California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • ARS Develops New Disease-Resistance Traits for Sugarbeets

    Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists have bred new disease-resistant sugarbeet lines using cutting-edge genome mapping technologies. By adapting these new genomic lines and genomic tools, plant breeders are now able to greatly improve the sugarbeet’s tolerance to disease.

    Fusarium Yellows is one of many fungal diseases that can result in extensive damage to the sugarbeet crop yield. The soil-borne fungus triggers wilting, yellowing, loss of leaves and a plant’s death. In 2023, Fusarium caused over $31 million dollars in economic losses for U.S. sugarbeet farmers, according to Kevin Dorn, a geneticist at the Soil Management and Sugarbeet Research Unit in Fort Collins, CO.

    “Improving genetic resistance to disease has been the focus of ARS sugarbeet research for decades,” Dorn said.

    ARS’ development of new genetic sugarbeet lines could curb Fusarium and other diseases, resulting in a more productive crop. This insight is part of a larger effort by ARS researchers to continually improve its breeding efforts through genome analysis.

    In May 2024, ARS researchers published the results of their most recent genome research.

    “The key point of this paper is that we used this advanced DNA sequencing technology to create the most complete map of the sugarbeet genome to date,” said Dorn. “We also adopted that new map to identify the genomic location of the Fusarium resistance trait. In addition, we utilized a sequencing technology called ‘RNA sequencing,’ to pinpoint the individual genes likely responsible for the resistance.

    “DNA sequencing technology is really amplifying the impact of our research programs,” he added.

    The ARS team’s use of genomic analysis of new resistant lines is providing essential tools for public and private sugarbeet breeders.

    “Here is a resistance trait that breeders can immediately transfer into commercial lines,” Dorn said. “Normally, it would take years to evaluate a new line and introduce it into a breeding program. Additionally, this research allows us to further develop molecular markers. That will enable commercial breeders to more quickly identify whether what we have discovered in our lab is a new resistant trait that does not already exist in their breeding programs,” he said.

    Dorn expects further discoveries through DNA analysis will create more efficiencies in breeding sugarbeets and other crops.

    “This is really going to speed up our research programs … to the point that ARS-developed traits will be more quickly available for farmers to plant in their fields,” he said.

    In January 2024, the ARS team’s initial findings, were published in the Journal of Plant Registrations, Volume 18, Issue 1. – Tami Terella-Faram, USDA-ARS Office of Communications

  • Upcoming California Dairy Innovation Short Course Trainings and Conference

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) has released the schedule for summer and fall courses as a part of its 2024 training program series for processors, producers, entrepreneurs, and students. The courses, which have no pre-requisites, will be held at a variety of California locations and are open to all participants.

    The schedule of courses includes:

    Advanced Cheesemaking, which will take place July 16-17, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, SLO at the Dairy Products Technology Center in San Luis Obispo, Calif. This program will offer comprehensive instruction on the fundamentals of milk and the cheesemaking processes, with two days of hands-on experience. This course also will include an enriching blend of theory and practical application, designed to enhance skills and knowledge in the art and science of advanced cheesemaking. Registration and more information is available here.

    2nd Annual Innovation Conference and State of the Industry, which will take place September 12, 2024, in collaboration with the Pacific Coast Coalition at Fresno State University in Fresno, Calif. This conference will include presentations on technical and market information. More information is available here.

    Hispanic & Mediterranean Cheeses, which will take place October 8-9, 2024, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo at the Dairy Products Technology Center. Registration and more information is available here.

    CDIC also shared dates for Q4 and 2025 events, including:

    Tharp and Young on Ice Cream, which will take place December 4-6, 2024, in collaboration with Chapman University at Chapman University in Orange, Calif. Registration and more information is available here.

    The Science of RTD Milk and Coffee Beverages, which will take place January 22-23, 2025, in collaboration with Chapman University at the Ranney Processing Lab at Chapman University. Registration and more information is available here.

