California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • Asian Citrus Psyllid Infestation in California: A Guide for California Citrus Growers

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    California’s vibrant citrus industry, renowned for its oranges, lemons, and limes, is under threat from the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri , ACP). This small invasive pest not only jeopardizes the health of citrus trees but also acts as a carrier of Huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterial disease that causes citrus greening. Here’s what growers need to know about ACP, its impact, and how Kemin Crop Technologies can help with effective botanical solutions to manage and prevent infestations.

    Understanding the Asian Citrus Psyllid

    The Asian citrus psyllid is a sap-sucking insect native to Asia, Africa, and the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. It was first detected in the United States in 2005 in Florida and in California in 2008 and has continued to spread across the major citrus growing regions. This insect’s feeding behavior damages citrus trees by causing leaves to curl and blacken. However, the real threat lies in ACP’s role as a vector for Huanglongbing (HLB). HLB is one of the most devastating diseases affecting citrus crops worldwide. HLB is caused by the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which infects the phloem of citrus trees, disrupting nutrient flow. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure, and the disease eventually leads to the tree’s death. Infected trees can be stunted, have reduced fruit yield, blotchy mottled leaves, and produce misshapen, bitter fruit, rendering them unmarketable. The economic and ecological impact of ACP and HLB is profound, putting California’s multibillion-dollar citrus industry at significant risk.

    Identifying an ACP Infestation

    Early detection of ACP infestations is crucial for effective management. Growers should regularly inspect their orchards for the following:

    • Adult Psyllids: Small (3-4 mm long), brown, winged insects perched at a 45-degree angle on leaves.
    • Nymphs: Tiny (0.25-2 mm long), yellowish-orange immature psyllids found on new growth.
    • Honeydew: Sticky substance excreted by psyllids, often leading to sooty mold development.
    • Leaf Curling: Deformed leaves caused by psyllid feeding.

    Regular monitoring and application during ACP’s active growth stages can significantly reduce infestations and aid in limiting the spread of HLB through psyllid vectors.

    Unlock Superior Protection with TetraCURB™ MAX: Kemin’s botanical-oil based Solution

    For growers seeking a sustainable and effective solution, Kemin’s botanical oil-based biopesticide, TetraCURB MAX, offers a promising option. TetraCURB MAX is a rosemary, peppermint, clove and castor oil-based contact miticide-insecticide and repellent specifically designed to target soft-bodied insects like ACP. Its unique composition is formulated from a proprietary blend of essential oils and synergizers to have multiple modes of action that paralyze, suffocate, desiccate, repel, and disrupt the pest’s feeding and reproductive cycles.

    Here are the key benefits of TetraCURB MAX, and excellent tool for citrus growers to leverage:

    • Smart Blend for Maximum Impact: TetraCURB MAX is formulated with a proprietary blend of active ingredients, including castor oil, rosemary oil, clove oil, and peppermint oil. It also contains an adjuvant, soap and emulsifiers ensuring optimal spray contact, spread, and improves active ingredients efficacy without phytotoxicity. This unique combination ensures multiple modes of action, such as neurotoxic effects, contact suffocation, desiccation, and repellency aiding in fast pest knockdown. The multiple modes of action also help to reduce the likelihood of pests developing resistance.
    • Broad-Spectrum: TetraCURB MAX is effective against a range of pests, being specially formulated to target small, soft-bodied insects. ACP fits perfectly into this category, and we see excellent ACP knockdown in 3rd party assays.
    • TetraCURB MAX Kills on contact with a quick knockdown thanks to the smart blend technology.
    • Safety for Labor, Workers, and Consumers: TetraCURB MAX is made from safe-to-use ingredients, providing peace of mind for laborers and workers. Use of TetraCURB MAX requires minimal personal protective equipment (PPE) and allows a zero-hour restricted-entry interval (REI)
    • Minimal Disruption to Harvest Activities: With a zero-day pre-harvest interval (PHI) TetraCURB MAX can be applied at any time during the season, including on the day of harvest.
    • Versatility: TetraCURB MAX is labeled for use on all crops and has no restrictions on the number of applications per growing cycle.
    • Environmental Safety: TetraCURB MAX does not cause phytotoxicity in plants when used according to the label direction.
    • Easy Application: Applying TetraCURB MAX is simple. It can be used as a stand-alone or in a tank mix. Shake well before use, dilute in water, and apply as a foliar spray with standard equipment ensuring full plant coverage until runoff. ​ With a recommended spray volume of 100 gallons per acre and a treatment interval of 5-10 days, TetraCURB MAX fits seamlessly into your crop protection routine.
    • Exemption from Food Tolerance Requirements: These biopesticides are exempt from Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in the United States, as the pesticide residue expected to remain on crops after application is minimal.

