California Ag Network

Category: News

  • Jim Gordon Named Citrus Research Board Chairman

    Visalia, Calif. – February 23, 2017 – Citrus veteran and pest management pioneer Jim Gorden was elected chairman of the Citrus Research Board (CRB) at a meeting of the Board on February 8, 2017.  He will complete the term of Richard Bennett, who stepped down from the helm on January 20. Gorden previously had served as CRB chairman in 2009-11.

    “We are deeply appreciative of Jim Gorden’s leadership, his commitment to the California citrus industry and his dedication to citrus research,” said CRB President Gary Schulz. “Jim’s past experience as CRB chairman, his long-time service on the Board and his keen knowledge of the California citrus industry are all tremendous assets to our organization.”

    Gorden will serve as chairman until the CRB’s annual meeting on September 26, 2017. Currently continuing their service on the Executive Board are Vice-Chair Dan Dreyer and Secretary-Treasurer John Konda.

    “On behalf of the Board, I’d like to thank Richard Bennett for his energy, enthusiasm and passion for citrus research and the California citrus industry,” Gorden said. “I’d also like to express my appreciation to Dan Dreyer for filling in as interim chairman. I’m looking forward to guiding the CRB through this important period as we seek to find solutions to the critical threat of huanglongbing that’s looming over our industry.”

    Gorden’s primary areas of professional involvement have been integrated pest management, horticulture and a broad range of citriculture, and he is a recognized international expert in those fields. For more than 35 years, he was a partner in Pest Management Associates, whic
    h was the first independent citrus pest management consulting company providing service to the San Joaquin Valley.

    “I’ve always been interested in science, research and horticulture,” Gorden said. “and I became more heavily involved in farming after I withdrew from consulting.” As a result, his farming business has grown over the last ten years.

    The Lemon Cove, California, resident holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from California State University, Fresno.  He and his wife, Mary, have supported youth activities such as 4-H and the Boys and Girls Club in Exeter. Gorden also serves or has served with many civic and professional organizations. He has served on the California Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee since its inception and continues to remain heavily involved. Additional involvement includes eight years with the California Citrus Nursery Board, as well as working with the ACP/HLB Task Force, Southern Sierra Archeological Society, Central California Tristeza Eradication Board, Chair of the Tulare County Pest Control District, the Association of Applied Insect Ecologists and ten years on the local school district board.

    Jim and Mary have been married for 53 years and have five grandchildren. Their son, Milo, is married to Elia and is a partner in running the farms. Their daughter, Megan, and her husband, Sean, also are partners in the citrus farming operations.

    The CRB administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 under the California Marketing Act as the mechanism enabling the State’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research. More information about the Citrus Research Board may be found at www.citrusresearch.org.

  • EPA Denies Petition to Cancel Chlorpyrifos Tolerances

    Exeter, Calif. – California Citrus Mutual was very pleased when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on March 29, 2017, that it would deny in full the administrative petition requesting that EPA revoke all tolerances and cancel all registrations for the insecticide chlorpyrifos.

    “We believe that sound science should prevail in the regulation of crop protection tools,” says CCM President Joel Nelsen.  Nelsen and members of the CCM Executive Committee met several times with EPA last year to convey the importance of chlorpyrifos in citrus production.  CCM, in conjunction with trade associations around the country, encouraged EPA to evaluate this product and all pesticides with transparent, science based studies.  “We believe this decision is a step in that direction,” said Nelsen.
    EPA was under court order to render a decision by March 31, 2017.  In a lawsuit brought by the petitioners to compel EPA to issue a final response to their petition, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit had ordered EPA to rule on the petition by the end of this month.
    EPA will now focus its attention on updating and revising its human health assessment for chlorpyrifos under the standard procedures of the ongoing registration review process, scheduled for completion on October 1, 2022, in order to support future decision-making.
    EPA’s denial of the petition is supported by EPA’s own process, by statutory directives, and by established guidance for regulatory decision-making developed over four decades.  The regulatory process for assessing human health risks should be rigorous, science-based, and transparent.  The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act (FFDCA), and the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA) demand no less and EPA’s denial of the petition is aligned with these basic foundations of the regulatory process.

    Citrus growers rely on this valuable crop protection tool to control serious pests, such as the Asian citrus psyllid, that spreads the deadly HLB or citrus greening disease.  Chlorpyrifos also has established international standards that allow growers access to important export markets.

