California Ag Network

Category: Sponsored Content

  • A Rare Legacy Property on Shaver Lake’s Coveted “Point”

    —Sponsored Content—

    For generations, Central California agricultural families have shared a familiar tradition: escaping the Valley heat for weekends in the mountains or along the coast. For many, those memories are rooted at Shaver Lake — where cool pine air, boating, and evenings on the deck become part of a family’s legacy.

    What has become increasingly rare, however, is true lakefront ownership.

    Properties directly on the water at Shaver Lake seldom become available, particularly on the prestigious Point, where premier homes command prices of more than $5 million. Today, one of the area’s most remarkable offerings is available through Granville Homes — a custom-built waterfront residence listed at $4.1 million that combines luxury mountain living with exceptional construction quality and generational durability.

    Positioned directly on the lake with panoramic water views, the three-story residence was thoughtfully designed to maximize both scenery and gathering spaces. Every level opens to expansive full-view decks, creating seamless indoor-outdoor living and allowing the home to fully embrace its mountain-lake setting.

    Inside, the residence balances refined comfort with practical livability. Large gathering areas, multiple fireplaces, spa-inspired bathrooms, and generous entertaining spaces make the property equally suited for intimate weekends or large multi-generational family gatherings.

    That focus on construction quality reflects the philosophy that has long defined Granville Homes. While widely recognized throughout the Central Valley for luxury communities and high-performance homes, the company approached this Shaver Lake property with a level of craftsmanship designed specifically for mountain conditions, seasonal weather changes, and long-term ownership.

    The result is a property intended not simply as a vacation home, but as a true legacy estate.

    Beyond the home itself, the lifestyle surrounding Shaver Lake continues to attract buyers seeking both recreation and accessibility. Owners enjoy immediate access to boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, skiing, and year-round alpine beauty. Huntington Lake and China Peak Mountain Resort are nearby, making the property unusually accessible for a destination home of this caliber.

    For many Central Valley ag families, that accessibility matters. The ability to leave the office or orchard on a Friday afternoon and be on the lake before sunset is part of what has made Shaver Lake such an enduring tradition among California agriculturalists.

    And unlike many luxury destinations that require extensive travel, Shaver Lake remains remarkably close to home.

    For a closer look at the property, nearby recreation, community events, and regional drive times, visit the dedicated property website at: https://44687Lakeview.com

    The property is offered by Granville Homes DRE#01258537.

  • Kemin introduces RevoCURB™, a new safe and versatile soil treatment tool to address agricultural issues such as restrictions on fumigants and the requirements for buffer zones.

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    Fumigants are a cornerstone of conventional agriculture in the United States for combating soil-borne pests and diseases. However, fumigants also have significant limitations, including application requirements, buffer zone restrictions and the lack of available products for organic farmers.

    The role of fumigants in agriculture

    Fumigants are chemical agents applied before planting to eliminate pests, pathogens, and weeds, which protect crops and improve vigor and yields, especially in high-value crops like strawberries and tomatoes. Despite their effectiveness, most carry significant health and environmental risks, leading to strict regulations on their use, application timing, permitting, and buffer zones1,2. In some cases, these health concerns have led to complete bans on specific products, such as methyl bromide, which has been restricted in both the United States and Europe2,3.

    Buffer zone restrictions

    To reduce exposure risks, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforces strict buffer zones, areas where fumigant application is prohibited, near public spaces like schools and hospitals. Zone size depends on the fumigant used, application method, local environmental conditions, and distance to public spaces. While crucial for public safety and conservation efforts, buffer zones decrease usable farmland. Often, untreated buffer zones can lead to uneven pest control and reduced crop yields4. Buffer zones also add regulatory burdens, including signage and detailed management plans, increasing cost and complexity2.

    Additional limitations of fumigants

    Beyond buffer zone requirements, fumigants come with additional key limitations:

    • Cost: Fumigation is expensive, requiring investments in chemicals, labor, and regulatory compliance, which are often unaffordable for small-scale farmers.
    • Equipment: The application requires specialized equipment, including shank injectors, calibrated applicators, tarping systems, and enhanced personal protective equipment, which further increases total expenses.
    • Application Conditions: Efficacy depends on precise environmental conditions (soil temperature, soil moisture, weather) and properly calibrated equipment to ensure efficacy
    • Environmental Risks: Fumigants are highly volatile and can drift off-site, endangering nearby communities and ecosystems. Improper application may lead to water contamination or harm to non-target organisms.

