California Ag Network

Category: News

  • UC Offers Toddlers Free Milk for Study

    Two-year-old children who drink cow’s milk are being sought to participate in a 12-month study by the UC Nutrition Policy Institute, a part of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Milk will be provided for free to participants in the Milk Type in Toddlers Study, or “Milk TOT” study, being conducted in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area and the Central Valley.

    “I enrolled my child in the Milk TOT study because we need more data-driven evidence to help us make informed decisions,” said one participant. “I feel good about my family making this contribution to pediatricians and families — and we get free milk.”

    Milk provides children with calcium, protein and vitamin D, which are essential for health and brain development. In the U.S., the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children switch from whole milk to low-fat or nonfat milk after age 2 to reduce their intake of saturated fat and calories.

    However, the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans have changed. The guidelines — issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and USDA — emphasize whole milk for children of all ages.

    “The truth is that we need more research to understand which milk type is best for young children,” said Kassandra Bacon, NPI project policy analyst. “The purpose of this UC study is to see how the type of milk toddlers drink affects their health, growth and development.”

    Researchers with the Nutrition Policy Institute are recruiting children ages 23 to 30 months old. Approximately 500 toddlers will be randomly assigned to drink either whole fat or 1% fat milk starting at age 2. The scientists will assess the toddlers’ diet, health and developmental outcomes.

    “We will follow each participant for one year, collecting baseline and follow-up data,” said Ryan Williams, a NPI project policy analyst and registered dietitian who is involved in the research.

    For 12 months, the scientists will measure each child’s height, weight, waist and head circumference. They will ask the parents what else the toddlers eat. They also will ask parents to visit a designated lab to check their child’s blood profile — lipids, cholesterol, insulin resistance and vitamin D — cognitive development and gut microbiome diversity.

    “I was a bit nervous as toddlers usually did not like the (blood) draws, but the study booked an appointment for me and the process was quick and easy,” said a participating parent.

    The assigned milk type will be delivered to participants free of charge via a grocery delivery service. Parents will receive advice from a registered dietitian to support healthy milk consumption as part of a balanced diet. Participants will also receive monthly newsletters with general health tips and earn up to $275 in gift cards by completing the study.

    “It has been very swift and easy,” said a participating parent in the San Francisco Bay Area. “The milk comes regularly, and you can even choose a delivery window that works for you.”

    Another parent said, “Very simple, easy, and added bonus of having a nutritionist to ask questions to, plus monthly handouts.”

    Participants for the milk study must meet these requirements:

    • Child must be 23 to 30 months old and have public or private medical insurance
    • Child’s parent/legal guardian must be 18 years or older
    • Child must live with the participating parent/legal guardian in one of the 21 designated counties (see list below) for the next year
    • Child’s parent or guardian must speak English or Spanish

    Children are ineligible for the study if they are:

    • lactose intolerant
    • allergic to milk protein

    Lorrene Ritchie, emeritus UC Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist and former NPI director, and Anisha Patel, pediatrician at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health and professor in the Division of General Pediatrics at Stanford University, are the principal investigators for the study. The research is primarily funded by a grant from the National Institutes for Health with additional support from the California Dairy Research Foundation.

    The study is recruiting participants in the 21 counties below:

    • Alameda
    • Butte
    • Contra Costa
    • El Dorado
    • Lassen
    • Marin
    • Monterey
    • Placer
    • Sacramento
    • San Benito
    • San Francisco
    • San Joaquin
    • San Mateo
    • Santa Clara
    • Santa Cruz
    • Shasta
    • Solano
    • Sonoma
    • Sutter
    • Yolo
    • Yuba

    For more information about the research and to sign up for the study, visit https://npi.ucanr.edu/milk.

    — Story contributed by the UC Ag and Natural Resources

  • Groundwater Challenges for Small-Scale Farmers Expose Risks

    Small farms across the state may not be able to comply with groundwater regulations and stay in business, according to a new report analyzing the impact of California’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) on small-scale farms.

    In the first-ever assessment of small farmer consideration in California groundwater regulations, researchers at the University of California Small Farms Network and the Community Alliance with Family Farmers document the challenges facing small-scale farms with groundwater regulations.

    The report “Managing Groundwater with Small Farms in Mind: Risks, Barriers and Opportunities in the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act” (PDF) warns that farmers need an approach that helps them understand and adapt to the new regulations — while safeguarding their ability to grow food for California consumers.

    “Our state’s small-scale farmers face disproportionate risks and barriers with SGMA implementation,” said Catherine Van Dyke, director of water policy at Community Alliance with Family Farmers, a nonprofit that aims to build sustainable food and farming systems. “The future of groundwater management in California will be measured not only by hydrologic indicators but also by whether California’s agricultural communities remain viable and resilient long-term.”

    Based on three years of statewide outreach, surveys, policy document review and engagement with small farmers, the report highlights the value of small-scale farms in California’s priority water basins located in the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, Central Coast, North Coast and Southern California regions.

    In these geographically and economically diverse regions, researchers identified farmers whose groundwater use is limited and contribution to basin-wide overdraft is minimal and therefore warrant reasonable accommodations in groundwater management policies.

    Groundwater is a hidden resource that is key to small farms’ survival. Farmers irrigate crops in winter months with surface water from the season’s snowpack that reaches streams and rivers, then in summer months from wells that draw up groundwater from aquifers.

    In 2026, groundwater will be even more critical due to climate volatility and the extremely low snowpack from the Sierra Mountains. While surface reservoirs can be filled in a season, it takes decades or longer to replenish groundwater. Serious impacts from overpumping include the surface of land sinking (subsidence), water quality problems, vulnerability to seawater intrusion and risk of more wells going dry from lowering groundwater levels.

    Although SGMA (passed in 2014) is a necessary step towards ending decades of unsustainable groundwater pumping, the research views the widespread loss of small farms as an emerging undesirable result not due exclusively to overdraft but also from lack of groundwater management tailored to the needs of small farms.

    “Many small farmers are navigating volatile markets, rising costs, labor challenges and complex regulations,” said Ngodoo Atume, SGMA small farms technical assistance coordinator with the UC Small Farms Network, a part of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources. “New groundwater restrictions and compliance costs could be the last straw, unintentionally putting these farmers at risk of going out of business because they often have fewer financial resources, less technical capacity and fewer options to adapt.”

    The report proposes 50 actionable recommendations to protect small farms while valuing these farms as part of long-term groundwater management. In addition, the authors identify four opportunities for action across state agencies:

    • Identify small-scale farmers locally
    • Coordinate and act to keep small farmers in business
    • Implement actions that support small-scale farmers in groundwater management decisions
    • Support equitable transition pathways

    Key takeaways are available for Californian communities (PDF), Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (PDF) and State Agencies (PDF).

    Report authors Catherine Van Dyke and Ngodoo Atume will present findings from the report during upcoming webinars hosted by Maven’s Notebook (August 4) and the Berkeley Food Institute (September 16).

    UC Small Farms Network and CAFF are partners of the California Department of Water Resources Underrepresented Communities, California Tribes, and Small Farmers Groundwater Technical Assistance Program, which aims to support small farms with groundwater technical assistance.

    Their report does not reflect official positions or regulatory standards applied or used by the Department of Water Resources when administering its functions under SGMA. Contact sgma@caff.org and sgma@ucanr.edu for more information on groundwater technical assistance for small farmers.

    — Story contributed by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and UC Small Farms Network

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

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering an updated 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 was a popular CE course last year. It has been updated for 2026 and 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.

    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 2023-2026 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 enroll, click the button below, sign into your CAPCA.com account, then go to “Online Learning,” then “Shop” to register at no cost.

    — Story contributed by CAPCA

    Enroll Here

  • 2026 Fresno State Grape Day Kicks Off Grape Harvest

    2026 Fresno State Grape Day California’s grape industry came together at Fresno State Grape Day to explore the latest research, innovations and management practices shaping the future of viticulture. From vineyard technology and sustainable growing methods to networking with industry professionals, the biennial event gave growers and researchers the opportunity to share ideas and discover new tools for success.

  • Participants Wanted for Wine Industry Survey

    The wine market is changing as consumers reconsider what they drink, how they make purchasing decisions and the role wine plays in their lives. UC Davis is inviting those in the wine industry to participate in a survey examining industry perspectives on current and emerging wine-consumer behavior.

    This survey is part of a research collaboration involving by Drs. Arran Rumbaugh (USDA Ag Research Service), Ha Nguyen (UC Davis), and Carola Grebitus (Arizona State University).

    The survey focuses on factors that may influence wine consumption and purchasing. The goal is to identify unmet consumer-insight needs and use the findings to inform future consumer research, applied projects, and decision-support tools that address practical industry priorities.

    About the Survey:

    •The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes to complete.

    •Participants must be at least 21 years old.

    •Participation is voluntary.

    •Responses are anonymous, handled confidentially and reported only in aggregate.

    •Aggregated findings will be shared with participants so they can see perspectives from across the industry.

    Industry professional experience can help ensure that future consumer-behavior research reflects industry realities rather than assumptions.

    Complete the survey

    — Story contributed by UC Davis

  • Huanglongbing Quarantine Boundary Expands in Riverside, San Diego Counties

    Effective July 29, the Department is expanding the HLB quarantine boundary in the Fallbrook and Rainbow areas of San Diego County and into Riverside County (grids 499 and 500). A map of the expanded boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/hlb/regulation.html.

    Also effective July 29, the Department is expanding the Asian Citrus Psyllid Bulk Citrus Regional Quarantine Zone 6 in the both areas to reflect the HLB quarantine boundary expansion. A map of the expanded boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/acp/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3435 & 3439. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3435 & 3439, any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.

    Process to Appeal the Expanded Boundary

    The appeal must be submitted to the Department in writing and supported by clear and convincing evidence. The appeal must be filed no later than ten (10) working days from the date of this notification. During the pending of the appeal, the designated quarantine boundary under appeal shall remain in effect.

    Mail Appeals to: CDFA — Citrus Division 1220 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814

    Electronic Notification of Boundary Changes

    California Code of Regulation allows interested parties to be notified of quarantine area boundary changes, as well as the opportunity to submit quarantine boundary appeals. If interested in receiving notifications, please sign up for regulatory updates through the email notification at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, email Raymond Niem (Raymond.Niem@cdfa.ca.gov) or call 916.274.6300.

    — Story contributed to the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • Can Growers Store Carbon by Changing their Water?

    What if Central Valley Farmers could sequester carbon in their soil by only changing how they treat their irrigation water? That is the question driving a new $500,000 study at Fresno State. If 400,000 acres — 10% of the irrigated acres in California — adopted this practice, over 30 million tons of CO2 could be stored in soil through the water every year, as estimated by the research study’s hypothesis. Currently, less than 1% of the acreage in California is using it.

    “Soil health is what brought me to California, and this study is exactly the kind of work I came here to do. A simple change to water treatment could have a meaningful impact on soil health and carbon sequestration, and this research will help us understand that potential,” said Dr. Sangeeta Bansal, assistant professor of plant science at Fresno State and the principal investigator.

    The study is the largest and longest farm-scale investigation of CO2 in water treatment ever conducted, spanning three years on six working pistachio farms in California’s Central Valley. The California Energy Commission provided primary funding, with support from F3 Innovate.

    ECO2MIX, a Fresno-based agriculture company, is providing the water treatment for the study. Their equipment dissolves CO2 into irrigation water to produce carbonic acid, primarily to adjust water pH.

    “I started ECO2MIX because I saw the damage sulfuric acid was causing to farms and people, and I knew there had to be a better solution, and carbonic acid was exactly that. This study will finally help us understand the additional benefits after water treatment. If this can sequester carbon across the Central Valley through the water, that is a big deal for California sustainability,” said Waldo Moraga, CEO and President of ECO2MIX.

    High-pH irrigation water is common throughout the Central Valley and affects the health of soil and plants. Correcting water pH addresses many problems simultaneously. Carbonic acid also offers a safety advantage over current practices. Other acids are corrosive to equipment and require specialized handling and safety. On the other hand, carbonic acid, the same compound that gives sparkling water its bubbles, is safe to handle.

    “We are always evaluating what tools are available to us as farmers and what they can do for our operation. If the water we are already using can do more for the soil and increase profitability, we want to know about it,” said Joe Coelho, a farmer participating in the research and the Director of Sustainability and Member Outreach for American Pistachio Growers.

    About ECO2MIX

    ECO2MIX provides water pH control as a service by dissolving CO2 in water. The company designs, installs, and operates on-site reactors that treat irrigation water, which supports nutrient availability and efficient irrigation with additional soil health and sustainability benefits. ECO2MIX serves production agriculture and golf customers across high-pH water regions of the United States. For more information, visit www.eco2mix.com. For interviews or farm visits, contact Waldo Moraga at cherbert@eco2mix.com or call 559-321-7917.

  • ‘The Future Starts Here’ at Dairy Forum 2027

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) announced that registration for Dairy Forum 2027 is now open.

    From Jan. 24–27, more than 1,200 leaders from across the dairy supply chain will gather in Orlando, for the industry’s premier annual event. Hosted at the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes, Dairy Forum 2027 will bring together executives from dairy processors, cooperatives, retailers and suppliers to explore what is next for the industry and chart a path forward in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

    The 2027 event theme, “The Future Starts Here,” spotlights the ideas, innovations and inflection points set to define what’s on the horizon for the dairy industry. From breakthrough technologies and evolving consumer expectations to shifting policy landscapes, Dairy Forum 2027 will explore how the industry can anticipate change and lead it. Attendees will walk away with a clearer understanding of what is ahead and how to position their businesses to thrive in a more dynamic, competitive environment.

    “Dairy Forum 2027 is where forward-thinking leaders come to get ahead of what is next,” said IDFA President and CEO Michael Dykes. “It is an opportunity to challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities and gain the perspective needed to make confident decisions in a rapidly changing world. The insights and connections built here will help shape the future of dairy for years to come.”

    Dairy Forum will feature main sessions, deep-dive discussions, panel conversations, and special presentations from industry leaders and conference partners. Attendees will hear from experts in business leadership, technology, nutrition, sustainability, and food policy, with a focus on what lies ahead for the dairy sector.

    Set across more than 500 acres of natural landscapes, lakes, and working farmland, the JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a distinctive setting for both business and connection. The property features world-class amenities, including championship golf, a full-service spa, farm-to-table dining, and a range of recreational experiences for attendees and their families.

    Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations seeking to showcase their leadership and engage with the industry’s top decision-makers.

    To register for Dairy Forum 2027 and explore sponsorship opportunities, visit www.dairyforum.com. — Story contributed by the International Dairy Foods Association

  • Raisin Bargaining Association Announces Prices for 2026

    The raisin harvest is underway in California and growers are anxious to know what they’re getting for their crops. The Raisin Bargaining Association is ready to offer a higher bonus for quality raisins, with the organization wanting to incentivize a good product. RBA Chairman Charles Salmon spoke to Matthew Malcolm with American Vineyard to discuss raisin prices this year and what growers can expect. Watch this quick video and learn more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • Leading Entomologist and PCA: How to Control Navel Orangeworm and Aflatoxin

    How can almond, pistachio, and walnut growers control navel orangeworm and reduce aflatoxin risk? UC Cooperative Extension entomologist Houston Wilson joins pistachio and almond grower and pest control adviser (PCA) Joe Coelho and Arielle O’Connor of the Arizona Cotton Research & Protection Council to discuss practical strategies for preventing infestations, limiting crop damage, and reducing the effects of aflatoxin.

    Presented by title sponsor Liphatech and premier sponsor the Arizona Cotton Research & Protection Council.

    Learn more about postharvest fumigation at https://liphatech.com/