California Ag Network

Category: Tree Fruit

  • Sun World International Celebrates 50 Years

    Sun World International, a global leader in fruit genetics and licensing, celebrated its 50th anniversary during its 2026 Symposium and Field Days, marking five decades of innovation that have helped shape the fresh produce industry. The company also honored Board Chairman, David Marguleas, for his 40 years of leadership and contributions to Sun World, establishing the David Marguleas Endowed Research Fund in support of UC Davis Viticulture & Enology and dedicating the David Marguleas Tasting Room at the Sun World Center for Innovation.

    Founded in 1976 by David’s father, Howard Marguleas, along with Carl Maggio and Domenick Bianco, Sun World began as a California produce marketing company, but over five decades, they have introduced the first commercialized seedless watermelon, seedless table grapes and lemons, and have become a global fruit genetics and licensing business with brands recognized in markets around the world.

    “Fifty years ago, Sun World was founded on a simple but ambitious idea: fruit can be better,” said David Marguleas. “That idea has guided the company through every stage of its evolution, from early product introductions to the genetics, brands and global connections that define Sun World today. This anniversary is a celebration of the people who built that foundation and the opportunity we have to carry it forward.”

    More than 450 growers, licensees, marketers, retailers, researchers and industry leaders gathered for the company’s Symposium and Field Days, where attendees explored the next generation of Sun World innovation and the future of fresh produce. The anniversary celebration also brought former breeders to the stage alongside Marguleas, recognizing the scientific talent, shared expertise and long-standing relationships that have shaped Sun World’s programs across generations.

    Marguleas joined Sun World in 1986 and held leadership roles across the company for four decades. He became president and CEO in 2019 and assumed the role of executive chair in January 2025. During his tenure, Sun World evolved from a diversified produce marketing company into a global fruit variety development and licensing business, expanding its presence in key growing regions and building a broader portfolio of proprietary fruit offerings.

    The David Marguleas Endowed Research Fund will provide support for UC Davis students, faculty and researchers whose work advances California’s grape industry, while fostering stronger connections among research, education, and the industry. The David Marguleas Tasting Room dedication recognizes his vision, leadership and lasting impact on Sun World’s culture of discovery, collaboration and innovation. This will be a dedicated space where Sun World teams and guests can evaluate fruit, exchange perspectives and continue developing new consumer experiences.

    “David’s deep industry knowledge and commitment to discovery have helped shape who we are today,” said Bernardo Calvo, president and chief executive officer at Sun World International. “He has helped set a standard for how Sun World approaches innovation: stay curious, bring the right people together and keep raising the bar for what fresh produce can deliver. The research fund and tasting room reflect that legacy while creating spaces and opportunities that will help inspire the next generation.”

    Marguleas influence extends beyond the company’s business evolution. He has championed the relationships that link breeding and research with growers, licensees, marketers and retailers, helping Sun World build programs around both commercial performance and the consumer experience.

    “Sun World’s story has been written by people willing to ask what can be improved and then work together to make it happen,” said Marguleas. “I am deeply honored by these recognitions, and grateful to the many colleagues, growers, researchers and industry leaders who have contributed to the company’s success over the past 50 years.”

    — Story contributed by Sun World International

  • LA Times Report Highlights Corruption in Mexico’s Avocado Region

    The California Avocado Commission said a new Los Angeles Times report detailing pervasive violence and intimidation in Mexico’s major avocado-producing region underscores the urgent need for USMCA import limits on Mexican avocados to protect US growers, safeguard the U.S. food supply and prevent criminal organizations from destroying a vitally important sector of American agriculture.

    The Times report, “Avocados were a lifeline — and then a bitter fruit,” chronicles the experience of families in San Ángel Zurumucapio, Michoacán, where avocado production brought new economic opportunity but where growers have also faced extortion, kidnappings and violence. Residents ultimately organized armed self-defense groups to protect their community.

    “The human toll described by the Los Angeles Times is heartbreaking, and Mexican farmers being threatened, extorted, or caught in cartel violence deserve our sympathy and support. California growers should not have to compete against a Mexican avocado supply chain exploited by cartels that can distort markets and undermine U.S. production,” said Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission. “When criminal organizations can extort growers and influence the supply chain, American farmers are left competing in a market shaped by forces far outside normal agricultural competition. That’s why CAC is calling for a seasonal TRQ, to keep trade open while protecting American growers from market-disrupting import surges during our harvest season.”