    Organic alternatives to fumigants

    For organic farmers, the limitations of fumigants are even more pronounced, as organic certification prohibits the use of most synthetic fumigants. In response to these challenges, organic farmers rely on natural alternatives to manage soil-borne pests and diseases5:

    • Soil Solarization: Fallow fields are covered with plastic during peak heat for 4-8 weeks to trap solar energy, which can kill pathogens, pests, and weed seeds. This timeline may be challenging as the temperatures required for effective treatment coincide with peak growing seasons.
    • Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD)6: Organic materials like rice bran or mustard seed meal are incorporated into the soil and the soil is then saturated with water and covered with plastic to create anaerobic conditions. As oxygen is depleted, aerobic pests die and anaerobic species flourish, producing byproducts that further suppress pathogens. Once the field is cleared and prepared for planting, the reintroduction of oxygen into the soil then reduces anaerobic microbial populations, resulting in a cleaner overall soil. This process, however, can be quite expensive as it is water- and input-intensive and can be ineffective if fields are drained too early.
    • Crop Rotation and Cover Cropping: These practices disrupt pest life cycles and improve soil health; however, they are inadequate to knock down heavy infestations without additional inputs.
    • Biological Controls: Beneficial species help suppress pests via predation or competition. Their success depends on careful species selection, application timing, and environmental fit, and they work best when paired with other methods of control.

    Introducing RevoCURB™, a safe-to-use, 3-in-1 solution for organic and conventional growers.

    RevoCURB™ is a new OMRI-listed, 3-in-1 soil treatment designed to enhance crop health and yield by targeting plant parasitic nematodes, microbes, and pre-emergent weed seeds. Exempt under FIFRA 25(b), RevoCURB offers a 0-hour restricted entry interval (REI), no restrictions on maximum residue levels, minimal requirements for personal protective equipment, and no need for buffer zones. RevoCURB utilizes the power of Smart Blend Technology and four essential oils – thyme, clove, garlic, and cinnamon to provide control through multiple complementary modes of action. These oils disrupt cellular membranes on contact, inhibit nematode egg hatching, impact the nervous systems of juvenile nematodes present in the soil, causing paralysis and death, vaporize within the soil column, repelling pests and delaying repopulation and suppress weed seed germination.

    “These contact and repellency modes of action work in tandem upon application of RevoCURB to disrupt pest lifecycles and prepare soils for planting.” – Emma Trainer, Scientist at Kemin Crop Technologies.

    RevoCURB should be applied 14 days prior to planting or post-harvest and watered in per label directions to maximize efficacy and the zone of protection without harming crop seeds, seedlings, and plugs.

    Field trial to assess the effectiveness of RevoCURB on root-knot and stunt nematode populations on cucumber. San Luis Obispo, California (Credit: Bradley Booker at Pacific Ag Research) (SD-25-28093)

    RevoCURB protects young crops from multiple soil pest pressures, allowing for healthier plants and greater yields. Because it’s free from buffer zone requirements, REI, and residue restrictions, RevoCURB is ideal for transitional areas and organic acreages – bringing flexibility and safety where conventional fumigants fall short.

    For more information about RevoCURB, visit www.kemin.com/revocurb or contact us croptech@kemin.com

