The Tulare Chamber of Commerce invites the dairy community to the reimagined Salute to Dairy, an annual celebration of the Central Valley’s proud agricultural and dairy legacy as well as the hardworking people who sustain it. The event takes place Friday, June 20, 2025, at the International Agri-Center’s Heritage Complex in Tulare. Doors open at 6:00 PM for an evening of community connection, recognition, and celebration.
This year’s Salute to Dairy honors the 2025 Dairy Family of the Year and shines a new spotlight on organizations and individuals whose advocacy efforts have significantly supported and uplifted the dairy industry in our region.
The program will feature a keynote address by Assemblywoman Alexandra Macedo, a passionate supporter of agriculture and a powerful voice for Valley communities. Known for her dedication to policies that protect and strengthen California’s dairy sector, Macedo brings valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. Her presence is sure to inspire as she shares her vision for a thriving future rooted in collaboration, resilience, and innovation.
In addition to the keynote, the Chamber will present its annual Dairy Family of the Year award. This cherished recognition honors a local family whose commitment to excellence, stewardship, and community service exemplifies the best of dairy farming throughout Tulare County.
New this year is a Spotlight on Dairy Advocates—a special recognition of three organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in promoting, defending, and advancing the dairy industry. These advocates may be educators, policy leaders, media professionals, or community champions whose efforts have helped preserve the integrity of dairy farming, educate the public, and elevate the voices of farmers. Their contributions serve as a reminder that support for agriculture comes in many forms—and that every voice matters in telling the story of dairy.
Guests will enjoy a lively evening featuring a wine and cheese social, dinner, live and silent auctions, and a no-host bar. It’s a chance to celebrate the people behind one of California’s most iconic industries, while also investing in its continued success.
Tickets are $75 through May 27 and increase to $85 beginning May 28. To purchase tickets, visit the Tulare Chamber of Commerce website at www.tularechamber.org.
Join the Chamber for an evening of gratitude, celebration, and advocacy—where they will honor the past, support the present, and look ahead to a strong and sustainable future for dairy in the Central Valley.
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is pleased to announce the launch of LaborLink, a new member benefit designed to help agricultural retailers address one of their most urgent operational challenges: securing reliable labor. Through a partnership with másLabor, the nation’s leading provider of H-2 visa services, ARA members now have direct access to expert support in navigating H-2 visa processes.
“Our members are dealing with significant labor shortages that impact everything from product delivery to service capacity,” says Daren Coppock, ARA President and CEO. “LaborLink gives members access to a proven, legal workforce solution—and it comes at a critical time in the hiring cycle.”
The H-2 visa program enables U.S. employers to legally hire foreign workers for temporary, non-agricultural positions. For agricultural retailers—many of whom require help with logistics, custom application, and facility operations—the program offers a powerful tool for filling workforce gaps.
Crucial Timing
To be eligible for the spring workforce window, employers must begin the H-2 application process by June 1. By starting now, ARA members can bring workers in during the fall and rehire them in spring 2026 under a cap-exempt status, significantly improving their chances of success.
With LaborLink, ARA members receive:
•Strategic consultation to determine H-2 eligibility and approach
•Full-service filing and compliance support
•Access to industry-leading tools and templates
•A dedicated case manager from másLabor
másLabor currently represents more H-2 program clients across more sectors and states than any other provider, offering deep expertise in regulatory navigation, audit readiness, and workforce onboarding.
“This collaboration is another example of how ARA is working to deliver real, timely solutions to help members operate more effectively,” Coppock says. “We’re proud to offer this benefit and look forward to seeing the impact it makes across the industry.”
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.
George M. Leavitt, Jr., UC Cooperative Extension viticulture advisor emeritus for Madera County, passed away in Paso Robles on April 21, 2025. He was 79.
Leavitt served as the UCCE viticulture farm advisor for Madera County from 1975 until his retirement in 2006. During his 34-year UCCE career, he was recognized as an exceptional plant pathologist specializing in grapevine trunk diseases like Botryosphaeria, Eutypa and Phomopsis dieback.
Prior to becoming a UCCE viticulture farm advisor, Leavitt worked as a staff research associate for the distinguished UCCE viticulture specialist Fred Jensen. While finishing up his master’s degree at Brigham Young University, Leavitt found it was the perfect job because Jensen led a busy lab focused on evaluating plant growth regulators and cultural operations for table grape production.
