California Ag Network

Category: News

  • 10 Tips for Marketing in India

    Sumit Saran of SS Associates — American Pistachio Growers’ liaison in India — shared insights on how to market successfully in India at APG’s recent annual conference.  He pointed out that “India is not easy – it’s very diverse economically and culturally.”

    For instance, on the left side of a money bill, the amount is written in 14 languages.  Most Indians cannot read more than two of them.

    Besides cultural diversity, India has economic and marketing diversity — from traditional street markets to upscale, modern grocery stores. The rich and poor co-exist. Saran described that “India has no artificial corridors of existence. Both poverty and wealth are everywhere.”

    What unites India is a common aspiration for better health, nutrition and education, to create a better tomorrow. To achieve that, Indians are open to change, as shown in their recent transition to smaller family sizes.

    So far, though, India still has a young population.  About 60% of its people are under age 35, compared to only 34% in that range in the U.S.  The total population is 1.4 billion. Together, Indians have a strong economy that is resilient to global turmoil. People are highly connected and willing to spend, so new products can gain popularity due to a ripple effect even without promotions. In spite of some anti-import voices, imported foods have gone from niche to mainstream.

    Retail is also changing rapidly, especially the addition of “quick commerce” in which products arrive by motorcycle within 10 minutes of ordering.  Already underway in 300 cities, this year 55,000 metric tons were sold this way.  Saran was pleased to see that when he ordered coffee and pistachios by quick commerce, the pistachios arrived first.   

    Saran provided 10 simple mantras for discovering the pot of gold in India:

    • Troubles will not go away, so accept them.
    • India is on the move.  A new product may be slow to start but become unstoppable.
    • There is always room in India.
    • Indians are not necessarily price conscious, but they are value conscious — perfect for pistachios.
    • Define your niche in India and then target it.
    • Establish partnerships.
    • Don’t let one bad experience ruin the whole bunch.
    • It’s not just about the investment — it’s about involvement.
    • Have a long-term plan.  Remember that bamboo stays at four inches in height for four years, but in its fifth year it grows six feet per day.
    • Myths and realities are different.  “Indians are bad payers” — false.  “The cold chain is lacking” — false.  “Retail is lacking” — false.  “It’s too far away” — false; it is just an overnight plane ride.  “It’s too hot and the traffic is bad” — this is true.

    Pistachio marketing has a big boost from India’s top cricket player, Jasprit Bumrah, who is promoting pistachios to his 20 million social media followers as well as on signs and on TV.  He exemplifies the India that is young and interested in premium nutrition.

    Saran surmised, “The demand is rising — we can create something lasting.”   — By Nancy Power, Assistant Editor

    Star cricket player Jasprit Bumrah is promoting pistachios in India. Photo contributed by SS Associates

  • Outlook Optimistic for California Strawberry Growers

    The forecast is bright for strawberry growers in California, with steady demand and record acreage reported in Santa Maria accompanied by strong production on the Central Coast. Rabobank Analyst David Magaña discussed these developments with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

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

  • Growers Experience ‘Early and Fast’ Almond Bloom

    The 2026 post-bloom period has been typified by a lack of precipitation and summer-like temperatures throughout California’s central valley. Readings have run 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms, making the final days of winter feel more like summer. Daily maximum temperatures rose dramatically from the upper 70’s at the start of the period, reaching into the upper 80‘s and mid 90’s, setting new records on several days. Morning lows followed the trend set by the daily maximum values, rising from the low 40’s to upper 50’s and lower 60’s before settling back into mid-50’s by the end of the month.

    The 2026 bloom presented growers with several challenges and several contradictions. The bloom is best characterized as “early and fast.” While the winter months provided just enough hours below 45 degrees to support dormancy, the chilling was by no means “deep chilling”. This is best demonstrated by the fact that there were no frosty mornings until the first week of January in nearly all areas of the central valley. Elevated temperatures during the bloom pushed flower development at a very high pace and inclement weather eliminated bee activity within the orchards for five days during the peak of bloom. Considering the bloom by itself, it is hard to imagine a crop larger than what was produced in 2025, and growers are reporting quite a bit of variation in their apparent crop loads.

