California Ag Network

Tag: California Agriculture

  • California Citrus Mutual Names Tom Danowski as New CEO

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) announced the selection of Tom Danowski as its new CEO following a search conducted by the CCM Board of Directors.

    Danowski brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience spanning agriculture, advocacy, trade association management and marketing to the job. More recently, he served for 13 years as President and CEO of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. During his tenure, he helped drive the Oregon wine industry’s total annual economic impact from $2.7 billion to $8 billion through industry collaboration, strategic advocacy and public policy work.

    “We are excited to welcome Tom to California Citrus Mutual,” said Julia Inestroza, CCM Board Chair. “The Board was looking for a leader with strong agricultural and advocacy experience who could help guide our organization into the future. With Tom’s leadership, experience working with growers, and ability to build strong relationships with policymakers, we are confident he will be a great leader for CCM and California’s citrus industry.”

    Danowski said he was drawn to the opportunity because of California citrus’s reputation and the organization’s strong leadership.

    “Citrus is one of California’s most iconic agricultural industries. California citrus has an outstanding reputation, and CCM has a highly respected Board of Directors and a dedicated team working on behalf of growers, said Danowski. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring what I’ve learned from another premium specialty crop industry and apply it to helping California citrus continue to thrive.”

    “I look forward to building on the tremendous work already underway, continuing the energy and vision that have made California citrus so successful, and helping lawmakers and policymakers develop an even deeper understanding of the industry’s importance to California agriculture and our economy,” he continued.

    Ryan Young of Sun Pacific, who served on the CEO Search Committee, said the Board was intentional in finding a leader with the right blend of advocacy experience and executive leadership.

    “After an extensive and thoughtful search process, it became clear that Tom possesses the qualities we are looking for. He understands grower-funded organizations, has a strong track record of working with government leaders, and has successfully led a major agricultural trade association through significant growth and change,” said Young.

    As CEO, Danowski will lead CCM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of California citrus growers at the state and federal levels while overseeing the organization’s membership services, communications, industry partnerships, and strategic initiatives. He will officially begin his role as CEO on Sept. 1.

  • DPR Announces Voluntary Cancellation of Paraquat Products

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced that all manufacturers of pesticide products containing the active ingredient paraquat-dichloride (paraquat) have voluntarily cancelled their product registrations, beginning the phase-out of the use of paraquat in California.

    “For years, communities have fought to end the use of paraquat, a weedkiller associated with negative impacts to human health and wildlife,” said California Secretary for Environmental Protection Yana Garcia. “California will keep moving toward pest management practices that protect health and our ecosystems.”

    DPR initiated the reevaluation of paraquat in November 2024, aligning with requirements in Food & Agricultural Code (FAC) section 14086, and released two preliminary scientific assessments the following month. DPR’s preliminary reports identified a potential association between paraquat exposure and thyroid impacts and birth defects. The reports also indicated paraquat may adversely affect other organisms, with the most significant risks to birds.

    “We need the right data to identify where there are risks to people and the environment,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison. “This is a cornerstone of our continuous evaluation process to respond to evolving science on the impacts of pesticides.”

    Reevaluation gives DPR the authority to require registrants – the companies that make pesticides – to develop and submit new scientific studies needed to fully understand emerging risks that were unknown at the time of registration.  For paraquat, DPR invoked this reevaluation authority to require registrants to submit scientific data by June 5, 2026, to address newly identified gaps in DPR’s human health toxicology database, among other requirements. In lieu of providing required data, companies began voluntarily cancelling registration of paraquat pesticide products in California in April, with the last registrant voluntarily cancelling its registration on Aug. 6.

    Under California law, DPR-licensed dealers may continue to possess and sell pesticides that were voluntarily canceled for up to two years following the effective date of each product’s cancellation. Growers who continue to use these products must act in accordance with all applicable label directions, use requirements, and state and federal regulations.

    Paraquat reevaluation is part of a series of actions at the department to continuously evaluate and mitigate pesticide impacts. Status updates for other actions and pesticide active ingredients and classes under evaluation can be found on DPR’s Continuous Evaluation and Mitigation Update webpage.

    DPR provides funding to research alternatives to pesticides and to increase access to safe, effective sustainable pest management (SPM) through its annual SPM Grants program. The 2027 priority areas include projects that are likely to decrease usage of pesticides prioritized for mitigation or evaluation by DPR, such as paraquat, and those that offer alternatives to weed management. The current application period is open through Sept. 1.