Leavitt would go on to use the trial methodology in his own large field trials that became popular with Madera County growers. After Jensen’s retirement, Leavitt would check in with him regularly to discuss industry issues over lunch, which often included Larry Bettiga, UCCE viticulture farm advisor in Monterey County and former Jensen staff research associate.
“George arranged a lunch meeting every year and we continued to meet annually after Fred’s passing for a Jensen memorial luncheon,” Bettiga said.
In the early 1980s, Leavitt began work on his Ph.D. He took a sabbatical to complete his course work at UC Riverside and returned to Madera to continue and finish his field work, which was focused on grapevine canker diseases, under the tutelage of Donald E. Munnecke, Ph.D., at UC Riverside, whose philosophy was that fieldwork made the researcher. Leavitt had been working with growers to identify the cause of dying cordons and noticed the symptoms varied greatly and didn’t fit the traditional tattered leaf symptoms that E. lata is known to cause.
From left, Stephen Vasquez, Leavitt, Fred Jensen and Larry Bettiga. Leavitt showed his appreciation for his mentor, Fred Jensen, with an annual lunch that often lasted 3-4 hours. They would discuss the grape industry and dates for their next ski trip.
Leavitt took Munnecke’s adage to heart and collected numerous samples from California, Arizona and northern Mexico vineyards, documenting symptoms, collecting samples, spending hours in the laboratory, plating them on auger plates and looking through a microscope to identify the different fungi. His hard work paid dividends, because he determined that Botryosphaeria theobromae was the other fungus infecting grapevines, causing “Bot canker.”
After retirement, Leavitt mentored early-career plant pathologists working on canker diseases who brought a different set of skills and approach to working on grapevine cankers, which was primarily focused on lab research. However, he would gently remind them of the importance of collecting their own field samples.
Leavitt enjoyed field days and looked for opportunities to train the next generation of plant pathologists.
Growers regarded Leavitt as a consummate professional and educator. “You could always count on learning something from him,” said Kip Green, a former vineyard manager and current Pest Control Adviser and Certified Crop Adviser. “George was generous with his time and always made sure you had the information to make the right decision in the vineyard.”
Leavitt held monthly grower meetings at the Howard School building in Madera, which was turned into a restaurant by local caterer, Dino Petrucci, who renamed it “Old School House.” Petrucci, a grape grower himself, made sure his grower colleagues didn’t go hungry, serving up tri-tip sandwiches, potatoes, beans, salad and dessert for $10! Growers would meet for lunch and receive one hour of continuing education credit to maintain their Private Applicator License.
Leavitt would often present a topic, but would also have his UC ANR colleagues give talks on relevant grape issues, like insect pests or weeds. A grower once said “You never leave George’s meeting hungry or bored. The discussion is always lively.”
Leavitt’s powdery mildew field days started with him standing in the truck bed and reviewing the fungicide treatments with growers and reporters taking notes.
In addition to working on grapevine trunk diseases, Leavitt also conducted powdery mildew fungicide trials at a local grower’s vineyard. The trials were extensive, often having 30-plus treatments that included multiple combinations of registered and experimental fungicides. Grape growers from Bakersfield to Modesto would attend the field day to learn about the latest products.
Stephen Vasquez, a former UCCE viticulture advisor who served in Fresno County for 14 years, attended the field days and described them as a “who’s who of the grape industry.” “Everyone wanted the information so they could prepare for the next season,” Vasquez said.
Tome Martin-Duvall, a former UC technician who worked for Leavitt and oversaw the powdery mildew trials, mentioned that 50 to 100 growers would attend the field days.
“Bad mildew the previous season would result in increased attendance the next season,” said Martin-Duvall. “You could often meet up with other UCCE farm advisors, too, because they wanted to share the trial data with their growers.”
After retiring in 2006, Leavitt remained involved in the grape industry and research. He supported UC colleagues by presenting at their local meetings on grapevine disease management. He also worked with international colleagues on separating grapevine fungal pathogens using DNA technology.
“He never lost interest in viticulture research,” said Vasquez. “He always wanted the newest information so he could share it with his grower friends in the San Joaquin Valley.”
George Leavitt was a grape plant pathologist and was always evaluating new technologies to improve disease management for growers.
Leavitt made significant contributions to California viticulture and was recognized by the University of California, the California Association of Pest Control Advisers and the San Joaquin Valley Winegrowers Association for his research and extension program.