    The CDIC also released the 2025 dates for the Dairy Products, Process & Packaging Innovation Conference, which will take place February 18-20, 2025, in collaboration with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., USDA, Pacific Coast Coalition, and the California Dairy Research Foundation, at the Cliffs Resort in Shell Beach, Calif. This conference will focus on dairy marketplace innovation, recent enhancements made to dairy processing and packaging and improved marketing. Attendees will hear from today’s leaders and entrepreneurs as they share their insight and experience in today’s dairy industry. Registration and additional information is available here.

    Short Course and conference programs are co-organized with California Milk Advisory Board’s CDIC, with partial funding and contributions from Dairy Management Inc., the USDA’s Pacific Coast Coalition Dairy Business Innovation Initiative (hosted by Fresno State) and CMAB. Programs are subject to change. For more info about the CDIC and its educational opportunities, contact Veronique Lagrange (vlagrange@cmab.net).

    About the California Dairy Innovation Center

    The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) coordinates pre-competitive research and educational training in collaboration with industry, check-off programs, and research/academic institutions in support of a common set of innovation and productivity goals. The CDIC is guided by a Steering Committee that includes California Dairies Inc., California Dairy Research Foundation, California Milk Advisory Board, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Dairy Management Inc., Fresno State University, Hilmar Cheese, Leprino Foods, and UC Davis. More info at: https://www.cdic.net/.

    About Real California Milk/California Milk Advisory Board

    The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB), an instrumentality of the California Department   of Food and Agriculture, is funded by the state’s dairy farm families who lead the nation in sustainable dairy farming practices. With a vision to nourish the world with the wholesome goodness of Real California Milk, the CMAB’s programs focus on increasing demand for California’s sustainable dairy products in the state, across the U.S. and around the world through advertising, public relations, research, and retail and foodservice promotional programs. For more information and to connect with the CMAB, visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com,Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

  • A Look at CDFA’s 2024-2025 Budget (and $29.4M in Cuts)

    California Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) — California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed the 2024-25 state budget, which closes a General Fund (GF) shortfall of $46.8 billion through a balanced package of solutions, including spending reductions of $16 billion that maintain investments in core programs. As outlined in the agreement announced by the Governor and legislative leaders, the legislation signed by Governor Newsom balances the budget in both 2024-25 and 2025-26, and it preserves budget resilience by maintaining $22.2 billion in total reserves at the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year.

    Budget Year Funding

    The budget includes $690 million for CDFA programs between baseline funding for core programs and new funding for the following projects:

    Blythe Border Protection Station Construction Project: The budget includes $99.5 million for the construction phase of the Blythe Border Protection Station project. This project will replace the existing station that was constructed in 1958, which is inadequate for current traffic flow. The new facility will allow CDFA to inspect additional commercial and private vehicles to better protect California from invasive species.

    Emergency Invasive Fruit Fly Response: The budget includes $25 million for CDFA’s response to a historic outbreak of invasive fruit flies. There are typically 75 detections per year in seven counties. In calendar year 2023 there were 948 detections in 15 counties, which led to 68 delimitation projects and seven active quarantines.  In the calendar year 2024, there have been 30 new detections in 4 counties, which led to 8 delimitation projects. Without CDFA’s continued response to new finds, multiple species of invasive fruit flies have a high likelihood of becoming established in California, which would significantly impact the state’s natural and working landscape and impact California agriculture’s ability to export products.

    Protected One-Time Funding

    The budget protects $183.1 million of one-time general fund appropriations for CDFA. These include:

    Relief for Small Farmers:  The budget preserves $17.9 million for this program, which provides socially disadvantaged, small-scale and medium-scale producers with financial relief from severe weather-related damages.

    Farm to School (F2S) Grant Program:  The budget preserves $60 million for this program providing grants that support innovative local and regional F2S projects.  Funded projects promote innovation in nutrition education, sustainable production and procurement, and a high-quality student experience.

    State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Grant Program: The budget preserves $20.6 by fund-shifting authority to the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) in FY 2026-27.  This program provides financial assistance in the form of grants to implement irrigation systems that reduce greenhouse gases and save water in California agricultural operations.

    Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program:  The budget includes $15 million in funding for Food Hubs.  These incentivize public-serving entities that serve as supply chain intermediaries for local and regional farms.

    California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP):  The budget preserves $35 million for this program encouraging the purchase and consumption of healthy, California-grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by nutrition benefit clients.

    Livestock Methane Reduction: The budget preserves $24 million for this program by fund shifting from the general fund to the greenhouse gas reduction fund. The budget includes $17 million GGRF in 2024-25 and $7 million in FY 2025-26.  These funds are used for CDFA’s Dairy Digester Research and Development Program and its Alternative Manure Management Program.

    Reductions

    The budget includes $29.4 million in one-time reductions for CDFA including:

    Technical Assistance Program for Underserved Farmers: This program funds non-profit organizations, resource conservation districts, Tribal Governments, and County Agricultural Commissioners to assist farmers and ranchers with applications for various drought and emergency relief programs.  The budget includes a reduction of $200,000, which is the remaining balance from the original $2.7 million appropriation.

    Fairground and Community Resilience Centers Grant Program:  This program focuses on improving both local fairground and other community facilities to enhance the state’s preparedness capabilities, particularly in response to climate change.  The Budget Act includes a reduction of $2.1 million from this program, which is the entire remaining grant award balance from an original appropriation of $150 million.

    Pollinator Habitat Grant Program:  This program provides grant funding for the establishment of pollinator habitat on agricultural land throughout California.  The budget includes a reduction of $445,000 from this program.

    Water Efficiency Technical Assistance:  This program facilitates technical assistance to agricultural operations for on-farm water use efficiency and nutrition management.  The budget includes a reduction of $6.9 million from this program, which is the remaining balance from the original $15 million appropriation.

    Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Program:  The budget includes a reduction of $23 million to the Enteric Methane Emission Reduction Program.  This program incentivizes the voluntary use of products or strategies that are scientifically proven and safe for enteric emission reductions in the state’s livestock sectors.

    Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program:  The budget includes a reduction of $8.5 million to the Healthy Refrigeration Grant Program, which funds energy efficient refrigeration units in corner stores, small businesses, and food donation programs in low-income or low-access areas throughout the state.

  • Sacramento Museum Educates Public About How Farmers Work Hard to Use Less Water

    Since Sacramento’s acclaimed Museum of Science and Curiosity (MOSAC) opened in November 2021, more than 331,000 visitors have toured the facility, which features dozens of interactive exhibits on topics such as health care, nature, space exploration and water.

    A popular MOSAC section is the Water Challenge Exhibit, which includes three interactive displays sponsored by Cultivate California and its nonprofit parent organization the California Farm Water Coalition that illustrate how farmers are working hard to use less water.

    Two sisters who recently visited MOSAC said they enjoyed the exhibits and the older one said she’d learned something as well.

    “I learned that water is very important and that we need water to grow food for people and to feed the animals we’re going to eat,” said 9-year-old Lyla Frith. Her sister, Kaylyn, 7, enjoyed the exhibits on her own level, saying, “I liked it a lot. The games were fun.”

    Both girls worked hard on the interactive exhibits to properly irrigate the fields without running out of water and to create their menus for the day, learning how much water was needed to grow the foods and how much nutritional value they contained in the process. In both cases, the game suggested they eat more vegetables.

    Making science fun is one of the ways Cultivate California strives to educate Californians about the vital link between farms and ranches and their water supplies, and how the ag community is working hard to grow even more food and fiber while using less water, said Farm Water Coalition Executive Director Mike Wade.

    “Our water exhibits bring home the fact that water is essential to grow our food and that California farmers are leading the world in conserving it,” Wade said. “It’s important that everyone know that farmers are using water in an efficient manner and that as consumers, we all depend on farmers.”

    Jacob DeBoer, with American AgCredit, said creating innovative ways to educate Californians about the importance of California agriculture is why Farm Credit organizations serving the state’s farmers and ranchers are contributing $100,000 to Cultivate California this year.

