California Ag Network

Category: News

  • Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Announces 2024 Honorees

    Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is pleased to announce this year’s Sonoma County Wine Celebration (SCWC) honorees, whose contributions to our local community will be recognized at the live auction on Saturday, September 21 at Chateau St. Jean. The Sangiacomo Family, third generation Sonoma County farmers, are the 2024 SCWC Vintner and Grower Honorees. Mark & Terri Stark, founders of Stark Reality Restaurants, are the 2024 SCWC Chef Honorees. Nate Weis, Vice President of Winegrowing at Silver Oak and Twomey, is this year’s Wine Business Leadership Award recipient. Event proceeds will benefit Sonoma County nonprofits through SCVF Community Grants and Emergency Relief Fund. Learn more and purchase tickets for the Sonoma County Wine Celebration’s three days of events happening September 19-21 at SoCoWineCelebration.com.

    “We love recognizing the positive impacts our vintner community brings to our region,” said Michael Haney, Sonoma County Vintners Foundation Executive Director. “Members of our wine and hospitality industries continue to work tirelessly to care for those in our area who need help the most. They are always willing to help raise critical funding for our programs that provide sustainable funding for frontline nonprofits.”

    2024 SCWC Vintner and Grower Honorees
    As third generation farmers, Mike, Mia, and Steve Sangiacomo proudly continue their family’s farming tradition in Sonoma County, a legacy dating back to 1927. Their story started in 1913, when their grandfather Vittorio Sangiacomo sailed alone to America at age 17. After arriving at Ellis Island, he traveled to San Francisco, eventually settling in Sonoma Valley.  In 1927, Vittorio purchased a 55-acre farm, Eden Dale, establishing the roots of what would become the Sangiacomo Home Ranch. He and his wife Maria raised four children: Angelo, Buck, Bob, and Lorraine. They steadily expanded their land to support this growing family and became one of California’s largest pear-growing operations.

    The late Angelo Sangiacomo, father of the current generation, was recognized as a Sonoma County Barrel Auction Icon in 2017 after working in agriculture for more than 70 years. During the decline of the California pear market, he encouraged the family to uproot their pears, and they planted their first vineyard in 1969. As the wine industry continued to gain acclaim in Sonoma County, they expanded and today they farm over 1600 acres of certified sustainable vineyards, supplying grapes to over 90 premium wineries. They were among the first to introduce vineyard designated wines, with over 30 wineries currently producing a “Sangiacomo Vineyards” wine.

    Sangiacomo Family Wines, launched in 2016, celebrates their family’s heritage as grape growing pioneers in Sonoma County. These terroir-driven wines are a tribute to the family’s commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of their estate vineyards.

    2024 SCWC Chef Honorees
    James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur semifinalists Mark and Terri Stark together own and operate eight of Sonoma County’s favorite, and most highly rated, restaurants: Willi’s Wine Bar (2002), Monti’s (2004), Stark’s Steak & Seafood (2008), Bird & The Bottle (2015), and Grossman’s Noshery & Bar (2020) and Augie’s French (2023) in Santa Rosa, and Willi’s Seafood (2003) and Bravas (2012) in Healdsburg. After losing their flagship, Willi’s Wine Bar, in the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the Starks re-opened Willi’s at the restaurant’s new home in the Town & Country Center in Santa Rosa in June 2019. Willi’s Wine Bar first welcomed diners and introduced Santa Rosans to the small plates concept in 2002. Less than one year after re-opening Willi’s Wine Bar, the Starks opened Grossman’s Noshery & Bar in Santa Rosa’s historic Railroad Square in March 2020.

    The Starks founded Stark Reality Restaurants in 2006 to manage the operations of their diverse group of dining establishments. They are now one of Sonoma County’s largest employers. More than awards and accolades, Terri and Mark are most proud of being able to provide mentorship and employment to so many workers in the local culinary field. The Starks are committed to promoting from within, what Terri refers to as “stocking our own pond.” All of their chefs started out working for them as cooks, and, in some cases, dishwashers. The biggest measure of success, according to Mark, “At least 20 employees who started out washing dishes and bussing tables now own their houses; more than anything else, that is our greatest accomplishment.”