Leavitt is survived by his wife Annette, seven children, 36 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Leavitt were held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 2600 Ramona Road, Atascadero, California. Those wishing to honor Leavitt’s life can make donations to Court Appointed Special Advocates San Luis Obispo at slocasa.org. — Article by Stephen Vasquez and Larry Bettiga
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will visit the United Kingdom May 12-14. This comes after President Donald J. Trump announced on the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, a new trade agreement in principle that will lower tariffs, remove trade barriers, increase market access, and strengthen cooperation on economic security. The President secured major wins for American agriculture. This deal provides significant expansion in U.S. market access in the UK, creating a $5 billion opportunity for new exports for U.S. stakeholders, including U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers.
“President Trump has made a historic deal with the UK that secures increased access for American agricultural products, including unprecedented access for American beef and ethanol. The President’s trade strategy is working. We are working every day to increase American economic exceptionalism and that includes selling the bounty of American agriculture around the world,” said Secretary Rollins. “I am traveling to the UK next week on my first foreign mission to meet with my counterparts and discuss the commitments of this deal. Our strong cultural and political ties between our countries have led to incredible economic prosperity. It is our goal to achieve even closer relations, and we are thankful for a deal that benefits both countries and gives American farmers, ranchers, foresters, and food processors better access to the UK market and the ability to compete for this business.”
Secretary Rollins will meet with senior UK government officials, visit facilities importing US agricultural products, and hear from U.S. cooperators and UK importers on how the Administration can best position U.S. agricultural products in this important and high value market.
Secretary Rollins has made it a top priority to advocate on behalf of American agriculture. This means increasing access for American products in existing markets, opening new markets with strong demand for our products, and making sure trading partners are treating American farmers, ranchers, and producers fairly. This comes after four years of inaction by the Biden Administration that caused agriculture to go from a trade surplus under President Trump, to a significant trade deficit under President Biden.
Following Secretary Rollins’ trip to the UK in May, she will travel to Japan, Vietnam, Brazil, Peru, Italy, and India over the next five months. Other USDA Trade Missions this year include Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico.
United Kingdom: The UK is the United States’ fourteenth largest agricultural export market. U.S. producers face disproportionately high tariffs and small tariff rate quota volumes, and unjustified non-tariff barriers when exporting to the UK.
India: The United States is India’s sixth largest supplier of agricultural products. The U.S. has a $1.3 billion agricultural trade deficit with India.
Brazil: The United States has a $7 billion agricultural trade deficit with Brazil.
Japan: Japan is a top five market for many key U.S. commodities, including corn, beef, pork, wheat, rice, and soybeans.
Vietnam: Vietnam is the United States’ tenth largest agricultural export market. The U.S. has no trade agreement with Vietnam while major competitors like China do.
Peru: Peru is the United States’ third largest South American market for agricultural exports, and the U.S. remains Peru’s second largest agricultural supplier. Key prospects for U.S. agricultural exports to Peru include ethanol, dairy products, meat, tree nuts, and pulses.
Italy: American farmers and ranchers face a number of arbitrary non-tariff barriers that prevent larger export opportunities to Italy.
A pillar of California viticulture, Bettiga will be recognized with ASEV’s highest honor for his exceptional career advancing wine grape production through science-based research, grower education, and industry leadership. His presentation, “In the Question of Vine Development – Does Size Matter?,” is scheduled for Thursday, June 19, and will highlight the evolution of viticultural practices in coastal California and the pivotal role that applied research and cooperative extension have played in improving vineyard productivity and sustainability.
Bettiga has served as a Viticulture Farm Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) for over 41 years, primarily based in Monterey County. In this role, he has conducted applied research and extension education programs that have benefited grape growers across Monterey, San Benito and Santa Cruz counties. His work has focused on cultural practices, rootstock and clonal selection, canopy management and integrated pest management—all aimed at enhancing vine health and fruit quality.
Before his appointment in Monterey, Bettiga spent six years conducting viticulture and pest management research in California’s Southern San Joaquin Valley, working with grapes, tree nuts and vineyards at the UC Kearney Research and Extension Center and Tulare County UC Cooperative Extension.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Bettiga has authored and co-authored more than 450 technical articles, newsletters, research reports and abstracts. He served as technical editor during the third revision of the influential book Grape Pest Management and is widely recognized for his leadership in translating research findings into practical solutions for vineyard managers.
A member of ASEV since 1984, Bettiga has served on the Society’s Board of Directors—including as president from 1999 to 2000—and has presented numerous research and symposium sessions at ASEV National Conferences. He previously received the ASEV Extension Distinction Award in 2017, among many other honors including the University of California’s Distinguished Service Award for Outstanding Teamwork (2006, 2016), the Western Extension Directors’ Association Award of Excellence (2008) and the International IPM Award of Recognition for his work on the European grapevine moth team (2018).