    “Firmly rooted in American AgCredit’s core values is an unwavering commitment to the communities where we work and live,” DeBoer said. “The MOSAC exhibit does such a great job of educating California consumers on how vital water is in growing the food that feeds our families, and how farmers are always aiming to optimize their water usage to ensure they’re being good stewards of our land.”

    Kevin Ralph, AgWest Farm Credit’s California President, agreed.

    “Providing accurate information about California agriculture to our state’s mainly urban population is critically important, and every year Cultivate California finds new creative ways to reach people online and get them to engage with the content,” Ralph said. “Farm Credit looks forward to continuing to help them spread the good news about the state’s farms and ranches.”

    Ag West Farm Credit, American AgCredit, and CoBank, Colusa Glenn Farm Credit, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit have sponsored Cultivate California since its inception in 2015. The three organizations are part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, the largest provider of credit to U.S. agriculture.

    Of course, the MOSAC exhibit is just one part of Cultivate California’s toolkit. The bigger part of their outreach is via paid advertising on social media channels.

    “There are two facets to what we do. The first is to get their attention, and that’s with imagery and food facts, recipes, information about which regions grow different products, and what’s in season,” Wade said.

    “That helps get their attention, then we tailor the rest of the message about the importance of water to bring food to consumers and the value of California production over imports where we have less control over how commodities are grown. We get their attention and then deliver the message about why California is such an important ag state.”

    He said the digital campaign reached about 10 million people in 2023 and resulted in over 165,000 people engaging with the material through likes, comments and shares. To reach an even broader audience, the campaign is branching out into social media platforms that cater to younger audiences.

    “None of this would be possible without the ongoing support of the Farm Credit system,” Wade said. “Farm Credit is among our most generous supporters, allowing us to drive our messaging the way we intended.”

    About Farm Credit: 

    AgWest Farm Credit, American AgCredit, CoBank, Colusa-Glenn Farm Credit, Fresno Madera Farm Credit, Golden State Farm Credit and Yosemite Farm Credit are cooperatively owned lending institutions providing agriculture and rural communities with a dependable source of credit. For more than 100 years, the Farm Credit System has specialized in financing farmers, ranchers, farmer-owned cooperatives, rural utilities and agribusinesses. Farm Credit offers a broad range of loan products and financial services, including long-term real estate loans, operating lines of credit, equipment and facility loans, cash management and appraisal and leasing services…everything a “growing” business needs. For more information, visit www.farmcreditalliance.com

    About Cultivate California:

    Cultivate California is an industry-supported program crafted to help consumers make the connection between farm water and their food supply. Cultivate California helps people see that California farms provide a healthy, safe, affordable and diverse food supply, that they are among the most water-efficient farms in the world, and that California farmers produce many food crops that cannot be commercially grown in other parts of the U.S.

  • USDA Offers Assistance for Recovery/Prevention of HPAI H5N1 in Dairy Herds

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), also known as H5N1, in dairy cattle in 12 states including Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Mexico, Ohio, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming. To protect the U.S. livestock industry from the threat posed by HPAI H5N1 USDA is taking a number of actions with our federal partners.

    On April 24, APHIS announced a federal order that includes mandatory testing for interstate movement of dairy cattle and mandatory reporting of influenza A detections in livestock. In addition to the Federal Order mandates, USDA provides several voluntary testing and monitoring options, including the HPAI Dairy Herd Status Program announced on May 31, 2024. APHIS has released a list of requirements and recommendations that apply to interstate moving of lactating dairy cattle, testing guidance for livestock, and answers to frequently asked questions. Producers are encouraged to visit the APHIS HPAI Livestock Detection website for information about these programs and requirements, as well as the most comprehensive and timely updates about this rapidly evolving situation.

