California Ag Network

Category: News

  • California Table Grape Harvest Kicks off in Coachella

    The 2025-26 California table grape season is officially underway, with harvesting beginning in mid-May in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. Grapes will continue to be harvested in the Coachella Valley through mid-July before shifting north to the San Joaquin Valley, where grapes are harvested into December. To support the season, the California Table Grape Commission launched a global marketing campaign strategically developed to motivate the trade to stock and promote California table grapes, while inspiring consumers in the U.S. and across 21 export markets to choose more California grapes more often.

    To encourage retailer participation, the campaign offers a comprehensive suite of promotional tools and incentives. These include bonus opportunities, digital promotions, a registered dietitian (RD) retail program, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling. On the consumer side, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California-grown fresh grapes. “Grapes from California enjoy a long season, with plenty of opportunity for promotion, from summer celebrations to fall gatherings,” said Ian LeMay, commission president. “With a product that has global appeal, strong demand, and a strategic marketing campaign executed by a dedicated team, the commission is yet again ready to continue promoting California table grapes in markets around the world,” said LeMay.

    Throughout the season, the commission marketing team attends tradeshows and expos to connect with industry partners. This week, the team is exhibiting at the West Coast Produce Expo and can be found at booth B709 and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about California table grape promotions.

  • California Dairies and US Dairy Export Council Represented in Upcoming USDA Trade Mission to Peru

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture will lead a high-impact trade mission to Lima, Peru from June 9 -12 aimed at expanding market access and boosting U.S. agricultural exports to address the $3.66 billion trade deficit with Peru. The delegation includes more than 50 agribusinesses, trade organizations and representatives from five state departments of agriculture working to strengthen economic ties and improve the trade balance.

    “USDA is committed to enhancing export opportunities for American farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses,” said Foreign Agricultural Service Administrator Daniel Whitley, who will lead the mission. “This trade mission will connect U.S. producers with key buyers in South America, improving economic opportunities, supporting rural prosperity and keeping American agricultural products globally competitive.”

    Peru is the fourth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports in South America, and the U.S. is Peru’s second-largest agricultural supplier. Despite bilateral agricultural trade growing 263% to $5.3 billion since 2009, the $3.66 billion agricultural trade deficit persists. This mission aims to build on this growth, bridge the gap and increase U.S. exports.

    Trade mission participants will engage in business-to-business meetings with buyers from Peru and Ecuador, gaining market insights and fostering new business partnerships. Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) staff and regional experts will provide in-depth market briefings, site visits and networking events to maximize trade opportunities.

    Administrator Whitley will be joined by Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks, Montana Director of Agriculture Jillien Streit, and representatives from Indiana, Georgia, and Wisconsin, alongside a delegation of agribusiness leaders.

    1 Aero-Cos International – Marlboro, N.J.

    2 Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute – Juneau, Alaska.