    While the bloom had its share of issues, post-bloom conditions have been very supportive of the developing crop. In fact, some would say too supportive. Bright sunshine provides excellent support for photosynthesis and carbohydrate production. But temperatures running 10 to 20 degrees above seasonal norms also increases respiration, consuming carbohydrates and increasing the potential for stress. Some have noted that many orchards transitioned from the white of bloom to green foliage without passing through the “dirty” stage that describes the period when petals have fallen, prior to the leaves emerging. Taken by itself, this would normally be interpreted as having a poor crop set, as nutrients flow to push leaves, rather being consumed by the developing crop.

    While all of this is “fun” to talk about, the final determination of each of these impacts remains to be seen. What we know today is that the “first shed,” those flowers that failed to be fertilized have been already been cast to the ground or are about to fall in the case of the late blooming Butte and Padre. And the processes that precede the “second shed,” where nuts that the trees are unable to carry to maturity are sequestered from the flow of nutrients is well underway, with advanced examples already shedding nuts to the ground. Both of these normal processes are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal, driven by the elevated temperatures.

    As previously noted, growers have been working diligently to keep up with their orchard’s needs, irrigating, fertilizing, and managing vegetation within the orchards. Growers have been injecting liquid fertilizer materials into the irrigation water, the most efficient means of providing nutrients for the developing crop. Growers have also been terminating cover crops or native vegetation within the “middles,” the area between the tree rows to reduce water consumption.

    As for pest management, the elevated temperatures have also pushed insect development, and the typical complement of insect pests are running approximately two weeks ahead of normal. Growers and Pest Control Advisors, PCA’s, have noted finding several important plant bug species, Leaf-Footed Plant Bugs and Stink Bugs species in orchards in all growing regions. Box Elder Bugs have also been reported in San Joaquin County. Early season feeding by plant bugs kills the nuts, causing them to drop from the tree, while feeding after kernel hardening results in “Brown Spot,” rendering the nut inedible. Within the past week, Navel Orangeworm adult moths have also been caught in pheromone traps placed in the orchards to monitor their presence. Now that Navel Orangeworm has begun emerging from their over-wintering sites in the mummy nuts remaining in the trees, growers have begun hanging devices for designed to disrupt mating and reduce the population of insects remaining in the orchards.

    Most growers have made at least one post-bloom treatment to prevent infection by Red Leaf Blotch. This is a new invasive fungal organism that has spread from a single orchard in Merced County in 2024 to most of the central valley by 2025. Treatments must be made prior to infection, and the organism takes approximately 40 days for symptoms to express following infection. Many orchards experienced severe infections in 2025 which caused significant levels of defoliation. University researchers have noted that two post-bloom treatments are required for adequate protection. Weather forecasters are predicting cooler conditions and a chance of rainfall over the first week of April, which researchers have shown will increase the risk of infection.

    Over the coming weeks, irrigation and fertility will be focal points of grower activity. Growers and their PCA’s will also be monitoring plant bug populations as they work to protect the crop ahead of the harvest. — By Mel Machado, Chief Agricultural Officer, Blue Diamond Growers

  • U.S. Dairy Welcomes Argentina Trade Agreement

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) and Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) celebrated the signing of a U.S.–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment that includes tariff and nontariff barrier concessions for U.S. dairy exports.

    Argentina commits in the trade deal to eliminate tariffs that currently range up to 28 percent on select dairy products, including milk powders, dairy proteins, lactose, and other dairy ingredients. The agreement also establishes a 1,000 metric ton quota for certain U.S. cheeses. In addition to tariff reductions, Argentina agrees to prevent several nontariff barriers, including refraining from imposing processing facility registration requirements on U.S. dairy exports and providing explicit protections for 39 common cheese names like “parmesan”.

    “The commitments secured in the U.S.-Argentina reciprocal trade deal bring new, real opportunities for our dairy exports to South America,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “USDEC appreciates USTR’s hard work in securing agreements that lower tariffs and meaningfully address nontariff barriers, particularly those to protect common cheese names. We look forward to building our market presence in Argentina as the agreement is implemented.”