    Assistance for Milk Loss

    Confirmed H5N1 Positive Test Results Required for Recovery Assistance  

    Producers who incur milk losses in their dairy herds due to HPAI H5N1 can now apply for financial assistance through the USDA’s updated Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-raised Fish Program (ELAP). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) expanded ELAP policy through the rule-making process to assist with financial losses resulting from reduced milk production when cattle are removed from commercial milking in dairy herds having a confirmed positive H5N1 test. Positive tests must be confirmed through the USDA’s APHIS’ National Veterinary Services Laboratories (NVSL).

    To apply, producers need to submit the following to FSA:

    • Proof of herd infection through a confirmed positive H5N1 test (based on USDA’s APHIS H5N1 case definition) on individual animal or bulk tank samples confirmed by APHIS’ NVSL;
    • A notice of loss indicating the date when the loss is apparent, which is the sample collection date for the positive H5N1 test; and
    • An application for payment certifying the number of eligible adult dairy cows removed from production, the month the cows were removed from production, and the producer’s share in the milk production.

    The final date to file a notice of loss and application for payment for eligible losses is 30 days after the end of the prior calendar year, which is January 30.

    Note: To determine livestock and producer eligibility for ELAP H5N1 assistance, to submit an application or if you’ve not previously conducted business with FSA, contact your local FSA county office for details. Find your local office. Other online resources include frequently asked questions and a fact sheet.

    Loans for Biosecurity Implementation 

    FSA also provides direct and guaranteed loans for farmers and ranchers that can assist with implementation of biosecurity measures for their operations. Loans can assist with:

    • Installing physical barriers to facilitate quarantine, to prevent livestock interaction with wildlife, and to prevent unauthorized access by visitors
    • Purchase of disinfectant, footbaths, and disposable footwear and clothing;
    • Veterinary costs related to vaccination and general animal health;
    • Testing of feed and water sources for toxins and other disease;
    • Costs associated with responsible manure disposal and management;
    • Costs associated with cleaning and disinfecting livestock transportation equipment; and
    • Other biosecurity measures recommended by USDA or other applicable agencies.

    To learn more about loans, producers can use the:

    • Loan Assistance Tool – helps producers better navigate the farm loan process. The online Loan Assistance Tool provides producers needing agricultural financing with an interactive, step-by-step guide.
    • Farm Loans Overview Factsheet – provides an overview of all FSA direct and guaranteed loans, and eligibility requirements.
    • Farm Loans Homepage – gives in-depth farm loan information, including fact sheets, for those who don’t want to use the online Loan Assistance Tool.

    To learn more about ELAP or farm loans, producers should contact the FSA at the local USDA Service Center.

    To learn more about APHIS requirements and resources, visit APHIS’ Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Detections in Livestock  webpage.

  • July USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2024, which are effective July 1, 2024. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

    “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans  

    FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for July 2024 are as follows:

    FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.  To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

    Commodity and Storage Facility Loans
    Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    Farm Loan Program Process Improvement
    FSA has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made various improvements, including:

    • The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features, including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents, such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan.
    • The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.
    • An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing, or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment.
    • A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.
    • A new educational hub with farm loan resources and videos.

    More Information 

    Since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Biden in August 2022, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has provided approximately $2.4 billion in immediate assistance to more than 43,000 distressed borrowers. The deadline to request assistance through the Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Borrowers and Discrimination Financial Assistance Program has passed. Any applications submitted before the program deadlines are currently under review. Visit the related program webpages for more information.

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

  • Pecan Industry Votes to Continue Research and Promotion Program

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that pecan producers and importers voted to continue the American Pecan Promotion Board’s research and promotion program.

    In the referendum held May 10 through June 10, 2024, 74.89% of pecan producers and importers voted in favor of continuing the program. This meets the requirement that the majority of those voting were in favor of the program continuing.

    The Pecan Promotion, Research, and Information Order, which established the American Pecan Promotion program, requires USDA to conduct an initial referendum no later than three years after assessments are first collected. Subsequent continuance referendum will be conducted every seven years or at the request of 10% or more of all eligible pecan producers and importers.

    More information about the program is on the Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) American Pecan Promotion Board webpage and on the American Pecan Promotion Board website.