    Proven Efficacy in Lab and Field Trials

    Recent studies conducted at the University of Florida and in Oviedo, Florida have demonstrated the efficacy of TetraCURB MAX against ACP. First, in lab bioassays, TetraCURB MAX at a 1% rate achieved a 59% mortality rate of ACP nymphs within just three days of the application, outperforming the positive control Spinosad-based product. ​A field trial on sweet orange trees showed that two applications of TetraCURB MAX at 0.5% 21 days apart, significantly reduced the nymphal population by 86%, matching the performance of conventional insecticides like Cyazypyr at 16 fl.oz/100 gal. ​ Download the crop sheet to see the full data set HERE:

    Protecting California’s Citrus Legacy

    The battle against ACP and HLB is ongoing, but with vigilance and innovative solutions like TetraCURB MAX, California’s citrus growers can protect their orchards and ensure the industry’s longevity. By adopting sustainable practices, we can safeguard the future of citrus farming for generations to come.

    Don’t let ACP infestations compromise your citrus yield. ​Add TetraCURB™ MAX to your rotation in an IPM program and experience the benefits of superior pest control. ​

    For more information, visit kemin.com/tetracurbmax or contact your Kemin Sales representative today.

  • California Prune Board Elevates Industry’s Sustainability Impact for Earth Month

    This Earth Month, the California Prune Board (CPB) is demonstrating the legacy of the Golden State’s prune-growing families and their unique stories and experiences with an educational marketing campaign. California is the leading producer of premium prunes and CPB represents the hard-working farmers who grow 99% of the nation’s supply and nearly 40% of the world’s supply of prunes. Throughout April, CPB will highlight how sustainable farming practices not only produce premium prunes but also protect California’s rich ecosystem, ensure access to nutritious foods and support the economic viability of the prune farming communities.

    “Sustainability isn’t a new idea for California’s prune growers,” says Kiaran Locy, Director of Brand & Industry Communications at CPB. “Growers and handlers have been producing prunes in the state for over 150 years, and through strategic planning as a unified industry we intend to continue well into the next century through continuous improvement.”

    Across channels – from informative website assets, engaging social media content and educational newsletters for healthcare professionals – CPB aims to cultivate connections about the agricultural practices and craft behind the hands that produced the world’s best, safest, and most flavorful prunes.

    “Navigating the changing environment of supply chains, market dynamics, technology and innovation all while benefiting farming communities and consumers is no small task,” added Locy. “Our recent consumer research shows that consumers love the natural sweetness and rich flavor of California Prunes, and we are celebrating the people who commit their livelihoods to growing this healthy food knowing it starts with the health of the orchards.”

    To help shoppers who are looking for delicious, healthy ideas, CPB’s digital platforms regularly feature recipes and snack ideas, and this month special spotlights will feature grower stories about sustainable practices to produce the world’s best prunes. CPB’s Prunes. For life. newsletter for healthcare professionals, including registered dietitians and health influencers, will spotlight how sustainable growing and drying practices concentrate nutrients for optimal health benefits and position them as a delicious, nutrient-rich and eco-conscious whole food.

    California Prunes’ Sustainability Story

    The California Prune industry’s sustainability efforts focus on people, the planet and prosperity. With 600 prune growing families, many of them multi-generational,

    the industry plays a key role in the state’s agricultural landscape, investing millions in sustainable practices to preserve environmental resources, support local communities and maintain the industry for future generations.

    People: California prune growers prioritize fair wages, worker safety and community wellness, ensuring that the people behind the product thrive. From small family farms to large-scale operations, growers take pride in fostering a safe and healthy work environment while delivering high-quality prunes that meet the highest food safety standards and support nutrition security.

    Planet: The California Prune industry employs practices like Integrated Pest Management, renewable energy and micro-irrigation systems, reducing water usage by 35% over the past three decades. These practices protect California’s unique ecosystem and preserve vital resources for future generations.

    Prosperity: Generating over $717 million annually for California, the California Prune industry supports both business resilience and growth. Sustainable practices help ensure long-term economic stability, providing well-paying jobs and contributing to the state’s agricultural strength.

