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.
Tag: California Ag Network
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This Week In Ag – September 9
From new leadership in California wine to an expanding citrus quarantine, several developments are making news across California agriculture this week.
Here are five stories to know in this week’s edition of This Week in Ag.
The Wonderful Company Names Chris Avery President of Wine
The Wonderful Company has named Chris Avery president of its wine business, effective Oct. 5.
Avery currently serves as CEO of Shafer Vineyards and brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the luxury wine industry. In his new position, he will oversee JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery, Landmark Vineyards and Lewis Cellars.
Throughout his career, Avery has also held senior positions at Darioush, DAOU Family Estates, Patrimony Estate, Opus One and Jordan Vineyard & Winery.
His experience includes operations, global sales and distribution, marketing, hospitality and direct-to-consumer business.
CAWG Launches Merchandise for California Wine Month
September is California Wine Month, and the California Association of Winegrape Growers is giving supporters a new way to celebrate.
CAWG launched a collection of California wine merchandise designed to promote the state’s wine and recognize the growers and communities behind the industry.
Proceeds from the collection will support CAWG’s ongoing advocacy efforts for California winegrape growers.
California Wine Month has been celebrated since 2004 and recognizes the state’s wines, winegrowing regions and the people behind them.
Almond Industry Award Nominations Open
The Almond Board of California is accepting nominations for two awards recognizing contributions to the California almond industry.
The Almond Achievement Award recognizes an industry member who has made a lasting impact through long-term service and commitment to California almonds.
The Almond Technical Achievement Award focuses on contributions through research, innovation or helping the industry adopt practices that benefit growers and the broader almond sector.
Nominations for the 2026 awards are due Oct. 9, with the recipients scheduled to be announced during The Almond Conference in December.
In 2025, Ross Blackburn received the Almond Achievement Award, while Christine Gemperle received the Almond Technical Achievement Award.
HLB Quarantine Expands in California
Federal and state officials are expanding quarantined areas for Huanglongbing, or HLB, in parts of California.
The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, working with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, is adding one square mile to the Santa Paula quarantine area in Ventura County. The expansion impacts approximately 151.7 acres of commercial citrus.
Another 10 square miles are being added to quarantined areas in Riverside and San Diego counties, impacting approximately 121.5 acres of commercial citrus.
The expansion follows positive tests for the bacterium that causes HLB from plant tissue collected at residential properties.
The quarantine and associated movement restrictions are intended to reduce the risk of HLB spreading into areas that are not currently infested.
Western United Dairies Pursues Funding for Tule Subbasin Farmers
Western United Dairies is pursuing additional federal conservation funding that could benefit farmers and agricultural land in the Tule Subbasin.
The organization submitted two proposals to USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program.
The proposals build on existing water conservation efforts and programs such as LandFlex, with the goal of bringing additional resources to dairy farmers and agricultural operations in the region.
Water availability and groundwater sustainability remain significant issues for agricultural operations throughout the Central Valley, making programs that support conservation and water management increasingly important for producers.
Stay Connected with California Ag Network
From wine and almonds to citrus, dairy and water, This Week in Ag brings together five stories impacting California agriculture each week.
For more news impacting the California ag industry, follow California Ag Network.
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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.
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This Week In Ag
This Week in Ag: Five stories you need to know from across California agriculture.
This week, we’re covering new funding to stop the spread of glassy-winged sharpshooter, a potential new tool for fighting navel orangeworm, free business training for producers, a USDA trade mission to Singapore, and a $2 million investment aimed at helping the tree nut industry overcome trade barriers.
Stay informed on the issues and opportunities shaping California agriculture.
For more news impacting the California ag industry, follow California Ag Network.
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California Blueberries Harvested at the Right Moment
California blueberry growers had a good season, with the crop arriving at the right time to get a good price. Kasey Cronquist of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and North American Blueberry Council spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Fruit & Vegetable about some of the ways his organizations are promoting American blueberries and helping growers, including September’s Blueberry Convention in Monterey. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit and Vegetable Magazine.
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California Growers Have a New Enemy That’s Spreading Fast
Golden Mussels have been a silent threat California growers since they arrived in the Delta in 2024. These mollusks reproduce at an alarming rate and don’t require saltwater, meaning they are now clogging up irrigation systems and depriving crops of an already scarce water supply. Jason McKee from Greenleaf Ag spoke with Matthew Malcolm from Malcolm Media Ag Publishing to discuss this latest threat to orchards. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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How Pistachios Created a New Word in Mexico
American Pistachio Growers is marketing at the international level, and it’s bearing fruit across the globe. This includes Mexico, where excitement over pistachios resulted in a new word in the country’s vocabulary. Ines Masallach from Imalinx spoke with Matthew Malcolm about how American pistachios have exploded onto the Mexican market. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
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2026 Pistachio Week Kicks Off August 10th
Pistachio Week is returning for its fifth year. Restaurants across California are creating new dishes to showcase American-grown pistachios with everything from desserts, to drinks and main entrees. Hannah Young of American Pistachio Growers spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to talk about the event and some of the creations that will be available. Watch this quick video and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine
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Mike Forbes Named Next CEO of American Pistachio Growers
Mike Forbes will take over as CEO of American Pistachio Growers on Sept. 1, bringing over 20 years of experience in the food, ag and health and wellness industries. Forbes spoke with Matthew Malcolm at the 2026 APG Pistachio Industry Insights Day in Visalia to talk more about his incoming role with promoting American-grown pistachios. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.