    3 American Foods International Inc. – Doral, Fla.

    4 Ampac Seed Company – Tangent, Ore.

    5 Andes Global International LLC – Miami, Fla.

    6 Attebury Grain LLC – Amarillo, Texas

    7 Bear Fiber Inc. – Morganton, N.C.

    8 BioUrja – Houston, TX

    9 Boston Agrex LLC – Norwell, Mass.

    10 California Dairies Inc. – Visalia, Calif.

    11 Commercial Lynks Inc. – Alexandria, Va.

    12 Cotton Council International – Washington, D.C.

    13 Darigold Inc. – Seattle, Wash.

    14 Erie Foods International Inc.– Erie, Ill.

    15 G&C Food Distributors & Brokers Inc. – Doral, Fla.

    16 George F. Brocke & Sons Inc. – Kendrick, Idaho

    17 Great Northern Ag – Plaza, N.D.

    18 Heartland Essentials, LLC – Gilbert, Ariz.

    19 Hoogwegt US Inc. – Lake Forest, Ill.

    20 IND Hemp – Benton, Mont.

    21 Intervision Foods – Atlanta, Ga.

    22 James Farrell & Co. – Bellevue, Wash.

    23 JBS Food USA – Greeley, Colo.

    24 Kane County Agriculture Economic Development Corporation – Chicago, Ill.

    25 KIT International Inc. – Hackensack, N.J.

    26 Leprino – Denver, Colo.

    27 MAVIGA North America – Spokane, Wash.

    28 National Industrial Hemp Council – Washington, D.C

    29 Neil Jones Food Company – Vancouver, Wash.

    30 New World Trading LLC – Miami, Fla.

    31 Old Fashioned Cheese – Mayville, Wis.

    32 Pear Bureau Northwest – Milwaukie, Ore.

    33 Schreiber Foods Inc. – Green Bay, Wis.

    34 SMART Reproduction – Jonesboro, Ark.

    35 Sysco International Food Group – Jacksonville, Fla.

    36 Tedford/Tellico Inc. – Knoxville, Tenn.

    37 Texas Grain Sorghum Producers Board – Lubbock, Texas

    38 Tropical Foods LLC – Miami, Fla.

    39 Tyson Foods – Springdale, Ark.

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

    41 U.S. Dry Bean Council – Frankenmuth, Mich.

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

    43 U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council – Folsom, Calif.

    44 U.S. International Foods LLC – St. Louis, Mo.

    45 U.S. Livestock Genetics Export Inc. – Mount Horeb, Wis.

    46 U.S. Meat Export Federation – Denver, Colo.

    47 U.S. Rice Producers Association – Katy, Texas

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

    49 USA Dry Pea and Lentil Council – Moscow, Idaho

    50 USA Rice – Arlington, Va.

    51 Western United States Agriculture Trade Association – Vancouver, Wash.

    The Peru trade mission is part of USDA’s broader 2025 export promotion strategy. Recent trade missions to Thailand and Guatemala generated nearly $23 million in 12-month projected sales for U.S. exporters. Looking ahead, USDA will soon announce application details for planned missions to Côte d’Ivoire, Mexico, and Taiwan.

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

  • Remarkable Market Growth Trajectory for U.S. Beef, Fresh Fruit & Tree Nuts in Taiwan

    In 2024, Taiwan was the eighth-largest market for U.S. agricultural exports, valued at $3.8 billion, 16 percent greater than 5 years ago. The top five U.S. agricultural exports to Taiwan are beef and beef products, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits and nuts. In December 2024, an agreement as part of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force. The agreement covers trade facilitation, customs, anticorruption, and support for small- and medium-sized businesses. The agreement has yet to conclude other topics undergoing negotiation, including agriculture. The United States was the largest supplier of agricultural products to Taiwan in 2024, accounting for 25 percent of Taiwan’s import market, followed by Brazil (10 percent) and China (6 percent).

    Macroeconomic Perspective

    Taiwan is a high-income East Asian economy with a real gross domestic product growth of 4.3 percent in 2024, driven by increased investments and a rebound in exports. Retail sales and spending on food services have continued to expand. Easing inflationary pressures, a healthy labor market, high wages, and rising household income will continue to support consumer sentiment and spending in the coming years, including imported foodstuffs.

    Demographics and Market Trends

    Taiwan has a population of 24 million people and a growth rate of 0.03 percent in 2024, with the largest population on the north and west coasts. Taiwan’s urban population is 80 percent of the total, and the major urban areas are New Taipei City, Taipei (the capital), Taoyuan, Kaohsiung, Taichung, and Tainan. As a wealthy economy, consumers in Taiwan have strong purchasing power and frequently prioritize products with health benefits. E-commerce is growing in popularity as a platform for agricultural and food products. Taiwan is highly advanced in technology and social media, making digital marketing essential for businesses entering the market. Importers in Taiwan value the United States as a trustworthy trade partner.

    Key Opportunities for Expanding U.S. Exports to Taiwan

    Beef and Beef Products
    Beef and beef products are the largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, valued at $709 million in 2024, increasing 29 percent during the past 5 years. Taiwan ranked sixth among U.S. markets for beef and beef product exports in 2024. The United States ships frozen and chilled beef to Taiwan in a variety of cuts, including rib fingers, short plate, chuck roll, shank, and top blade. Additionally, the United States dominates grain-fed beef supplies in Taiwan, a segment of the market that continues to expand. The United States is the largest supplier of beef and beef products to Taiwan, accounting for 52 percent of the total market share, followed by Australia (19 percent) and Paraguay (13 percent). Taiwan continues to significantly rely on beef imports to fuel growing domestic demand due to limited beef production.