    With the help of research and tools funded by CPB, growers and processors are learning, adapting, and improving their craft to ensure they are conserving natural resources and sustaining the future of the prune industry for generations to come. Through CPB’s Life Cycle Assessment and ongoing research, the industry continues to improve how prunes are grown, dried and delivered.

    For more information about California Prunes and the sustainable practices behind them, visit CaliforniaPrunes.org.   

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    The California Prune Board was established in 1952 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s leading producer of premium prunes with orchards across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.

  • Seeds for Bees Program Helps Growers Unlock the Benefits of Cover Crops

    Project Apis m.’s Seeds for Bees program is open and accepting application now through August. With support from several agricultural groups, including the Almond Board of California, the program is back again to help growers experience cover crop benefits in their orchard by providing them with free cover crop seed, nurturing a landscape that fosters both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.

    The Seeds for Bees program offers free seed support through Project Apis m. First-year participants are eligible for up to $2,500 worth of free seeds, while second-year participants can receive up to $1,500. Returning applicants can continue to benefit from discounted seed purchases through the program, ensuring ongoing support for seasoned growers.

    One of the program’s key strengths lies in its diverse seed offerings, tailored to meet the unique needs of various crops and farming practices. From popular mixes like the Pollinator Brassica, which blooms early to support almond cultivation, to specialized blends such as the Nitro Builder, designed to enhance nitrogen fixation, the program caters to a wide range of agricultural requirements.

    The benefits of cover crops extend far beyond their role in supporting pollinators. Improved water infiltration, often likened to a sponge, is one of the immediate advantages noted by growers. “Your soil is a lot like a sponge,” said Stetcyn Maldonado, manager of the Seeds for Bees program. “If you have a sponge that’s really open, you got all your pores in there and you can hold a lot more water and air than a sponge that’s squished. A cover crop really helps with getting your rainfall into your soil as quick as possible.”

    Addressing concerns about competition, Stetcyn reassures growers that cover crops, especially those offered through the Seeds for Bees program that are winter cover crops, are allies in weed suppression rather than adversaries to perennial crops. By occupying space and utilizing resources, cover crops naturally outcompete weeds, offering a sustainable solution to weed management and then are terminated before almond trees start growing again.

    With the application period open from April 1 to August 31, growers are encouraged to seize the opportunity and secure their spot in the program. “We’ve had a ton of applications already and the program is always increasing popularity,” Maldonado noted. “Seed is limited, so you want to make sure that your spot is secured,” The goal is to ensure timely delivery of seeds to growers’ doors, well before the optimal planting window from early to mid-October.

    Visit the Seeds for Bees website to learn more about the program and to apply for seeds. Additionally, upcoming videos featuring grower testimonies will offer insights into real-life experiences with cover crops and the Seeds for Bees program, providing a firsthand glimpse into its impact on agricultural practices. 

  • Almond Board Helps Growers with NRCS Funding Applications

    The Almond Board of California (ABC) has introduced a new feature in its California Almond Stewardship Platform (CASP) that streamlines the process for growers applying for Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) funding from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

    The new CSP report in CASP is designed to facilitate the initial visit to NRCS offices. While it doesn’t change the paperwork required by NRCS, it helps start the conversation with NRCS conservationists by translating the practices implemented on the farm into NRCS practice codes. “This translation makes it easier for NRCS staff to understand the grower’s operation(s) and assess their eligibility for the CSP program,” said Michael Roots, ABC’s manager of field outreach and education.

    The new feature is designed to add value to the CASP system, which already helps growers self-assess their orchards. ABC worked closely with NRCS and CASP-partners SureHarvest to ensure the report’s usefulness for both growers and NRCS offices. By having this new report, growers will be well-equipped when beginning conversations with their local NRCS office about funding for conservation practices.

    Roots noted that the summary report creates an easy snapshot of a grower’s operation, possibly identifying other potential funding opportunities. “By simplifying the initial visit and providing a comprehensive overview of farm practices, the report opens doors to various incentive programs that can benefit growers and enhance their operations.”

    The Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) provides assistance for growers who are looking to implement soil health practices. Roots said that a lot of growers are already doing some of these practices and could find funding to help expand those efforts. “The CSP program offers per-acre payments to growers for implementing practices that enhance soil health and overall farm sustainability,” he said. “These practices can include cover cropping, planting hedgerows and dust reduction on farm roads, as well as others. While the specifics of eligible practices are best understood by consulting local NRCS offices, the CSP program aims to reward growers for their efforts in maintaining and improving their stewardship practices.”