    The pecan research and promotion program is authorized under the Commodity Promotion, Research and Information Act of 1996. The program was developed to strengthen the position of pecans in the marketplace, maintain and expand markets for pecans and develop new uses for pecans within the United States.

    Since 1966, Congress has authorized the development of industry-funded research and promotion boards to provide a framework for agricultural industries to pool their resources and combine efforts to develop new markets, strengthen existing markets and conduct important research and promotion activities. AMS provides oversight of 22 boards, paid for by industry assessments, which helps ensure fiscal accountability and program integrity.

  • Veteran Sports Marketing Leader Zachary Fraser to Lead American Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers, the non-profit association responsible for driving global awareness of the quality, nutrition, and brand power of American-grown pistachios, has hired sports-marketing leader Zachary Fraser as the organization’s new President & CEO. Fraser joins APG after four years with LEARFIELD, the influential media and technology company behind many of collegiate sports most influential brands, where he led the company’s Fresno State athletics (lower case) property.

    “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are very excited to welcome Zachary as the new president of American Pistachio Growers,” said APG Board Chair Richard Kreps. “We feel his successful track record as a leader in multiple industries coupled with his passion were just what APG needs at this time. After several years of working with Fraser in his capacity with his previous employer at our annual conference, we are very excited to have him lead our exceptional team in our time of significant growth in the pistachio industry.”

    Fraser enjoyed success at the helm of Fresno State’s LEARFIELD team. As the company responsible for managing traditional and digital media rights, broadcast platforms, and media/sponsorship sales for the Fresno State Bulldogs, his team was recognized for multiple achievements across the entire landscape of collegiate sports-media. Fraser was instrumental in helping Bulldog sports properties win “Property of the Year” among peer athletic departments, following the 2022-23 varsity season. That same year, Fraser was recognized as the “Chairman’s Club” overall winner, among peer vice-presidents and general managers.

    Prior to arriving in California’s Central Valley, Zachary was the founding general manager and managing partner at Pacific Baseball Ventures (PBV). PBV is an investment group which owns and operates summer collegiate baseball teams in Walla Walla, WA (Walla Walla Sweets), and Yakima Valley, WA (Yakima Valley Pippins). Under his stewardship, more than 30 players who were scouted and signed by PBV went on to play Major League Baseball–including Jarren Duran (Boston Red Sox), and Cody Poteet (New York Yankees).

    While working amid the fertile valleys of Southeastern Washington, Fraser gained a significant appreciation for the region’s agricultural marketing initiatives. He also gained valuable non-profit operations and leadership experience, serving as board chair of Visit Walla Walla, as well as leadership positions on the boards of numerous other non-profits.

    “I am humbled and excited to join such a talented and dedicated group of remarkable professionals, who are passionate about serving our 800-plus grower members in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas,” said Fraser. “I wake up every morning excited and grateful to meet with, and learn from, growers, processors, vendors, suppliers and consumers of the best nut in the world. How lucky am I that I get to work alongside some of the best people in the industry to educate and market a product that I am already a huge fan of? Let’s get every consumer eating the most nutrient-dense, protein-packed nut in the world – American-grown pistachios.”

    Fraser looks forward to meeting APG members and the greater pistachio community on July 26th at APG’s annual member luncheon in Visalia. Pacific Nut Producer Magazine Editor Matthew Malcolm recently had the opportunity to meet with him, so stay tuned for a video introduction with Zachary to be released shortly.

    Fraser is fluent in English and French. He and his wife JoLynn have three children, including a son who lives in Ghana, West Africa.

    American Pistachio Growers is the non-profit trade association representing more than 865 growers and member processors in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

  • The Antimicrobial Benefits of Mushrooms

    Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) are examining the antimicrobial properties of mushroom extracts. Their goal: make food crops safer throughout the production process, from farm to fork – and beyond – including the ability to mitigate chronic human health conditions.

    Petri dish containing the fungus Aspergillus flavus. This common fungus is a concern because it produces carcinogenic aflatoxins that may contaminate certain foods and cause aspergillosis, an invasive fungal disease. (Photo by Peggy Greb)

    Mushrooms are a classic example of a two-sided coin. On one side, mushrooms are a valuable source of food and income around the world and are known to have pharmaceutical qualities. On the other, nearly 7,500 cases of mushroom poisoning (over 700 serious cases and 52 deaths) occur each year in the United States alone.

    Now, researchers are pitting the good properties of mushrooms against the bad.

    “Edible mushrooms [are] a source of bioactive compounds, and certain medicinal mushrooms have emerged as beneficial ingredients of dietary supplements,” said Jong H. Kim, molecular biologist at the ARS Foodborne Toxin Detection and Prevention Research unit in Albany, CA.

    Kim is the primary author of a paper on how medicinal mushrooms contribute to food safety.

    The role of mushrooms in food safety begins in the farmer’s field. According to Kim, pinecone cap mushrooms, which are a type of fungi, provide the main ingredient in the fight against a worldwide carcinogenic fungus – Aspergillus flavus.

    A. flavus produces aflatoxins, some of the most dangerous mycotoxins that widely contaminate many major crops, such as corn, tree nuts, and peanuts. People who eat a large amount of food contaminated with aflatoxins – or products derived from animals that have eaten it – are at higher risk for some adverse health conditions, including liver cancer and stunting in children.

    “Many antimicrobial agents have been developed from mushroom ingredients for crop protection, [including] the natural fungicide strobilurin,” Kim said. “Strobilurins [are] one of the most important classes of agricultural fungicide.”

    When farmers use strobilurins, the compound inhibits A. flavus growth by interrupting its ability to breathe. Stopping A. flavus in the field reduces the amount of aflatoxins that manufacturers must contend with during food processing and packaging.

    “[We] found that a component of the mushroom Taiwanofungus camphoratus (Tc) could be developed as a food ingredient having antimicrobial potential, thus inhibiting the growth of fungi and bacteria in foods,” Kim said. “Tc lowers the contamination rate of toxin-producing or heat-tolerant fungi that escape the food sanitation process. The application of Tc in the food industry will promote food safety, which is vital for the health of consumers.” – By Scott Elliott, USDA-ARS Office of Communications

  • ENZO & Olivaia’s OLA Win Big at San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition

    After extensive judging of quality California-produced olive oils, The Big Fresno Fair is excited to reveal the 9th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition (SJVOOC) winners. This competition, which is open to all olive oil producers in California with products made from their 2023 olive harvest, received a total of 54 entries from 20 different olive oil producers from throughout the State.

    Entries were received in two categories: Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO) and Flavored Olive Oil, with 10 classes in total. Gold and Silver Medals were awarded, as well as an overall “Best of Show” and “Best of the Valley” selected from all of the highest scoring gold medal entries in both categories. In total, there were 41 EVOO and 13 Flavored Olive Oil entries that were entered for judging. The winners of the 9th Annual San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition are as follows with the counties of ranch locations noted in parenthesis:

    Best of Show

    Olivaia’s OLA Block x Super Blend (Tulare County) – EVOO
    ENZO Olive Oil Company Organic Fresno Chili Crush (Fresno County) – Flavored Olive Oil
    Best of the Valley
    Olivaia’s OLA Block x Super Blend (Tulare County) – EVOO