    “To realize systemwide change in California, DPR plays a critical role in supporting additional research and outreach to move the state towards safer, more sustainable pest management approaches,” said Director Morrison. “As growers transition from the use of paraquat, the department will leverage available tools to support the use of effective alternatives and foster SPM.”

    — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • Blueberry Convention Coming to Monterey

    The Blueberry Convention is the largest gathering of the blueberry industry in the U.S. — and this year’s event is packed with insights, connections and experiences designed to help move the industry forward.

    Guests will be able to:

    • Get the latest category data, insights and economic outlooks to guide your operations.
    • See how the Blueberries GO BIG campaign is driving demand.
    • Learn about the organizations’ health research focus on cognitive health.
    • Experience the energy of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator live pitch competition.
    • Join the USHBC Council and NABC Board meetings on Wednesday.

    New for 2026 

    The USHBC and NABC are bringing some new features and opportunities to Monterey this year. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:

    Tech Tuesday 

    Explore emerging and advancing technologies shaping the future of the blueberry industry during this special education session organized by the BerrySmart Technology Task Force. Over the course of two hours, attendees will gain insight into innovations, tools and ideas designed to support on-farm efficiency, data-driven decision-making and long-term industry progress.

    Blueberry Night at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

    A one-of-a-kind strolling dinner as the blueberry industry takes over the aquarium. Enjoy chef-curated food stations, coastal views and access to incredible exhibits — all in a vibrant setting designed for connection and celebration.

    Meet, Eat and Explore 

    An open lunch in the heart of the convention action. With seating throughout the common areas near Blueberry Lane and Blueberry Row, it’s the perfect chance to grab a bite, connect with exhibitors and spend time with fellow attendees.

    Blueberry Boardroom

    The Blueberry Boardroom will offer a dedicated space to meet with colleagues, host team conversations or hold business meetings throughout the event. Advance booking is encouraged.

    Blueberries & Beyond: A Central Coast Tour 

    The convention will wrap up with an on-the-ground look at agriculture in the Monterey area. This industry tour will give guests the opportunity to explore blueberry-related production, while also experiencing the broader agricultural landscape of California’s Central Coast.

    Guests also have access to favorites from past events, including the Blueberry Boost Accelerator live pitch competition (back by popular demand), the NABC Awards and the USHBC Elizabeth White Award, the BerryFit Club 5k and yoga, keynotes and education sessions.

    — Story contributed by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council

  • Groundwater Challenges for Small-Scale Farmers Expose Risks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering an updated free Continuing Education (CE) course designed specifically for Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) and other industry professionals focused on invasive pest management.

    Titled Invasive Fruit Flies in California, this was a popular CE course last year. It has been updated for 2026 and provides an in-depth look at the rising pressure of invasive fruit flies (IFF) across the state and the critical role PCAs play in early detection and containment. This course is approved for 1.0 DPR CEUs.

    Participants will:

    • Understand the pest profiles of major IFF species affecting California
    • Learn the triggers that initiate quarantines in the state
    • Explore best practices for supporting growers with timely, science-based recommendations
    • Review the 2023-2026 IFF response strategies
    • Discover innovations shaping the future of pest detection and management

    This complimentary CE course is a valuable resource for PCAs looking to stay informedand proactive in the protection of California’s agricultural economy.

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

    — Story contributed by CAPCA

    Enroll Here

  • 10th Annual Strawberry Center Annual Field Day at Cal Poly

    The Cal Poly Strawberry Center brought together over 800 growers, researchers and innovators in the strawberry industry to their 10th annual Strawberry Center Field Day. Strawberry growers attended the event with the question in mind on what’s the next best thing, to make their product better for the world. With California producing over 90% of the nation’s strawberries, events like these are necessary to keep everyone on the same page. Learn more about the field day in California Fruit and Vegetable Magazine.

  • DPR Releases Findings from Fumigant Alternatives Study

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released the fourth and final component of a multi-part study exploring alternatives to fumigant pesticides. The last report focused on the risks and benefits of pre-plant fumigants.

    The research conducted by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) specifically looked at methyl bromide and three pesticides known as MITC generators – dazomet, metam-sodium, and metam-potassium. Similar to the findings from CCST’s previous reports, this report found that, while alternatives exist, there is no single alternative that can be used as a 1:1 substitute for methyl bromide or MITC generators. In particular, the cost and effectiveness of alternatives remain a significant barrier for growers. More crop- and region-specific research is needed to determine the efficacy of alternatives at commercial scale.