    Soybeans
    Soybeans are the second-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $601 million in 2024. Taiwan was the seventh-largest market for U.S. soybean exports in 2024.The largest soybean supplier to Taiwan is Brazil, accounting for $748 million, followed by the United States and Canada. Taiwan is expected to increase its soybean imports, as it currently relies on imports to meet 98 percent of its demand.

    Corn
    Corn is the third-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $384 million in 2024. U.S. corn volume increased by 92 percent since 2020, becoming more price competitive against other suppliers of corn, leading to a recovery in market share. Brazil is the largest corn supplier to Taiwan at $544 million, followed by the United States and Argentina ($136 million). Brazil’s corn exports to Taiwan declined by 24 percent in 2024, whereas U.S. corn exports to Taiwan increased 52 percent. In 2024, the United States gained market share as it harvested the largest U.S. crop in the fall of 2023.

    Taiwan’s pork industry has recovered from various non-African swine fever diseases that reduced its feed demand. A recovery in feed demand drove recent import growth.

    Wheat
    Wheat is the fourth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan, at $325 million in 2024. Taiwan’s top suppliers are the United States, followed by Australia ($73 million) and Canada ($7 million). The United States has historically been the major wheat supplier to Taiwan, with market share fluctuating between 70 and 90 percent in the last 10 years. Taiwan imports 99 percent of its wheat demand.

    In recent years, per capita wheat consumption increased as Taiwan’s high-income and sophisticated consumers demanded more diverse offerings. Taiwan has a vibrant baking industry, including some high-profile award-winning bakers. In addition to western-style wheat products, Taiwan’s consumers also have access to a diverse range of traditional wheat products, including noodles, buns, and dumplings.

    Fresh Fruits
    In 2024, fresh fruit was the fifth-largest U.S. agricultural export to Taiwan at $262 million, a 34-percent increase compared to the 2020 figure. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, followed by New Zealand ($255 million) and Japan ($222 million). The top fresh fruits that the United States exported to Taiwan were fresh apples, cherries, grapes, peaches, plums, and oranges, including both conventional and organic fruits.

    Apples are the top imported fruit in Taiwan, with an import volume of 156,419 metric tons (MT) globally in 2024. The United States regained market share from South Africa and Japan, with U.S. apple exports reaching 63,637 MT, accounting for 41 percent of the market share by volume. This shift is due to moth detections on South African apples in May 2023, which led to an export suspension to Taiwan. South African apple exports were only 7,021 MT in 2024, with the United States filling this supply gap. Although people in Taiwan consume a wide variety of fruits, apples remain an important fruit in daily life.

    Dairy Products
    In 2024, U.S. exports of dairy products to Taiwan were $108 million, declining 11 percent during the past 5 years. This decline was in value. Volume remained steady between 2020 and 2023 but declined from 21,000 MT to 19,000 MT in 2024 due to New Zealand’s competitiveness and lower prices. The top suppliers for dairy products in Taiwan for 2024 were New Zealand (40 percent of imports), the United States (10 percent), and France (9 percent). Due to the westernization of diets and the popularization of healthy eating concepts, the overall dairy market continues to expand. The popularity of drinks like lattes and milk tea in recent years has led to an increase in the demand for liquid milk in many convenience stores and beverage shops on the streets.

    The butter market in Taiwan will continue to show stable import demand, as local production of butter is only a few tons and cannot significantly meet the overall market demand. New Zealand, France, and Australia were the top butter suppliers to Taiwan in 2024, at $93 million, $28 million, and $9 million, respectively. The United States is the seventh-largest supplier at $4.9 million in 2024.