    References

    1. Panth, M. & Hassler, S. and F. Baysal Gurel (2020). Methods for Management of Soil-borne Diseases in Crop Production. Agriculture,
    2. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Soil Fumigant Toolbox. https://www.epa.gov/soil-fumigants
    3. European Commission. European Community Management Strategy for the phase-our of the critical uses of methyl bromide. April 2009. https://ozone.unep.org/sites/default/files/additional-reported-information/MeBr_Submissions/EC%20Management%20Strategy%20for%20Methyl%20Bromide.pdf
    4. Vansickle, J.J.; Smith, S.; and R. Weldon (2009). Impacts of EPA proposed buffer-zone restrictions on profitability of Florida strawberry growers. University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences; FE795.
    5. Bolda, M.P.; Dara, D.K.; Daugovish, O.; Koike, S.T.; Ploeg A.T.; Brown, G.T.; Fennimore, S.A.; Gordon, T.R.; Joseph, S.V.; Westerdahl, B.B.; and F.G. Zalom. Non-fumigant alternatives for soil disinfection. UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Strawberry. UC ANR Publication 3468. University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Davis, CA. https://ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/strawberry/non-fumigant-alternatives-for-soil-disinfestation/#gsc.tab=0
    6. Lopes, E.A.; Canedo, E.J.; Gomes, V.A.; Vieira, B.S.; Parreira, D.F.; and W.S. Neves (2022). Anaerobic soil disinfection for the management of soil-borne pathogens: a review. Applied Soil Ecology, 174.

    © Kemin Industries, Inc. and its group of companies 2025. All rights reserved. ® ™ Trademarks of Kemin Industries, Inc., USA. Always read and follow label directions. FIFRA 25(b) Exempt: RevoCURB has not been registered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. Kemin Industries, Inc. represents that this product qualifies for exemption from registration under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act. The products are not registered or authorized for sale in all states. Consult with your Kemin representative or state regulatory representative for approval of this use in your state, specific applications, and labeling. croptech@kemin.com | 800-752-2864 (ext.2).

  • Asian Citrus Psyllid Infestation in California: A Guide for California Citrus Growers

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    California’s vibrant citrus industry, renowned for its oranges, lemons, and limes, is under threat from the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri , ACP). This small invasive pest not only jeopardizes the health of citrus trees but also acts as a carrier of Huanglongbing (HLB), a bacterial disease that causes citrus greening. Here’s what growers need to know about ACP, its impact, and how Kemin Crop Technologies can help with effective botanical solutions to manage and prevent infestations.

    Understanding the Asian Citrus Psyllid

    The Asian citrus psyllid is a sap-sucking insect native to Asia, Africa, and the Saudi Arabian Peninsula. It was first detected in the United States in 2005 in Florida and in California in 2008 and has continued to spread across the major citrus growing regions. This insect’s feeding behavior damages citrus trees by causing leaves to curl and blacken. However, the real threat lies in ACP’s role as a vector for Huanglongbing (HLB). HLB is one of the most devastating diseases affecting citrus crops worldwide. HLB is caused by the bacteria Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which infects the phloem of citrus trees, disrupting nutrient flow. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure, and the disease eventually leads to the tree’s death. Infected trees can be stunted, have reduced fruit yield, blotchy mottled leaves, and produce misshapen, bitter fruit, rendering them unmarketable. The economic and ecological impact of ACP and HLB is profound, putting California’s multibillion-dollar citrus industry at significant risk.

    Identifying an ACP Infestation

    Early detection of ACP infestations is crucial for effective management. Growers should regularly inspect their orchards for the following:

    • Adult Psyllids: Small (3-4 mm long), brown, winged insects perched at a 45-degree angle on leaves.
    • Nymphs: Tiny (0.25-2 mm long), yellowish-orange immature psyllids found on new growth.
    • Honeydew: Sticky substance excreted by psyllids, often leading to sooty mold development.
    • Leaf Curling: Deformed leaves caused by psyllid feeding.

    Regular monitoring and application during ACP’s active growth stages can significantly reduce infestations and aid in limiting the spread of HLB through psyllid vectors.

    Unlock Superior Protection with TetraCURB™ MAX: Kemin’s botanical-oil based Solution

    For growers seeking a sustainable and effective solution, Kemin’s botanical oil-based biopesticide, TetraCURB MAX, offers a promising option. TetraCURB MAX is a rosemary, peppermint, clove and castor oil-based contact miticide-insecticide and repellent specifically designed to target soft-bodied insects like ACP. Its unique composition is formulated from a proprietary blend of essential oils and synergizers to have multiple modes of action that paralyze, suffocate, desiccate, repel, and disrupt the pest’s feeding and reproductive cycles.

    Here are the key benefits of TetraCURB MAX, and excellent tool for citrus growers to leverage:

    • Smart Blend for Maximum Impact: TetraCURB MAX is formulated with a proprietary blend of active ingredients, including castor oil, rosemary oil, clove oil, and peppermint oil. It also contains an adjuvant, soap and emulsifiers ensuring optimal spray contact, spread, and improves active ingredients efficacy without phytotoxicity. This unique combination ensures multiple modes of action, such as neurotoxic effects, contact suffocation, desiccation, and repellency aiding in fast pest knockdown. The multiple modes of action also help to reduce the likelihood of pests developing resistance.
    • Broad-Spectrum: TetraCURB MAX is effective against a range of pests, being specially formulated to target small, soft-bodied insects. ACP fits perfectly into this category, and we see excellent ACP knockdown in 3rd party assays.
    • TetraCURB MAX Kills on contact with a quick knockdown thanks to the smart blend technology.
    • Safety for Labor, Workers, and Consumers: TetraCURB MAX is made from safe-to-use ingredients, providing peace of mind for laborers and workers. Use of TetraCURB MAX requires minimal personal protective equipment (PPE) and allows a zero-hour restricted-entry interval (REI)
    • Minimal Disruption to Harvest Activities: With a zero-day pre-harvest interval (PHI) TetraCURB MAX can be applied at any time during the season, including on the day of harvest.
    • Versatility: TetraCURB MAX is labeled for use on all crops and has no restrictions on the number of applications per growing cycle.
    • Environmental Safety: TetraCURB MAX does not cause phytotoxicity in plants when used according to the label direction.
    • Easy Application: Applying TetraCURB MAX is simple. It can be used as a stand-alone or in a tank mix. Shake well before use, dilute in water, and apply as a foliar spray with standard equipment ensuring full plant coverage until runoff. ​ With a recommended spray volume of 100 gallons per acre and a treatment interval of 5-10 days, TetraCURB MAX fits seamlessly into your crop protection routine.
    • Exemption from Food Tolerance Requirements: These biopesticides are exempt from Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) in the United States, as the pesticide residue expected to remain on crops after application is minimal.

    Proven Efficacy in Lab and Field Trials

    Recent studies conducted at the University of Florida and in Oviedo, Florida have demonstrated the efficacy of TetraCURB MAX against ACP. First, in lab bioassays, TetraCURB MAX at a 1% rate achieved a 59% mortality rate of ACP nymphs within just three days of the application, outperforming the positive control Spinosad-based product. ​A field trial on sweet orange trees showed that two applications of TetraCURB MAX at 0.5% 21 days apart, significantly reduced the nymphal population by 86%, matching the performance of conventional insecticides like Cyazypyr at 16 fl.oz/100 gal. ​ Download the crop sheet to see the full data set HERE:

    Protecting California’s Citrus Legacy

    The battle against ACP and HLB is ongoing, but with vigilance and innovative solutions like TetraCURB MAX, California’s citrus growers can protect their orchards and ensure the industry’s longevity. By adopting sustainable practices, we can safeguard the future of citrus farming for generations to come.

    Don’t let ACP infestations compromise your citrus yield. ​Add TetraCURB™ MAX to your rotation in an IPM program and experience the benefits of superior pest control. ​

    For more information, visit kemin.com/tetracurbmax or contact your Kemin Sales representative today.

  • Workshop Highlights Advances in Desert Irrigation, Tech on Feb. 27

    The latest in irrigation research and technology will be showcased at the Advances in Irrigation Tools and Technologies Workshop in Holtville on Feb. 27.

    “This workshop brings together University of California scientists, irrigation and water industries, government agencies and the farming community to discuss advances in irrigation tools and technologies and provide a guide to smart farming choices in the low desert region,” said Ali Montazar, UC Cooperative Extension irrigation and water management advisor for Imperial County.

    The workshop will feature 19 presentations on cutting-edge irrigation technologies and innovations and precision farming irrigation. The irrigation industry will exhibit the latest products and technologies.

