California Ag Network

Category: News

  • CDFA Invites Organizations to Apply to Deliver SWEEP Funding

    The California Department of Food and Ag (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) is now accepting Concept Proposal applications from eligible organizations to serve as State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) Block Grant Recipients.

    OARS invited public comments on the draft application guidelines and supporting documents in early 2026. The application guidelines have since been updated based on that feedback. The remaining supporting documents will be revised this spring to reflect additional public input in preparation for the full proposal period. In the meantime, you can find the public comments and OARS’s responses to the public comments here.

    Who Should Apply?

    At this time, CDFA is only accepting Concept Proposals from eligible organizations to become Block Grant Recipients.

    Eligible organizations must submit a Concept Proposal in order to be considered for invitation to submit a Full Proposal.

    This is not a funding opportunity for individual farmers or ranchers. Producer funding opportunities will be made available at a later date through awarded Block Grant Recipients.

    How to Apply

    Eligible organizations may review the Application Guidelines and submit a Concept Proposal here.

    Visit the SWEEP Block Grant Webpage.

    Webinar

    HSP and SWEEP will offer joint informational webinars to guide prospective Block Grant Recipients through the Concept Proposal application process and address applicant questions. Registration is required.

    Register for Webinar No. 1 on April 13 at 1 to 2:30 p.m. HERE.

    Register for Webinar No.2 on April 20 at 10-11:30 a.m. HERE.

    In addition to informational webinars, OARS will offer a question-and-answer process. General questions may be submitted through April 27, 2026 to cdfa.sweeptech@cdfa.ca.gov,  and responses will be standardized and posted to the website according to the timeline below:

    • April 17, 2026
    • May 1, 2026

    Technical Assistance for Block Grant Applicants

    We are working with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources to support Block Grant applicants through technical assistance. Community Education Specialists (CESs) across California can help develop projects that benefit disadvantaged communities (DACs) and vulnerable populations.

    Need help? Reach out to the CES team at climatesmartag@ucdavis.edu.

    Tribal Set-Aside Opportunity

    SWEEP is committed to expanding access and participation for California Native American Tribes and Tribal-serving organizations.

    For this funding cycle, SWEEP will offer a tribal set-aside of up to $4M for qualified Tribals governments and nonprofit organizations affiliated with a Tribal government. Tribal applicants will apply through the same process and manage the same format of block grant project as all other applicants. This effort aligns with the priorities of Proposition 4 and acknowledges that Tribes have been historically underserved by SWEEP. Through this work, CDFA aims to support water efficiency and energy-saving projects on Tribal agricultural lands and strengthen long-term engagement with Tribal partners.

    Note for Producers

    Producers will not be able to apply for the Block Grant funding until OARS selects Block Grant Recipients for awards and executes agreements. At this time, OARS expects execution of Block Grant Recipient agreements in January 2027. — By the California Department of Food and Ag

  • USDA Reopens Acreage Reporting  for Specialty Crop Growers

    The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) today announced the agency is reopening the 2025 crop acreage reporting period required for specialty crop producers who want to apply for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program. Announced by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins on Feb. 13, the ASCF program is designed to help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Specialty crop producers now have until April 24, 2026, to report 2025 acres to FSA.

    The ASCF program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act.

    Eligible Specialty Crops

    ASCF-eligible specialty crops include: (A) Almond, Apple, Apricot, Aronia berry, Artichoke, Asparagus, Avocado (B) Banana, Bean (Snap or green; Lima; Dry edible), Beet (Table), Blackberry, Blueberry, Breadfruit, Broccoli (including Broccoli Raab), Brussels Sprouts (C) Cabbage (including Chinese), Cacao, Carrot, Cashew, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Cherimoya, Cherry, Chestnut (for Nuts), Chive, Citrus, Coconut, Coffee, Collards (including Kale), Cranberry, Cucumber, Currant (D) Date,  (E)  Eggplant, Endive (F) Feijou, Fig, Filbert (Hazelnut) (G) Garlic, Gooseberry, Grape (including Raisin), Guava (H) Horseradish (K) Kiwi, Kohlrabi (L) Leek, Lettuce, Litchi (M) Macadamia, Mango, Melon (All Types), Mushroom (Cultivated), Mustard and Other Greens (N) Nectarine (O) Okra, Olive, Onion,  (P) Papaya, Parsley, Parsnip, Passion Fruit, Pea (Garden; English or Edible Pod; Dry edible), Peach, Pear, Pecan, Pepper, Persimmon, Pineapple, Pistachio, Plum (including Prune), Pomegranate, Potato, Pumpkin (Q) Quince (R) Radish (All Types), Raspberry, Rhubarb, Rutabaga (S) Salsify, Spinach, Squash (Summer and Winter), Strawberry, Suriname Cherry, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Swiss Chard (T) Taro, Tomato (including Tomatillo), Turnip (W) Walnut, Watermelon