    Tree Nuts
    U.S. tree nut exports to Taiwan reached $85 million, up 27 percent from 2020. The United States is the largest supplier to Taiwan, with a market share of 39 percent, followed by Vietnam (31 percent) and China (14 percent). Almonds and walnuts are the most prevalent tree nuts in Taiwan, together accounting for more than half of total global imports. U.S. almond exports to Taiwan were $30 million, and U.S. walnut exports were $21 million in 2024. In addition, pistachios are a fast-growing category, and the United States is the prominent supplier of pistachios to Taiwan at $21 million in 2024. The United States is the only supplier of pecans, with exports of $5 million in 2024. Food manufacturers have successfully promoted and positioned tree nuts as a healthy snack, in which 60 percent of the imported tree nuts are mostly used for snack processing, while 40 percent are utilized in bakeries to enhance texture, flavor, and decoration.

    Trade Policy

    In December 2024, the first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative for 21st Century Trade entered into force, but additional negotiations from the initiative on other topics, including agriculture, have not concluded. This agreement was signed on June 1, 2023, by representatives of the American Institute in Taiwan and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States and includes commitments on anticorruption, good regulatory practices, services domestic regulation, customs administration and trade facilitation, and small- and medium-sized enterprises. The first agreement from the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st Century Trade is available on the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative’s website.

    Conclusion

    Taiwan is a high-income economy with a large population and a major market for U.S. agricultural exports. U.S. agricultural and related products such as beef, soybeans, corn, wheat, fresh fruits, seafood, dairy products, tree nuts, and pork have a good opportunity to expand exports to Taiwan. Importers in Taiwan see the United States as a reliable business partner, with quality products, competitive prices, and transparent business practices.

  • First-Ever Blueberry Boost Accelerator Seeks Next Generation of Food and Consumer Product Innovation

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council(USHBC), in partnership with VentureFuel, today announced the launch of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator — a new program designed to discover and support emerging startups that are redefining the future of blueberries. Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis through July 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm PT.

    The nine-week hybrid accelerator program will connect early-stage, revenue-generating companies of products using blueberries as a prominent ingredient with top blueberry, food and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry leaders to fast-track growth through expert mentorship, tailored commercialization support and strategic guidance. Participants will receive professional brand assets like video commercials and sales materials; gain media exposure; and connect with buyers, investors and innovation leaders. Startups will refine their pitch with 1:1 support and showcase their product at The Blueberry Convention, Oct. 8-10 in Seattle, where the grand prize winner will receive $20,000 and the runner-up will win $10,000. To be eligible, companies must have a safe, working product prototype that has been reviewed under USDA oversight.

    “USHBC’s vision is to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit by fueling demand through innovation, partnerships and research,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Blueberries are packed with possibilities — from health and nutrition to snacking, culinary creativity, functional ingredients and beyond. This program is about uncovering the next generation of ideas that will help blueberries earn a larger role in consumers’ everyday lives.”

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator is seeking startups of CPG products across a wide range of categories, including but not limited to:

    • Snacks
    • Frozen
    • Beverages (including alcoholic options)
    • Confectionery
    • Personal care items (e.g., skincare, cosmetics)
    • Wellness/performance
    • Ready-to-eat meals
    • Sauces and dressings
    • Pet products

    Interested entrepreneurs are invited to RSVP for a virtual information session on June 25 at 12 p.m. ET to learn more about the program, areas of interest and the application process.

    “Blueberries are beloved by consumers for their taste and health benefits, yet there is so much untapped potential when it comes to new formats, uses, and applications,” said Fred Schonenberg, founder and CEO of VentureFuel. “Our accelerator connects the best startups working with blueberries with industry leaders and commercial opportunities to fast-track their innovations and unlock new growth opportunities for the category.”

    The Blueberry Boost Accelerator underscores USHBC’s commitment to leadership in the food system through innovation. By investing in new ideas, technology and entrepreneurs, USHBC continues to unite stakeholders to strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness.

    For more information or to apply, visit blueberryboostaccelerator.com. For more resources on using blueberries as an ingredient or to find supplier, visit foodprofessionals.blueberry.org.

    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, exporters and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.blueberry.org and blueberry.org.

