California Ag Network

Category: News

  • Sonoma County Wine Industry Set to Unify

    Recognizing that current challenges also present an opportunity to build a stronger future, Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) and Sonoma County Vintners (SCV) announced the alignment of their winery membership programs to strengthen collaboration and create a more unified voice for Sonoma County wine.

    The announcement follows months of meetings by a wine industry task force established by the boards of SCW and SCV to explore how best to serve the local wine community, improve efficiencies and eliminate duplication of programs. The findings of a survey of nearly 100 local vintners helped provide direction to the task force as a clear majority of vintners “supported” or “strongly supported” exploring integration of the two organizations’ memberships to provide a more unified voice for Sonoma County. Both boards have approved the strategic path forward.   

    “The response we received from our members to integrate into a single organization was overwhelmingly positive.  This new effort should greatly help in promoting Sonoma County wines, increase visitation to Sonoma County wineries, and grow direct-to-consumer sales,” said Prema Kerollis, co-founder and president of Three Sticks Wines and chair of the Sonoma County Vintners board of directors.   She added, “While there were some big decisions that had to be made, it was abundantly clear that the Sonoma County wine community is better together.”

    Specifically, SCV will merge with SCW’s Winery Collaborative to create a new Sonoma County Wine membership for wineries beginning in 2027.

    SCW’s Winery Collaborative focuses on expanding market opportunities for Sonoma County wines through national marketing initiatives, strategic partnerships, and innovative, non-traditional marketing channels. SCV actively promotes Sonoma County wineries through educational programming, regional and international marketing initiatives, and services that help strengthen winery visibility and business success.

    Together, the new Sonoma County Wine membership will provide wineries with a more comprehensive suite of marketing opportunities, educational resources, strategic partnerships, and industry collaboration under a single membership.

    “Our goal is simple: to ensure Sonoma County remains one of the most respected and competitive wine regions in the world,” said Emilie Eliason, interim executive director of Sonoma County Vintners.  She added, “This is an exciting proactive, strategic approach to combat the challenges ahead together to drive demand for our wines and elevate the region.”

    Both organizations emphasized that the new direction reflects a shared commitment to long-term sustainability, both economically and structurally, for the Sonoma County wine industry.

    “Facing the realities of today’s market, our growers and vintners came together with a single purpose to explore merging resources to strengthen our efforts and speak with one unmistakable voice for Sonoma County wine,” said Karissa Kruse, chief executive officer of Sonoma County Winegrowers. She added, “This is a natural evolution given today’s global challenges and the result will make our efforts to promote the Sonoma County wine region more effective.”

    The Sonoma County Winegrowers, which represents approximately 1,800 grape growers, is a state marketing commission established by a vote of winegrape growers and funded by grower assessments while the Sonoma County Vintners, representing the region’s wineries,  is a voluntary trade association that is funded by membership dues paid by wineries.

    “This is an exciting new chapter for our industry.  Unification makes sense and has the potential to benefit the entire wine region while securing the future for wine in Sonoma County,” said Bret Munselle, a fifth-generation winegrower with Munselle Vineyards and chairman of the Sonoma County Winegrowers. — Story contributed by Sonoma County Winegrowers and Sonoma County Vintners

  • World Dairy Expo Cattle Show Entries Open

    Entries for the Dairy Cattle Show at the 59th World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisc. are now being accepted exclusively online at worlddairyexpo.com. The entry deadline is Aug. 31, at 11:59 p.m. (CST). Late entries will be accepted, but at an increased fee.

    The Dairy Cattle Show will run Sept. 27 through Oct. 2. Entry information, the schedule of events, rules and other updates can be found in the premium book, available online at worlddairyexpo.com. Exhibitors may request a mailed copy of the premium book by contacting Dairy Systems Manager Laurie Breuch at lbreuch@wdexpo.com, or Lexa Miller, Dairy Cattle & Contests Coordinator, at lmiller@wdexpo.com.

    World Dairy Expo continues to monitor Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) and all other health concerns impacting dairy cattle. While H5N1 testing has been rescinded for animals in those states that have Unaffected State Status under the USDA National Milk Testing Strategy surveillance, the required test for HPAI/H5N1 is an Influenza A PCR test for lactating cattle from states with Affected or Provisional Unaffected State Status. World Dairy Expo also requires animals being transported with animals from affected or provisional unaffected states to be tested. Please reference testing timelines in the health regulations and with your state animal health official prior to departure for the show. WDE will share new information and directives as provided.

    The Dairy Cattle Show will begin with the International Junior Holstein Show cow classes and International Milking Shorthorn Show heifer classes at 10:00 a.m. on Sept. 27. The breed shows will follow a split-day schedule with their heifer and cow classes. For the complete World Dairy Expo schedule of events, visit worlddairyexpo.com. — Story by the World Dairy Expo

  • DHIA Offering $1,000 Scholarships

    The National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) is now accepting applications for its 2027 scholarship program. These scholarships, valued at $1,000 each, go to high school seniors and college undergraduate students. Applicants must be full-time, incoming or continuing students at a technical college or a two-year or four-year college/university. To be eligible for a National DHIA scholarship, the applicant must be a family member or employee of a herd on DHI test, family member of a DHI employee, or employee of a DHI affiliate. The DHI affiliate for the herd or affiliate employee must be a member of National DHIA. Members of National DHIA include AgSource Dairy, Arizona DHIA, Capstone Dairy Data Services, Central Counties DHIA, CentralStar Cooperative Inc.-DHI Services, Dairy One Cooperative Inc., DHI Cooperative Inc., Eastern Wisconsin Dairy Herd Improvement Cooperative, Idaho DHIA, Indiana State Dairy Association, Lancaster DHIA, Minnesota DHIA, Rocky Mountain DHIA and United Federation of DHIAs.

    The scholarship selection committee will evaluate applicants based on scholastic achievements, leadership, community activities, work experience, knowledge of and experience with DHIA, and responses to questions on the application. Applications are due Oct. 31, 2026. Recipients will be announced at the 2027 National DHIA Annual Meeting and Leadership Session.

    To apply for a National DHIA scholarship, go to: www.dhia.org/scholarships and download and complete the electronic application form. For more information, contact JoDee Sattler, National DHIA scholarship coordinator, at 414-587-5839 or jdsattler@dhia.org.

    National DHIA will award approximately ten $1,000 scholarships. Generous contributions from National DHIA members, friends and supporters help fund these scholarships.

    National Dairy Herd Information Association, a trade association for the dairy records industry, serves the best interests of its members and the dairy industry by maintaining the integrity of dairy records and advancing dairy information systems. — Story contributed by the Dairy Herd Information Association

  • USMCA Review Puts Dairy Back in the Spotlight

    The Trump administration announced July 1 it will not renew USMCA in its current form, triggering the agreement’s annual review process while keeping all existing trade provisions—including dairy tariff-rate quotas and rules of origin—in force. The move does not disrupt current dairy trade but keeps long-standing issues, including Canada’s dairy market access, on the negotiating table.

    One week earlier, while speaking June 24 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) conference, Three Nations, One Table: North American Agriculture Under USMCA, Gregg Doud, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation and former U.S. Chief Agricultural Negotiator under the first Trump administration, described dairy as one of North America’s most integrated industries.

    “I think one of the most fascinating conversations on integration is dairy between the U.S. and Canada. I mean, we have facilities on both sides of the border, very close to each other, and there’s stuff going back and forth all the time, which makes it really complicated to know what the real trade is,” Doud said.

    His observation reveals a challenge ahead. While the U.S. operates under a market-oriented milk pricing system built around Federal Orders that are benchmarks, not guarantees, and Canada relies on administered pricing through fat-based milk production quotas, dairy manufacturing has become increasingly integrated as it straddles the border with investments in the U.S. by Canadian-based companies, including at least one prominent Canadian-farmer-owned-cooperative company operating and expanding state-side.

    As negotiations move forward, policymakers will be weighing not only market ‘access,’ but also where value is created and where it lands in an “integrated” North American supply chain and what else is being integrated in terms of ‘sustainability’ definitions, metrics and data collection. In today’s ag and dairy economy, the question of what crosses the border is much more complicated than it was six years ago. — Story contributed by the American Dairy Coalition

  • Unified Wine & Grape Symposium Taps Owen and Feuchuk to Shape 2027 Program

    With the wine industry confronting some of the most consequential questions in a generation, the team that will shape the conversation at the industry’s largest gathering is now in place. The Unified Wine & Grape Symposium (UW&GS) today announced that Susan Owen, Senior Director of Sales at G3 Enterprises, and Ed Feuchuk, General Manager of Tank Garage Winery and Farm Collective Napa Valley, will serve as co-chairs of the 2027 Program Development Committee.

    The UW&GS Program Development Committee is responsible for identifying the issues, trends and opportunities most important to growers, winemakers and allied industry members, and developing an educational program that helps attendees start the year informed and prepared.

    Owen returns to the leadership role after serving as a co-chair for the past two years. A respected wine packaging executive with extensive experience across the wine industry, Owen brings a collaborative leadership style and a passion for industry service. She currently leads a team of wine packaging experts across North America for G3 Enterprises and has previously held leadership positions with Juclas USA and the Vason Group.

    Joining her is Feuchuk, a wine industry marketer and brand builder with nearly two decades of experience developing innovative direct-to-consumer wine brands. As general manager for Farm Collective Napa Valley, he has led creative, strategic and technical initiatives for brands including Tank Garage Winery, James Cole Winery, Regusci Winery and T-Vine Winery. His work has been featured in publications including the San Francisco Chronicle, The New York Times and Wine Spectator.

    “The decisions this industry makes in the next few years will shape it for a generation, and Unified is where those conversations happen,” said Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and a member of Unified Symposium Management LLC. “Susan and Ed bring the right mix of experience and fresh thinking to lead the 2027 program. Together with a committee that spans every corner of the industry, they’ll build a program that sends people home in January with answers they can actually use.”

    The committee has begun meeting to identify key industry topics, recruit speakers and develop the educational program for the 2027 Unified Symposium.

    The 2027 UW&GS Program Development Committee includes experts in grapegrowing, winemaking, business operations, marketing and communications and Spanish-language education. Committee members represent wineries, vineyards, universities, industry organizations and allied businesses from across California and beyond.

    For the list of the 2027 Program Development Committee, visit the Unified Symposium website under Program Information.

    The Unified Wine & Grape Symposium is jointly organized by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers. The 2027 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium will be held January 26-28 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. — Story contributed by the United Wine & Grape Symposium

  • How to Control Vineyard Ants and Vine Mealybug

    George Zhuang, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist, and Manuel Marin Jr, PCA and California Raisin Grower, discuss some of the best practices for controlling ants and vine mealybug in your vineyard. Key takeaways include improved vineyard monitoring practices, specific methods of ant and Vine Mealybug control, and new ideas to bring home to your farm.

    Special thanks to Bayer Movento Insecticide for making this episode possible.

  • Setton Farms’s Chocolate Pistachios Selected as Good Housekeeping Awards Winner

    Setton Farms announced that their Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt have been named Best Sweet Pistachios in Good Housekeeping’s 2026 Snack Awards. The full list of awards can be found on goodhousekeeping.com/snacks2026.

    Setton’s Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt are made in-house in small batches. They’re made with whole pistachios, dry-roasted, with a touch of sea salt that enhances the chocolate’s flavor while balancing overall sweetness. Made with a simple ingredient list, they provide 3 grams of protein per serving. Forgoing a traditional glaze, the Dark Chocolate Pistachios with Sea Salt presents a natural chocolate finish, complemented by a new packaging design.

    Setton also has a premium, award-winning line of seasoned pistachio kernel flavors, including hot honey, Tajín®, buffalo wing, jalapeño, garlic onion, salt and pepper and scorpion pepper. Other products include an in-shell and shelled organic line and a selection of premium dry-roasted in-shell pistachios. — Story contributed by Setton Farms

  • Almond Board Seeks Volunteers for Industry Committees

    More than 150 active almond industry members volunteer on board-appointed committees, subcommittees and working groups to further the work of Almond Board of California (ABC). The Board is always on the lookout for new volunteers and accepts applications throughout the year; the committees are seated in August. Committee descriptions and Statement of Interest Forms are hyperlinked below.

    The Board seeks to ensure that its programs and policies are inclusive and would like to enhance the diversity of its volunteers. Eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to consider applying to participate. Growers, handlers, huller/shellers and any allied industry members along the supply chain or affiliated with the almond industry are encouraged to get involved.

    The following board-appointed committees further the work of the Almond Board

    The committee and workgroup descriptions below provide an overview on the opportunities to serve and shape future research and programs. Those interested in joining can fell out a statement of interest for before July 10 for consideration.

    Almond Quality, and Food Safety and Services Committee

    Mission Statement:To ensure the quality and safety of California Almonds, through science, research, industry wide education.

    The Almond Quality, Food Safety and Services Committee considers and recommends to the Board rules and regulations pertaining to the federal marketing order. This committee also provides oversight for other marketing order services and educational activities which are necessary to maintain the high quality standards and safety of the California almond industry. This committee consists of seven members. In addition, this committee oversees an Industry Services Subcommittee and a Biomass Task Force.

    Statement of Interest Form

    Biomass Workgroup

    Mission Statement: To maximize value added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly.