    Roots emphasized the importance of contacting local NRCS offices to understand the current status of funding and application acceptance. “Given the fluctuations in funding availability, reaching out to local offices can provide clarity on whether new applications are being accepted and what steps growers can take to prepare their applications”.

    Beyond the new CSP report, the California Almond Stewardship Platform offers numerous benefits to growers. After taking the initial self-assessment, the Platform provides tools like irrigation and nitrogen calculators, comparison reports, and a data share option that allows growers to share their data with handlers to help their conversations with buyers. These features help growers optimize their practices and contribute valuable data to the almond industry’s story.

    For growers interested in learning more about CASP and the new CSP report, visit AlmondStewardship.org. To check the availability of NRCS programs and start the application process, contact your local NRCS office.

  • Beehive Sensors Offer Hope in Saving Honeybee Colonies

    A UC Riverside computer science team has developed a sensor-based technology that could revolutionize commercial beekeeping by reducing colony losses and lowering labor costs.

    Shamima Hossain and Boris Baer

    Called the Electronic Bee-Veterinarian, or EBV, the technology uses low-cost heat sensors and forecasting models to predict when hive temperatures may reach dangerous levels. The system provides remote beekeepers with early warnings, allowing them to take preventive action before their colonies collapse during extreme hot or cold weather or when the bees cannot regulate their hive temperature because of disease, pesticide exposure, food shortages, or other stressors.

    “We convert the temperature to a factor that we are calling the health factor, which gives an estimate of how strong the bees are on a scale from zero to one,” said Shamima Hossain, a Ph.D. student in computer science at UCR and lead author of a paper explaining the technology.

    This simplified metric — with a score of ‘one’ meaning the bees are at full strength — allows beekeepers unfamiliar with the underlying model to assess hive health quickly.

    A low-cost heat sensor on a beehive frame (UCR photo)

    Boris Baer, a UCR professor of entomology, believes the technology could revolutionize beekeeping, which is essential to vast sectors of global agriculture. Honeybees pollinate more than 80 crops and contribute an estimated $29 billion annually to U.S. agriculture. Yet bee populations have declined due to various factors, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, parasites, and climate change.

    “Over the last year, the U.S. lost over 55% of its honeybee colonies,” Baer said, citing data from Project Apis m., which monitors beehive losses throughout the U.S. “We are experiencing a major collapse of bee populations, and that is extremely worrying because about one-third of what we eat depends on bees.”

    Beekeepers now rely on their own judgment and manual inspections to detect problems, often leading to delayed interventions. With EBV, they can get real-time insights and predict conditions days in advance, significantly reducing labor costs, said Baer, who collaborated with Hossain and other scientists at UCR’s Bourns College of Engineering.

    “People have dreamed of these sensors for a very long time,” Baer said. “What I like here is that this system is fully integrated into the hive setup that beekeepers already use.”

    Temperature fluctuations are among the first responses to any kind of threats to a hive’s health. Honeybees maintain a precise internal hive temperature between 33 and 36 degrees Celsius (91.4–96.8°F), a requirement for proper brood development and colony survival, Baer said.

    The EBV method is based on thermal diffusion equations and control theory, making its predictions interpretable to both scientists and beekeepers, Hossain said. The model uses temperature data collected from low-cost sensors installed inside the hive, feeding that information into an algorithm that predicts hive conditions several days in advance.

    In tests conducted at UCR’s apiary, the EBV method analyzed data from 10 hives during initial development and later expanded to 25 hives. The technology has already proven its effectiveness, detecting conditions that required beekeeper intervention.

    “When I looked at the dashboard and saw the health factor dropped below an empirical threshold, I contacted our apiary manager,” Hossain recalled. “When we went to check the hive, we found that there was actually something wrong, and they were able to take action to manage the situation.”

    Hyoseung Kim, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at UCR, explained that keeping costs low — under $50 per hive — is a high priority.

    “There are commercial sensors available, but they are too expensive,” Kim said. “We decided to create a very cheap device using off-the-shelf components so that beekeepers can afford it.”

    The research team is already working on the next phase, which is to develop automated hive climate controls that can be installed on hives and respond to EBV’s predictions, adjusting hive temperatures automatically.