    About VentureFuel
    VentureFuel is an independent innovation advisory firm that helps the world’s best organizations commercialize innovation to ignite change by working with startups. Its innovation programs help enterprise organizations learn, test, build and invest in emerging technology to solve their biggest problems today and unlock new sources of growth. VentureFuel provides organizations like Hershey’s, Comcast, Dick’s Sporting Goods, AARP Foundation and the State of California the tools to drive transformative change with less risk, more speed, and greater proximity to the consumer than traditional innovation models. Learn more at venturefuel.net, LinkedIn, X, and Instagram, and listen to The VentureFuel Visionaries podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

  • 2025 California Processing Tomato Forecast Down from Last Year

    As of May 15, California’s tomato processors reported they have or will have contracts for 10.3 million tons of processing tomatoes for 2025. This production estimate is 1 percent above the January intentions forecast of 10.2 million tons and 7 percent below the final 2024 contracted production.

    The May contracted acreage of 205,000 is 3 percent above the January intentions forecast of 200,000 acres and 23,000 acres less than last year’s final planted acreage.

    Fresno County remains the top California county in contracted planted acreage for 2025 with 53,400 acres. Yolo, Merced, Kings and San Joaquin make up the remaining top five counties, accounting for 68 percent of the 2025 total contracted planted acreage for California.

    This year’s transplanting season began in late February without delay. The developing crop has experienced mostly mild spring temperatures and a few storms, lessening the need for irrigation. There are sufficient water allocations to support the crop through the summer heat. Neither pest nor disease threats have been reported at this point in the season. Processors anticipate harvest to begin and end on schedule, similar to 2024.

    Tomato supplies continued to be adequate enough to meet global demand and tomato processors have significantly decreased contracted acreage and tonnage in order to rebalance inventories on hand.

    This early processing tomato estimate is funded by the California League of Food Producers.

    cid:E77F8351-528E-4435-9AEC-AD3EC5D8360B

  • Applications Open for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program

    Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 California Educational Exchange Program (CA Exchange). Applicants should be individuals who have an influence over policy issues impacting California agriculture, including California Assembly and Senate members or staff as well as employees of regulatory agencies and nonprofits.

    The CA Exchange, organized by the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation (CALF), is an experiential learning and leadership development opportunity that brings together participants and those who work in California’s $59 billion agriculture industry. This year’s program – to be held Sept. 9-12 – will visit numerous farms, ranches and agriculture-related operations in select Northern California counties.

    During the program, fellows will develop a better understanding of how public policy affects complex and diverse agricultural systems. They will also gain tools for collaboration that may lead to more opportunities for multi-benefit policy development and execution. California agriculture producers are provided an equally important opportunity to better understand the perspectives of regulatory agency representatives and the unique constraints, pressures and concerns influencing their decision-making processes.

    “The California Exchange is an invaluable program that cultivates an awareness for the innovation and resilience of California’s agricultural industry,” said CALF President and CEO Lesa Eidman (49). “By participating in this program, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the industry, providing them with knowledge from the field that will drive positive change and ensure the continued success of California agriculture.”

    More information and the application are available at https://www.agleaders.org/programs/exchange-programs/. Applications are due July 11, 2025. Virtual interviews will be conducted July 29-30.  For additional questions, call the CALF office at 831-585-1030.

    The number in parentheses after name indicates Ag Leadership Program class.

    ABOUT
    CALF is dedicated to growing leadership in agriculturalists who have the capacity and potential to advance, benefit and promote California agriculture. Since 1970, more than 1,400 California Agricultural Leadership Program fellows have become lifelong leaders who individually and collectively act as a catalyst for a vibrant agricultural community and make a significant difference in the agricultural industry, their businesses, communities and families. agleaders.org

  • June USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for June 2025, which are effective June 2, 2025. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.               

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans      

    FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.      