    About CCM – CCM is the only advocacy organization representing CA citrus growers on the economic, regulatory, and political issues that impact them most. We are a voluntary, non-profit trade association dedicated to enhancing the sustainability of the CA citrus industry by advocating for sound, reasonable policy that allows for fair competition in the market place. Our 2,500 members represent 75% of California 270,000 acre, $3.3 billion citrus industry.

  • Coming to the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association Conference

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    The Dairy Calf & Heifer Association is holding their annual Conference on April 11 – 13th in Madison Wisconsin. Watch this brief interview with Bob James as he shares what the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association is all about and what calf & heifer growers have to look forward to with this year’s conference agenda.

  • Reflections of 2016 Mite Pressure & Management in Almonds

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    2016 was an odd year for mite pressure & management in almonds. UC Kern County Entomologist David Haviland addressed this at Malcolm Media’s Annual Tree & Vine Expo in Turlock. Watch this brief interview with David as he reflects on last year’s trends of mite monitoring/control as growers prepare to manage them this year.

  • Ag Career Fair in Sacramento, April 7

    Career Fair 2017

    Friday, April 7, from 9 am – 1 pm

    Dept. of Food & Agriculture 2800 Gateway Oaks Dr. Sacramento, 95833

    On-Site Workshops • Free Admission • Free Parking

    Click Here To View Flyer

  • USDA World Market Report on Tree Nuts

    Note: This report does not include pistachios because the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) did not publish the Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2016 Preliminary Summary. Without U.S. production data for 2016/17, the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is unable to forecast the global supply and demand balance, of which the United States is a major component. FAS will update these data sometime after the June 27 publication of the Noncitrus Fruits and Nuts 2016 Summary.

    CLICK HERE FOR FULL REPORT

    Almonds

    Global almond production for 2016/17 is unchanged from the October 2016 forecast of 1.2 million metric tons (tons) shelled basis. Global exports are revised 10,000 tons higher to 727,000 and imports are raised 12,000 tons to 670,000. With consumption raised slightly from the previous forecast, ending stocks are lowered 20,000 tons to 234,000.

    2016/17 Key Changes Exports

    • The United States is revised up 10,000 tons to 635,000 on stronger demand from China.

    Imports

    • China is raised 30,000 tons to 100,000 on stronger-than-anticipated demand primarily from thebaking and snack food industry.
    • EU is lowered 10,000 tons to 265,000.

    Ending Stocks

    • The United States is lowered 15,000 tons to 191,000 on stronger exports to China.

    Walnuts

    Global walnut production for 2016/17 is nearly unchanged from the October 2016 record forecast of 2.1 million tons in-shell basis, with China and the United States accounting for nearly 80 percent of total output. World exports are revised 12,000 tons lower to 703,000 and imports are reduced 14,000 tons to 680,000. With consumption reduced slightly from the previous forecast, ending stocks are raised 24,000 tons to a record 136,000.

    2016/17 Key Changes Production

    • Ukraine is raised 10,000 tons to 110,000 on higher bearing area and yield.

    Exports

    • The United States is reduced 15,000 tons to 460,000 on lower-than-expected demand in topmarkets EU and China.
    • Ukraine is raised 10,000 tons to 75,000 on higher shipments to Turkey.

    Imports

    • EU is lowered 10,000 tons to 220,000 but remains a record on strong demand in Germany, Italy,and Spain from snack foods and cooking ingredients on the retail side and pastries on the industrialside.
    • Turkey is raised 10,000 tons to 105,000 as domestic production remains below the long-termaverage.
    • China is reduced 10,000 tons to 90,000.

    Ending Stocks

    • The United States is raised 24,000 tons to 72,000 on reduced shipments to China and the EU.

    FAS Reports from Overseas Offices

    The Tree Nut: World Markets and Trade circular is based on post reports submitted throughout the year for select countries and can be obtained on FAS Online at: http://gain.fas.usda.gov/Pages/Default.aspx.

    PSD Online

    The entire USDA PSD database is available online
    at https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/app/index.html#/app/home

    Additional Resources

    Please refer to the USDA-FAS Tree Nuts website at: https://www.fas.usda.gov/commodities/tree-nuts for additional data and analysis.

    Situation and outlook information on U.S. tree nuts can be obtained from the
    USDA-Economic Research Service at: http://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/crops/fruit-tree-nuts.aspx

    Future Releases and Contact Information

    Please visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/data/tree-nuts-world-markets-and-trade to view current and archived reports.

    To receive the circular via email, go to:

    https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAFAS/subscriber/new

    For additional information, please contact Tony Halstead at 202-720-4620, or Tony.Halstead@fas.usda.gov

  • Almond Board Leadership Program Announces Class of 2017

    Almond Leadership Program enters its ninth year

    Almond Board of California (ABC) has unveiled its 2017 Almond Leadership Program class, a group of 18 future leaders representing nearly every aspect of the industry: growers, processors, suppliers, retailers and pest control advisers.

