resources. SIP Certified boasts strict, non-negotiable requirements and standards based on science, expert input, independent verification, transparency and the absence of conflict of interest. SIP Certified launched its pilot program in 2008 with 3,700 acres of vines between Monterey and Santa Barbara counties. Today, there are 43,600 acres of vines in California and Michigan, two wineries and more than 36 million bottles of wine that have been SIP Certified.

  • Oaks in Vineyards A ‘Win-Win’ for Bats and Growers

    Californians love their oak trees. During vineyard development, Central Coast grape growers often feel compelled to leave an old iconic oak standing, even if it ends up right in the middle of their vineyard. While driving through the Central Coast, it’s not unusual to see the pattern of vineyard rows broken by a majestic oak tree. Aside from their beauty, what are some of the ecosystem services that these majestic trees provide?

    To find answers, a UC Cooperative Extension scientist in San Luis Obispo County collaborated with a U.S. Forest Service scientist to study how bats use blue oak and valley oak trees in vineyards. UC Cooperative Extension specialist Bill Tietje, a co-author of the study, says they focused on bats that eat insects because bat populations have declined dramatically in some areas due to habitat loss and disease. “And bats don’t hurt grapes. As a matter of fact, thanks to the huge number of bugs they consume—bats could be very good for a vineyard.”

    To understand the potential value of remnant oak trees for insectivorous bats, the researchers placed microphones to detect bat calls within 14 Central Coast vineyards. The recordings revealed 11 species of insectivorous bats foraged within the vineyards and bat foraging activity was 1.5 times greater at the trees compared to open, tree-less areas within the vineyard. And the bigger the tree, the bigger the number of bats it attracted.

    “The study results suggest that the large oak tree in my vineyard not only increases the beauty and biodiversity of the agricultural

    Western red bats, which resemble this eastern red bat, were one of 11 bat species found at oak trees. Photo by Merlin Tuttle

    landscape, but also attracts insect-eating bats that can provide natural pest control—a win-win,” said grape grower Jerry Reaugh, who cooperated with the researchers.

    In fact, the presence of insectivorous bats called woodland-adapted bats more than doubled within the vineyards with trees. The study indicates that the oak trees attracted woodland-adapted bats that would normally be absent from vineyards.

    Tietje hopes that the free insect-reduction services provided by bats will increase grape growers’ incentive to manage and maintain the trees, and even to plant new oak trees in suitable areas around their vineyard, in mutual benefit to both agriculture and biodiversity.

    “In addition to their value for insectivorous bats, remnant trees maintain bird and insect diversity by providing food, habitat, cover and stepping stones that facilitate the movement of wildlife within agricultural landscapes,” said Tietje.

    This study comes at a time when declining blue oak and valley oak populations are of great concern.

    The study by University of Washington graduate student Anne Polyakov, Theodore Weller of USDA Forest Service and Tietje is published in the September 2019 edition of Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment.

  • Sonoma County Winegrowers to Participate in Ag’s First Climate Certification Program

    Five years ago, the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) made a bold declaration to the wine world that its more than 1,800 winegrowers were committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% certified sustainable wine region in 2019.

    Today, Karissa Kruse, president of the Sonoma County Winegrowers, addressed the local winegrowing community to announce that Sonoma County now has a record-breaking 99%  of its local vineyards certified sustainable.  Kruse also announced that SCW will continue to build on its sustainability leadership as an exclusive participant in the California Land Stewardship Institute’s Climate Adaptation Certification Program which is the first program of its kind available in the world for agriculture.

    While carbon farm plans have been utilized by some farmers and ranchers in the past, this new climate adaptation certification marks the first time farmers will have a certification and a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction and carbon sequestration program that includes all three main GHG  – carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane. This voluntary climate adaptation program will be customized to site and operations with growers documenting their reductions, monitoring  their greenhouse gas emissions and undergoing an annual audit.  After launching and piloting the effort in Sonoma County vineyards, the program will be available to other wine regions around the world.

    “When our leadership realized that 99% of the vineyards in Sonoma County were going to be certified sustainable, they began looking ahead and identified climate adaptation certification as the next natural step for Sonoma County Winegrowers,” stated Kruse.  She added, “Climate change is a critical threat, yet there is little information available on the role agriculture can play.  This program addresses that by focusing on the importance of local solutions to combat a global concern. We are excited that this new certification program highlights the unique role and opportunity agriculture and local communities have in climate adaptation and mitigation.”

