California Ag Network

Category: News

  • Blueberry Leadership Program Graduates Third Class of Fellows, Opens Applications for Class 4

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is proud to announce the graduation of the third class of fellows in its Blueberry Industry Leadership Program. The graduation took place today at The Blueberry Convention in Seattle.

    The event marks the culmination of one year of hands-on learning, immersive industry experiences and professional development designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the blueberry industry.

    “The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program is more than a year of training — it’s an investment in the future of our industry. By equipping emerging leaders with the skills, experiences and networks they need to succeed, we’re ensuring that blueberries remain at the forefront of agriculture, innovation and global growth for generations to come,” said Amanda Griffin, vice president of engagement and education for the USHBC and the North American Blueberry Council (NABC).

    As part of their graduation, Class 3 fellows presented their capstone project — a comprehensive educational toolkit for schools designed to teach children about blueberries. This robust resource includes a 16-page activity book, a memory card game, lifecycle videos, kid-friendly recipes, and engaging lessons on how blueberries grow and their health benefits. The toolkit equips teachers and parents with a one-stop shop for blueberry education and reflects the fellows’ shared commitment to growing the next generation of blueberry lovers.

    “Seeing this talented and inquisitive group of individuals continue to evolve into blueberry industry leaders over the past year has been a true privilege,” said Mandy Boarman, industry and community engagement manager for USHBC and NABC. “We have no doubt their passion and expertise will be instrumental in guiding the industry toward a successful future.”

    Blueberry Leadership Program Class 3 Fellows

    • Yvan Berrospi, Family Tree Farms
    • Gabriel Bocock, Bumbleberry Acres
    • Joshua Carlton, JLC Farms
    • Sergio Carrasco, The Fruitist Company
    • Jake Johnson, Fall Creek
    • Stephanie Kleiner, Driscoll’s
    • Peter Machala, Wakefern Food Corp.
    • Brody Schropp, MBG Marketing
    • Zach Semerikov, Scenic Fruit
    • Jessica Silver, United Exports Sales and Marketing

    Applications Now Open for Class 4

    USHBC is now accepting applications for the fourth class of fellows who will begin their leadership journey in March 2026. The program welcomes up to 10 emerging leaders from across the blueberry supply chain who demonstrate a commitment to the industry’s growth and success.

    “Our goal for the upcoming year is to continue identifying and empowering future leaders of the blueberry industry,” said Griffin. “As we begin our fourth year of the program, we’re reminded that leadership in agriculture is built through education, collaboration and a commitment to constant improvement. This program helps foster those values, while creating long-lasting relationships that strengthen our industry.”

    About the Program

    The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program, generously sponsored by Fall Creek, is the first of its kind in the blueberry industry. It features:

    • One year of in-depth leadership development.
    • Exposure to key components of the produce supply chain.
    • Interaction with industry veterans and stakeholders.
    • A capstone project that contributes to the industry’s mission.

    Fellows will participate in a combination of in-person and virtual sessions between March 2026 and September 2027, including four in-person gatherings, culminating in a graduation ceremony at the 2027 Blueberry Convention. To support program costs and materials, each fellow pays a $2,500 participation fee.

    How to Apply

    USHBC is seeking candidates who:

    • Are emerging leaders in agriculture, preferably with blueberry industry experience.
    • Hold mid-level management roles.
    • Have at least five years of experience in agriculture.
    • Demonstrate passion, leadership potential and a commitment to the blueberry industry.

    Applicants must complete an application form and submit a letter of recommendation. They will be evaluated based on leadership potential, career relevance and overall fit. Finalists will be interviewed in June and July 2026, and selections will be announced shortly after.

    Application Deadline: Jan. 1, 2026

    Learn more and apply at: ushbc.org/leadership

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.org.

  • Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative Opens Enrollment for Reimbursable Cover Crop Seed

    Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative is pleased to announce open enrollment for the USDA’s newly expanded Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) program—building on last year’s successful Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities initiative. This year, the program is expanding direct funding to producers, and the new incentive will reimburse producers for the purchase of up to ten acres worth of seed for any perennial conservation cover.

    One choice for the incentive, Oakville bluegrass, is dormant from April through September and doesn’t compete with cash crops for water or nutrients making it ideal for California permanent crops. This low growing, drought tolerant cover crop will last over ten years when well managed, significantly reducing labor and input costs for growers.