    “Trade deals like this one bring dairy farmers promise for the future,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Dairy farms operate 365 days a year, and the U.S. negotiating team is keeping pace to secure new market access. NMPF will continue to work with the Administration as all the reciprocal trade agreements are translated into real results on the ground for our farmers.”

    “Argentina’s commitment to protect 39 common cheese names and 10 generic meat terms could not have come at a more important time,” said Jaime Castaneda, executive director of CCFN. “As the European Union is advancing toward implementation of its trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc of countries, our ability to use common names is increasingly at risk. We cannot thank Ambassador Greer and the USTR negotiating team enough for the foresight and leadership in protecting U.S. exporters’ rights.”

    The trade deal follows reciprocal trade agreements that the United States signedr ecently with El Salvador and Guatemala last week that included commitments to prevent barriers to U.S. dairy exports. USDEC and NMPF will continue to work with the U.S. government as the reciprocal trade negotiations progress to identify and address impediments to dairy trade and grow U.S. export opportunities.

    —By the National Milk Producers Federation

  • U.S. Participants for Philippines Trade Mission Selected

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Manila, Philippines, from April 13–16, 2026, to expand market access for American farmers, ranchers, and producers.

    This mission follows a landmark trade agreement negotiated by President Trump in July of last year, which opened new opportunities for U.S. agricultural exports to the Philippines. Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering will lead the mission, heading a delegation of 58 U.S. agribusinesses, trade associations, and representatives from four State departments of agriculture.

    “USDA is committed to getting American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses better access to strong markets and fair opportunities abroad,” said Deputy Undersecretary Bekkering. “Since the Philippines is one of the fastest-growing markets in Asia, this mission will connect U.S. exporters directly with reliable buyers, strengthen our trade relationship, and help keep American agriculture globally competitive.”

    The Philippines is the tenth‑largest market for U.S. agricultural and food products, averaging $3.4 billion in annual exports over the past five years. With a population of 118 million, a rapidly expanding middle class, and strong consumer preference for U.S. products, the Philippines offers enormous growth potential for American exporters.

    During the visit, USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will host market briefings, site visits, and business-to-business meetings with buyers from the Philippines.

    State departments of agriculture from Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska and Wisconsin will join the mission alongside the 58 agribusinesses and trade associations, which include:

    1. 7th Sky Ventures LLC – Tampa, Fla.
    2. Aerocos International Ltd – Marlboro, N.J.
    3. American Egg Board – Chicago, Ill.
    4. American Peanut Council – Alexandria, Va.
    5. Best Buy Grocers, Inc. – Sherman Oaks, Calif.
    6. BNutty, Peanut Butter – Portage, Ind.
    7. California Milk Advisory Board – Tracy, Calif.   
    8. California Table Grape Commission – Fresno, Calif.
    9. CAS InterGlobal – Pleasanton, Calif.
    10. Commercial Creamery Company – Spokane, Wash.
    11. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin – Madison, Wis.
    12. Dragonfly Cakes – Tacoma, Wash.
    13. East-West International Group, Inc –   Moreland Hills, Ohio.
    14. Foodlinx – Brentwood, Calif.
    15. Fort McCoy Meat, LLC – Fort McCoy, Fla.
    16. Galdisa USA – Conroe, Texas
    17. Global Export Marketing Co. Ltd. (GEMCO) – New York, N.Y.
    18. Globex International – New York, N.Y.
    19. Groceries USA – New York, N.Y.
    20. Grove Services – Atlanta, Ga.
    21. Indiana Corn Marketing Council – Indianapolis, Ind.
    22. International Market Brands – Issaquah, Wash.
    23. Intervision Foods – Atlanta, Ga.
    24. Jack’s Alimentary Supply, Inc. (JASI) – Lowell, Mass.
    25. Kizable, LLC – Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
    26. MacDonald Meat – Seattle, Wash.
    27. MEM Fairway Inc. – Irvine, Calif.
    28. Nebraska Corn Board – Lincoln, Neb.
    29. North American Export Grain Association – Washington, D.C.
    30. Ocean Gold Seafoods – Westport, Wash.
    31. Pacific Cheese Co., Inc. – Hayward, Calif.
    32. PacRim Wines & Spirits – San Rafael, Calif.
    33. Potatoes USA – Denver, Colo.
    34. Prime Pecan, LLC – Ocean Springs, Miss.
    35. Raisin Administrative Committee – Fresno, Calif.
    36. Scout & Zoe’s – Anderson, Ind.
    37. Sollarom Foods – Lakewood, Calif.
    38. Southern Forest Products Association – Metairie, La.
    39. Space Enterprises LLC – The Woodlands, Texas
    40. TAG Enterprise Ltd. – Beverly Hills, Calif.
    41. Tomex Foods Group – Lombard, Ill.
    42. Tranect LLC – Boston, Mass.
    43. Trinity Foods, Inc – San Diego, Calif.
    44. U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.
    45. U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council – Washington, D.C.
    46. U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council – Folson, Calif.
    47. U.S. International Foods LLC – St. Louis, Mo.
    48. U.S. Livestock Genetics Export – Mount Horeb, Wis.
    49. U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.
    50. U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.
    51. U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.
    52. United Dairy Ingredients Group LLC – Monterey Park, Calif.
    53. US Rice Producers Association – Katy, Texas   
    54. USA Poultry and Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.
    55. USA Pulses – Moscow, Idaho
    56. Valley Pride Ag Co. – Fresno, Calif.
    57. Virginia Distillery Co. – Lovingston, Va.
    58. Wonderful Citrus – Delano, Calif.