    Participants will spend the next year in a structured program, with the oversight of volunteer mentors, preparing them to become leaders not just within the California Almond industry, but also in their communities.

    The class will complete specialized training in a wide variety of topic areas, such as food safety, biomass utilization, honey extraction and nutrition research. Over the course of the year, they will spend time in nurseries, almond orchards, a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research facility, and other venues where they will get hands-on experience and training.

    Along the way, the participants will build relationships and develop communications skills; gain a clear understanding of current social, political, scientific and economic issues facing the almond industry, as well as how to effect change; and learn how all sectors along the almond supply chain work together to provide a safe, sustainable product.

    At the end of the year, each participant will have to present their findings from a yearlong self-directed project designed to advance industry knowledge in an area of interest to them. In the past, some of these projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry. ABC is currently conducting follow-up research on the promising initial project of one of last year’s Almond leaders around an alternative use of almond hulls and shells.

    “We are so fortunate to have this program,” said Kent Stenderup, a member of the ABC Board of Directors and also a volunteer mentor for this year’s Almond Leadership Program. “As an industry, we get to interact with the best and brightest individuals who will lead us in the decades to come. This program grounds these participants in the latest industry knowledge, but also teaches them how to be leaders, and to understand the responsibilities that come with that.”

    This year’s class has also pledged to raise $25,000 for California Future Farmers of America (FFA) scholarships.

    Over the past eight years, the program has graduated more than 100 participants. Daniel Bays of Westley is one of those alumni. The third-generation grower was in the program in 2013.

    “I loved going through the Almond Leadership Program,” he said. “It was invaluable for me. Even as someone who grew up in the industry, I had a lot to learn. The attention to the curriculum, as well as the emphasis on leadership and the responsibility we have to give back to our communities, are what I took from the program.”

    Members of this year’s class include: Lucas Avila, Farmland Management Services; Annie Benisch, Stewart & Jasper; Christina Brichetto, Terra Nova Trading Inc.; Brennon Christopher, Semios; Devin Clarke, Stanislaus Farm Supply; Kevin Esau, Arysta LifeScience; Luke Heuer, Heuer Farms; Ashley Hollis, Almond Alliance of California; Robert Holtermann, Holtermann Farms; Marcus McClure, Gar Tootelian, Inc.; Chris Parreira, RPAC; Michelle Penney, Del Rio Nut Company; Sharon Rucker, Law Office of Sharon E. Rucker, PC; Bret Sill, Sill Properties Inc.; Bikramjit Singh, Bapu Almonds Co., Inc.; Katelynn Staack, Grizzly Nut; Ryan Sunzeri, Sunworks; and Cameron White, Sierra View Ranch.

    The Almond Leadership Program is sponsored by Sunworks, Inc. for 2017.

    For More Information:

    Jenny Nicolau

    (209) 343-3248

    jnicolau@almondboard.com

  • Safe Food Alliance Hosts Pesticide Safety Training, April 21

    Pesticides play a unique role in environmental protection. California’s approach is based on a strong scientific foundation and has built the most comprehensive state pesticide regulation program in the nation to ensure that pesticides are used safely.  DFA’s Safe Food Alliance will be hosting a Pesticide Safety Training on April 21, 2017 in Yuba City (Plaza Room, 210 Julie Dr.), 7:00 am – 5:00 pm, for growers, processors, hullers and dryers. In this full day, eight-hour course, attendees will receive continuing education credits for laws and regulations and other hours. This will be accompanied with lunch and networking opportunities.  For more information and to register, visit SafeFoodAlliance.com.

  • Ag Council of California Recognizes Clinton Shick with Cultivator Award

    The prestigious 2017 California Cultivator Award was presented to Clinton Shick, past chairman of Blue Diamond Growers, on March 9th during Ag Council’s 98th Annual Meeting in Carlsbad, California.

    “During Clinton’s tenure as vice chair and chair, Blue Diamond’s growth catapulted,” said Emily Rooney, president of Ag Council. “Clinton helped lead the cooperative into an era where they handled more almonds than ever before. That growth was fueled by the development of several innovative marketing initiatives, including the development of a new plant in Turlock, and the expansion of the Almond Innovation Center in Sacramento.”