    As part of the USDA’s AMP initiative, producers can now access:

    • Full seed cost coverage for up to 10 acres of Oakville bluegrass
    • An additional $100/acre incentive for up to 100 acres.
    • Support in the form of a grower’s guide, educational field days, and guidance on carbon removal credits.

    “We’re thrilled to put more money in producers’ hands under the Advancing Markets for Producers program, ” said Jeff Thiel, Director at Oakville Bluegrass Cooeprative. Perennial cover like Oakville bluegrass can reduce operating costs over time while also building soil health and conserving water. We’re especially excited to help producers tap into the growing carbon credit market while establishing a proven, cost-effective cover crop.”

    Interested growers can attend an online informational session on October 21 at 11 am by registering at https://bit.ly/ampobc25 or visit https://www.obc.ag/advancing-markets-for-producersfor more information.

    The Oakville Bluegrass Cooperative collaboratively creates solutions to the most pressing challenges facing growers. Members work together to uncover best practices in sustainable agriculture tailored to the needs of specialty crop growers. Learnings are shared so all members can benefit from adopting practices that will ensure the long-term sustainability of profits from their farms.

  • Free CE Course Now Available: Invasive Fruit Flies in California

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering a new free Continuing Education (CE) course designed specifically for Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) and other industry professionals focused on invasive pest management.

    Titled Invasive Fruit Flies in California, this course provides an in-depth look at the rising pressure of invasive fruit flies (IFF) across the state and the critical role PCAs play in early detection and containment. This course is approved for 1.0 DPR CEUs (Other).

    Participants will:

    •Understand the pest profiles of major IFF species affecting California

    •Learn the triggers that initiate quarantines in the state

    •Explore best practices for supporting growers with timely, science-based recommendations

    •Review the 2023-2025 IFF response strategies

    •Discover innovations shaping the future of pest detection and management

    This complimentary CE course is a valuable resource for PCAs looking to stay informedand proactive in the protection of California’s agricultural economy.

    To learn more, click the button below.

    To enroll, click the button, then go to “Online Learning,” then “Shop” to register at no cost ($0.00).

    CAPCA Course Catalog

    About the California Department of Food and Agriculture

    CDFA has a mission to serve the citizens of California by promoting and protecting a safe, healthy food supply and enhancing local and global agricultural trade.

    About the California Association of Pest Control Advisers

    CAPCA’s purpose is to serve as the leader in the evolution of the pest management industry through the communication of reliable information.

  • Dairy Checkoff Unveils ‘Smart Swaps’ Initiative for Schools

    The dairy checkoff has introduced “Smart Swaps,” a dairy-focused initiative designed to help schools meet evolving nutrition standards and student expectations.

    The farmer-founded National Dairy Council (NDC) created Smart Swaps for school nutrition professionals to include dairy on breakfast menus and adapt to evolving meal standards. The program offers training resources along with kid-approved breakfast recipes featuring dairy.

    “We have reimagined what’s possible with delicious, dairy-centric menu items,” said Alyson Kirchner, senior vice president of youth and schools for Dairy Management Inc. “These menu options are aligned with the new added sugar and sodium guidelines while ensuring students receive the nutrient-rich foods they love and need.”

    School meal nutrition standards limit the amount of added sugar from foods such as cereal, yogurt and flavored milk. Additionally, there are upcoming nutrition requirements that will limit added sugars and sodium across all meals served weekly.

    Student preferences were included in the development of Smart Swaps recipes with 2,500 students nationwide testing 10 menu offerings. The recipes include Strawberry Pancake Yogurt Parfait, Cherry Lime Smoothie Bowland Broccoli, Egg, and Cheese Pizza, among others.

    Nutritional analysis also was conducted to ensure the recipes align with USDA nutrition standards.

    “With the changes coming to school meal standards, there is a real opportunity for dairy,” said Katie Bambacht, vice president of nutrition affairs for NDC. “Schools will need to adjust their menus in coming years to meet the changing standards. Our Smart Swaps menus make it easy with compliant breakfast menu offerings, menu efficiency ideas and tips on milk storage.”

    State and regional checkoff teams are making Smart Swaps resources available to school foodservice professionals across the country.

    For more information about how the dairy checkoff is driving sales and building trust, visit www.dairycheckoff.com.