    In 2025, USDA trade missions connected more than 200 U.S. companies with buyers in Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan and Mexico, generating projected 12‑month sales of $125 million. USDA will continue expanding export opportunities in 2026 with upcoming missions planned for Australia and Vietnam.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. — By USDA Foreign Ag Service

  • USDA, DOI Move to Boost Support for Ranchers

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum today announced new actions aimed at boosting the  supply of American born, raised, and harvested beef by supporting American ranchers with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen coordination, cut bureaucratic red tape, and deliver immediate, tangible support for America’s farmers and ranchers who rely on public lands.

    Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure more efficient, transparent and responsive grazing management across federal lands.

    “Today’s signing sends a clear message: the Trump Administration is putting America’s farmers and ranchers first,” said Secretary Rollins. “Building on our action plan for American ranchers announced in the fall, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are already delivering. This is another example of President Trump eliminating costly bureaucracy in order to lower consumer prices. Our public lands are there for the people, and this action demonstrates the commitment at USDA and the Department of the Interior to improve our services so farmers and ranchers who use public lands can run more efficient operations.”

    “The Grazing Action Plan is built on a collaborative partnership dedicated to strengthening ranching operations while safeguarding our public lands,” said Secretary Burgum. “By working closely with American ranchers, we are enhancing communication, investing in innovation, and modernizing our approach to land management practices to deliver real results for the people who feed and sustain this country. In coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Trump administration is advancing actions designed to support farmers and ranchers – securing a more resilient future for grazing on public lands and protecting America’s ranching heritage for generations to come.”

    For generations, ranchers have played a vital role in feeding the nation, supporting rural economies, and stewarding public lands. The MOU recognizes permittees as essential partners and directs federal agencies to engage directly with those who live and work on the land.

    Key actions under the agreement

    • Cutting red tape and improving efficiency – The MOU streamlines permitting and processes and encourages agencies to use existing authorities more effectively – reducing delays for grazing permits, infrastructure improvements, and emergency response actions.
    • Strengthening rancher partnerships – Agencies will expand collaboration with permittees through structured engagement, including learning roundtables and enhanced communication channels.
    • Ranch immersion programs for federal employees – New initiatives will place agency staff on working ranches to build firsthand understanding of operational challenges and realities on the ground.
    • Enhancing transparency and data access – Improved data systems will make grazing allotment information more accessible and predictable, giving producers greater certainty to plan and invest.
    • Expanding practical land management tools – The agreement promotes targeted grazing to reduce wildfire risk, supports reopening vacant allotments, and encourages adoption of innovative technologies such as virtual fencing.
    • Wildfire coordination and response – The creation of Grazing Permittee Wildfire Liaisons will ensure ranchers have clear points of contact and a voice during wildfire response and recovery efforts.
    • Maintaining grazing capacity – The MOU affirms a goal of maintaining grazing capacity wherever possible, including no net loss of Animal Unit Months within allotments, consistent with applicable law.