The ASEV Merit Award recognizes individuals who have significantly advanced the science and practice of enology and viticulture. Bettiga’s presentation will offer a unique perspective shaped by four decades of dedicated service to California’s wine grape industry and his enduring commitment to grower education and sustainable farming.
The ASEV National Conference is a platform to gather and discuss scientific and technological advances for the benefit and evolution of the grape and wine industries. It provides a stimulating and collegial atmosphere for industry, students, and academics to learn, engage, and network. To register for the conference, visit the online registration pageby June 10 and/or make hotel reservations by May 27 for cost savings.
ASEV is an international community of wine and grape professionals that promotes industry vitality through the exchange of information and support of research and education. ASEV hosts the National Conference in June and co-hosts the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium in January. ASEV publishes the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV) and awards scholarships to students pursuing a degree in enology, viticulture, or in a curriculum emphasizing a science basic to the wine and grape industry.
Congress members David Valadao (CA-22), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Adam Gray (CA-13) have joined forces to reintroduce the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. This bill, which passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in the 116th and 117th Congresses, updates the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and is a compromise solution that provides needed stability for farmers and farmworkers. Congressman Valadao was a co-lead of the bill in the 118th Congress and a co-sponsor in the 117th Congress.
“Central Valley farmers are the backbone of our nation’s agricultural industry, but they continue to face serious challenges finding and retaining a reliable workforce,” said Congressman Valadao. “The current H-2A program doesn’t meet the labor needs of many producers, but the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a positive step to addressing our agriculture workforce needs and securing our food supply chain. Food security is national security, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find long-term solutions that support our farmers and strengthen our food supply chain.”
“The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices,” said Rep. Lofgren. “As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would do so, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply. It is well-past time we get this bipartisan legislation twice passed by the House of Representatives to the President’s desk.”
“The workforce crisis has come to a boiling point for farmers across the country. Reintroducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act sends a clear message to farmers that we are working hard to find solutions that ease the burdens brought on by the current state of the H-2A program. This legislation is necessary to lay the groundwork for continued negotiations, and I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to enact long-term, durable reforms to our agriculture guest worker programs. This issue has been, and remains, my top priority and unified Republican government is an opportunity to deliver for our farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Newhouse.
“The workforce crisis is the most important issue facing agriculture in our country,” said Rep. Simpson. “Supporting American agriculture means providing a stable, reliable, and legal workforce, and this legislative solution addresses one of the most pressing concerns our farmers and ranchers face. Now that we finally have an administration taking the border crisis seriously, Congress must address this issue and enact necessary reforms. It is well past time we solve this problem. I look forward to working with my colleagues and getting this critical legislation across the finish line to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”
“American agriculture depends on a reliable workforce and nowhere is that more true than in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where farmworkers are the backbone of our economy. This legislation is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that provides stability for our farmers and dignity for the workers who feed America. If President Trump is serious about fixing our broken immigration system, he should work with us to get this bill across the finish line,” said Congressman Costa.
“Farm workers and the larger agricultural community are the backbone of the Central Valley’s economy,” said Congressman Gray. “Labor shortages on our farms could lead to higher food prices across the country and the Valley cannot afford to be shorthanded. This commonsense bipartisan bill would stabilize our vital workforce and make sure Valley farmers can continue to feed families across the country.”
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would:
Reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers.
Establish a program for agricultural workers in the United States to choose to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.
Focus on modification to make the program more responsive and user-friendly for employers and provides access to the program for industries with year-round labor needs.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food & Nutrition Service (FNS) will require States to make certain all records associated with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and allotments are shared with the federal government.
“President Trump is rightfully requiring the federal government to have access to all programs it funds,” said Secretary Rollins, “and SNAP is no exception. For years, this program has been on autopilot, with no USDA insight into real-time data. The Department is focused on appropriate and lawful participation in SNAP, and today’s request is one of many steps to ensure SNAP is preserved for only those eligible.”
On March 20, 2025, President Trump signed Executive Order 14243, Stopping Waste, Fraud, and Abuse by Eliminating Information Silos, requiring agency heads to “take all necessary steps, to the maximum extent consistent with law, to ensure the federal government has unfettered access to comprehensive data from all State programs that receive federal funding, including, as appropriate, data generated by those programs but maintained in third-party databases.” The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is federally funded, administered by States, and includes relationships with processors and retailers, among others, all of which are information siloes. Today’s guidance prioritizes program integrity and will allow FNS, for the first time, transparency into the data long only held by States and Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) processors.
The California Association, FFA, recently awarded Grow West, the California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF), and the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) with the Distinguished Service Citation at the 97th State FFA Leadership Conference in Sacramento.
The Distinguished Service Citation honors organizations, agencies, businesses, or other groups that have made outstanding contributions to FFA and agricultural education. This year, the California FFA Executive Committee voted to recognize these three organizations for their unwavering support and dedication to California FFA and its members.
Grow West, one of California’s largest independent ag retailers, was recognized for its remarkable 70-year partnership with California FFA. The company has been a key supporter of the California Agriculture Special Interest License Plate Program, which generates more than $200,000 annually to fund youth leadership and career development. Since 2015, Grow West has purchased over 300 agriculture-themed license plates for its company fleet—200 of which remain in active use today. Beyond this initiative, Grow West also invests locally through donations, livestock project purchases, and fundraising efforts.
The California Farm Bureau Federation was honored for its consistent and wide-ranging support of FFA members across the state.
The California Farm Bureau Federation was honored for its consistent and wide-ranging support of FFA members across the state. From funding FFA jackets provided to sectional and regional officers to contributing to the state awards program, CFBF helps ensure members are well-equipped for leadership and career success. Their impact is felt both statewide and at the local level, where they continue to champion FFA chapters and nurture the next generation of California agricultural leaders.
The California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) was recognized with the Distinguished Service Citation for its critical role in advancing agricultural education statewide.
The California Agricultural Teachers’ Association (CATA) was recognized with the Distinguished Service Citation for its critical role in advancing agricultural education statewide. Representing agriculture educators from middle school through university, CATA advocates for funding, resources, and program development that directly benefit students, teachers, and agricultural education programs. Their ongoing efforts ensure agricultural education remains strong and relevant across California.
“The Distinguished Service Citation is one of the highest honors we can bestow, and this year’s recipients exemplify what it means to be true champions of agricultural education,” said Matt Patton, executive director of the California FFA Foundation. “Grow West, the California Farm Bureau Federation, and the California Agricultural Teachers’ Association have each made a profound impact on California FFA and our members, and their commitment helps prepare today’s FFA members to drive the future of agriculture.”
With more than 105,000 student members statewide, California FFA is committed to transforming the lives of young people by cultivating their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The steadfast support of Grow West, the California Farm Bureau Federation, and CATA helps ensure California FFA remains a consistent driving force for youth leadership and agricultural education.
About California FFA: California FFA serves more than 105,000 students and strives to make a difference in their lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the California FFA, visit calaged.org.
To train new people to work with California specialty crops and update the skills of current workers, educators from University of California, Davis and UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, Fresno State, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Chico State and five California community colleges are producing educational videos. The training video series is available to the public for free on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/@jeffreymitchell759/playlists.
“As California’s farmers age, shortages of suitably trained agricultural workers increase, and workers increasingly come from non-farming backgrounds, the role of agricultural colleges in teaching both the theory and practice of agriculture is key today,” said Jeff Mitchell, UC Cooperative Extension specialist in the Department of Plant Sciences at UC Davis.
“The average age of agricultural producers in California is currently about 59.2 years,” said Mitchell, who is based at the UC Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier in Fresno County. “Therefore, there is an urgent need to encourage and recruit young people into agriculture to sustain current and future production.”
It is also vitally important that those entering the workforce receive adequate training in current production practices of the state’s particularly dynamic specialty crop industries.
“In response to the growing demand for online education following COVID-19, I have strategically incorporated YouTube video clips – particularly those produced by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources – into my course material to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes,” said Sophia Marin, Bakersfield College adjunct professor. “One of the greatest challenges in teaching agriculture in a virtual setting is the inherently hands-on nature of the industry.”
Marin has been using videos produced a few years ago. The video curriculum series currently being developed includes integrated weed management, postharvest technology, crop breeding, microgreen production, soil management, labor and specialized farm machinery.
Many key concepts, especially those related to plant pathology and crop management, are difficult to fully convey through traditional textbooks or static images alone, Marin noted.
“To address this gap, I began supplementing my lectures with real-time video recordings captured during farm visits, with the consent of local growers,” she said. “These video clips provide students with invaluable exposure to real-world agricultural practices and allow them to observe phenomena such as plant diseases – including Southern Blight – in a way that is far more dynamic and informative than text-based descriptions.”
“Through visual media, students can see subtle distinctions in plant symptoms, understand how and why spores develop, and gain deeper insight into diagnostic and treatment processes,” Marin noted.
In addition to addressing current practices, the training video series also anticipates the challenges that producers will face.
Vegetable farmers – who tend to have greater labor needs than many in other agricultural sectors – face mounting worker shortages and need to modernize their farm workforce.
“Vegetable production systems need to be dynamic to keep pace with unpredictable economic, social, environmental and regulatory changes,” Mitchell said. “These systems must continually adapt to innovations and must have a workforce that understands and can implement ever-changing technologies.”
Visiting farms and viewing videos give Bakersfield College students a clearer idea of the kinds of jobs they would like to pursue, according to Marin.
“These professionally produced clips complement textbook topics such as urban agriculture, propagation, transplanting and field packing, offering students a visual context that supports their understanding of the material,” Marin said. “What I have noticed is these resources promote active learning: students tend to engage more deeply in discussion boards via Canvas, conduct independent research to supplement course content, and demonstrate increased confidence in both their academic progress and career aspirations.”
Development of the teaching modules to train workers for California’s vegetable crops industry is funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The videos will be used and rigorously evaluated by the four universities and five community colleges that serve as key conduits for agricultural workers to the state’s vegetable production regions.
Other project partners include Madera College, Merced College, Santa Rosa Community College, Hartnell College and Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association in Salinas.
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, economic growth, nutrition and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu and support our work at donate.ucanr.edu.
The buttery texture and grassy, fruity profile of Cal Poly’s new olive oil is generating intrigue in the local community as the ideal product for marinades, spreads, drizzling and more.
Students of the Plant Sciences Department produced their second batch of Arbequina extra virgin olive oil from the 230 olive trees at the Crops Unit in the fall — which is available for purchase on campus and in a number of retail stores across San Luis Obispo. The first batch, made from fruit harvested in 2023, flew off the shelves.
The delectable golden liquid is the final step in a process that has come full circle since the orchard was planted in 2020 as a senior project envisioned by Joni Shaffery (Agricultural and Environmental Plant Sciences, ’20).
Students and a contracted crew harvested the olives and Kiler Ridge Mill in Paso Robles pressed them into oil. Pomace, remnants from the milling, was then used by the Cal Poly compost program.
Students are involved in every facet of olive production, said plant sciences Professor Lauren Garner, providing numerous Learn by Doing orchard management opportunities that are unique to the crop. This includes pruning the trees to “ease the task of harvesting the olives by hand and balance the crop load to reduce alternate bearing,” Garner said. In doing so, the orchard will produce a more consistent crop each year. Other tasks done by students include pest management, irrigation and monitoring the fruit’s ripeness.
Pest management is a critical aspect of maintaining the orchard. Fourth-year plant sciences major Chrisann Perivoliotis explained that she was “involved in the biological control release of a small wasp that parasitizes the olive psyllid. It’s definitely the most unique, and one of the most memorable experiences I’ll take with me.” Students enrolled in the course, Biological Control for Pest Management, determined that the release, which was done in coordination with the California Department of Food and Agriculture resulted in parasitism of all of the orchard’s olive psyllids. Additionally, students in several classes participated in the deployment, monitoring and maintenance of traps that were part of the Integrated Pest Management program that helped control a key pest of olives, the olive fruit fly.
Perivoliotis works with the orchard crew to maintain the various orchards at the Crops Unit, doing everything from pruning, harvesting, fertilizer injections and irrigation management for all of the campus orchards, she said.
Perivoliotis even acquired professional experience from Kiler Ridge Mill, the same company that pressed Cal Poly’s olives into oil, through her connections with Cal Poly’s olive orchard. “I was able to work at the mill for a few weeks last season and it was a great experience,” she said. “The environment was really high paced, but it was awesome to be able to gain the knowledge of pressing olives and making oil firsthand.” — By Lauren McEwen, Cal Poly College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences (from Cultivate – Spring 2025 Issue)
Cal Poly Olive Oil can be purchased at the downtown farmers market on Thursdays, the Cal Poly bookstore, Cal Poly Meats, Village Market on campus, at the Cal Poly U-Pick events on Saturdays, at the Poly Plant Shop, SLO Ranch Market and through Talley Farms’ Farm Box program.