    About Dairy Management Inc.

    Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is funded by more than 24,000 dairy farmers and dairy importers. DMI manages the national checkoff program and collaborates with state and regional checkoff teams across the United States to boost domestic and global dairy sales through research, education and marketing initiatives. The checkoff also is focused on fostering consumer trust in dairy products and the farm families behind them. DMI manages National Dairy Council and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council, Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, Newtrient and GENYOUth.

  • Meat Institute Joins the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness

    The Meat Institute announced it has joined the Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness, expanding its access to food safety best practices and other efforts to prevent foodborne illness on behalf of meat and poultry companies.

    The Alliance to Stop Foodborne Illness is a nonprofit program of Stop Foodborne Illness. It brings together consumer advocates, leading companies, and like-minded organizations committed to the goal of preventing foodborne disease. The Alliance comprises 20+ members from around the globe working together to share best practices and advance food safety culture.

    “Our members heard from Christopher George, a Stop Foodborne Illness constituent, at our recent Food Safety Conference in Kansas City,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “His personal testimony about his son nearly dying from contracting E. coli O157:H7 was a powerful reminder of the life-or-death consequences of all we do to protect against foodborne illness.”

    Stop Foodborne Illness works to amplify compelling personal stories, like George’s, about the impact of foodborne illness to motivate people at all levels to do the right thing every day to make food safe. The Meat Institute’s membership in the Alliance will help the Meat Institute collaborate and share best practices which then helps Meat Institute members with continuous improvement and to further establish a culture of food safety at their companies. An example of the important work conducted by the Alliance is its Food Safety Culture Toolkit, a free resource library of video testimonials from impacted consumers, interactive games, and customizable communication and assessment tools.

    This is the latest in a series of tangable initiatives led by the Meat Institute to re-emphasize food safety as a top priority for its members. Earlier this year, a task force was created to build a set of tools and templates for top company executives to use in governing and promoting a food safety culture.

    The Meat Institute will offer programming and training on these tools for senior executives at the “Protein PACT Solutions Summit” in October. To learn more and to register go here.

    The Meat Institute is also working on new industry guidance on Listeria control called the “Foundations of Listeria Control,” to be published later this month.

    Continuing the conversation from the Food Safety Conference, the Meat Institute is offering a Food Safety Exchange Series designed to provide ongoing education and insight on the critical issues shaping food safety.

    In addition, the Meat Institute offers the “Advanced Listeria monocytogenes Intervention & Control Workshop” twice a year with the next held October 22-23, in Kansas City, MO.

    About the Meat Institute
    The Meat Institute represents the full community of people and companies who make the majority of meat American families rely on every day. The Meat Institute’s hands-on regulatory and technical expertise, proactive advocacy, unique convening power, collaboration within and beyond animal agriculture, and sector-leading continuous improvement initiatives drive relationships and resources that ensure meat continues to be a vital, trusted pillar of healthy diets and thriving communities for generations to come. To learn more, visit: MeatInstitute.org.

  • $8.3 Million to Address Trade Barriers and Expand Market Access for Specialty Crops

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is awarding $8.3 million in funding to help 11 U.S. recipients address trade barriers and expand international market access for U.S. specialty crops.

    The funding is provided through USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, which manages the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program. TASC helps U.S. specialty crop producers combat trade barriers, as well as promote and sell their goods internationally.

    “Our market development programs are bringing the bounty of American agriculture to people around the world, helping millions of hardworking American farmers, ranchers, and producers connect their safe, high-quality products with growing export markets,” said Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Under Secretary Luke J. Lindberg. “Not only does TASC provide the tools they need to overcome technical obstacles, it also chips away at the nearly $50 billion Biden-era agricultural trade deficit which has held back rural America for far too long.”

    Through TASC and similar programs, USDA partners with non-profit U.S. agricultural trade associations, farmer cooperatives, non-profit state-regional trade groups, state agencies, and small businesses to expand market access and conduct overseas marketing and promotional activities on behalf of U.S. agricultural producers and processors.

    The USDA market development programs return an estimated $24.50 for every dollar invested.

    The TASC program makes $9 million available annually to fund projects that address sanitary, phytosanitary, and technical barriers that prohibit or threaten the export of U.S. specialty crops.