    Presentations will include a reservoir and hydrology update for the Lower Colorado River and cover alfalfa water use, water conservation, emerging irrigation tools and technologies, the Imperial Irrigation District Water Conservation Program, the California Department of Foods and Agriculture’s State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program, and Natural Resources Conservation Service Assistance Programs.

    The workshop, a “guide to smart farming choices in the Low Desert Region,” begins at 8 a.m. at the Barbara Worth Country Club, 2050 Country Club Dr., Holtville, CA 92250.

    Workshop organizers have requested 5.5 hours of CCA CEU credits. To register, visit http://ucanr.edu/desertirrigation2025.

  • Meat Institute Expands Legislative Affairs and Marketing Teams with New Hires

    The Meat Institute has announced the expansion of its legislative affairs and marketing teams with the addition of two new employees.

    Chris Chaffee joins the Meat Institute as Director of Legislative Affairs working with Vice President of Legislative Affairs Nathan Fretz advocating for the meat and poultry industry with members of congress and federal officials. Chaffee will also help manage the Meat Institute’s Political Action Committee, MeatPAC.

    “Chris Chaffee has extensive experience in advocacy, as well as serving in various roles across state and federal government,” said Meat Institute President and CEO Julie Anna Potts. “He will be an excellent representative of the industry with lawmakers and with the Trump Administration as we look to roll back burdensome regulations and address other concerns.”

    Previously, Chaffee led efforts to promote the leadership of American agriculture as Director of Industry Relations with the U.S. Farming and Ranching Foundation. Prior to that, he served as Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Liaison in the Trump Administration, where he led outreach to the food and agricultural community and coordinated policy communications across multiple federal agencies. In addition, Chaffee has served at the state government level, including for Iowa’s economic development agency and the governor of New Jersey. A Kansas City native, Chaffee graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in finance and international business.

    Brian Peteritas has been hired as Marketing Manager for the Meat Institute to oversee the Institute’s email marketing and social media efforts with a focus on integrated marketing campaigns for events.

    “The Meat Institute is always looking for ways to share educational events and networking opportunities with our membership and beyond,” said Julie Anna Potts. “Brian’s expertise in digital marketing will help us to better promote the programming our generous sponsors provide for our members’ continuous improvement.”

    Peteritas has worked in the association world for nine years and was previously with the American Frozen Food Institute and the National Apartment Association. He earned his B.A. in Communications from Penn State University and also holds a Digital Marketing Professional certificate from the Digital Marketing Institute and the American Marketing Association. Brian resides in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

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

  • Almond Board of California Calls for 2025 Board of Directors Candidates

    The 2025 election cycle for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors launches on Friday, Feb. 7 with the call to all potential candidates to file their intent to run by April 1, 2025.

    A one-year and a three-year seat are open to represent independent growers in the 2025-26 crop year, and a one-year and a three-year seat are also open to represent independent handlers. Alternate seats for those positions are open, as well. Voting starts April 21 and ends May 22.

    To qualify for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers, which ABC will verify. Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

    All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections.

    All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

    “The ABC Board of Directors plays a crucial role in the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on Board leadership to guide the work of the Almond Board. It’s crucial to have dedicated people from across the industry to help navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive, prosperous future.”

    The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

    Serving on the Board provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

    ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.

  • American Pistachio Growers Welcomes Five New Board Members

    American Pistachio Growers (APG) welcomes five new board members for 2025. Three new board members were announced at the January board meeting following the tabulation of written ballots in accordance with the written ballot procedures in the APG bylaws. Two other members have been appointed to fill vacancies on the APG board for the coming year.

    The three newly elected board members are Mojgan Amin of Yazd, LP, Brian Ezell of Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., Rebecca Kaser of Avellar-Moore Farms, and Michael Woolf of Mike Woolf Farming Company.

    Two board members were appointed by the approved board process to finish terms of vacated seats. Doenitz Lopez of Ingleby Eriksson, LLC was appointed at the November 2024 board of directors meeting, and Adam Kusmak of Tularosa Pistachio Groves (New Mexico) was appointed during the January 2025 board meeting. They will serve the remaining terms of their respective seats.