    2024 Wine Business Leadership Award 
    The Wine Business Leadership Award is a partnership award between Sonoma County Vintners and The Wine Business Institute (WBI) at Sonoma State University which recognizes an individual annually who demonstrates great wine business leadership, vision, innovation, inspiration and impactful service to the Sonoma County community.

    Nate Weis, whose father is also a winemaker, grew up locally and joined the Silver Oak team in 2014. He brought with him a wealth of experience from working at wineries in California and New Zealand.

    He is especially proud of helping the Duncan family, who co-founded the winery in 1972 with Justin Meyer and are now the sole owners, build upon the culture they’ve established. This includes being a leader in sustainability by building their LEED Platinum and Living Building certified winery in Alexander Valley and winning the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance Green Medal for Leadership in 2019. He helped found the winery’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) committee and subsequent apprenticeship program in partnership with The Veraison Project for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals interested in wine careers, establishing paid time off for volunteerism as a company benefit, and instituting a formal internal mentorship program and leadership development for high-potential employees.

    Nate has been an adjunct faculty at Napa Valley College since 2018, teaching courses in enology and wine education. He has been a board member of the Wine Business Institute since 2022, a former board member of the Northwest Chapter of the American Red Cross, and a member of the Unified Grape & Wine Symposium Program Development Committee since 2018. He was a North Bay Business Journal “40 under 40” recipient in 2014 and a Wine Business Institute Outstanding Alumnus award winner in 2021. However, Nate maintains that his real claim to fame is being the father of triplets (two boys and a girl) and their little brother, as well as recently celebrating a 20th wedding anniversary with his wife, Sally.

    Gathering to Give Back at SCWC
    The proceeds from SCWC will continue to support Sonoma County nonprofits focused on the areas of literacy, education, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. In addition, a key focus for this year’s Fund-A-Need paddle raise will benefit the critically impactful K-3 Proficiency Project from the nonprofit K-3 Innovation, which has seen tremendous results in increasing literacy in Sonoma County school children.

    “A staggering 59% of our third-grade students in Sonoma County are not reading proficiently,” said Gary Nelson, Co-Founder of K-3 Innovation. “Learning to read by third grade is crucial; it marks the transition from learning to read to reading to learn. K-3 Innovation is expanding the K-3 Proficiency Project here in Sonoma County. This private/public partnership works to ensure all students reach reading proficiency by the end of third grade. We are incredibly grateful that a portion of the SCWC Fund-A-Need Paddle Raise will help K-3 Innovation provide more students with the literacy skills needed to succeed.”

    Full programing and ticket details for the new Sonoma County Wine Celebration are available at SoCoWineCelebration.com. Proxy bidding will be available for the live auction on September 21. Contact foundation@sonomawine.com or 707.522.5829 for details. To learn more about SCVF Community Grants, the Emergency Relief Fund, recent beneficiaries, or to make a donation to this year’s Fund-A-Need paddle raise for the K-3 Proficiency Project, visit sonomawine.com/foundation.

    About Sonoma County Wine Celebration
    Sonoma County Wine Celebration brings the region’s renowned winemakers and growers together with distinguished collectors and generous bidders for an opportunity to acquire some of Sonoma County’s top wines and bid on incredible travel experiences. Named one of the nation’s top charitable auctions by Wine Spectator, the proceeds raised benefit local Sonoma County charitable organizations. Since its inception, the auction has raised millions of dollars to help fund charitable organizations focusing on literacy, education, health & human services, the environment, arts & culture, and has supported more nonprofits than any other fundraising event in Sonoma County. Learn more at SoCoWineCelebration.com.

    About Sonoma County Vintners Foundation
    Sonoma County Vintners Foundation provides support to the local community through philanthropy and charitable giving. Sonoma County Vintners Foundation (SCVF) is an accredited 501c(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1988. Its purpose is to consistently support local nonprofit organizations that address issues within the Sonoma County community. SCVF cultivates a vibrant and diverse Sonoma County by elevating lives through charitable events and philanthropic giving. Fundraising efforts have a direct impact in the areas of education & literacy, health & human services, the environment and arts & culture. With SCVF’s many initiatives including the Emergency Relief Fund, the organization is able to impact all needs, ranging from the immediate to the long term. Learn more at sonomawine.com/foundation.