    Officials emphasized the agreement supports not only producers, but also American families by strengthening the domestic food supply chain. By lowering costs and improving efficiency for ranchers, the initiative helps keep food affordable and reduces reliance on foreign imports.

    Today’s signing marks an important step forward in modernizing federal grazing management and reflects a broader commitment to rural prosperity by fortifying the American beef industry as directed by President Trump’s order Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer.

    Additional background

    More than 20,000 ranchers and farmers across 28 states graze on federal lands. The FS and the BLM are responsible for a total of 240 million acres of federal rangelands. The two agencies together administer more than 23,000 permits and leases held by ranchers who graze their livestock on approximately 29,000 allotments. About 10% of grazing allotments, or roughly 24 million acres, are not under permit but are targeted as opportunities to allow more grazing on federal lands. The FS collects an average of $6 million annually in grazing fees.

    Livestock grazing on national forests and grasslands contributes about 14,200 jobs and $645 million to the nation’s gross domestic product annually, supporting agriculture-related sectors and private operations. Across Western rangelands, livestock grazing on BLM lands generate $2.7 billion in total economic output, supporting 35,000 jobs and $700 million in total labor income. — By U.S. Department of Agriculture

  • APHIS Posts Updated Quarantine Map

    APHIS updated the Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines Map to include the following changes:

    • Added the Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in San Diego County, CA
    • Added the Sapote Fruit Fly Quarantine in Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy Counties, TX

    APHIS restricts the movement of domestic soil from areas within the continental United States that are under quarantine for specific plant pests. The Federal Domestic Soil Quarantines Map provides an overview of the plant pest quarantines that affect the movement of soil.

    This map is a general guidance tool only. For specific quarantine information, including quarantine boundaries and the requirements for moving domestic soil, contact your local APHIS State plant health director.

  • Getting the Right Chill and Soil Acidity for California Blueberries

    Blueberries are surging in global demand and Central Valley growers are getting in on the action. However, the unique conditions that make the region ideal for growing many crops can pose challenges for blueberry production.

    Blueberries have a winter chill requirement.  The primary type of blueberry grown in California is southern highbush, which is better adapted to the state’s warmer conditions. But even some southern highbush cultivars used in California require 400 – 550 hours below 45ºF for optimal budbreak and fruit production.

    The months-long tule fog in the Central Valley this past winter helped ensure that the full number of chill hours was reached. “The fog acted . . . like an umbrella over the plant,” says Raymond Mireles, Fruit and Almond Advisor for UCCE Fresno and Tulare Counties.

    However, fog alone does not guarantee that blueberry bushes will get enough chill — especially as winters continue to get warmer. Moreover, even if the weather is cold, a sunny day can still interfere with chill accumulation.

    As Mireles explains, even if the air is cold around a bush on a sunny day, the plants — “just sitting out there in the sun — will start to accumulate heat portions and ultimately counteract . . . the accumulation of chill hours.”

    Mireles recommends a few methods to ensure that blueberries get the full chill requirement:

    Cover Crops

    Laying down a cover crop can stabilize soil temperatures. It’s best to plant these when the bushes are dormant. Good cover crops to use with blueberries include:

    ·      Legumes

    ·      Grasses

    ·      Barley

    ·      Oats

    ·      Mixed blends

    It is important to remove these crops before they start seeding. If not, the seeds will sprout and compete with the blueberries for nutrients.

    Years with Lower Chill

    In the event of a winter with less chill accumulation, there are ways growers can compensate and help with budbreak:

    ·      Use hydrogen cyanamide (such as Dormex) on blueberries when less-than-optimal chill is accumulated. This is best applied 30 – 40 days before bloom.

    ·      Mulch with white plastic, woodchips or sawdust to keep temperatures down and help the bushes retain moisture.

    ·      Apply shade cloth to keep the bushes cool.

    ·      Irrigate consistently.