    “My team and I are excited to welcome the new board members to American Pistachio Growers,” said Zachary Fraser, President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers. “We look forward to working together to bring the next phase of American Pistachio Growers to new heights and involvement in terms of grower outreach, government affairs and marketing success.”

    Reelected to serve second terms on the APG board were William Bourdeau of Bourdeau Farms, LLC and Paul Huckabay of Keenan Farming Company. At the January 2025 board meeting, APG Board Chair Rich Kreps acknowledged the contributions of five outgoing board members — Ali Amin, Raj Kahlon, Asha Munger, Gary Smith and Jim Zion.

    “These members have served APG’s membership with honor and distinction,” said Kreps. “We are gratified for their volunteer leadership and for helping to guide our organization during their terms of service.”

    American Pistachio Growers is the non-profit trade association responsible for driving global awareness of the quality, nutrition, and brand power of American-grown pistachios. APG represents more than 800 growers and member processors in California, Arizona, New Mexico and Texas.

  • Tomato Processors Expect To Contract 10.2 Million Tons In 2025

    As of January, California’s tomato processors reported they have, or will have, contracts for 10.2 million tons in 2025, which is a decrease of 10% compared to 11.3 million contracted tons forecast in the August 2024 California Processing Tomato Report. Processors estimate that the contracted production for 2025 will come from 200,000 acres, generating an average yield of 51.0 tons per acre. This year’s contracted planted acreage forecast is 12% below the 2024 estimate of 228,000 planted acres under contract in the August forecast.

    The USDA-NASS Pacific Regional Office surveyed California’s tomato processors for their intended contract acreage and tonnage for the upcoming 2025 season. The data reported by processors was either tonnage with derived acreage, or acreage with derived tonnage.

     

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

     

  • Ag Workers Reduce Hours or Move Locations to Avoid Wildfire Smoke

    Millions of cell tower pings from dating, weather, messaging and other mobile apps that use location-sharing services are helping agricultural economists better understand how farmworkers respond to environmental hazards such as wildfire smoke.

    During California’s most destructive wildfire season in 2020, the number of farmworkers in a surveyed field fell by nearly 35% and the number of hours worked in that same location dropped by 37% on smoky days when elevated levels of particulate matter were in the air.

    On less smoky days, the number of workers in surveyed fields was nearly 18% below typical levels and the hours worked were 23% below normal, according to novel research from the University of California, Davis, to be published in the January edition of Journal of the Association of Environmental and Resource Economists.

    “When this smoke is really heavy there’s a large reduction in the amount of people in a field in day,” said Tim Beatty, chair of the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and the senior author on the research.

    The researchers also found that farmworkers tended to work more hours in the days leading up to smoke events and switched fields to avoid the worst conditions.

    “We could figure out very rich hourly information of where these farmworkers went and if they moved to another location,” said Goeun Lee, a postdoctoral scholar and lead author on the journal paper. “This is kind of the first application of this data to answer some important questions in agricultural economics.”

    A new resource

    The research represents a new way of gleaning information about one of California’s most elusive workforces – farmworkers who harvest crops that help feed the nation – that conventional sources cannot quantify.

    “The results are relevant for policy makers seeking to protect workers health, safety and well-being and to ensure the sustainability of one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world,” the authors wrote.

    Lee and Beatty used crop field boundaries to define agricultural crop locations, overlayed smoke plume and weather data to determine environmental conditions and accessed cell phone data from a company that collects location information from about 400 mobile applications.

    They identified time, place and movement data of cell phones at the field level from January to mid-October for 12,667 crop workers – representing 8% of the agricultural workforce in California – and a sample size 20 times that of the federal National Agricultural Worker Survey of 2020, which is a main but limited point-in-time resource for tracking this population.

    “We don’t do a good job of collecting data on these pretty marginalized groups who are very important, so it’s very hard for us to say anything about policies that affect them because they don’t turn up in the data,” Beatty said. “This mobility data is interesting and important to really answer questions about a group of people who are underrepresented in surveys.”

    Shocks on the horizon

    Major wildfires and other environmental shocks are projected to become more frequent and current protections may not be adequate to protect farmworkers and their financial health, the authors said.

    “Farmworkers primarily work outdoors and they’re exposed to many environmental shocks and factors that can affect their health and productivity negatively,” Lee said. “Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of wildfire smoke and California relies a lot on this labor force. They are essential for California agriculture.”

    Wildfire smoke can cause fatigue, dizziness, headaches, confusion and other symptoms that increase the risk of injury. The researchers defined high smoke days as those with 40 micrograms per cubic meter of particulate matter. California regulations require workers to wear protective gear like respirators, alter their schedule or work in an area with better air quality when particulate matter is 55.5 micrograms per cubic meter.

    The short harvest season coincides with more intense wildfire months, which means farmworkers could lose wages while avoiding smoke hazards. “We should worry about people’s health but also their ability to earn a living because that also impacts their health and wellbeing quite directly,” Beatty said.

    Future studies

    The research has some limitations related to who made decisions related to smoke.

    “It could be as simple as farmers have multiple fields and they just switch the field they’re harvesting that day. It could be they work for a farm labor contractor and they just basically change the client they are working for that day,” Beatty said. “That sets the table for a lot of future questions.”

    The methodology could be used to answer future labor, environmental and agricultural economics questions and the authors are using cell phone data to track farmworker movement and behavior during extreme heat events and after pesticide use.

    “This kind of new data set that we made can be a valuable resource to answer other questions about farmworkers,” Lee said.

    The research was funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. — By Emily C. Dooley, UC Davis

  • USDA Announces Availability of $1.13 Billion for Local Food Programs

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced a $1.13 billion investment to support local and regional food systems, building upon the Department’s previous investments in the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) programs.

    This round of funding, announced on Oct. 1, will allow states, territories, and federally recognized Tribes to purchase wholesome, locally produced foods for distribution within their communities to emergency food providers, schools, and child care centers. Those interested in applying for this round of LFS, which now includes funding for child care centers, can visit the LFS website. Those wishing to participate in this round of LFPA can visit the LFPA website. Producers wishing to receive information about becoming a vendor for LFPA or for LFS should contact their respective state, territory, or Tribal purchasing authorities.

    “These programs expand on the prior achievements of USDA’s LFPA and LFS programs and carry them into 2025, assuring local farmers, families, and communities that they will continue to get the help they need,” said USDA Under Secretary Jenny Lester Moffitt. “The programs reaffirm our commitment to bolstering local economies, ensuring food security, and fostering resilient agricultural communities nationwide.”

    “USDA believes that a healthier future for our country starts with our children,” said Cindy Long, USDA’s Deputy Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services. “We are excited to build on these successful collaborations that connect schools and emergency food organizations with nutritious food from local farmers and producers by expanding the model to child care facilities for the first time. Families can feel good knowing their kids are eating food that was grown right in their own community.”

    USDA will allocate up to $471.5 million for states and territories to purchase local, unprocessed, or minimally processed domestic foods for use by schools participating in the National School Lunch and/or School Breakfast Programs, and up to $188.6 million for use in child care facilities participating in the Child and Adult Care Food Program. Additionally, USDA will allocate up to $471.5 million for states, territories, and Tribal governments to use in local feeding programs, including food banks, schools and other organizations that reach underserved communities.

    Conceived in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the LFPA, LFPA Plus, and LFS programs have invested over $1 billion into local food purchases to date. Through the LFPA programs, USDA has provided $900 million in funding to 50 states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and 84 Tribal governments, sourcing foods from over 8,000 local producers, with more than 5,000 identified as underserved. This wholesome food has gone to 7,900 food banks, food pantries, and communities across America. Additionally, LFS has awarded up to $200 million for states and territories to purchase domestic, local foods for use in their National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs. These collaborations between the states, school systems, and local producers have established many new supply-chain partnerships, and enabled states to re-envision the school meal and what it can do for both students and local, small, and underserved farmers. Together, the LFPA and LFS programs have strengthened food systems, expanded local and regional markets, and are helping to build a fair, competitive, and resilient food supply chain.

    Today’s notice of funding will continue this vital work and provide an additional $1.13 billion to support local agriculture, schools, and feeding programs.