    *Dry edible beans and peas covered by the Farmer Bridge Assistance program will not be eligible for ASCF. Commodities covered by FBA will not be eligible for ASCF.

    Program Participation

    ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by Friday, April 24, 2026. USDA will release commodity-specific payment rates soon after the acreage reporting deadline.

    Following completion of acreage reporting, producers are encouraged to prepare for the eventual announcement of the ASCF program application period by creating a Login.gov account. Doing so ensures that once FSA starts taking ASCF program applications, those producers who wish to apply online will experience an expedited application and payment process. Assistance will also be available through local FSA county offices.

    Login.gov is the public’s one account for government engagement. Producers can use one account and password for secure, private access to participating government agencies, including FSA. Begin the Login.gov process by visiting fsa.usda.gov/fba to create a Login.gov account. Producers who have an existing Login.gov account can work with FSA using their existing account. For assistance creating a login.govaccount, visit https://login.gov/help/.

    Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF program. However, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.

    More information on ASCF is available online at https://www.fsa.usda.gov/fba. Producers can contact their local FSA county office to make an appointment to complete their 2025 crop acreage report. — By the USDA Farm Service Agency

  • Water Quality Changes to Impact Central Valley Dairy Producers

    A pair of regulatory changes are coming to the Central Valley that will impact dairies and other water quality permit holders.

    One of these changes — the CV-Salts Program — is being implemented at the groundwater basin level, starting with Modesto, and has seen over a decade of involvement from Western United Dairies (WUD). According to Paul Sousa, Regulatory and Affairs Director for WUD, the change is generally positive to dairies, since it will allow more time to meet water quality standards. Similar requirements will be rolled out to other groundwater basins in the Central Valley later.

    Additionally, the State Water Board is expected to remand the Central Valley Water Board’s dairy permit. Sousa says that while this will likely bring a new set of challenges, the specifics are not yet known. Updates will come from WUD as the State Water Board releases the updated information, but Sousa added that dairies will likely have an opportunity to anticipate changes and to make and find the needed funding, as these changes often take years, and there will often be timelines for meeting the goals of the revised order.

    “Both processes will result in changes to how dairies are regulated,” Sousa wrote. “While some of these changes may present challenges, others offer added flexibility, and there are resources available to help dairies prepare.”

    One opportunity Sousa pointed to is the Dairy Plus Program, which is expected to release applications for its final round of funding this summer. More information can be found on Dairy Plus at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/dairyplus/.

  • Ag Theft Risk Rises with Climbing Diesel Prices

    With the cost of diesel climbing, it is causing a chain reaction, raising the costs of copper wire and other materials. This is leading to an increased risk of gas and copper theft on farms. At the Nisei Farmers League Annual Meeting, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jared North talked with Matthew Malcolm of California Ag Network about how growers can protect themselves from theft. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Simplot for their industry support.

  • Minimal Impact Exclusions adopted for Some Tulare Lake and Tule Pumpers

    The State Water Resources Control Board approved two resolutions at its April 7 meeting, excluding certain groundwater extractors from SGMA reporting and fee requirements with the Board. This is on the basis that these pumpers have minimal impact on extractions.

    According to a notice sent out by the Board, Resolution 2026-0011 excludes well owners who extract no more than 20 acre-feet of groundwater per year in the Tule Subbasin and do not pump groundwater within two miles of the Friant-Kern Canal. Resolution 2026-0012 exempts well owners who extract no more than the 20 acre-feet of groundwater per year in the Tulare Lake Subbasin, and do not export ground water outside the basin.

    The exclusions apply to extraction reports due Due May 1, continuing to apply to future reports unless they rescinded or modified by the Board. Qualifying pumpers should notify the Board that they are within the parameters of the exclusion, which can be done at the home page of the Groundwater Extraction Reporting System . Pumpers will not be invoiced or have to pay associated fees if they have already reported and qualify.

    More information:

    Contact the SGMA Program at sgma@waterboards.ca.gov or 916-322-6508 for additional information.

  • ‘Demo 57 Orchard’ Near Los Banos Showcases 57 Almond Variety and Rootstock Combinations

    A new almond demonstration orchard featuring 57 combinations of varieties and rootstocks has been planted near Los Banos to help growers evaluate planting decisions for the next generation of orchards.

    Known as “Demo 57,” the RPAC Variety & Rootstock Demo Orchard was planted this year adjacent to the RPAC and PAPC facilities, allowing visiting growers to easily walk through the orchard and observe how different combinations perform over time.

    The project was designed so growers can evaluate today’s commercial varieties from prominent tree nurseries alongside newer selections and rootstocks that may shape future almond plantings.

    The orchard was planted in the same year PAPC founder and longtime grower Louie Parreira will celebrate his 100th birthday, a milestone that highlights how much almond production has evolved over the past several generations.  Louie’s son, David Parreira, reflected on how orchards were planted when earlier generations of the family first entered the almond business.

    “When my father and grandfather planted their first almonds, they were on a 24-foot square spacing, about 75 trees per acre. They planted four rows of Nonpareil, then two rows of Mission, then four rows of Nonpareil and two rows of Davey and so on. I don’t think they put much fertilizer on and irrigated only when the trees looked stressed. They were happy to make 500 pounds per acre. Harvest was all by hand and the beekeepers paid the grower to bring bees in so they could make honey. Obviously, almond production has changed a lot!”

    Almond grower and RPAC partner Dennis Soares, who entered the almond industry after two decades in the cotton business, said the industry has changed dramatically since he planted his first orchards.

    “Almond prices were around 75 cents a pound when I planted my first almonds in 1999. Coming from the cotton business, we learned some lessons the hard way about planting the wrong varieties, rootstocks and spacings, like planting Wood Colony at 18-foot spacing.

    “Today plentiful information is available to growers, and making the right decisions is critical when planting a new orchard.  This demo orchard gives growers a chance to see many different combinations and evaluate what might work best for their operation.”

    Soares noted the project also benefits from agronomic support from David Doll, widely known in the industry as the Almond Doctor.

    “Working with David Doll on agronomic support has been invaluable. He provides a tremendous amount of information and stays closely connected with the almond growing community around the world.”

    The project was developed in collaboration with leading nursery partners supplying genetics and planting material.

    John Duarte, President of Duarte Nursery, expressed that “we appreciate RPAC providing nurseries this opportunity to put forward our newest ideas and genetics. For our planting, we included Yorizane high-topped containerized trees on Bright’s Hybrid 5. We believe that this new orchard system will be the highest production and most efficient almond orchard to date. Time will tell. Growers will see it firsthand.”

    “Rootstock selection plays a major role in long-term orchard performance,” said Seana Day, CEO of Dave Wilson Nursery. “Having a demonstration site like this allows growers to compare combinations and better understand how they may perform in commercial plantings. We appreciate RPAC bringing together multiple nursery partners to make this possible.”

    “New almond varieties and rootstocks are coming to market faster than ever, and growers need reliable ways to evaluate them,” said Tom Burchell, owner of Burchell Nursery. “This orchard gives the industry a place to see how different combinations perform side by side in the same environment. We are proud to partner with RPAC on a project that will provide valuable insight for growers across California.”

    In addition to the variety and rootstock trials, the orchard includes a hedgerow planted with ten species of California native plants designed to demonstrate how habitat plantings may support beneficial insects in almond orchards.

    The Demo 57 Orchard is expected to serve as a site for future grower visits and field discussions as the different combinations develop. — Story by RPAC LLC

  • American Pistachio Growers Announces 2026-27 LeadOn Class

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently announced its 16th LeadOn pistachio industry leadership class.  Training motivated individuals with vested interest in the success and future of the U.S. pistachio industry, APG has developed this program to prepare the next generation of pistachio industry leaders.

    Jeff Anderson of Meridian Growers serves as the Chair of the LeadOn Committee and shared his enthusiasm for the program. “I believe that this course is going to play a more important role for APG moving forward,” he shared.  “Our purpose is to develop the next generation of APG leaders and introduce them to the inner workings of our brand.  Also, the support team is second to none, and I look forward to the future of the program.  I think we have an excellent class this year.”

    And the plan is working. A number of young LeadOn graduates are now serving as directors on the APG Board.

    Interest in this leadership program has grown tremendously over the years, with the largest class ever having graduated in February 2025.  In order to refine the course and experience, the LeadOn committee determined to make some changes to the program effective last year. “We capped the class at 18 and will remain that size going forward,” Anderson explained.  “We like the smaller and more intimate class size.  Another change is a grading system for each application to make it a little more competitive.  I’m very excited for what’s to come!”

    This year’s LeadOn cohort includes:

    DJ Ellsworth, Meridian Growers

    Jeremy Nugent, Oro Vista Farms, LLC

    Madeline Bollengier, Sharon Naraghi Farms

    Michael Brady, Setton Farms

    Matthew Mattos, Terra West Group/Mattos & Sons

    Lindsey Herman, Primex Farms

    Anthony Jacobo, L&P Pistachio LLC

    Todd Azevedo, Stone Land Company

    Matthew Cardoso, Horizon Nut Company

    Adam Collins, Peacock Nut Co.

    Henry Woolf, Mike Woolf Farming, LLC

    Richard Searle, Cochise Groves

    Mando Perez, Semios

    Krista Tavares, Syngenta

    Valentin Medina, Fuerza Harvesting

    April Taffera, Vestaron Crop Protection

    Joseph Brewer, G3 Enterprises

    Expected to graduate at APG’s 2027 annual Pistachio Industry Conference, this 2026-27 class will meet each month covering topics ranging from pistachio production and processing to marketing, food safety to government relations and advocacy, etc… Learn more about this year’s cohort in the coming issues of Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.  The monthly “LeadOn Spotlight” column will highlight each of the class members and their commitment to the future of the pistachio industry, as directed by Pacific Nut Producer Editor Matthew Malcolm, an alumni of the program who serves on the LeadOn Committee. Subscribe to receive the monthly publication HERE.

  • California Pear Farmers Call on Retailers to Shift from Imports

    California pear growers are optimistic about the upcoming 2026 season, with an early and abundant harvest expected following a warm spring that accelerated bloom across key growing regions.

    “California pears are always the first to harvest in North America and our season is even earlier this year than normal with harvest anticipated in late June and promotable volume available in early July,” said Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board (CPAB).

    “When California comes into the market, they offer consumers the only fresh, locally grown Bartlett pear in the U.S.,” said Zanobini. “California pears are produced by multi-generational family farms who operate under the most stringent regulations in the world to protect people and the environment. We’re looking for support from retailers to kick-start this year’s pear season with early promotions.”

    Zanobini noted that Bartlett pears are the favorite of consumers.  In recent years, Argentina has been exporting increasingly more pears to U.S. retailers in the late Spring.  Since 2016, Argentine exports of fresh pears to the U.S. have increased by 125 percent, directly competing with California Bartlett pears at the start of their season.

    “Last year was especially challenging, with roughly 70 percent of imports arriving in April and May, creating a backlog of inventory as California began harvesting its first pears of the season, said Zanobini. “We are urging retailers to stop importing pears well before California pear harvest begins in July.

    “Retailers should also understand that Argentine exporters sometimes treat pears with the anti-ripening agent, 1-MCP, at post-harvest to prolong shelf life,” explained Zanobini. “This treatment results in pears that don’t ripen, slowing consumer purchases and reducing retail profitability. So, when buying imported pears – or even those from domestic producers — make sure they are not treated with 1-MCP.”

    California growers are committed to delivering a consistently high-quality product.

    “California pear growers have pledged never to use 1-MCP,” Zanobini said. “Instead, we allow Bartlett pears to ripen naturally, ensuring an optimum eating experience for consumers.”