    Kaolin clay can reflect sunlight and reduce surface temperature, but the effect it has on chill accumulation on blueberry is minimal, since chill is driven primarily by ambient air temperatures and will not be significantly affected by clay particles on the bare branches.

    Soil Acidity

    While the alkaline-rich soils of the Central Valley are excellent for growing, blueberries are another story. They require a more acidic soil (a pH of around 4-5.5 is ideal), so steps must be taken to lower the pH levels for blueberry orchards.

    Application of sulfuric acid via irrigation is effective for rapidly reducing pH levels in soil. It is best to begin this process in mid to late March.

    In Summary:

    ·      Plant blueberry varieties with an appropriate number of chill hours for your area.

    ·      Deepen the chill by laying down cover crops, but be sure to remove them before they go to seed.

    ·      In the event of warmer weather preventing chill, use hydrogen cyanamide as a growth regulator.

    ·      Apply mulch, shade cloth and regular irrigation to the crop.

    ·      Apply sulfuric acid to rapidly lower pH to the desired level.

    While blueberry cultivation in California poses unique challenges, it is proving to be an increasingly profitable crop, making it worth the time and effort.

    — By Donald Promnitz, Editor

  • CA GROWN Launches ‘California Kids Cook’ Program

    Healthy eating is more fun for kids when they get involved in the selection and preparation of foods that promote good health.

    That’s the idea behind California Kids Cook, a new pilot program from CA GROWN and Gelson’s, designed to bring the “farm-to-store-to-fork-to-school” journey to life for local students.

    “It is immensely important to educate — and engage with — our future shoppers,” said Cherie Watte, executive director of CA GROWN. “CA GROWN is thrilled to partner with Gelson’s and the Ojai Pixie growers — and Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast — to offer this unique experience connecting Santa Barbara youth with the people who produce, sell and prepare California agricultural products.”

    Indeed, California Kids Cook links farmers, grocers, schools/youth organizations and families through immersive experiences that show kids exactly where their food comes from — and what to do with it once they get home. Students learn how California fruits and vegetables grow, strategies to shop thoughtfully for seasonality and budgets and how to confidently prepare simple, fresh dishes featuring local produce.

    “Supporting our California growers, communities and healthy eating have always been cornerstones of Gelson’s, so we are thrilled to see these pillars come to life, through the California Kids Cook program,” said Rich Almanza, director of produce for Gelson’s, a leading Southern California retailer.

    Participating students from the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast and Franklin Elementary School will step into the shoes of an Ojai Pixie grower — a program managed by Melissa’s Produce — before heading into the store for culinary demonstrations, tastings and a scavenger hunt–style shopping challenge. Armed with a Pixie-inspired recipe — and a Gelson’s gift card — they’ll select their own ingredients, learning firsthand how to navigate the grocery aisles with purpose.

    “We are delighted CA GROWN and Gelson’s are giving our Girl Scouts a unique and fun opportunity to earn the Power of Produce badges with the farm tour and store activities,” said Erin Mayo, director of mission delivery for Girls Scouts of California’s Central Coast. “We want our young girls to form positive memories —and lifelong skills and habits — and opportunities like CA Kids Cook are critical for that development.”

    Back in the kitchen, Gelson’s in-house chef, Tony Dang, will bring the ingredients to life, preparing the featured recipe plus two additional Ojai Pixie dishes. Along the way, he’ll share practical tips on kitchen safety and ways to make fresh, locally grown ingredients more delicious and exciting.

    Students will then take their ingredients and recipe home to recreate the dish with their families, extending the lesson beyond the store. CA GROWN will continue collaborating with Franklin Elementary and the Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast to build on the program’s momentum.

    “Experiences like this are incredibly important for our students because many children don’t get the opportunity to see where their food comes from or interact with fresh ingredients in a meaningful way,” said Elizabeth Vazquez, culinary program lead at Franklin Elementary. “When students can touch the soil, see fruits and vegetables growing — and then learn how to cook with them — it creates a powerful connection to their food. Our goal at Franklin is to build on that experience through our school garden and future culinary program, teaching students to ‘eat the rainbow,’ understand sustainable growing practices and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime for them and their families.”