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for June 2025 are as follows:

    •Farm Operating Loans (Direct): 5.000%

    •Farm Ownership Loans (Direct): 5.750%

    •Farm Ownership Loans (Direct, Joint Financing): 3.750%

    •Farm Ownership Loans (Down Payment): 1.750%

    •Emergency Loan (Amount of Actual Loss): 3.750%    

    FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.  To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

    Commodity and Storage Facility Loans

    Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    •Commodity Loans(less than one year disbursed): 5.000%

    •Farm Storage Facility Loans:

    •Three-year loan terms: 3.875%

    •Five-year loan terms: 4.000%

    •Seven-year loan terms: 4.125%

    •Ten-year loan terms: 4.375%

    •Twelve-year loan terms: 4.500%

    •Sugar Storage Facility Loans(15 years): 4.750%         

    More Information

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Additionally, producers can use online tools, such as the Loan Assistance Tool and Debt Consolidation Tool to explore loan options.

  • SoCal Youth Inspired by UCCE Advisor’s Passion for Water Conservation

    May is Water Awareness Month, a special time for Californians to come together in celebration of water, our most essential shared resource. Across the state, water agencies and providers are hosting lively events, such as poster contests and family-friendly activities, that promote conservation and spark curiosity.

    “Now is a great time to visit your local water provider’s website to learn how you can get involved,” said Esther Lofton, University of California Cooperative Extension urban watershed resilience advisor for Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

    Esther Lofton, UC Cooperative Extension urban watershed resilience advisor, discusses water quality issues with 12th graders at UC South Coast Research and Extension Center.

    Earlier this May, Lofton and her team actively engaged eight groups of 12th-grade students from Orange and Los Angeles counties. As part of a GROW Program event at UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, she brought water science to life by exploring the intricacies of filtration systems and the remarkable journey water takes to reach our taps.

    Lofton’s colleague, Daniel Gonzalez II, energized the sessions by demonstrating parts of the filtration process and guiding students through hands-on activities.

    Students were surprised to learn about the complexities of water sourcing. “I didn’t know we import water from as far as Colorado!” one of them said.

    To foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, Lofton encouraged the approximately 280 participating students to make personal pledges for water conservation. Their enthusiastic responses included promises to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth and to fill washing machines completely before use.

    One memorable moment came when a student humorously stated: “I will drink less water!”

    Lofton chuckled and reminded the class: “If your body needs it, I encourage you to drink more water – that’s the only exception!”

    Orange County grade schoolers wowed by ‘magic’ of water science

    Lofton and her team also attended the OC Children’s Water Education Festival, hosted by the Orange County Water District in late April, where they captivated more than 1,600 enthusiastic third- to fifth-graders.

    Over two days at Oak Canyon Park, the educators conducted 13 interactive sessions, each with approximately 45 students, guiding them on the extraordinary journey water takes from source to tap while reinforcing the importance of conservation.

    The enthusiasm of the young crowd was palpable, with many exclaiming “this is magic!” as they watched water flow cleanly from the filter.

    “I really try to ignite a sense of responsibility in this next generation about their critical role in sustainable practices,” Lofton said.

    Beyond the classroom, Lofton and Gonzalez also amplified their message through social media and blog posts, creating opportunities for community feedback and questions.

    One resident from Santa Barbara asked: “If California cares about protecting water, why are they also building more houses?” This inquiry stimulates essential discussions about finding the balance between growth and sustainability.

    Lofton is keeping the conversation going by inviting community members to participate in a brief survey and share their personal water conservation pledges.

    “We all live in watersheds, and every small action contributes to a greater impact,” Lofton said. “By making a pledge, you’re not only contributing to a more sustainable future, but you’re also helping lead by example.”

    Selected pledges will be featured in next year’s Water Awareness Month celebrations, highlighting the meaningful ways individuals are making a difference.

    To learn more, explore Lofton’s latest blog post on Water Awareness Month. You can also follow her journey and access additional resources on Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit her UC ANR SoCal Water Resources website, which features engaging resources on drinking water, water resilience, water use efficiency and more.

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.

  • USDA Secretary Rollins Leads Trade Delegation to Italy, Continues Aggressive Travel Agenda to Promote US Ag Worldwide

    U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins will visit Rome, Italy, on June 2-3. During her visit, Secretary Rollins will reinforce the Administration’s expectations for improved agricultural market access to Italy and the European Union and will encourage the United Nations organizations in Rome to prioritize American interests, reduce costs, and focus on their core mandates.