    About Foley Family Wines & Spirits
    Established by Bill Foley in 1996, Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS) is a portfolio of highly acclaimed wines and spirits from some of the world’s greatest estates. The company owns more than 24 wineries and a distillery, each with its distinct style, legacy, and approach to hospitality. FFWS has expanded its portfolio significantly since its founding, now including such storied brands as Chalk Hill Estate Winery, Sebastiani, Roth, Banshee, Ferrari-Carano, Chateau St. Jean, and Lancaster in Sonoma; Merus, Silverado, and Foley Johnson in Napa Valley; Lincourt, Firestone, and Foley Estates in Southern California; Chalone Vineyard in Monterey County; Four Graces and Acrobat in Oregon; and Three Rivers in Washington. FFWS’s import wines include Lucien Albrecht in France, Nieto Senetiner in Argentina, and 14 wine brands spanning three of New Zealand’s most acclaimed winegrowing regions: Marlborough, Central Otago, and Martinborough. The growing global spirits portfolio includes High Ground Vodka, Charles Goodnight Texas Straight Bourbon Whiskey, New Zealand’s Lighthouse Gin, El Mexicano Tequila, the Loch Lomond Group portfolio of Scotch and spirits, and Two Stacks and Killowen Irish Whisky. Learn more at ffws.com.

    About K-3 Proficiency Project
    A staggering 59% of third-grade students are not reading proficiently in Sonoma County. Becoming a proficient reader by the end of third grade is critical as it marks the transition from learning-to-read, to reading-to-learn. K-3 Innovation, a local non-profit organization, started the K-3 Proficiency Project (K-3PP) with the mission of helping get every student reading proficiently by the end of third grade. K-3PP partners with Sonoma County schools to support teachers in kindergarten to third grade (K-3) classrooms. Students use adaptive online reading programs, while trained assistants help teachers provide small group targeted instruction based on student performance data. Star Reading Assessment results from participating schools show dramatic improvement year-after-year. Learn more at K-3 Innovation.

  • Fresno Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Award Nominations Now Open

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that nominations for the 2024 Agriculture Awards are officially open. This year’s awards ceremony, scheduled for November 2024 (exact date to be announced), will celebrate outstanding contributions to the region’s agricultural sector.

    The awards categories include Agriculturalist of the Year, Agricultural Employee of the Year, and AGvocate of the Year. We’re also thrilled to welcome back Moss Adams as the presenter of the Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year Award. You can find the nomination criteria and forms on the Fresno Chamber website. Nominations will be accepted until 5:00 PM on Thursday, September 12, 2024.

    “These awards have a rich tradition of highlighting the incredible people and businesses that drive our region’s agriculture forward,” said Scott Miller, President & CEO of the Fresno Chamber of Commerce. “From multi-generational family farms to innovative start-ups developing the next big thing in agricultural technology, these awards shine a light on the breadth and depth of our local food industry.”

    Last year’s honorees included Elizabeth Hudson of Hudson Farms as Agriculturalist of the Year, John DeGroot and Son for the Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year, Maribel Cortes of Woolf Farming

    as Agricultural Employee of the Year, John Alkire of Big Fresno Fair as AGvocate of the Year. Last year, Kathleen Nave of the California Table Grape Commission received the Lifetime of Service Award.

    Details on sponsorship and ticket sales will be available in mid-September. For more information about the awards or the upcoming celebration, please reach out to Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Events Manager for the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, at thovhannisyan@fresnochamber.com or call (559) 905-6090.

    “The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,000 member businesses representing over 77,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community through effective advocacy, education, and relationship building.”

  • Westlands Water District Awarded $1M for Groundwater Recharge & Flood Mitigation

    The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) awarded Westlands Water District (District), a $1,000,000 grant as part of DWR’s Flood Diversion Recharge (FDRE) Initiative. This grant will assist the State’s efforts to reduce flooding by increasing flood flow diversion volumes to recharge areas and expand local capacity to divert future flood waters. These efforts in turn reduce downstream flood impacts and facilitate groundwater recharge.