    Shick is a third generation farmer from Kern County, growing several hundred acres of almonds and also operating a farm management business devoted to almonds, walnuts and cherries. A past president of the Kern County Farm Bureau and current member of the Central Valley Almond Association, a cooperative huller/sheller, Clinton began his professional career after graduating from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in Farm Management, and a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at University of California, Davis.

    “His impeccable character represented Blue Diamond well to our industry, employees, customers and grower-owners,” said Dan Cummings, current Blue Diamond Chairman of the Board. “Clinton had a thoughtful way of drawing out others’ input on the Board while also sharing his sage insights. He was instrumental in the recruitment of our current CEO and this may very well be his most lasting legacy to Blue Diamond Growers.”

    Shick was first elected to the Blue Diamond Growers Board of Directors in 1983, served as vice chair for 16 years and as chairman of the board from 2006 to 2014. He was formally honored by his peers during lunch on March 9th at Ag Council’s annual meeting.

    As background, the purpose of the California Cultivator Award is to publicly recognize and honor one who clearly has made significant contributions to agriculture or has demonstrated leadership and personal commitment beyond the normal expectations of a person serving the farmer-owned business sector.

  • Imwalle Gardens: Four Generations and 120 Years of Selling Produce to Santa Rosa Residents

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (April 3, 2017) – On West Third Street in Santa Rosa you’ll find the Imwalle family’s produce store where four generations have sold produce to Santa Rosa residents. Joe Imwalle, 76, has run the family business since he was 24 years old and still works 12 hour days alongside his son and partner, Charles, 45.

    Joseph Imwalle delivering vegetables via horse and buggy circa 1890. Courtesy of the Imwalle Family.

    Joe’s grandfather, Joseph, emigrated from Germany in the 1880’s where he was educated in horticulture. He originally owned a small 10 acre farm, but purchased a different 22 acres from relatives at the end of the 1800’s. Over the years, additional acres have been purchased and sold, but the family is still actively farming on 17 acres.

    Joseph, who never learned to drive a car, would drive his horse and buggy up and down the town of Santa Rosa going door to door to deliver vegetables. Joseph had five children and his two sons, Joe II and Henry, took over the family business. Joe II (Joe’s grandfather) took over as the gardener while Henry delivered the produce around town.

    The Imwalle’s first built their store off West Third Street in the 40’s, but the area which is now considered within the city limits, was often too far to go for many people 70 years ago.

    Over time, the family added to the farm by purchasing a 13 acres hop ranch next door and an adjoining 22 acre prune orchard.

    “I started working at a young age picking hops and prunes,” recalled Joe Imwalle. “We also had pigs, chickens and cows. It really was a self-sufficient ranch – we had all we ever needed.” After Joe II passed away, the family split the property. Joe’s side of the family took 27 acres plus the business while his uncle Henry took 32 acres. Henry sold his 32 acres, including the prune orchard, more than 40 years ago. It has since been developed into a housing tract. The 13 acre hop ranch has been sold three times to developers but has yet to be developed. “And I hope it no one ever does,” said Joe Imwalle.

    Imwalle and his family still have 17 acres. Seventeen acres which have been growing vegetables for over 100 years – a rare feat in Sonoma County. The family now has four businesses in one: their store, a summer garden, a nursery which specializes in vegetables and bedding plants and a wholesale business. Joe, who primarily manages the wholesale business, said it has grown tremendously. In addition to what they grow, they buy from the San Francisco Wholesale Produce Market, two large produce companies and local purveyors to get the best price for their customers.

    On their 17 acres and two green houses, the family grows various crops including squash, zucchini, tomatoes, kale, leeks, celery, cabbage, cucumbers and corn. They also grow bedding plans, specializing in vegetables and selling many fig and persimmon trees. Because of Joseph’s horticulture background, you can also find numerous varieties of unusual plants that were planted more than 100 years ago. The property is also home to a handful of towering palm trees, several of which are also more than 100 years old.

    As the city grew around the Imwalle’s farm, the family faces challenges from being in the city limits. They’ve had to quit growing certain varieties of vegetables due to a rabbit problem, which was harder to deal with because they don’t live in a rural area. However, the city growing around the farm has also had its benefits.

    “Our business is like a fad now,” said Imwalle, “we’re so close to town and it’s like a little piece of farm in town.”

    While the business is primarily managed by Joe and Charles, the whole family is involved. The immediate future of the farm is clear, but the long term future has yet to be determined.

    “I’m going to stay here until I die,” said Joe. “What’s after that is up to the family. This is my homestead, this is my life, this is my little oasis.”

    Imwalle Gardens’ store is open year round at 685 W 3rd St, Santa Rosa, CA 95401.

     

    Article and Photos by Rachel LaFranchi