    The Biomass Workgroup aims to maximize value-added utilization for all orchard products, other than the edible nut, which are financially viable and environmentally friendly. Among other responsibilities, this group will review research proposals and RFP’s; make funding recommendations for research projects and analytical testing for almond woody and fleshy biomass.

    Statement of Interest form

    Environmental Stewardship Workgroup

    Mission statement: Fosters, supports, and steers environmental stewardship strategy for California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California, in support of ABC’s 3 core strategic goals – driving global demand, maintaining a favorable regulatory environment and maximizing industry efficiency. Also provides oversight of sustainability thought leadership tactics like partnerships, round tables and corporate visibility initiatives.

    Statement of Interest form

    Finance and Audit Committee

    Mission Statement: The Almond Board of California (ABC) Finance and Audit Committee’s (F&AC) mission is to ensure the financial integrity of ABC and act as fiduciary guardian of grower funds collected for the purpose of executing the organization’s annual programs and budgets. F&AC is comprised of five members and five alternates. The ABC Treasurer is the committee chair.

    Statement of Interest Form

    Global Communications Committee

    Mission Statement: Fosters, supports, and steers strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry, and the Almond Board of California (ABC) in support of driving global demand.

    The Global Communications Committee guides and informs strategy for industry and external communications about California almonds, the almond industry and the Almond Board of California. The committee will provide stakeholders and consumers with information about the almond industry and its practices, anticipate and provide counsel on various issues and potential crises, and disseminate industry-funded research findings to a variety of audiences. This group also engages members of the almond community by creating programs and events that motivate industry members to become more efficient in and out of the orchard.

    Statement of Interest form

    Global Market Development Committee

    Mission Statement: To deliver the Almond board of California’s #1 strategic objective, Driving Global Demand, the mission of the Global Market Development committee is to guide the marketing investments of ABC with a strategic lens. This includes utilizing consumer market research, in-market results, and macro-economic trends to align on markets to prioritize for investment, address key issues/opportunities in each market (across marketing, trade stewardship and market access) and approve the strategies and key tactics to execute upon. The GMDC strives to make decisions for short-, mid- and long-term that will lead to the optimal long-term outcome for the entire industry.

    The Global Market Development Committee evaluates growth opportunities available to the almond industry and makes recommendations to the Board. These recommendations include a worldwide market research and market development program for each crop year. The committee also administers government-funded marketing and research programs and may also recommend to the Board changes in the marketing order rules and regulations, granting credit to handlers for qualified promotional activities. These credits are granted based on the proportion of assessment credit determined to be granted for each type of promotional activity.

    Statement of Interest form

    Nutrition Research Committee

    Mission Statement: Guide ABC’s nutrition research investments to advance the science on the impact of almond consumption on human health and enhance ABC’s ability to communicate almond’s health benefits globally.

    The Nutrition Research Committee focuses on ongoing nutrition research which adds to the existing body of almond science and is utilized by the Board in global marketing outreach programs to promote the consumption of almonds. Current strategic research areas focus on the relationship between consumption of almonds and heart health, diabetes/prediabetes, weight management, gut health, cognition, skin health, exercise recovery and other areas.This committee is comprised of seven members and three alternates, consisting of food scientists, nutritionists, almond growers and other almond industry representatives.

    Statement of Interest form

    Organic Advisory Panel

    Mission Statement:To address issues impacting organic almond production, trade, and consumer awareness.

    The mission of the Organic Advisory Panel is to address issues impacting organic almond production, trade and consumer awareness. This panel will direct staff on areas of focus including research, marketing, national and local organic initiatives, and other areas.

    Statement of Interest form

    Production Stewardship Workgroup

    Mission Statement: Support and identify innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices.

    Our Production Stewardship Workgroup identifies innovative production research and technology to support Almond Board’s vision and mission to make life better by what we grow, how we grow, and accelerate adoption of industry best practices. Areas of research and extension that this group advise include orchard configuration, tree growth, breeding, pest management, irrigation, nutrient management, soils, harvest, precision ag. technology, environmental sustainability, and others.

    Statement of Interest form

    Strategic Ag Innovation Committee

    Mission Statement: This committee focuses on how almonds are grown, providing strategic direction on research to provide information and tools that will improve industry efficiency. This spans not only on-farm practices but also post-harvest, regulatory and market implications around almond production. The committee is supported by workgroups with specific technical expertise. The committee guides a broad-based research program, addressing agricultural and environmental challenges, that will ultimately ensure the long-term sustainability and profitability of almond growing, meeting the needs and expectations of stakeholders globally.