    “The District is committed to building a resilient water future for the San Joaquin Valley and our family farms,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District. “This grant will greatly assist us in clearing the way for flood diversion and support our ongoing groundwater recharge efforts as we navigate through climate-driven weather extremes and continued decline in reliable surface water supplies and work towards groundwater sustainability.”

    The grant will support the removal of 450 acres of orchards from land recently acquired by the District. Located in an area of the District identified as subsidence-prone, adjacent to the San Luis Canal, the cleared land will reduce demand for groundwater near critical infrastructure, improve the availability of surface water and sustainable groundwater allocation(s), provide the District with increased recharge capabilities, and provide a site to temporarily retain diverted floodwater when needed. The subject land is part of 5,340 acres acquired since 2022, including the removal of 1,930 acres of orchards and vines, at a total investment of over $58,000,000.

    Reducing groundwater demand, increasing surface water, and sustainable groundwater allocation(s) to other productive farmland, land repurposing, and groundwater recharge are all important measures identified in the Westside Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Diverting flood flows for groundwater recharge also protects downstream communities and infrastructure.

    About Westlands Water District

    Westlands Water District is recognized as a world leader in agricultural water conservation and has served the farmers and rural communities on the west side of Fresno and Kings counties for more than five decades. As stewards of one of California’s most precious natural resources, Westlands continually invests in conservation, and champions farmers deploying innovative irrigation methods based on the best available technology.

  • Checkoff Strategy Focuses on Dairy’s Link to Brain Health

    The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life – encompassing pregnancy through the child’s second birthday – is a critical period for brain development. During this time, a baby’s brain grows from about 10,000 brain cells in the first month of pregnancy to a staggering 10 billion by the sixth month.

    Nutrition is a key driver of this incredible development and dairy can significantly impact a child’s cognitive development and overall success in life, thanks to nutrients including iodine and choline.

    Expecting mothers and new parents are seeking guidance on how to best nourish their child and lay the foundation for lifelong health, particularly regarding cognitive development. To address this, the dairy checkoff is launching several strategies to highlight another benefit of dairy consumption.

    Checkoff organizations Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), National Dairy Council (NDC), Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Newtrient, GENYOUth and the 16-team state and regional network are joined by MilkPEP to collectively elevate awareness and understanding of dairy’s contributions to the 1,000-day period.

    “We identified a topic that’s of pressing concern and interest among thought leader audiences and consumers and has very strong dairy science behind it,” said Heather Oldani, head of marketing communications and affairs for DMI. “This is a collective effort that has different avenues for individual organizations within the dairy community to participate. Everyone will add a drop into the bucket and those drops will create an ocean effect for a bigger awareness and impact in the marketplace.”

    The strategies include:

    • Media Partnerships:Good Housekeeping and USA Today will each publish two articles in September, introducing readers to the science-backed importance of the first 1,000 days. Follow-up articles will discuss key nutrients needed during pregnancy that are found in dairy. This campaign, which runs through October, includes print ads and social media promotions through Good Housekeeping and USA Today’s channels.

    Social Media Strategy:The checkoff and MilkPEP will engage social media influencers to share relevant content with their followers. These influencers, including young parents, will discuss the role of dairy in their experiences, post recipes featuring dairy, and offer tips for incorporating more milk, cheese and yogurt into family meals. Additionally, NDC Ambassador Marina Chaparro, a pediatric dietitian, will promote dairy’s role in brain health through her channels and bilingual Nutrachicos site, which includes a free course on feeding toddlers. Ryann Kipping, a notable prenatal nutritionist on Instagram and TikTok, also will highlight dairy’s importance during the first 1,000 days. And MilkPEP will work with three credentialed experts to share the message with the media and consumers in August.

    Health & Wellness Partnerships, Collaborations, and Pediatric Care Specialist Engagement:NDC has launched a multi-year initiative with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to develop a nutrition education program for pediatricians and pediatric trainees. NDC is also collaborating with WIC to help educate about dairy’s role as a key component of maternal health and early childhood wellness. NDC will continue to engage leading health organizations such as the National Medical Association and will be at AAP’s annual meeting in October, which expects 6,000 pediatricians in attendance. Additionally, through the checkoff’s Mayo Clinic collaboration, dairy-focused nutrition content is featured on Mayo Clinic Press’ website as well as on a dedicated Parenting Hub, including information specific to the first 1,000 days.