    The Climate Adaptation Certification program is a customized farm plan that will track the impact of climate friendly farming practices and develop recommendations that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The certification program will focus on proven scientific concepts that growers can implement without compromising their farming practices.  It will limit nitrous oxide emissions and focus on carbon sequestration to improve the health of the soil and the farm. The program meets both the State of California’s climate goals and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Healthy Soil goals.

    Each participating vineyard in Sonoma County will have its own land management program developed specifically to address the sequestration of nitrous oxide and carbon emissions.  The greenhouse gas reductions will be monitored and documented with the information shared with farmers and the general public.

    “Through the Climate Adaptation Certification program, both the grower and the public will be able to better understand the role of vineyards in climate change and the immediate benefits of agricultural practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and sequester carbon,” said Laurel Marcus, executive director of the California Land Stewardship Institute.  She added, “We are excited to collaborate on this pilot project with the Sonoma County Winegrowers who have demonstrated great leadership in land stewardship and environmental responsibility.”

    Sonoma County’s wine industry is primarily comprised of multi-generational family businesses.   There are 59,218 acres planted to vineyards, which accounts for only 6% of Sonoma County’s total acreage.  In fact, more than 40% of Sonoma County’s vineyard parcels are less than 20 acres, with 80% of the county’s vineyards less than 100 acres.

    Duff Bevill, Bevill Vineyard Management and past chair of the SCW board of directors, is often referred to as the godfather of sustainability by the locals and is credited with playing a key role in bringing the idea of committing to 100% sustainability to the SCW board and local growers.  He is excited about participating in the first Climate Adaptation Certification program for vineyards.

    “I have long felt that sustainability is the best approach to ensure we protect our land for future generations, improve the quality of life for our employees, and enhance the community where we live and work,” said Bevill.  He added, “That foundation is critical as we now look to reduce and document greenhouse gas emissions and further our carbon sequestration efforts.  Though the issue is big, there is little understanding as to what solutions can make a difference.   This program excites me because it has a lot of depth to it and it will enable us to actually monitor and determine how best to lower our impact through a combination of best management practices.”

    Sonoma County has some of the world’s most recognized grape growing areas in the world with the first vineyards dating back to 1812.  The region’s unique combination of rich geological history, fog patterns generated by its more than 50-miles of Pacific Ocean coastline and topography has given rise to 18 unique American Viticultural Areas (AVA), with plans to designate more. Each AVA offers distinct climate, soils, temperature areas, elevations and historical significance perfect for growing world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel and more.

    Sonoma County is also home to almost 500 wineries whose wines are renowned throughout the world.  In 2018, SCW launched its “Sustainably Farmed Grapes” logo for wineries to use on their wines beginning with the 2017 vintage.  To use the label, wines must be using at least 85% certified sustainable Sonoma County winegrapes following an audit by SCW.

    “What is most exciting is that given that we are a certified sustainable wine region and participating in the first Climate Adaptation Certification for vineyards, consumers can always purchase Sonoma County wines with confidence knowing that we are the global leader in growing and making great wine while minimizing the impact on the environment,” said SCW’s Kruse.

    About Sonoma County Winegrowers:

    The Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, also known as Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW), was established in 2006 as a marketing and educational organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Sonoma County as one of the world’s premier grape growing regions. SCW has oversight by California Department of Food and Agriculture which supports producer regions. With more than 1,800 growers, SCW’s goal is to increase awareness and recognition of the quality and diversity of Sonoma County’s grapes and wines through dynamic marketing and educational programs targeted to wine consumers around the world.

    In January 2014, SCW committed to becoming the nation’s first 100% sustainable winegrowing region in 2019. As of September 12, 2019, 99% of the vineyard acreage in Sonoma County has completed certification by a third-party auditor making Sonoma County the most sustainable wine region in the world.  SCW’s sustainability efforts have been recognized with California’s highest environmental honor, the 2016 Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award (GEELA).  Learn more at www.sonomawinegrape.org

     

  • 2019 Harvest Gets Underway in Lake County

    The 2019 Lake County winegrape harvest is underway and growers in the high-elevation winegrowing region are once again pleased with this year’s growing conditions and optimistic about the grape quality.