    The Strategic Ag Innovation Committee is the “strategic forward thinker” for the almond industry and is supported by specialty-area research working groups. This committee shall consider and recommend projects that maintain the almond industry’s leadership role as a “Crop of Choice” for California, and which reflect the overall production and environmental research needs of the almond industry. This committee consists of ten members and oversees the six specialty-area research working groups listed below. All of the working groups review research proposals and make funding recommendations to the Strategic Ag Innovation Committee.

    Statement of Interest form

    Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee

    Mission Statement: Provide support and leadership in identifying, monitoring, and resolving those regulatory and/or market access issues impacting the production and unimpeded global trade of California almonds.

    The Technical & Regulatory Affairs Committee provides support to and cooperates with almond industry stakeholders and other Almond Board committees, focusing on those issues that impact the production and worldwide marketing of California Almonds. This synergy will enable greater integration and contribute to the overall success of the industry.

    Statement of Interest form

  • EU Opens New 0% Tariff Rate Quota for U.S. Almonds

    California almond exporters have a new opportunity in one of the world’s largest premium food markets following the European Union’s approval of a new duty-free tariff rate quota (TRQ) for U.S. almonds.

    The measure is part of the recently finalized EU-U.S. trade agreement, which expands market access for several U.S. agricultural products through zero-duty tariff rate quotas. For almonds, qualifying shipments can now enter the European Union at a 0% tariff until the quota is filled, providing a more competitive position for U.S. almonds in the marketplace. The new regulations are scheduled to remain in effect through the end of 2029.

    The announcement brings welcome certainty after months of escalating trade tensions. Earlier this year, the European Union had proposed a 25% retaliatory tariff on a range of U.S. products in response to broader U.S. trade actions. While almonds were discussed as part of those potential countermeasures, the tariffs were repeatedly delayed as negotiations continued, creating uncertainty for exporters serving European customers.

    Prior to the new agreement, U.S. almonds generally entered the EU under the bloc’s existing tariff structure, including limited tariff-rate quotas that offered reduced-duty access for specified volumes. The new agreement expands preferential access by establishing a dedicated 0% tariff rate quota for eligible U.S. almond exports, improving market access and helping maintain the competitiveness of California almonds in Europe.

    For California’s almond industry, the development reinforces the value of stable trade relationships. The European Union remains an important destination for California almonds, where demand for nutritious snack foods and food ingredients continues to support long-term consumption. Lower import costs under the new quota can help strengthen the industry’s position with European manufacturers, retailers and consumers while reducing the uncertainty that has surrounded transatlantic trade discussions over the past year. — Story provided by the Almond Board of California

  • CDFA to Discuss Land Equity, Single-Use Plastic and Irrigated Lands

    The CDFA will hear updates on agricultural land equity, single-use plastic regulations and a recent statewide expert panel report concerning irrigated lands at its upcoming meeting on July 7. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Ag, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium in Sacramento

    The meeting is also available via Zoom:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84457156306

    Webinar ID: 844 5715 6306

    Passcode: Board2026!

    (Phone Access Passcode: 7512658609)

    (Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)

    “Working to build healthy communities is a priority within California agriculture,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “As we continue to address critical issues related to farming, ranching and food production, we need innovation, research and collaboration to develop sustainable pathways forward. California continues to be a leader in what we grow and how we grow it.”

    Issues for the Board’s upcoming discussion include the December 2025 report, Advancing Agricultural Land Equity in California prepared by the Strategic Growth Council’s California Ag Land Equity Task Force; final regulations to implement the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act adopted by CalRecycle; and the Second Statewide Ag Expert Panel report focusing on the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. In addition, the Board will hear updates concerning New World Screwworm and the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter.

    Invited speakers include: Michelle Martin, CalRecycle; Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, University of California; Camille Frazier, Strategic Growth Council; Tricia Geringer, Ag Council of California; Paul Towers, Community Alliance with Family Farmers; Melissa Koshlaychuk, Western Growers; Rick Tomlinson, California Strawberry Commission; Dr. Amanda Murray, California State Veterinarian and; Michelle Pham, California Department of Food and Ag.

    “The diversity of issues that farmers face continues to grow,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Ag. “The issues are also becoming more complex and frequently layer-upon one another. Keeping farmers and ranchers informed is essential and that is what this Board continues to do.”

    The California State Board of Food and Ag advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state, and federal government officials; agricultural ag; and the public to discuss current issues and concerns to California ag. — Story Contributed by the California Department of Food and Ag