    Checkoff-Produced Content:the checkoff will continue promoting content via its Undeniably Dairy channels. Stories at USDairy.comsuch as Dairy Foods for Infant Brain Development & Cognition and Top Benefits of Dairy For Cognitive Development in Infancy will be shared via Facebook, X and Instagram. Video content also will be posted on TikTok in an “edu-tainment” style to address questions about what foods to eat during pregnancy and after birth.

    Megan Maisano, director of nutrition and regulatory affairs for NDC, is confident this collective strategy will resonate with health professionals and consumers given its solid scientific foundation. She notes an AAP statement identifying 14 essential nutrients for early brain development, with dairy providing seven of them.

    “At the end of the day, every parent and care provider just wants their child to reach their full potential and do better than the generation before,” Maisano said. “Good nutrition during pregnancy, lactation and early childhood plays a foundational role in enabling a child to grow, learn and thrive. Dairy is an affordable, accessible food group that contributes really important nutrients, especially in those early years.”

    For information about the dairy checkoff, visit www.usdairy.com/for-farmers.

    Dairy Management Inc.™ (DMI) is funded by America’s more than 26,000 dairy farmers, as well as dairy importers. Created to help increase sales and demand for dairy products, DMI and its related organizations work to increase demand for dairy through research, education and innovation, and to maintain confidence in dairy foods, farms and businesses. DMI manages National Dairy Council and the American Dairy Association and founded the U.S. Dairy Export Council and Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

  • Fig Harvest is Here – California Fresh Fig Industry Poised for Growth

    Madera, California, is the nation’s capitol for fig production. Fresh fig harvest is well underway and growers are expecting the best crop they’ve had in years. Karla Stockli CEO of the California Fresh Fig Growers Association and California Fig Advisory Board met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share an exciting outlook for the 2024 crop and bright future of the fig industry. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.

  • $400M to Address Drought, Conserve Water through Production of Water-Saving Commodities

    Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest $400 million with at least 18 irrigation districts to help farmers continue commodity production while also conserving water across the West. This funding – which will support irrigation districts and producers in using innovative water savings technologies and farming practices while producing water-saving commodities in the face of continued drought – is expected to conserve up to 50,000 acre-feet in water use across 250,000 acres of irrigated land in production, while expanding and creating new, sustainable market opportunities.

    This historic funding builds on the Biden-Harris Administration’s work to conserve water, increase the efficiency of water use, upgrade existing infrastructure, and overall strengthen water security in the West. With historic water conservation enabled by President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation announced in May 2024 it had staved off the immediate possibility of the Colorado River System’s reservoirs from falling to critically low elevations that would threaten water deliveries and power production. Due to record conservation investments as well as improved hydrology, Lake Mead levels today, at elevation 1075 feet, are the highest since May 2021, when they were at 1073 feet. The Administration is now working to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience by focusing on long-term water conservation in several basins across the west.

    Agricultural producers are the backbone of rural communities across the West and many of them are struggling under prolonged drought conditions,” Vilsack said. “USDA is taking an ‘all hands’ approach to help address this challenge, including these new partnerships with irrigation districts to support producers. We want to scale up the tools available to keep farmers farming, while also voluntarily conserving water and expanding markets for water-saving commodities.”

    Partnering with Irrigation Districts to Support Water Conservation, Produce Water-Saving Commodities

    USDA worked to select irrigation districts based on several commodity production and water management-related criteria in order to maximize the ability to achieve program objectives, leveraging available data from the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation to ensure close alignment and partnership. USDA’s Economic Research Service (ERS) provided data and analysis to support the preliminary selections. Districts that have been preliminarily selected for potential inclusion in this program include:

    • Black Canyon Irrigation District, Idaho
    • Brooklyn Canal Company, Utah
    • Central Oregon Irrigation District, Ore.
    • Central Arizona Irrigation and Drainage District, Ariz.
    • Corcoran Irrigation District, Calif.
    • East Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Wash.
    • Elephant Butte Irrigation District, N.M.
    • Glenn – Colusa Irrigation District, Calif.
    • Greybull Valley Irrigation District, Wyo.
    • Hidalgo & Cameron Counties Irrigation District 9, Texas
    • Huntley Project Irrigation District, Mont.
    • Imperial Irrigation District, Calif.
    • Maricopa – Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage District, Ariz.
    • Palisade Irrigation District, Colo.
    • Quincy Columbia Basin Irrigation District, Wash.
    • Solano Irrigation District, Calif.
    • Sutter Mutual Water Company, Calif.
    • Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, Nev.