    The full list of FY2025 recipients and details about the program is available at: https://www.fas.usda.gov/programs/technical-assistance-specialty-crops-tasc.

  • California Wine, Raisin & Table Grape Industry Well-Represented in Ag Trade Mission to Taiwan

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a trade mission to Taipei, Taiwan, to expand trade opportunities for U.S. companies and boost U.S. agricultural exports. The mission takes place from September 29 to October 1 and includes 39 agribusinesses, trade organizations, and representatives from three state departments of agriculture working to strengthen U.S.–Taiwan trade relations.

    “With strong economic growth and proven demand for high-quality U.S. food in Taiwan, now is the time for U.S. agribusinesses to expand their presence,” said USDA’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “This trade mission will connect U.S. exporters with key buyers and help them forge partnerships to tap into this dynamic market.”

    Taiwan is the eighth largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, with trade growing by 16% between 2019 and 2024. The United States remains Taiwan’s top supplier, accounting for 25% of its agricultural import market, recording a $3.1 billion surplus in 2024. High-value products, such as fresh fruits, pet food, beef, poultry, and dairy products, make up more than half of all U.S. agricultural exports to Taiwan, exceeding $2 billion of the total $3.8 billion agricultural export value.

    Taiwan is a high-income economy of discerning consumers and a major market for U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. products such as soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits, seafood, dairy products, tree nuts, beef, and pork have strong potential for growth in Taiwan. U.S. producers have a proven record as reliable business partners, with quality products, competitive prices, transparent business practices, and a strong record of mutually beneficial trade relationships.

    Participants will engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from Taiwan, gaining market insights and fostering new partnerships. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service staff and regional experts will host market briefings, networking events and site visits to maximize trade opportunities.

    Officials from Idaho, Kansas, and Montana state departments of agriculture will join Under Secretary Lindberg as well as:

    1 Ag Partners Cooperative – Seneca, Kan.

    2 AJC International Inc. – Atlanta, Ga.

    3 Appellations Cellar Winery – St. Helena, Calif.

    4 Bear Fiber – Morganton, N.C.

    5 California Fresh Fruit Association – Fresno, Calif.

    6 Dairy Farmers of America – Mechanicsburg, Pa.

    7 De Lune Corp. – Springfield, Va.

    8 East-West International Group – Moreland Hills, Ohio

    9 Globex International – Atlanta, Ga.

    10 Grove Services – Atlanta, Ga.

    11 Heartland Essentials – Gilbert, Ariz.

    12 Intervision Foods – Atlanta, Ga.

    13 James Farrell & Co. – Bellevue, Wash.

    14 JM Grain – Garrison, N.D.

    15 Kennedy Rice Mill – Mer Rouge, La.

    16 Koch Foods – Park Ridge, Ill.

    17 Mariani Packing Co. Inc. – Vacaville, Calif.

    18 MEM Fairway Inc. – Irvine, Calif.

    19 Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council – Mankato, Minn.

    20 Nestlé Purina PetCare – St. Louis, Mo.

    21 One Vine Wines – Poway, Calif.

    22 Organic Trade Association – Washington, D.C.

    23 Pet Food Institute – Washington, D.C.

    24 Raisin Administrative Committee – Fresno, Calif.

    25 Rumei Global & Co, LLC. – Roseburg, Ore.

    26 Specialty Soya and Grains Alliance – Mankato, Minn.

    27 TAG Enterprise Ltd. – Los Angeles, Calif.

    28 Tedford/Tellico, Inc. – Knoxville, Tenn.

    29 Trident Seafoods Corporation – Seattle, Wash.

    30 Triple Crown Organic BBQ Sauces – Minneapolis, Minn.

    31 United Dairy Ingredients Group, LLC. – Monterey Park, Calif.

    32 U.S. Dairy Export Council – Arlington, Va.

    33 U.S. Grains Council – Washington, D.C.

    34 USA Rice Federation – Arlington, Va.

    35 USA Poultry and Egg Export Council – Tucker, Ga.

    36 U.S. Soybean Export Council – Chesterfield, Mo.

    37 U.S. Wheat Associates – Arlington, Va.

    38 Valley Pride Ag Co – Fresno, Calif.

    39 Wonderful Citrus – Delano, Calif.

    USDA’s trade mission to Taiwan is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Hong Kong, Thailand, Peru, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic led to projected 12-month sales of $64 million. USDA will lead an agricultural trade mission to Mexico in November and recently opened recruitment for a trade mission to Indonesia in February of 2026.