    Extra Virgin Olive Oils

    • Gold Medal Winners
      • Spanish Blends: Joseph Gallo Farms JG Family Estate (Merced County), Olivaia’s OLA Block x Super Blend (Tulare County) – EVOO
      • Spanish Singles: Cobram Estates Everyday Essentials Mild (Yolo County), ENZO Olive Oil Company Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Delicate (Fresno County), ENZO Olive Oil Company Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Medium (Fresno County), Golden Harvest Estates Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Calaveras County), Olivaia’s OLA Estate Sevillano (Tulare County), Rancho Azul y Oro Olive Farm Arbequina (Monterey County)
      • Italian Blends: Rancho Azul y Oro Olive Farm Estate Blend (Monterey County), San Miguel Olive Farm Tuscan Gold Eleganza Elite (San Luis Obispo County), San Miguel Olive Farm Tuscan Gold Fantastico (San Luis Obispo County), San Miguel Olive Farm Tuscan Gold Magnifico (San Luis Obispo County), Tres Osos Olive Oil Robust (Monterey County)
      • Italian Singles: Sutter Buttes Natural Organic Coratina (Sutter County)
      • Other Blends: Olivaia’s OLA Block X Heirloom (Tulare County)Silver Medal Winners:
          • Spanish Blends: California Olive Ranch’s 100% CA EVOO (Glenn County), California Olive Ranch Miller’s Blend (Glenn County), Corto Olive Oil Truly (San Joaquin County)
          • Spanish Singles: California Olive Ranch Reserve Arbequina (Glenn County), California Olive Ranch Reserve Arbosana (Glenn County), Mangini Ranch Olive Oil Picual Reserve (Calaveras County), Olive Crush Farms Arbequina (Calaveras County)
          • Italian Blends: Regency Olive Ranch Robust (Santa Barbara County)
          • Italian Singles: La Torre Olive Oil Ascolano (Tulare County)
          • Other Singles: ENZO Olive Oil Company Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Bold (Fresno County)

        Flavored Olive Oils

        • Gold Medal Winners
          • Citrus: ENZO Olive Oil Organic Eureka Lemon Crush (Fresno County), ENZO Olive Oil Organic Clementine Crush Olive Oil (Fresno County), Rancho Azul y Oro Olive Farm Orange Infused Olive Oil (Monterey County)
          • Herbal: Corto Olive Co. Lemongrass & Basil Olive Oil (San Joaquin County)
          • Pepper: Corto Olive Co. Calabrian Chili (San Joaquin County), ENZO Olive Oil Company Organize Fresno Chili Crush (Fresno County), Sutter Buttes Citrus Habanero (Sutter County)
        • Silver Medal Winners
          • Citrus: Sutter Buttes Natural Meyer Lemon (Sutter County)
          • Herbal: ENZO Olive Oil Company Organic Basil Crush (Fresno County)
          • Other: Sutter Buttes Garlic Herb Olive Oil (Sutter County)

          All winners will be on display in the Agriculture Building with educational information on the art of making olive oil and its health benefits. Gold Medal, Best of Show and Best of the Valley winners will have the opportunity to have a booth in the Agriculture Building during the 2024 Big Fresno Fair.

          Participants in the 2024 SJVOOC were evaluated and scored on the following criteria:

        • Gold Medal: Awarded to an olive oil that demonstrated its type and/or varietal character, balance, structure and complexities to the highest standards. Gold Medals were awarded to those oils receiving scores between 86 – 100 points.
        • Silver Medal: Awarded to an olive oil reflecting the correct distribution of balance and character of its type or variety; an oil deemed to be well crafted and of excellent quality. Silver Medals were awarded to those oils receiving scores between 76 – 85 points.
        • Best of Show: Awarded to an olive oil recognized to possess special characteristics of the highest quality overall.
        • Best of the Valley: Awarded to the oil that scored the highest with the ranch or office located in the San Joaquin Valley. Medals were awarded for both EVOO and flavored oils. (Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno, Madera, Merced, Stanislaus and San Joaquin Counties eligible)

        Details and the 2025 SJVOOC entry application will be posted in February 2025.

        About The Big Fresno Fair:

        The Big Fresno Fair, founded in 1884, is the 5th largest fair in the state of California and represents the 21st District Agricultural Association. Over 500,000 people from throughout the state visit The Big Fresno Fair each year, making it the largest annual event in the Central Valley. Members of the Board of Directors include: Terry Gonsalves, President; Gary Chahil, Vice President; Frank Flores, Secretary/Treasurer; Linda Mae Balakian Hunsucker; Jerry Pacheco; Annalisa Perea, Chuck Riojas and Lawrence Salinas. The 2024 Big Fresno Fair will run October 2 – 14. For more details, please visit www.FresnoFair.com.