    Many of the region’s growers and vineyard managers are anticipating an earlier-than-normal harvest, which was unexpected given the region’s wet spring and relatively cool early season temperatures. However, by midseason, more normal temperatures prevailed, making for consistent, and in some cases, even early ripening.

    “It’s been a really beautiful growing season,” said Debra Sommerfield, president of the Lake County Winegrape Commission. “After a cool start, Lake County has had moderately warm, clear days throughout the summer along with its typical elevation-induced nighttime cooling. Growers couldn’t have been more pleased.”

    While a few vineyard owners started picking late last week, harvest is steadily getting underway this week with the region’s flagship white varietal – Sauvignon Blanc – being picked in many growing areas.

    In the region’s Big Valley District AVA in Kelseyville, Dancing Crow Vineyard was one of the first to harvest its Sauvignon Blanc on Monday night.

    “The late season rains have produced excellent vine growth with fairly loose clusters that have sized nicely,” said David DeSante, winemaker for Dancing Crow Vineyards. “The whites are coming on fast due to this hot snap,” he said. “Flavors are superb.”

    After having walked vineyards throughout Big Valley and Kelsey Bench with their viticulturist David Weiss, owner of Bella Vista Farming Co., DeSante said, “We are convinced that this may be our best vintage yet.”

    DeSante said they measured sugars at 21.5 Brix and pH around 3.25, which is “perfect for the crisp, aromatic style of white wine that we love.”

    “Up until recently, it’s been a pretty cool season, which has promoted earlier fruit maturation,” said Clay Shannon, owner of Shannon Ridge Family of Wines. Shannon Ridge started picking Sauvignon Blanc grapes on Sunday in the High Valley AVA and in Long Valley, both located in the northeastern portion of Lake County.

    “Bud break was late, and we had late rains,” Shannon said. “We had a good rain season. Our wells are recharged, our springs are running strong.” He indicated the vines look good, with low pest pressure and no mildew issues.

    Harvest 2019 gets underway in Lake County with a Sauvignon Blanc pick in the early morning hours at Shannon Ridge in High Valley AVA. Photo credit: Shannon Ridge Family of Wines.

    The late start in the spring had many Lake County growers anticipating a later-than-normal harvest, but the consistent warmer midsummer temperatures have encouraged steady ripening and the fruit is now near average maturity, and in some locations, even a bit early.

    “Several growers have noted that it could be a somewhat compressed harvest with different varieties coming on at the same time,” Sommerfield said. “This could present a challenge, but at this point, they seem confident they have the necessary labor.”

    In terms of yield, some growers have reported a lower-than-average Sauvignon Blanc crop with a few estimating approximately 55 to 60 percent of normal, according to Sommerfield. Yield estimates for reds range from normal to slightly lower than normal, she said.

    Brassfield Estate Winery, also in the High Valley AVA, started picking their rosé varietals – Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Pinot Noir – on Tuesday. “We will get into Sauvignon Blanc at the end of the week,” said Jonathan Walters, Brassfield’s director of farming. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we are into early hillside reds by next week.”

    This estimate for kicking off harvest for the region’s bold reds was echoed by other Cabernet Sauvignon producers across the region who are gauging harvest to be anywhere from one to two weeks early.

    “Budbreak was two weeks later than historical average, bloom was 10 days later than average, fruit-set was on average, and veraison was one week early in most blocks,” said Clint Nelson, vineyard manager at Beckstoffer Vineyards Red Hills. “This is abnormal to say the least, to have an early harvest after experiencing such a cold and wet winter, which significantly delayed budburst,” Nelson said. “Now it appears sugars are escalating quickly, potentially driven by a lighter than average crop-load.”

    Beckstoffer Vineyards Red Hills was set to begin its first pick of the year on Wednesday night with Sauvignon Blanc at approximately 22.5 Brix.

    As for reds, Nelson said the condensed growing season has caused most of their blocks to be pegged at the same rate of maturation, and for a farming operation that has 97 percent of its crop dedicated to Cabernet Sauvignon, that can lead to a “hectic harvest.”

    Nelson said the turbulent weather seen in parts of the Red Hills at bloom significantly impacted yields, which are estimated to be lower than average, but the mild summer and strong diurnal shifts have created ideal conditions for ultra-premium cabernet.

    “This may be one of the greatest ‘quality’ years in recent memory,” Nelson said.