    For more information on USDA trade missions, visit https://www.fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions.

  • USDA Reveals 3-Point Plan to Support U.S. Farmers, Ranchers and Exporters

    Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke L. Rollins and Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs, Luke J. Lindberg, has announced an aggressive three-point plan that will support American agricultural producers and exporters.

    “President Trump is putting American agriculture first by negotiating fair, reciprocal deals that benefit U.S. producers, farmers, and ranchers,” said Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke J. Lindberg. “Secretary Rollins is focused on expanding market access, enforcing trade commitments, and boosting rural prosperity. Market promotion support, rapid response to reciprocal trade agreements, and better financing programs will translate to progress in chipping away at the $50 billion agricultural deficit.”

    The three-point plan was announced during remarks at the annual meeting of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

    America First Trade Promotion Program

    The One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized an additional $285 million per year for trade promotion programs beginning in fiscal year 2027. USDA will kickstart that program one year early with $285 million in FY26 and launch the American First Trade Promotion Program.

    T.R.U.M.P. Missions (Trade Reciprocity for U.S. Manufacturers and Producers).

    USDA will launch a new model of trade missions — as a supplement the current model — targeting reciprocal trade deal countries and new market access opportunities. The focus of these will be determined country-by-country to maximize high-return, low-risk agricultural export prospects and connect buyers and sellers.

    Revitalize export finance opportunities

    The GSM-102 credit guarantee program is authorized to offset $5.5 billion in market risk for purchasers of American commodities. Currently, the program has only $2 billion in liabilities on its books. USDA will reinvigorate this program to ensure it is best aligned to facilitate American exports to new markets. The GSM-102 program provides credit guarantees to encourage financing of commercial exports of U.S. agricultural products. By reducing financial risk to lenders, credit guarantees encourage exports to buyers in countries that have sufficient financial strength to have foreign exchange available for scheduled payments.

    “Advancing these programs, as supplements to our existing programs, ensures the health, prosperity, and security of rural America, our farmers, ranchers and producers,” said Lindberg. “Restoring the United States to the Golden Age of the American farmer is an exciting journey and will once again culminate in our status as the breadbasket to the world.”

  • California Processing Tomato Crop Size Rises Above Early Expectations

    Contracted production for California processing tomatoes is forecast at 11.0 million tons, averaging 55.0 tons per acre, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. The current production forecast is 1 percent below last year’s contracted production of 11.1 million tons, and 7 percent above the May forecast. The projected harvested acreage of tomatoes grown under contract is 200,000 acres, down 10 percent from 2024.

    Mild spring temperatures and adequate water supply provided tomato growers with favorable planting conditions and a good start to the developing crop. Cooler than normal summer temperatures have boosted yields to record high levels.

    The processing tomato harvest began the first week of July and may finish a little later than last year because of the larger than expected crop. However, if contracts are fulfilled and canneries decide not to process more tonnage, some acreage may be left unharvested. To date, tomato quality is reported to be good.

    The Processing Tomato Advisory Board published shipments through August 23, 2025, showing a 6% decrease compared to this time last year. This processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Producers.

  • California Table Olive Forecast Down from Last Year’s Crop

    The 2025 California table olive forecast is 44,000 tons, down 10% from last year’s crop of 48,634 tons, according to a survey conducted by the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Office. Bearing acreage is estimated at 12,000, which results in a yield of 3.67 tons per acre. The Manzanillo production forecast is 41,500 tons, Sevillano production forecast is 2,400 tons, and other varieties are expected to total 100 tons.

    Reported crop yields varied by both variety and growing region. Sevillano yields were reported to be lower than Manzanillo and both varieties are expected to have lower yields than last year. Insufficient labor, increasing input costs, and marketing issues continued to be major challenges for California olive growers.

    SURVEY SAMPLE

    There were 242 growers sampled for the survey. Reports from 192 were used to establish this forecast. The sample is designed to provide a State-level estimate of all varieties; estimates by variety are less precise.

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    A special thanks goes to the many olive growers who participated in the survey. Time spent completing the survey is appreciated, and helpful in estimating current condition of the olive industry in California.

    The California Table Olive Forecast is funded by the California Olive Committee.