    — Story contributed by the California Avocado Commission 

  • Prune Board Looks to Seize on Good Harvest

    Prune growers enjoyed a more sizable harvest than last year, with excellent quality despite the early start. It now comes down to getting the word out about buying and consuming California prunes. Kiaran Locy from the California Prune Board spoke with Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to discuss efforts to promote and market their crop. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Good Harvest Helps California Pear Growers Compete

    Pear growers enjoyed an good crop this year, both in size and quantity. Demand for California pears remains strong, but imports from Argentina could pose challenges for growers. Chris Zanobini from the California Pear Advisory Board Spoke to Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to discuss the latest in the pear industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Cherry Growers Have Down Year in 2026

    It was a rough year for cherry growers. High temperatures in March caused bloom to occur weeks earlier than normal and in a shortened window, leading to inadequate pollination that slashed the crop to half its normal size. Chris Zanobini, executive director for the California Cherry Board, spoke to Matthew Malcolm with California Fruit & Vegetable about the harvest. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • This Week In Ag – September 2

    Five stories are making headlines across California agriculture this week, from a familiar Central Valley face appearing on pistachio packaging to a new tool aimed at protecting cattle from New World screwworm. Here’s what you need to know in this week’s edition of This Week in Ag.

    Josh Allen Featured on Wonderful Pistachios Packaging

    Firebaugh native and NFL MVP Josh Allen is bringing more attention to one of California’s biggest specialty crops.

    Allen is featured on new limited-edition Wonderful Pistachios packaging rolling out at select retailers. The Buffalo Bills quarterback has a personal connection to the industry as a fourth-generation pistachio farmer.

    This marks the second year of Allen’s partnership with Wonderful Pistachios and also brings back the Josh Allen Scholarship program. The program supports first-generation students from Firebaugh pursuing higher education, providing recipients with up to $12,000 over four years of college.

    Nearly 40 high school seniors were accepted into the scholarship program during its first year.

    Blueberry Industry Votes to Continue U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    The U.S. blueberry industry has voted in favor of continuing the work of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

    The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announced that a majority of eligible blueberry producers and importers supported continuing the council.

    Created by the industry 26 years ago, USHBC works to increase consumer demand for blueberries, expand opportunities in global markets and provide resources to support the blueberry industry.

    FDA Authorizes Tool to Help Prevent New World Screwworm

    Cattle producers have another tool available as concerns surrounding New World screwworm continue.

    The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Bimectin, an ivermectin injection, to help prevent New World screwworm infestations in certain cattle.

    Under the authorization, the product can be administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration or when a wound appears.

    Bimectin is not authorized for this use in lactating dairy cows or calves intended to be processed for veal.

    The FDA said available evidence indicates it is reasonable to believe the product may be effective when used as authorized and that its known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

    UC ANR Connect Seeks New Technology for California Agriculture

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is looking for agricultural technology that could benefit California growers.

    Applications are open for UC ANR Connect, a grower-informed commercialization program operated by UC ANR Innovate in partnership with Farmhand Ventures.

    Selected companies will receive commercialization support, feedback directly from California growers and agricultural professionals, industry connections and an opportunity to demonstrate their technology during a field day.

    The current application cycle is focused on commercially available technology for permanent and specialty crops, including fresh fruit, table grapes, pistachios, desert vegetables, berries, citrus and avocados.

    Applications will be accepted through Sept. 18.

    Mike Forbes Named President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers

    American Pistachio Growers has announced new leadership.

    Mike Forbes officially takes over as the organization’s president and CEO on Sept. 1, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across the food, consumer products and wellness industries.

    Forbes also has agricultural roots. A Wisconsin native, he grew up participating in 4-H and comes from a family of farmers. His career has included positions with McKinsey & Company, Jim Beam, Procter & Gamble and General Mills.

    As president and CEO, Forbes will lead American Pistachio Growers’ efforts to represent American pistachio growers and processors, strengthen domestic and international demand and promote the benefits of American-grown pistachios.

    Stay Up to Date with California Ag Network

    That’s this week’s look at five stories impacting agriculture.