  • Having Fun and Protecting Farmland go Hand-in-Hand

    California Farmland Trust (CFT) is excited to announce a fun-filled evening of painting, sipping, and protecting farmland at their Sunset Vine Paint and Wine event Friday, Sept. 20 at Bokisch Vineyards from 4-7pm in Lodi.

    Watch the sunset over the grapevines at the beyond-beautiful Bokisch Vineyards. Sip a glass of award-winning Spanish varietal wine and munch on tasty tapas (that’s Spanish for appetizers). All while, of course, making your own incredible painting of the view – no artistic talent or experience needed.

    “The painting will be led by Lindsey Liberman of Pinot’s Palette. You will be surprised at your abilities by the end of your experience,” said Melanee Cottrill, Associate Director for California Farmland Trust. “Lindsey will walk you through every step and all materials will be provided. All you need to do is get inspired by the incredible sunset, enjoy the amazing award-winning wines, and have a good time.”

    All proceeds from the event will directly benefit farmland conservation and protect the farms that feed your family. CFT’s mission is to protect the best farmland in the world –the very land you will be sitting upon and gazing at as you paint and sip.

    “Bokisch Vineyards is a long-time supporter of our work and has partnered with us to connect more people to the land and its bounty through this fun event,” continued Cottrill. “The team at Bokisch and their wines are all incredible. Their love of the land is unparalleled and we are grateful to share it with the public at this event.”

    “Last year was the first time I’ve ever participated in a Paint and Sip event,” said Liz Bokisch, owner at Bokisch Vineyards. “I have to admit, I was a little nervous at first, but once I got started I thoroughly enjoyed myself! It was fun, easy, relaxing and an all-around feel good moment knowing I was doing my part to support California farmland. What a perfect way to spend an evening!”

    Sunset Vine Paint and Wine is perfect for girls night out, date night, or just to try something new in a beautiful place with expert assistance. Join us and do something good for you and the land we all love!

    Visit www.cafarmtrust.org/events for your tickets today! For more information or photos, please contact:

    Melanee Cottrill, mcottrill@cafarmtrust.org or (916) 687-3178

  • Ramona Ranch Vineyard & Winery Receives Year Three CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE Status

    Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery has received renewal of CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE status by meeting the requirements set by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA) and audited at three years.

    Ramona Ranch was the first and is still the only winery in San Diego County to be designated Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing (CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE) as a result of meeting a comprehensive set of standards for “environmental stewardship, conservation of natural resources and socially equitable business practices” set by the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance (CSWA).

    Ramona Ranch has now completed Year Three certification requirements for renewal for both its winery and vineyard by:

    • Ensuring all prerequisite action plans were complete and all year three prerequisite scores achieved.
    • Meeting the minimum score for targets.
    • Recording metrics information for annual nitrogen and water use for the past year.
    • Ensuring no Red List materials were used for pest management.
    • Ensuring the winery is meeting existing requirements for self-assessments, prerequisites, continuous improvement and action planning for the coming year.

    CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE is an outgrowth of the Sustainable Winegrowing Program, a free, educational program initiated by the Wine Institute and California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) in 2002 to provide educational information and encouragement of sustainability. This third-party certification program was developed by the Sustainable Winegrowing Joint Committee—comprised of 50 grower and vintner members of the Wine Institute and CAWG—and sustainability certification experts and launched in 2010. Input was also solicited from other industry and external stakeholders.

    To qualify for sustainable status Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery had to: complete an annual self-assessment of 140 vineyard & 104 winery best practices; meet 58 required prerequisite practices for vineyards, and 37 required prerequisite practices for wineries; comply with “CERTIFIED SUSTAINABLE” list requirements; meet sustainability performance metrics for water, energy, nitrogen and GHGs; demonstrate continuous improvement in the adoption of sustainable practices; undergo an annual audit and submit an audit report each year; and complete a Chain of Custody audit. 

    Ramona Ranch, a San Diego County vineyard and winery, is located in the heart of the Ramona Valley AVA (American Viticulture Area).  They strive to produce balanced wines that will stand the test of time, that are enjoyable now and become more intense as the years go by. They have focused on sustainability since they moved to Ramona in 2004.  Throughout their vineyards are wind-turbines, solar panels, owl boxes, and insectary, bringing in beneficial bugs and birds to improve the bio-diversity of the farm, which was recognized by the National Wildlife Federation as a Certified Wildlife Habitat. With a natural riparian area, the quail coveys are thriving, along with a family of California Greater Roadrunners, red-tail and cooper hawks, beneficial snakes like the coastal rosy boa, and the occasional golden eagle or snowy egret.