    “Right now, we can only issue warnings,” Hossain said. “But in the next phase, we are working on designing a system that can automatically heat or cool the hive when needed.”

    The title of Hossain’s paper is “Principled Mining, Forecasting and Monitoring of Honeybee Time Series with EBV+” In addition to Hossain, Baer and Kim, the co-authors are Christos Faloutsos, professor of computer science at Carnegie Mellon University, and Vassilis Tsotras, professor of computer science and engineering at UCR.

    All the authors are with UCR’s Center for Integrative Bee Research, one of the largest pollinator health research hubs in the nation.

    The interdisciplinary collaboration was made possible through the UCR Data Science Center and the RAISE@UCR AI Institute. The research also has been supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture grants No. 2024-67022-43695 and No. 2024-67021-43696; UC Multicampus Research Programs and Initiatives award # M21PR2306; a UCR’s SoCal OASIS™  funding award; and the UCR Delfino Agriculture Innovation Seed Fund. — By David Danelski, UC Riverside

  • California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition Winners Announced

    The California State Fair is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 California Commercial Wine Competition. As one of the nation’s most respected wine competitions, Chief Judge Mark Chandler led 39 expert judges to taste and evaluate 1,587 wines representing 309 of California’s top wine brands.

    Dating back to 1854, the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition is the oldest and most prestigious wine competition in the United States, continuing a legacy of honoring the very best of the Golden State.

    The competition is open exclusively to wines made with fruit grown and produced in California’s 11 wine growing regions. Wines are judged by class, varietal, style, and growing region, celebrating the depth and diversity of California’s winemaking industry. The judging was held over three days at Cal Expo.

    Top honors this year include:

    Best of Show Red – 2023 Barbera by St. Amant Winery

    Best of Show White – 2024 Verdelho by Las Positas Vineyards (Livermore Valley)

    The most prestigious title, Golden State Winery of the Year, was awarded to Europa Village Winery & Resort in Temecula, marking their first time receiving the honor.

    “The Commercial Wine Competition is a true celebration of California’s rich agricultural heritage and the incredible talent of our state’s winemakers,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of the California Exposition & State Fair. “We’re proud to showcase these award-winning wines at the Fair and give our guests a chance to experience the best of the Golden State.”

    The 2025 Top California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition winners are:

    Golden State Winery of the Year:

    Europa Village Winery & Resort

    Best of Show Red:
    St. Amant Winery
    2023 Barbera
    Lodi

    Best of Show White:
    Las Positas Vineyards
    2024 Verdelho
    Livermore Valley

    Best of Show Sparkling:
    Flying Goat Cellars
    2021 Pinot Meunier Sparkling Wine 
    Santa Maria Valley

    Best of Show Dessert:

    Quady Winery

    2022 Orange Muscat Dessert Wine

    Madera

    Best Value:
    Plata Wine Partners
    2024 ‘Pink Moon’ Varietal Rose Blend
    California

    Best Micro Winery Red:
    Docmanov Vineyards & Winery
    2024 Counoise
    Santa Maria Valley

    Best Micro Winery White:
    Tiny Vineyards Wine Company
    2024 Vermentino
    Sierra Foothills

    Best Micro Winery Other:

    Great Bear Vineyards

    2024 Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon

    Sierra Foothills

    About the California State Fair

    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future.

     

     

  • Senate Committee Rejects SB 628, Blocking Tax Credit Relief for Ag Overtime Wages

    On April 23rd, with a party-line vote, the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement defeated SB 628 (Grove, R-Bakersfield). This bill was co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and would have created a tax credit to help agricultural employers cover the cost of overtime wages paid to farm workers.

    “It is disappointing that the California State Senate failed to show the same bipartisan leadership we’ve seen in New York and Oregon,” said Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “SB 628 would have provided a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on overtime wages paid to farmworkers, delivering targeted relief for growers, supporting workers, and strengthening the rural communities that rely on a strong agricultural economy. This isn’t an untested idea; it’s a proven, common-sense solution. We urge the California Legislature to reconsider this legislation as soon as possible.”

    Mountains of research and data show that agricultural employees have experienced a decline in their take-home pay since California’s ag overtime law took effect. The reality is that most growers simply cannot afford to pay overtime wages, and as a result, available overtime hours have been significantly reduced.