    Follow California Ag Network for more news, industry updates and stories from across California agriculture.

  • California Avocado Harvest on Track for 330M Pound Drop

    The California Avocado Commission’s mid-season forecast confirmed that the projected harvest still aligns with its original estimate of 330 million pounds of avocados. California’s volume ramped up significantly in May and June to satisfy consumer demand, bolstered by the Commission’s increased focus on customized support for retailers who merchandise

    fresh, in-season California avocados.

    “We have had very positive responses from retailers about this year’s demand-building marketing programs and a renewed emphasis on customized programs for retailers,”

    said CAC President Ken Melban. “We’re seeing impressive results in distribution and seasonal commitments.”

    CAC’s retail support programs this season include customized display bins and signage featuring California avocado growers, in-store and online digital advertising, Connected TV/streaming video, digital coupons, sales contests, ad flyers, demos and social media outreach.

    Customer-specific programs include social media series, e-newsletter integrations and activations with local influencers. California avocado consumer advertising continues to support the brand through the summer in targeted markets. In addition to Connected TV/streaming video, digital and out-of-home media will reach target consumers with CAC’s Voice of the Grower campaign, an authentic evolution of CAC’s marketing efforts that showcases growers talking about their avocados in their own words.

    Performance of targeted ads via an online shopping delivery service are exceeding the Commission’s expectations.

    “This year’s crop of fresh, responsibly farmed California avocados is showing good sizing with outstanding quality,” said Melban. “With about 100 million pounds still to be harvested, now is an excellent time for retailers to promote this locally grown fruit and to support domestic agricultural production.”

    — Story contributed by the California Avocado Commission

  • Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine in Santa Clara, Alameda Counties Over

    Effective July 8, 2026 the CDFA is removing the MedFly quarantine located in Santa Clara and Alameda counties. Maps of any remaining MedFly quarantine boundaries can be found at www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/medfly/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3406. Pursuant to Title 3 CCR section 3406 any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.

    Process to Appeal the Area Boundaries

    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 – Pest Exclusion
    1220 N St., Room 221
    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 list at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, please email Vince Arellano at vince.arellano@cdfa.ca.gov or call 916-654-0312.

  • Tulare County Sheriffs Arrest Peach Thieves

    On June 29, Sheriff’s detectives assigned to the Agricultural Crimes Task Force have arrested Francisco Lopez, 54, of Reedley and Josue Vargas, 46, of Orange Cove for felony grand theft of farm crops. Lopez has a bail set at $10,000. Vargas, who faces additional charges related to D.U.I. warrants, has a total bail of $50,000.

    On Monday, detectives developed information about a suspect’s vehicle tied to ongoing stone fruit thefts in Fresno and Tulare Counties. Detectives worked with patrol deputies and Reedley Police officers to find the vehicle. Later that night, a deputy stopped a matching pickup truck towing a trailer at Kamm Ave. and Road 56 near Dinuba. The trailer was reportedly loaded with crates containing approximately 2,000 pounds of Pink Moon peaches, valued at $8,500. Detectives responded and determined the peaches were stolen on Sunday from a farm in Tulare County. Lopez and Sanchez were placed under arrest. An additional passenger of the truck, 56-year-old Jesus Chacon of Reedley, was also arrested for outstanding warrants related to drug possession and battery.

    The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office will be pursuing additional criminal charges against Lopez and Vargas due to the theft occurring within its jurisdiction.

    Anyone with further information on this case or a related case is asked to contact Sheriff’s Detective North at (559) 600-8150 or email agcrimes@fresnosheriff.org or contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867, www.valleycrimestoppers.org. You will remain anonymous and may receive a cash reward. Reference case # 26-7616.

    The Ag Crimes Task force encourages growers to follow these tips to protect themselves against theft.

    Increase Visibility

    • Install cameras overlooking entrances, loading areas and packing facilities.

    • Use trail cameras in remote orchards.

    • Ensure entrances and loading areas are well lit.

    • Trim vegetation around gates and roads to eliminate hiding spots.

    Harvest Management

    • Harvest ripe fruit as soon as practical.

    • Avoid leaving harvested bins in fields overnight.

    • Schedule picking crews so fruit spends the least amount of time unattended.

    • Keep loaded trailers in secured yards whenever possible.