    To support a successful transition to domestic fruit, CPAB recommends retailers phase out offshore pears by late April or early May. The California pear industry is ready to support retailers with promotion and consumer advertising to bring California Pears to light as a great summer fruit. — By the California Pear Advisory Board

  • U.S. Dairy Comments USTR Trade Estimate Report

    The National Milk Producers Federation, U.S. Dairy Export Council and the Consortium for Common Food Names commended USTR for spotlighting persistent trade barriers facing U.S. dairy exporters in the 2026 National Trade Estimate report:

    “Nearly one in every six pounds of milk produced in America is shipped to a customer overseas,” Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF, said. “When foreign markets are closed off by bogus restrictions, the pain is felt directly on farms across this country. The administration’s work through reciprocal trade negotiations to knock down these barriers is exactly the kind of advocacy American dairy farmers need, and we are grateful to see it reflected in this report.”

    “The inclusion of dairy trade barriers in this report and the administration’s concrete action to address them through reciprocal trade negotiations sends a clear signal that the United States is serious about opening markets for American dairy exporters,” Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC, said. “Every unnecessary certification requirement dismantled, every unjustified facility registration eliminated, and every market access commitment secured through these agreements is a win for U.S. dairy. We thank the administration for confronting the barriers directly and we look forward to building on that progress.”

    “The EU’s common name confiscation campaign is one of the most cynical trade tactics in the world today, and we are grateful that this administration has made confronting it a priority,” Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN, said. “By documenting the EU’s geographical indications agenda prominently in the NTE Report and pushing back against it in reciprocal trade negotiations, USTR is standing up for American producers of cheeses, wines, meats, and beers. We strongly encourage the administration to keep up the great work.”

    The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. NMPF’s member cooperatives produce more than two-thirds of U.S. milk, making NMPF dairy’s voice on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. For more, visit www.nmpf.org.

    The U.S. Dairy Export Council is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. For more, visit www.usdec.org.

    The Consortium for Common Food Names is an independent, international alliance whose goal is to work with leaders in agriculture, trade, and intellectual property rights to foster the adoption of high standards and model geographical indication guidelines throughout the world. Learn more at www.commonfoodnames.com.

  • World Dairy Expo Welcomes Brokish as Sponsorship Manager

    World Dairy Expo® is pleased to welcome Michelle Brokish, Spring Green, Wis., as the organization’s new Sponsorship Manager. In this role, Brokish will cultivate and strengthen relationships with the hundreds of corporate, farm and individual sponsors who support the world’s premier dairy event, while working closely with the Commercial Exhibitor Committee.

    Brokish brings a unique blend of relationship management, organizational expertise and a passion for agriculture to the position. Her professional background as a Quality Engineer and current role in remodeling design have equipped her with strong skills in coordinating complex deliverables, maintaining accurate documentation and ensuring commitments are fulfilled—critical components of successful sponsorship management.

    In addition to her professional experience, Brokish has hands-on involvement in sponsorship coordination through her work with the Badger State Outboard Association, where she helps build partnerships and deliver value to event sponsors. Her ability to communicate effectively, manage multiple priorities and build trust-based relationships will support World Dairy Expo’s continued commitment to sponsor success.

    “I am honored to join World Dairy Expo and contribute to an event that represents so much of what I value—community, agriculture and excellence,” shares Brokish. “I look forward to working with Expo’s dedicated sponsors and building meaningful relationships that support the continued growth and success of this iconic event.”

    “We are excited to welcome Michelle to the World Dairy Expo team,” says Laura Herschleb, WDE General Manager. “Her strong attention to detail, relationship-focused mindset and genuine connection to the dairy industry make her an excellent fit for this role. We look forward to the impact she will have in strengthening our sponsor partnerships.”

    Brokish holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology Management from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville and has been actively involved in agricultural organizations and community events, including the Iowa County Dairy Breakfast Committee. Her personal connection to dairy farming further fuels her enthusiasm for the industry and the mission of World Dairy Expo.

    About World Dairy Expo

    Serving as the meeting place of the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo is the premier forum for the dairy community to learn, share, create commerce and showcase competition. The annual event will return to Madison, Wis. September 29 – October 2, 2026. Dairy producers can experience the world’s largest dairy-focused trade show, a world-class dairy cattle show, attend seminars, meetings and presentations highlighting the latest and greatest in the industry and connect with other producers. Download the World Dairy Expo mobile app, visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow WDE on Facebook,Instagram, LinkedIn, Spotify, or YouTube for more information.