    — By CA GROWN

  • USDA, DOI Move to Boost Support for Ranchers

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum today announced new actions aimed at boosting the  supply of American born, raised, and harvested beef by supporting American ranchers with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will strengthen coordination, cut bureaucratic red tape, and deliver immediate, tangible support for America’s farmers and ranchers who rely on public lands.

    Building on the USDA’s recently released Grazing Action Plan, the agreement formalizes collaboration between the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service (FS) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure more efficient, transparent and responsive grazing management across federal lands.

    “Today’s signing sends a clear message: the Trump Administration is putting America’s farmers and ranchers first,” said Secretary Rollins. “Building on our action plan for American ranchers announced in the fall, the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management are already delivering. This is another example of President Trump eliminating costly bureaucracy in order to lower consumer prices. Our public lands are there for the people, and this action demonstrates the commitment at USDA and the Department of the Interior to improve our services so farmers and ranchers who use public lands can run more efficient operations.”

    “The Grazing Action Plan is built on a collaborative partnership dedicated to strengthening ranching operations while safeguarding our public lands,” said Secretary Burgum. “By working closely with American ranchers, we are enhancing communication, investing in innovation, and modernizing our approach to land management practices to deliver real results for the people who feed and sustain this country. In coordination with the Department of Agriculture, the Trump administration is advancing actions designed to support farmers and ranchers – securing a more resilient future for grazing on public lands and protecting America’s ranching heritage for generations to come.”

    For generations, ranchers have played a vital role in feeding the nation, supporting rural economies, and stewarding public lands. The MOU recognizes permittees as essential partners and directs federal agencies to engage directly with those who live and work on the land.

    Key actions under the agreement

    • Cutting red tape and improving efficiency – The MOU streamlines permitting and processes and encourages agencies to use existing authorities more effectively – reducing delays for grazing permits, infrastructure improvements, and emergency response actions.
    • Strengthening rancher partnerships – Agencies will expand collaboration with permittees through structured engagement, including learning roundtables and enhanced communication channels.
    • Ranch immersion programs for federal employees – New initiatives will place agency staff on working ranches to build firsthand understanding of operational challenges and realities on the ground.
    • Enhancing transparency and data access – Improved data systems will make grazing allotment information more accessible and predictable, giving producers greater certainty to plan and invest.
    • Expanding practical land management tools – The agreement promotes targeted grazing to reduce wildfire risk, supports reopening vacant allotments, and encourages adoption of innovative technologies such as virtual fencing.
    • Wildfire coordination and response – The creation of Grazing Permittee Wildfire Liaisons will ensure ranchers have clear points of contact and a voice during wildfire response and recovery efforts.
    • Maintaining grazing capacity – The MOU affirms a goal of maintaining grazing capacity wherever possible, including no net loss of Animal Unit Months within allotments, consistent with applicable law.

    Officials emphasized the agreement supports not only producers, but also American families by strengthening the domestic food supply chain. By lowering costs and improving efficiency for ranchers, the initiative helps keep food affordable and reduces reliance on foreign imports.

    Today’s signing marks an important step forward in modernizing federal grazing management and reflects a broader commitment to rural prosperity by fortifying the American beef industry as directed by President Trump’s order Ensuring Affordable Beef for the American Consumer.

    Additional background

    More than 20,000 ranchers and farmers across 28 states graze on federal lands. The FS and the BLM are responsible for a total of 240 million acres of federal rangelands. The two agencies together administer more than 23,000 permits and leases held by ranchers who graze their livestock on approximately 29,000 allotments. About 10% of grazing allotments, or roughly 24 million acres, are not under permit but are targeted as opportunities to allow more grazing on federal lands. The FS collects an average of $6 million annually in grazing fees.

    Livestock grazing on national forests and grasslands contributes about 14,200 jobs and $645 million to the nation’s gross domestic product annually, supporting agriculture-related sectors and private operations. Across Western rangelands, livestock grazing on BLM lands generate $2.7 billion in total economic output, supporting 35,000 jobs and $700 million in total labor income. — By U.S. Department of Agriculture