    Their wines are produced from Estate and local Ramona vineyards that they have personally selected for the quality fruit due to the meticulous attention of each grower. Tasting is available for their award-winning wines, including the Double-Gold, Best of Class Estate Tannat.

    Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery is located at 23578 Highway 78, Ramona, CA 92065. (760) 789-1622.  Open for tasting: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday-by appointment only.

    For additional information on Ramona Ranch Vineyard and Winery, go to: http://ramonaranchwines.com

  • Marcy Martin Named CA Citrus Research Board President

    Marcy L. Martin was named today as the new president of the Citrus Research Board (CRB). The appointment was announced by CRB Chairman Dan Dreyer, who said that Martin was selected after a nearly year-long national search for the very best candidate to lead the organization.

    Martin joins the CRB with more than 25 years of experience with California commodity organizations. She most recently served for 14 years as director of trade for the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA), where she advocated on behalf of the state’s fresh grape, blueberry, pomegranate and deciduous tree fruit production in governmental, legislative and policy issues. Prior to that, she had been controller of the California Apple Commission for ten years.

    In 2015, then U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack appointed Martin to the Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee (ATAC) for Trade in Fruits and Vegetables. In his announcement, Vilsack said of those who were appointed, “They are an invaluable asset as we work to enact trade agreements and trade policies that deliver the greatest economic benefit for U.S. agriculture and for our nation as a whole.”

    “California’s citrus growers, packers and shippers have demonstrated through their keen understanding that an industry must invest in sound research to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving environment, marketplace and consumer,” said Martin. “The Citrus Research Board, industry, staff and research community have stepped up to take on looming challenges, specifically huanglongbing, that have devastated citrus production within other regions, both domestically and globally. This is an area I am passionate about, and I look forward to bringing my experience in the technical and regulatory arena to the team.”

    Dreyer said, “The Board is pleased to have Marcy Martin taking the helm of CRB. Her extensive experience with commodity organizations and local, state and federal regulatory agencies will be a key ingredient to the success of CRB projects and priorities. She comes to the CRB with extensive knowledge of fresh tree fruit production and the agricultural use of plant protection products. Our Board members were impressed by her dedication to and passion for agriculture.”

    “The California citrus industry is an important economic contributor and an icon of the Golden State,” Martin said. “Citrus is part of our American and Californian agricultural footprint – a commodity we need to preserve and foster. I’m honored to be part of this continuing tradition.”

    Martin officially will join the CRB on October 1 and will be based out of the CRB headquarters in Visalia, California. She will take the reins from Interim President Franco Bernardi.

    “We cannot thank Franco enough for his dedicated service to the CRB throughout the past year,” said Dreyer. “He did an excellent job in guiding the organization through a challenging period, and the Board has been truly grateful for his leadership.”
    About the Citrus Research Board
    The CRB administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 enabling the State’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research. More information about the Citrus Research Board may be found at www.citrusresearch.org.

  • New detections of West Nile Virus in California horses – Prevention Tips

    California Department of Food & Agriculture — A total of seven California horses have tested positive in recent weeks for West Nile Virus, with six of the cases in the Central Valley and one in Riverside County. Two of the horses were euthanized due to the severity of their symptoms.

    Horse owners are reminded to have their animals vaccinated to make sure they are maximizing protection against the disease. And once vaccinations occur, horse owners should be checking regularly with their veterinarians to make sure they stay current.

    Californians can also do their part to prevent the disease by managing mosquitoes that carry West Nile Virus. Here are some tips:

    • Draining unnecessary standing water found in wheelbarrows, tires, etc.
    • Cleaning water containers at least weekly (i.e., bird baths, plant saucers)
    • Scheduling pasture irrigation to minimize standing water
    • Keeping swimming pools optimally chlorinated and draining water from pool covers
    • Stocking of water tanks with fish that consume mosquito larvae (Contact local mosquito control for assistance) or use mosquito “dunk” available at hardware stores.

    It’s important to remember that mosquitoes become infected with the virus when they feed on infected birds. Mosquitoes then spread the virus to horses.  Horses are a dead-end host and do not spread the virus to other horses or humans. For more information on West Nile Virus, please visit this link.