    “The United States’ relationships with Italian buyers and consumers foster tens of billions in bilateral trade and investment. However, U.S. agricultural stakeholders have been unfairly left behind for far too long by the European Union and Italy’s high tariffs on U.S. agricultural products and numerous non-tariff barriers,” said Secretary Brooke Rollins. “In coordination with Ambassador Tilman Fertitta, we at USDA will continue working to level the playing field and increase market opportunities with the EU and Italy for hard-working U.S. farmers, ranchers, foresters, and food processors.”

    Secretary Rollins will meet with senior Italian government and International Organization officials, including the Italian Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forests Francesco Lollobrigida, Deputy Chief of Mission and Charge d’Affaires for the U.S. Embassy Marta Youth, Charge d’Affaires for the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome Rodney Hunter, UN Food and Agriculture Organization Director General Qu Dongyu, and UN World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain.

    Secretary Rollins has made it a top priority to advocate on behalf of American agriculture on the world stage. This means increasing access for American products in existing markets, opening new markets with strong demand for our products, and making sure trading partners are treating American farmers, ranchers, and producers fairly. This comes after four years of inaction by the Biden Administration, which caused America’s agricultural trade balance to go from a surplus under President Trump’s first term, to a significant deficit under President Biden.

    This trade mission follows Secretary Rollins’s trip to the U.K. in May, and precedes future trade travel to India, Vietnam, Japan, Peru, and Brazil over the next four months. Other USDA Trade Missions this year include Peru, the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Côte d’Ivoire, and Mexico.

    United Kingdom: The U.K. is the United States’s fourteenth largest agricultural export market. U.S. producers face disproportionately high tariffs, small tariff-rate quota volumes, and unjustified non-tariff barriers when exporting to the U.K.

    India: The United States is India’s sixth largest supplier of agricultural products. The U.S. has a $1.3 billion agricultural trade deficit with India.

    Brazil: The United States has a $7 billion agricultural trade deficit with Brazil.

    Japan: Japan is a top five market for many key U.S. commodities, including corn, beef, pork, wheat, rice, and soybeans.

    Vietnam: Vietnam is the United States’s tenth largest agricultural export market. The U.S. has no trade agreement with Vietnam while major competitors like China do.

    Peru: Peru is the United States’s third largest South American market for agricultural exports, and the U.S. remains Peru’s second largest agricultural supplier. Key prospects for U.S. agricultural exports to Peru include ethanol, dairy products, meat, tree nuts, and pulses.

  • California DPR Proposes Regs for Tracking Reportable Pesticide Use Near Schools

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released proposed regulations to implement Assembly Bill (AB) 1864, signed by Governor Newsom on September 25, 2024, to require field identification and reporting on pesticide use near schools to provide greater transparency and ensure compliance with existing regulations that restrict agricultural pesticide use near schools and licensed child day care facilities.

    Effective Jan. 1, 2018, DPR adopted regulations to place restrictions on the application methods or timing used to apply pesticides to agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite, currently defined as a public K-12 school or licensed child day care facility. The regulations also require the operator of the agricultural field within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to provide the schoolsite an annual notification of expected pesticide applications.

    The proposed regulations would require:

    •A separate site identification number for the portion of an agricultural field that lies within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite

    •Restricted material permit applications, notices of intent, and pesticide use reports for agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to include the specific method of applying the pesticide

    •Notices of intent submitted for the use of California restricted materials on agricultural fields within 1/4 mile of a schoolsite to include allowable dates and time ranges during which the application can occur

    Additionally, the proposed regulations will expand existing restrictions to include private K-12 schools with an enrollment of 6 or more pupils.

    DPR has opened a public comment period on the proposed regulations through July 14, 2025. Comments may be submitted online through DPR’s public comment portal SmartComment, sent by email to regulations@cdpr.ca.gov, or by mail to:

    Lauren Otani, Regulations Coordinator

    Department of Pesticide Regulation

    1001 I Street, P.O. Box 4015

    Sacramento, California 95812-4015

    The proposed regulations and rulemaking documents are now available at DPR’s Proposed and Recently Adopted Regulation webpage.