    According to a 2023 study by the University of California, Berkeley, California farm workers have made less money since the Phase-In Overtime for Agricultural Workers Act of 2016 became law. The study concluded, “This early evidence suggests that the law may not be benefiting the workers they aim to protect.”

    In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “Farmworkers are the backbone of California’s nation-leading agricultural industry and play a critical role in ensuring the stability of the state, nation, and world’s food supply. Investing in their well-being is investing in California’s success.”

    “CAWG co-sponsored SB 628 because we share the Governor’s belief that supporting farmworkers is essential,” said Collins. “With California’s agricultural economy in steep decline, our workforce is feeling the strain. SB 628 was a modest, targeted fix that would have directly benefited those employees while offering stability for the growers who employ them. Finding solutions that support both growers and the agricultural workforce will remain one of CAWG’s highest priorities.”

    Conversely, in opposing SB 628, the California Labor Federation stated, “At a time when the California legislature is debating how to allocate tax dollars to fund all the state’s priorities in education, housing, health and human services, infrastructure, energy, etc., this proposal is additionally harmful.”

    Collins added, “This bill was never about choosing between priorities like education or infrastructure. It’s about recognizing that investing in agriculture and the people behind it is an investment in California’s long-term stability and resilience.

    While we’re disappointed by the outcome, we are deeply grateful to Senator Shannon Grove for her leadership in authoring this legislation and to our co-sponsor, the California Farm Bureau, for their shared commitment and partnership. We also thank Senator Melissa Hurtado for her support of this bill and extend our sincere appreciation to the 35 farmworkers who took time out of their day to stand in support of SB 628.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers: CAWG is a statewide nonprofit trade association advocating for California’s winegrape growers to ensure the sustainability of the winegrape industry. CAWG promotes the industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment, and California communities. Learn more at cawg.org.

  • California Walnut Commission Opens Nominations for 2025 Member Seats

    The California Walnut Commission will begin accepting nominations for its 2025 election, inviting dedicated growers and handlers across the state to help shape the future of the California walnut industry.

    Members and alternates will be elected for the next two-year term beginning on September 1, 2025, and ending on August 31, 2027. Walnut producers (growers) or handlers interested in appearing on the 2025 California Walnut Commission election ballot must submit a completed nomination form. Producers must return the form with signatures from at least 15 eligible producers, and handlers must return the form with at least 5 handler signatures.

    The nomination window opens May 1 and closes June 2, 2025. In late June, election ballots will be mailed out, and producers will vote to elect four members and four alternates to represent their district. The nominees receiving the most votes in each district will be recommended for appointment by the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture.

    “We are looking for individuals who are committed to the success of the walnut industry,” said Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “Serving on the commission isn’t just a title—it’s an opportunity to challenge norms, collaborate with peers and push forward on issues that matter to growers and handlers.”

    Elected members will help advance the strategic goals outlined in the industry’s strategic plan. These include strengthening global demand for California walnuts, investing in health and nutrition research, promoting sustainable practices and driving product and packaging innovation.

    The Commission encourages younger, next-generation growers to participate. Their perspectives are essential in helping the industry evolve to meet changing consumer preferences and market demands. Growers unable to serve on the Commission can still get involved by joining committees and working groups focused on marketing, research and other key areas.

    For more information, contact Suzanne Wuehler at the California Walnut Commission office at (916) 932-7070 or swuehler@walnuts.org.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) represents more than 3,600 California walnut growers and approximately 70 handlers, grown in multi-generational farmers’ family orchards. California walnuts, known for their excellent nutritional value and quality, are shipped around the world all year long, with more than 99% of the walnuts grown in the United States being from California. The CWC, established in 1987, promotes usage of walnuts through domestic and export market development activities as well as supports health research with consuming walnuts.

    To explore recipes and learn more about California walnut growers, industry information and health research, visit walnuts.org.

  • EPA Enforcement Actions at 10 California Facilities Address Chemical Safety Deficiencies

    The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced settlements with organicgirl, LLC and nine other entities with facilities across California for claims of chemical safety-related violations under the Clean Air Act. All entities agreed to come into compliance with Risk Management Program (RMP) safety requirements and pay penalties, which total over $170,000.

    “Reducing risks from accidental releases of toxic substances is a core responsibility for EPA,” said EPA Pacific Southwest Regional Administrator Josh F.W. Cook. “As a result of our actions, workers, first responders, and communities throughout California will be made safer from chemical accidents.”

    organicgirl, LLC Consent Agreement and Final Order

    At organicgirl, in Salinas, which processes, stores, and distributes prepackaged salads, fresh-cut vegetables, and other food products, EPA found significant safety issues during an inspection in January 2024. The issues pertained to the facility’s anhydrous ammonia refrigeration system.

    EPA claims that the company violated the Clean Air Act’s Section 112(r) because it failed to promptly address critical safety recommendations and implement work safe practices; had an insufficient operation and maintenance program for the refrigeration system, resulting in safety issues such as corrosion of the equipment and deficient emergency ventilation system; and had inadequate documentation to prove that the facility’s system was designed to prevent releases of anhydrous ammonia, among other issues. organicgirl agreed to pay a penalty of $151,979 and come into compliance with federal law by addressing the remaining deficiencies.

    Anhydrous ammonia is a substance regulated under the Clean Air Act’s Section 112(r) as it, while an effective refrigerant, can cause serious, often irreversible health effects when released. In addition to causing potential impacts from inhalation or skin contact, this chemical is also highly flammable.

    Expedited Settlement Agreements

    In addition to the organicgirl case, EPA also completed several expedited settlement agreements to resolve the following claims of violations of Clean Air Act chemical safety requirements:

    AMVAC Chemical Corporation, located in Los Angeles, failed to maintain accurate chlorine equipment diagrams, sufficiently evaluate hazards associated with its chlorine process, and inspect chlorine equipment in accordance with industry standards. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $8,000 and came into compliance to resolve the claims.

    Fowler Packing Company, located in Fresno, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and agreed to pay a penalty of $2,000 to resolve the claim.

    Benecia Water Treatment Plant, located in Benicia, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and update emergency contact information in a timely manner. The plant agreed to come into compliance and pay a penalty of $1,800 to resolve the claims.

    Material Logistics & Services LLC, located in Carson, failed to submit its Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and agreed to pay a penalty of $1,600 to resolve the claim.

    Both Cal Marine Fish Company LLC, located in San Pedro, and Southern California Ice Company, located in Torrance, failed to submit their Risk Management Plan report in a timely manner and each agreed to pay a penalty of $1,200 to resolve the claim.

    Matheson Tri-Gas, located in Newark, failed to keep operating procedures readily accessible to employees who work in or maintain a process; failed to properly determine, correct, complete, and document actions and/or responses to the findings of a 2018 compliance audit. The company agreed to pay a penalty of $900 to resolve the claims.

    Both Cement Hill Water Treatment Plant, located in Fairfield, and PR Farms, located in Madera, failed to submit their Risk Management Plan report and each agreed to pay a penalty of $800 to resolve the claim.

    Background

    EPA’s Clean Air Act RMP regulations work to prevent accidental chemical releases in our communities and the environment. The RMP requires companies that use extremely hazardous substances to follow industry safety standards and to implement safeguards to reduce the likelihood of chemical accidents and dangerous releases, as well as have emergency response procedures in place should an accident occur. The regulations require owners or operators of covered facilities to develop and implement an RMP and to submit a risk management plan to EPA.

    More information

    Learn more about EPA’s enforcement program and how to report possible violations of environmental laws and regulations to the EPA.

  • UCCE Kern County Potato Variety Trial Field Day

    The Annual UC Cooperative Extension and California Potato Research Advisory Board Variety Trial Field Day is an opportunity to see tubers of potentially new varieties, how they performed this year, and how they performed compared to standard varieties. Entries include varieties from numerous USDA, state, and private breeding programs. This year’s entries include Russets, chippers, reds, yellows, and specialty types. Tubers will be shown as how they look straight from the field after being washed. This is an opportunity to express your evaluations and recommendations about these varieties to University researchers, breeders, seed growers, and fellow growers.

    The Field Day will take place on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, 10a.m. to 12:30p.m.

    LOCATION! The Potato Field Day will be held in the shade near the bank of the Kern River at HART PARK. It will be located on the east end of the park in Section 2, just off Alfred Harrell Highway. Please see map on back for directions to Hart Park. Snacks and refreshments will be available.

    Potato Grower Meeting: You should be receiving a notice from the CPRAB for the annual potato grower’s dinner and informal meeting to be held the evening of the field day.

    For further information contact:

    Jaspreet Sidhu, Kern County Cooperative Extension, 661-304-8870

    Nathan Sano, California Potato Research Advisory Board, 559-591-0436