    Secure Fruit Bins

    • Mark bins with permanent farm identifiers.

    • Record the number of bins left in each block.

    • Conduct daily inventory counts during harvest.

    • Store empty bins in secured compounds.

    Clearly Mark Equipment

    • Clearly mark all equipment and fruit bins with your farm name or unique identifier.

    • Record serial numbers and photograph valuable equipment.

    • Use permanent, tamper-resistant markings whenever possible.

    — Story Contributed by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office

  • California Avocado Growers Release Video Urging Tariff Rate Quota on Mexican Imports

    The California Avocado Commission released a new video last week as part of a broad advocacy campaign urging federal officials to put American farmers first by adopting a seasonal import policy for Mexican avocados during California’s marketing season, March to September.

    The video features celebrity chef and restaurant owner Andrew Gruel; Jayme Franklin, founder and CEO of The Conservateur; Rep. Vince Fong (R-Calif.) and; California avocado farmers Rachael Laenen of Kimball Ranches, Andy Sheaffer of Vista Punta Gorda, Robert Jackson of Jackson Ranch, John Haskett of Lucky Charm Farms and Maureen Cottingham of CamLam Farms.

    The release comes as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced Wednesday that the United States did not agree to renew the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in its current form. The agreement, which governs much of the trade among the United States, Mexico and Canada, remains in force while the countries address its shortcomings. Greer also said the United States will meet with Mexico the week of July 20 for a third round of bilateral negotiations related to the trade agreement’s joint review.

    The Commission said those talks are directly relevant to California avocado growers because of Mexican avocado imports, cartel involvement in Mexico’s avocado industry, pest inspections and risks, and market oversupply all affect whether U.S. trade policy is working for American farmers and consumers.

    “We are on the precipice of a culinary disaster, I call it, because there may come a day soon where we are no longer able to buy California avocados in our own backyard because of the oversurplus of imports on the market that are ultimately going to wipe out California avocados,” Gruel said.

    The Commission is calling for a seasonal tariff rate quota on Mexican avocado imports from March through September, California’s primary harvest window. Under the proposal, a set volume of Mexican avocados would continue entering the U.S. market during those months at a zero  tariff rate. Imports above that level could still enter, but at a high tariff rate.

    “If we believe in America First and Making America Healthy Again, that should include the food that we put on our tables,” Franklin said. “So next time you’re at the grocery store, look for California-grown avocados. I’ll always support the hardworking California families that grow the best avocados in the world.”

    “California avocado growers are not asking to stop trade, we’re asking for the opportunity to compete fairly in our own market,” said Ken Melban, president of the California Avocado Commission. “A seasonal Tariff Rate Quota is a balanced, common-sense solution that supports orderly markets while protecting America’s domestic food production capacity. This video  tells the story of our growers and demonstrates why thoughtful trade policy is essential to preserving a vibrant domestic avocado industry.”

    The video also focuses on cartel involvement in Mexico’s avocado industry. The Commission has previously raised concerns that cartel threats and violence contributed to reduced U.S. oversight of Mexican avocado inspections, increasing the risk that invasive pests could enter the United States through imported fruit.

    “From a single tree in Southern California, the Hass avocado became an icon, and it is 100% American,” Gruel said in the video.

    “Buying local means that you’re getting a fresher product because there’s a shorter supply chain,” Gruel said. “side by side , the California avocado versus an imported avocado, it’s a better product hands down. It’s richer, it’s creamier — and that’s the most important thing. On top of all of that, you’re supporting a local economy and you’re supporting American farmers, and that’s the backbone of our economy.”

    “In Mexico, cartels are extorting growers, controlling portions of the supply chain and using violence and intimidation to maintain that control,” Franklin said in the video. “Whatever your perspective is on trade policy, protecting American agriculture and ensuring a safe, reliable food chain is necessary.”

    “Many Americans are buying Mexican avocados and don’t even know that they are not grown with the same worker protection and pay standards, and environmental protections that we uphold here in the U.S.,” Franklin said.

    The Commission said the proposal should be considered as the United States reviews its trade relationship with Mexico. The commission said its goal is not to end avocado trade, but to ensure that trade policy does not allow foreign oversupply, cartel-compromised supply chains or weakened inspection systems to push American growers out of their own market. — Story contributed by the California Avocado Commission