    The preliminary selected districts may receive up to $15 million each in the awards and will enter into sub-agreements with the producers participating within the district. Depending on available funding, awards to additional districts may be possible.

    Producers who participate will receive payments for voluntarily reducing water consumption while maintaining commodity production. The needs of producers will determine the specific strategies for water conservation, including irrigation improvements, shifts in management practices, shifts in cropping systems, and other innovative strategies. USDA will learn from the diversity of strategies used and identify additional opportunities to maintain and expand water-saving commodity production in the future.

    Participating producers and irrigation districts will commit to ensuring continued commodity production in the areas where water consumption is reduced. USDA is working to finalize agreements with the preliminarily selected districts, which will include the details of each individual district’s water-saving strategies, commodities to be produced, and specific budgets. Following the finalization of those awards, producers within the participating districts will work directly through their irrigation districts to participate. USDA and the preliminarily selected districts will provide more details on the agreements and opportunities for producers to directly enroll.

    “Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage District is pleased to be working with USDA to implement practices and projects that save water and improve efficiencies at a time when the historic drought in the southwest has put so much pressure on our agricultural producers. Investing in agriculture is an investment in America,” the District said.

    “Quincy-Columbia Basin Irrigation District is excited to enter into partnership with USDA to help bring Federal dollars to local growers. Our top priority is providing efficient and dependable irrigation water to our constituents, and we look forward to working with USDA to explore new water-efficient practices in the Columbia Basin,” the District said.

    “Greybull Valley Irrigation District (GVID) is extremely excited to explore water conservation efforts with the USDA Water-Saving Commodities team, this is a great opportunity for the District and their producers. GVID is always looking for ways to conserve water while supplying their producers with a steady flow for their crops, livestock, underground pipelines and pivots. The District is looking forward to discovering other conservation measures that would be very beneficial for all GVID members,” GVID said.

    Investing in Water Conservation in Tribal Communities and Acequias

    In addition to the preliminarily selected districts announced today, USDA is also announcing a Tribal set-aside within the program, targeting up to $40 million in funding for additional awards within Indian Country. USDA will work with the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Tribes, and Tribal producers to reduce water consumption and maintain land in agricultural production – supporting the production of water-saving commodities. USDA is partnering with BIA to use available data and ensure meaningful engagement with Tribes to establish selection criteria that reflect the specific needs and water management systems within Indian Country. Additional information for further engagement and selections will be provided in the weeks ahead.

    USDA will also include targeted assistance to support water-saving commodity production for acequias, recognizing that many irrigators in the Southwest are formed under the community-based acequia model instead of the irrigation district model. Additional information regarding targeted assistance to acequias that reflects the historical nature of their water distribution structure will follow.

    Additional information for further engagement with Tribes and acequias will be provided in the weeks ahead.

    Historic Investments in Western Water Complement Water-Saving Commodities Program

    USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working to help producers and communities conserve water, manage and prepare for the effects of climate change and build drought resilience in the West through its Western Water and Working Lands Framework for Conservation Action (Western Water Framework), which was launched in 2023. The Western Water Framework describes how NRCS assistance is used to address water resource related issues in 17 states in the West. In fiscal year 2023, NRCS provided $2.3 billion in conservation investments that help producers and communities in Western states better steward water resources, including investments that also support climate change mitigation. This total includes a boost of 9.7 percent or $213.3 million from the Inflation Reduction Act.

    The Western Water Framework includes key NRCS conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). Within EQIP NRCS has created a WaterSMART Initiative (WSI), to coordinate investments with the Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART investments in priority areas.

    For Fiscal Year 2024, NRCS selected 9 new priority areas and is continuing to offer funding in 36 prior approved areas, making $29.7 million in EQIP funding available through the WSI across 16 states.

    EQIP and CSP provide conservation planning and funding to help with implementation of conservation practices. Practices like irrigation water management improve irrigation efficiency and mitigate climate change. Meanwhile, practices like conservation crop rotation, cover crop, residue and tillage management, no-till, and nutrient management help producers build resilience to future drought. ACEP gives producers and landowners tools to protect wetlands, grasslands and agricultural lands which can be used to conserve water.

    Together, these efforts by FSA and NRCS advance USDA’s efforts to create more, new, and better market opportunities, sustainably grow agricultural productivity to feed a growing population, and help farmers and natural resource managers manage and prepare for the effects of climate change.

    Learn more about the Western Water Framework.

  • August USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for August 2024, which are effective Aug. 1, 2024. 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.

    “I encourage our lenders and borrowers alike to work with our local offices and our cooperators to capitalize fully on the existing flexibilities in these important programs,” said FSA Administrator Zach Ducheneaux.

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans

    FSA offers farm ownership, operating and emergency loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation.

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for August 2024 are as follows:

    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.

    Farm Loan Program Process Improvement

    FSA has a significant initiative underway to streamline and automate the Farm Loan Program customer-facing business process. For the over 26,000 producers who submit a direct loan application annually, FSA has made various improvements, including:

    • The Online Loan Application, an interactive, guided application that is paperless and provides helpful features, including an electronic signature option, the ability to attach supporting documents, such as tax returns, complete a balance sheet and build a farm operating plan.
    • The Loan Assistance Tool that provides customers with an interactive online, step-by-step guide to identifying the direct loan products that may be a fit for their business needs and to understanding the application process.
    • An online direct loan repayment feature that relieves borrowers from the necessity of calling, mailing or visiting a local Service Center to pay a loan installment.
    • A simplified direct loan paper application, reduced from 29 pages to 13 pages.
    • A new educational hub with farm loan resources and videos.

    More Information

    Since the Inflation Reduction Act was signed by President Biden in August 2022, USDA’s Farm Service Agency has provided approximately $2.4 billion in immediate assistance to more than 43,000 distressed borrowers. The deadline to request assistance through the Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Borrowers and Discrimination Financial Assistance Program has passed. Any applications submitted before the program deadlines are currently under review. Visit the related program webpages for more information.

    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other farm records data and customer information by logging into their farmers.gov account. Producers without an account can sign up today.

  • Center for Land-Based Learning Fosters Rising Generation of CA Farmers & Ag Leaders

    Have you heard of the Center for Land-Based Learning? For over 30 years, this nonprofit organization has served California’s agricultural industries by inspiring and educating youth with an interest in food and ag — connecting them with resources and opportunities to pursue a career in farming.  Nicole Curiel, Apprenticeship Program Assistant Manager from the Center met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share more about the program and how farmers can get involved. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.

  • Fruit Fly Quarantines Lifted in Contra Costa & Los Angeles Counties

    California Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has officially declared an end to the Tau fruit fly quarantine in Los Angeles County, and an end to the Oriental fruit fly quarantine in Contra Costa County following the successful eradication of the invasive pests.

    Tau Fruit Fly Quarantine

    The Tau fruit fly quarantine, which was established in the Santa Clarita area of Los Angeles County, was the first-ever quarantine for the Tau fruit fly in the Western Hemisphere. It encompassed the city of Santa Clarita and surrounding areas in parts of Stevenson Ranch, Newhall, Castaic Junction, Oat Mountain and Del Valle.

    Thanks to the diligent efforts of Santa Clarita area residents, local agricultural officials, the Los Angeles County Department of Agricultural Commissioner/Weights and Measures, and officials from CDFA and the United States Department of Agriculture, the invasive pest has been successfully eradicated from the area as of June 28.

    “Following one of the largest statewide invasive fruit fly populations we’ve seen in a number of years in California, we’re incredibly proud that we’ve been able to successfully achieve eradication of the Tau fruit fly,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “The lifting of this quarantine proves that our efforts are working, and the responsiveness and cooperation of residents across California and our partners is critical to that success.”

    During the quarantine, crops that are hosts for the fruit fly — which include more than 300 varieties, such as citrus and other fruits, nuts, vegetables and berries — were not allowed to be moved from the properties where they were grown. Commercial crops were required to meet stringent treatment or processing standards before being harvested or moved.

    Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine

    The announcement comes 10 months after officials first detected populations of the Oriental fruit fly in the area. This destructive pest has been eliminated through the cooperation and diligence of Contra Costa County residents and local agricultural officials, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), working in coordination with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Contra Costa County Agricultural Commissioner.

    “We’re pleased to report this is the third Oriental fruit fly quarantine lifted in California this year,” said Victoria Hornbaker, director of CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division. “These recent successes prove that through the cooperation of residents across the state and our partners, eradication of invasive species is possible.”

    While several fruit fly quarantines have now been lifted in California, additional quarantines remain and still threaten the state’s natural environment, agriculture and economy. To review all active quarantine maps, please visit CAFruitFly.com.

    When at home, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant for signs of invasive pests. To help prevent any future introductions of invasive species, residents should follow these guidelines:

    • Cooperate with agricultural officials and allow them access to your garden to place traps, inspect plants, conduct necessary treatments or remove potentially infested produce.
    • Determine if your property is located within an active quarantine area by visiting CAFruitFly.com.
    • Buy fruit trees and vegetable plants from licensed California nurseries. Purchasing agricultural goods from uncertified sources can spread invasive pests. Source your plants locally and responsibly. To find a licensed nursery near you, visit CDFA’s Directory of Licensed Nurseries.
    • Inspect your garden for signs of invasive fruit flies or maggots and report any findings to CDFA at 1-800-491-1899 or your local county agricultural commissioner’s office.
    • When entering the United States from another country, avoid bringing agricultural products — including fruits or vegetables. Help us protect our agricultural and natural resources and California’s unique biodiversity from invasive fruit flies — please Don’t Pack a Pest (dontpackapest.com) when traveling or mailing/receiving packages.

    To learn more about invasive species and how to protect the county’s fruits and vegetables, visit CAFruitFly.com or contracosta.ca.gov.

  • 2024 California Fresh Fig Season Gets Early Start

    Hot summer temperatures means good news for fresh fig lovers. Due to the extreme heat, the main harvest of the California Fresh Fig started a couple weeks earlier than usual, according to the California Fresh Fig Growers Association, and the fruit will be beautiful and plentiful well into the fall.

    “After years of drought and fires, California fig orchards are the healthiest they’ve been in years,” says Karla Stockli, Chief Executive Officer of the California Fresh Fig Growers Association. “This promises to be one of the best California Fresh Fig seasons we’ve ever seen!”

    This year’s first crop, known as the breba crop, delivered the first Mission figs of the season May-June. The main crop, now underway, is delivering plump and delicious varieties, such as Brown Turkeys, Missions and Sierras. Additional varieties will continue to become available through November.

    In California, there are four primary varieties of fresh figs offering unique flavor notes:

    • Mission. Purple and black skin with deep earthy flavor.
    • Brown Turkey. Light purple to black skin with robust flavor.
    • Sierra. Light-colored skin with a fresh, sweet flavor.
    • Tiger. Light yellow color with unique dark green stripes and a bright red-purple interior fruit with fruity, raspberry, citrus flavor.

    California’s fig growers continue to plant additional acres to meet consumer demand. From increased menu offerings in the restaurant industry to sampling and displays at grocery retailers, a comparable size crop to last year’s nearly 10 million pounds will be harvested in 2024. This is good news following the pandemic and decline in foodservice sales.

    While California Fresh Figs are available seasonally, California Dried Figs are a year-round staple, offering the same nutrition and taste benefits. Substitute dried figs for fresh in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, sauces, and more, to enjoy California Figs throughout the year.

    For recipes and more information, visit CaliforniaFigs.com.

    About the California Fig Advisory Board and the California Fresh Fig Growers Association
    The California Fig Advisory Board and California Fresh Fig Growers Association promote awareness and the use of California-produced dried and fresh figs domestically and internationally. California fig growers, processors and marketers fund the activities of the industry.