    “DPR has made a strong commitment to sustainable pest management and finding alternatives to fumigants,” said DPR Director Karen Morrison. “We will continue to prioritize actions to protect human health and the environment through research and innovation.”

    Both methyl bromide and MITC generators are restricted material pesticides in California – a group of high-risk pesticides that are strictly regulated to protect public health and the environment.

    Methyl bromide is a soil fumigant that has been largely phased out of use in routine agriculture under the Montreal Protocol because of its ozone-depleting properties. The U.S. EPA only allows its use in a few circumstances – primarily for quarantine and pre-shipment of commodities, imported goods, and nursery propagation to prevent the introduction and/or spread of pests across borders. MITC generators are used to protect timber from rot and to reduce the spread of soil-borne pests between crop seasons.

    DPR commissioned the independent study following the release of the Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) Roadmap to evaluate fumigant use and existing alternatives with funding from the California Budget Act of 2023-24. CCST’s reports focused on soil fumigants 1,3-D and chloropicrin, alternatives to sulfuryl fluoride, and post-harvest commodity fumigation.

    DPR has also created two new committees to support implementation of the SPM Roadmap.

    • The SPM Advisory Committee advises DPR on goals, tactics, policies, and partnerships that support the implementation of SPM statewide.
    • The Scientific Prioritization and Review Committee (SPARC) will provide science-based recommendations to inform DPR’s transparent, data-driven process for identifying and addressing potential risks to human health and the environment from pesticide use.

    DPR is also prioritizing alternatives to fumigants in its annual pool of SPM grant funding. For example, in May, DPR awarded over $600,000 to a project to evaluate the application of different combinations of soil fumigant alternatives.

  • 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.

  • CDFA to Discuss Land Equity, Single-Use Plastic and Irrigated Lands

    The CDFA will hear updates on agricultural land equity, single-use plastic regulations and a recent statewide expert panel report concerning irrigated lands at its upcoming meeting on July 7. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the California Department of Food and Ag, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium in Sacramento

    The meeting is also available via Zoom:

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84457156306

    Webinar ID: 844 5715 6306

    Passcode: Board2026!

    (Phone Access Passcode: 7512658609)

    (Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)

    “Working to build healthy communities is a priority within California agriculture,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “As we continue to address critical issues related to farming, ranching and food production, we need innovation, research and collaboration to develop sustainable pathways forward. California continues to be a leader in what we grow and how we grow it.”

    Issues for the Board’s upcoming discussion include the December 2025 report, Advancing Agricultural Land Equity in California prepared by the Strategic Growth Council’s California Ag Land Equity Task Force; final regulations to implement the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act adopted by CalRecycle; and the Second Statewide Ag Expert Panel report focusing on the Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program. In addition, the Board will hear updates concerning New World Screwworm and the Glassy-winged Sharpshooter.

    Invited speakers include: Michelle Martin, CalRecycle; Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, University of California; Camille Frazier, Strategic Growth Council; Tricia Geringer, Ag Council of California; Paul Towers, Community Alliance with Family Farmers; Melissa Koshlaychuk, Western Growers; Rick Tomlinson, California Strawberry Commission; Dr. Amanda Murray, California State Veterinarian and; Michelle Pham, California Department of Food and Ag.

    “The diversity of issues that farmers face continues to grow,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Ag. “The issues are also becoming more complex and frequently layer-upon one another. Keeping farmers and ranchers informed is essential and that is what this Board continues to do.”

    The California State Board of Food and Ag advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state, and federal government officials; agricultural ag; and the public to discuss current issues and concerns to California ag. — Story Contributed by the California Department of Food and Ag

  • DPR Releases New Report on Pesticide Reevaluation Process

    In compliance with Assembly Bill 2113, the California DPR has released a new report on how it is making its pesticide reevaluation process more efficient.

    “Reevaluation is one tool in DPR’s Continuous Evaluation and Mitigation program,” A release from the California DPR stated. “It gives the department authority to require pesticide companies to develop and submit scientific studies when important data is missing, and then to use those results to evaluate risks and put any necessary protective measures in place. AB 2113 requires DPR to initiate one reevaluation per year, increasing to two per year beginning in 2029.”

    DPR has also updated its public Continuous Evaluation and Mitigation tracker, noting that as of June 2026 the department has 7 reevaluations, 2 risk assessments, and 10 mitigation efforts underway. The report can be found here. — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation