California Ag Network

Tag: California Agriculture

  • Hearing Set for Proposed Regulation on Pesticide-Treated Seeds

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced that it will hold a virtual public hearing on the recently proposed rules to regulate pesticide-treated seeds. The department released the proposed regulation on May 15 to formally define pesticide-treated seeds in the state — specify conditions under which those seeds are exempt from pesticide registration requirements — and require reporting on the use of pesticide-treated seeds in California.

    DPR will hold a public hearing to receive verbal or written comments on July 6. The hearing will be conducted virtually to ensure statewide accessibility.

    The hearing will be conducted in English with Spanish interpretation provided. Information on accommodations, including requesting interpretation in additional languages, can be viewed within the regulatory notice, available on DPR’s website.

    Meeting Details

    Date: Monday, July 6

    Time: 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

    Location: Zoom (Virtual)

    The virtual hearing will also be accessible via public webcast for persons who would like to watch this hearing without participating. — Story contributed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation

  • Hillari Bynum Promoted to Senior Position at DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance

    DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance recently announced the promotion of Hillari Bynum to Senior Director, Growth and Innovation. In this newly expanded leadership role, Hillari will oversee the organization’s growth-focused functions, including business development, marketing, customer experience, technology enablement and innovation initiatives.

    “Hillari has consistently demonstrated the ability to look beyond traditional marketing and identify opportunities to strengthen our organization. From relaunching Safe Food California to leading technology initiatives, she has helped modernize how we serve our members and customers,” said Brendan O’Donnell, President and CEO of DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance.

    Reflecting on her new role, Hillari shared, “By combining three teams into one cohesive organization with two clear mandates, we’re creating a stronger, more aligned team that can move faster, innovate more effectively, and deliver greater value to our customers and
    members.”

    — Story contributed by the DFA of California and Safe Food Alliance

  • Raisin Marketing Boost

    The Raisin Administrative Committee is eager to push California-grown raisins. They are hoping to get a windfall of $7.6 million left over from the California Raisin Marketing Board to aid their efforts. Raisin Administrative Committee President Jeff Smutny spoke with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network about the Committee’s plans and efforts. Watch this quick video and learn more in American Vineyard Magazine.

  • CDFA Release Final Recommendations on Food Safety, Water Quality Report

    The Newsom administration released the final recommendations from a study that intends to improve food safety and water quality reporting for California’s agricultural community. This interagency collaboration between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and the State Water Resources Control Board was developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and local leaders, and demonstrates California’s continued efforts to build a roadmap for the future.

    “I want to thank the many farmers, ranchers, local leaders and advocates, and agency colleagues who contributed to this work,” CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said. “You have helped us build a roadmap for smarter regulation – one that keeps pace with the complexity of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. We look forward to aligning this report’s recommendations with future opportunities of parallel efforts underway.”

    “Innovative regulatory programs at the intersection of agriculture and water quality are critical to the state’s future,” said State Water Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel. “The State Water Board is proud to work alongside Secretary Ross and Secretary Garcia as we consider key recommendations from the agricultural community and other industry experts for these programs. One thing is clear: we must strengthen our data systems to maximize their value to decision makers and the public while minimizing the cost of compliance for growers. I look forward to working together to advance these programs for the benefit of all Californians.”

    The study evaluated California’s food safety and water quality regulatory requirements for agriculture as part of an effort to streamline administrative processes and optimize information collected by the state. The study was supported by funding in the 2021-22 budget.

    The report identifies 18 recommendations to streamline agency coordination, expand technical assistance, modernize data and reporting systems, and enhance regulatory efficiency while supporting food safety and environmental protection goals.

    View the study and its recommendations on the CDFA Regulatory Alignment Study website. — Story Contributed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • CDFA Accepting Proposals for Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Program

    The CDFA’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) is now accepting concept proposals for its Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Grant Program (BIFS). The BIFS grant program funds on-farm demonstration and evaluation of innovative, biologically based farming systems that employ sustainable pest management (SPM) strategies. These practices aim to reduce reliance on biologically disruptive pesticides while allowing growers to maintain yields and economic sustainability.

    Past BIFS projects have refined and promoted SPM practices such as areawide mating disruption, biological control via natural enemy releases and habitat planting, non-fumigant soil disinfestation, removing diseased plants, bio-pesticides and more across cropping systems.    

    The 2026-2027 Request for Proposals (RFP) identifies five priority funding areas based on recent or proposed regulatory actions and grower needs:

    • Areawide management
    • Monitoring that informs pest management
    • Post-harvest disease control
    • Neonicotinoid alternatives in tomato
    • Paraquat alternatives

    OPCA does not require BIFS project proposals to address one of the priority topics.

    This funding cycle includes $2 million in available grant funding, with up to $1 million per project. A portion of OPCA’s allocation of the pesticide mill assessment funds this solicitation.

    Following review of concept proposals, OPCA will notify applicants in late July 2026 and invite selected applicants to develop and submit a full proposal. Full proposals are due at the end of August 2026.

    Concept proposals are due by June 30 at 5 p.m. Public or private colleges and universities, local, state, and federal government entities including tribal governments, non-profit organizations, and commodity groups are eligible to apply. The project lead(s) and their institutions must be based in California.

    Detailed information, including the application process and requirements, is available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oars/opca/bifs.html. — Story contributed by the California Department of Food and Ag

  • DPR Releases Summary of Convening on Post-Harvest Commodity Fumigation

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) recently released the post-harvest commodity fumigation component of an independent study evaluating alternatives to fumigant pesticides. Prepared by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), the convening report summarizes key themes and discussion points from a convening assembled by CCST to discuss fumigants that are used to protect stored food products after harvest, potential alternatives, and opportunities to reduce exposure for workers and nearby communities.

    CCST’s convening included academic, industry, public health, environmental justice and regulatory experts who met for a series of discussions on post-harvest commodity fumigation in November 2025. The discussion specifically focused on four fumigant pesticides: methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, phosphine, and propylene oxide. All four fumigants are restricted material pesticides primarily used on produce after harvesting to protect food from fungal disease and insect pests while in storage. The report synthesizes findings from those discussions to summarize and reflect participants’ perspectives on the state of post-harvest commodity fumigation in California.

    The convening report includes discussion summaries related to:

    • How and why post‑harvest fumigants are used today, including factors that drive fumigation for stored commodities.
    • Community exposure and emission concerns, along with current mitigation practices and opportunities to strengthen protections for nearby residents and workers.
    • Available and emerging alternatives to traditional fumigants, such as controlled atmospheres, irradiation, pheromone‑based tools, and multi‑pronged Integrated Pest Management approaches.
    • Barriers that limit the adoption of alternatives, including international and national regulatory requirements, cost and the need for additional research and training.
    • Key research gaps where further scientific study is needed to support a transition to safer, effective pest management tools.

  • Syngenta Voluntarily Cancels CA Paraquat Registration

    Pesticide registrant Syngenta voluntarily cancelled registration of Gramoxone SL 3.0 — a product containing paraquat-dichloride — in California.

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have both designated paraquat as a restricted material, meaning only licensed dealers can sell it and only professionally licensed applicators can use it. Paraquat is under DPR reevaluation.

    Products containing paraquat that are registered by other companies are not affected by Syngenta’s voluntary cancellation. Gramoxone SL 3.0 may continue to be possessed and sold by DPR-licensed dealers for up to two years following the following effective date (April 1, 2028) of the company’s voluntary cancellation under California law. Growers using these products must do so in accordance with all applicable label directions, as well as state and federal regulations. Syngenta indicated that it will continue stewardship practices like training and safety resources while remaining stocks are distributed and sold.

    The DPR is continuing to move through the process of reevaluation of paraquat products registered in California, in alignment with AB 1963. The Department has released two preliminary assessments and will continue to require data and additional information from remaining registrants. The reevaluations is expected to be completed by January 2029.

  • CDFA Invites Organizations to Apply to Deliver SWEEP Funding

    The California Department of Food and Ag (CDFA) Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability (OARS) is now accepting Concept Proposal applications from eligible organizations to serve as State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) Block Grant Recipients.

    OARS invited public comments on the draft application guidelines and supporting documents in early 2026. The application guidelines have since been updated based on that feedback. The remaining supporting documents will be revised this spring to reflect additional public input in preparation for the full proposal period. In the meantime, you can find the public comments and OARS’s responses to the public comments here.

    Who Should Apply?

    At this time, CDFA is only accepting Concept Proposals from eligible organizations to become Block Grant Recipients.

    Eligible organizations must submit a Concept Proposal in order to be considered for invitation to submit a Full Proposal.

    This is not a funding opportunity for individual farmers or ranchers. Producer funding opportunities will be made available at a later date through awarded Block Grant Recipients.

    How to Apply

    Eligible organizations may review the Application Guidelines and submit a Concept Proposal here.

    Visit the SWEEP Block Grant Webpage.

    Webinar

    HSP and SWEEP will offer joint informational webinars to guide prospective Block Grant Recipients through the Concept Proposal application process and address applicant questions. Registration is required.

    Register for Webinar No. 1 on April 13 at 1 to 2:30 p.m. HERE.

    Register for Webinar No.2 on April 20 at 10-11:30 a.m. HERE.

    In addition to informational webinars, OARS will offer a question-and-answer process. General questions may be submitted through April 27, 2026 to cdfa.sweeptech@cdfa.ca.gov,  and responses will be standardized and posted to the website according to the timeline below:

    • April 17, 2026
    • May 1, 2026

    Technical Assistance for Block Grant Applicants

    We are working with the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources to support Block Grant applicants through technical assistance. Community Education Specialists (CESs) across California can help develop projects that benefit disadvantaged communities (DACs) and vulnerable populations.

    Need help? Reach out to the CES team at climatesmartag@ucdavis.edu.

    Tribal Set-Aside Opportunity

    SWEEP is committed to expanding access and participation for California Native American Tribes and Tribal-serving organizations.

    For this funding cycle, SWEEP will offer a tribal set-aside of up to $4M for qualified Tribals governments and nonprofit organizations affiliated with a Tribal government. Tribal applicants will apply through the same process and manage the same format of block grant project as all other applicants. This effort aligns with the priorities of Proposition 4 and acknowledges that Tribes have been historically underserved by SWEEP. Through this work, CDFA aims to support water efficiency and energy-saving projects on Tribal agricultural lands and strengthen long-term engagement with Tribal partners.

    Note for Producers

    Producers will not be able to apply for the Block Grant funding until OARS selects Block Grant Recipients for awards and executes agreements. At this time, OARS expects execution of Block Grant Recipient agreements in January 2027. — By the California Department of Food and Ag

  • California Pear Farmers Call on Retailers to Shift from Imports

    California pear growers are optimistic about the upcoming 2026 season, with an early and abundant harvest expected following a warm spring that accelerated bloom across key growing regions.

    “California pears are always the first to harvest in North America and our season is even earlier this year than normal with harvest anticipated in late June and promotable volume available in early July,” said Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board (CPAB).

    “When California comes into the market, they offer consumers the only fresh, locally grown Bartlett pear in the U.S.,” said Zanobini. “California pears are produced by multi-generational family farms who operate under the most stringent regulations in the world to protect people and the environment. We’re looking for support from retailers to kick-start this year’s pear season with early promotions.”

    Zanobini noted that Bartlett pears are the favorite of consumers.  In recent years, Argentina has been exporting increasingly more pears to U.S. retailers in the late Spring.  Since 2016, Argentine exports of fresh pears to the U.S. have increased by 125 percent, directly competing with California Bartlett pears at the start of their season.

    “Last year was especially challenging, with roughly 70 percent of imports arriving in April and May, creating a backlog of inventory as California began harvesting its first pears of the season, said Zanobini. “We are urging retailers to stop importing pears well before California pear harvest begins in July.

    “Retailers should also understand that Argentine exporters sometimes treat pears with the anti-ripening agent, 1-MCP, at post-harvest to prolong shelf life,” explained Zanobini. “This treatment results in pears that don’t ripen, slowing consumer purchases and reducing retail profitability. So, when buying imported pears – or even those from domestic producers — make sure they are not treated with 1-MCP.”

    California growers are committed to delivering a consistently high-quality product.

    “California pear growers have pledged never to use 1-MCP,” Zanobini said. “Instead, we allow Bartlett pears to ripen naturally, ensuring an optimum eating experience for consumers.”

    To support a successful transition to domestic fruit, CPAB recommends retailers phase out offshore pears by late April or early May. The California pear industry is ready to support retailers with promotion and consumer advertising to bring California Pears to light as a great summer fruit. — By the California Pear Advisory Board

  • California State Fair Announces Best in the State for 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition

    The California State Fair is excited to announce the top winners of the 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition, recognizing the finest Extra Virgin and Flavored Olive Oils made from 100 percent olives grown, milled, and packaged in California.

    Now in its eleventh year, the prestigious competition celebrates the excellence and diversity of California’s olive oil industry. After a rigorous blind tasting conducted by a panel of professional sensory judges led by Head Judge Julie Menge, three exceptional oils earned the competition’s highest honors, Best of Show.

    “The California State Fair Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition truly celebrates and honors our many olive oil producers across all regions of the state that continue to produce the finest of California olive oils,” said Menge.

    Best of Show Award Winners

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    San Martin, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend

    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Flavored Olive Oil

    McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric

    Petaluma, CA

    The 2026 Best of Show Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil is Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil from San Martin, CA. This high polyphenol oil is made from estate grown Frantoio olives, picked at the first sign of ripening, and milled on site within 90 minutes of harvest for freshness, flavor, and balance. Patrick Martin, Owner, Grower and Miller of Frantoio Grove Olive Oil, and a 6th generation farmer, attributes the success of his olive orchard to regenerative farming and biologically intensive management.

    “Winning this award for our Regenerative Organic Certified olive oil validates the work we’ve done to rebuild living soil in our orchard,” said Martin. “As soil biology and tree health improve, the oils have developed more aroma, energy, and complexity.”

    The 2026 Best of Show Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend is Capay Valley Olive, French Blend, from Capay, CA. This is Capay Valley’s first year entering the California State Fair Competition, as well as their very first harvest and first milling. Sherri Wood, owner of Capay Valley Olive and Capay Valley Lavender has curated a blend that impressed judges, who said it, “Smells like summer.”

    “This award celebrates the terroir of Capay Valley and the many hands behind this oil. My thanks to CalAthena for designing the blend, Chacewater Mill for expert milling, and the UC Davis Olive Oil Center for the research and standards that support our craft,” said Wood.

    The 2026 Best of Show Flavored Olive Oil is McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric Olive Oil from Petaluma, CA. This oil is produced by co-milling fresh, organic ginger root and turmeric together with McEvoy’s estate olives. Three generations of the McEvoy family have been producing high-quality olive oils since 1990.

    “Winning Best of Show at the California State Fair for our 2025 Harvest Ginger Turmeric Olive Oil is a profound validation of our team’s unwavering dedication to creating innovative, vibrant flavor profiles in olive oil,” said Samantha Dorsey, President of McEvoy Ranch. “We invite everyone to experience this unique blend, as an ingredient in everyday cooking or as a healthy tonic, which we have crafted with the same passion and meticulous care that has defined McEvoy Ranch for over three decades.”

    This year’s competition featured 216 entries from producers across California’s major olive growing regions, reflecting the continued strength, innovation, and quality of the state’s olive oil industry. Entries were evaluated through a blind sensory tasting process and scored based on aroma, flavor, and finish, according to internationally recognized extra virgin olive oil standards.

    “Olive oil production continues to grow with increased consumer demand for local, sustainable, high-quality olive oils,” Menge continued.  “It is exciting for the judges to taste, evaluate and award medals to those entries that meet and exceed the rigorous standards with the finalists being the most exceptional, carefully crafted, outstanding extra virgin olive oils. We are very fortunate to live where we have access to locally produced, high-quality, California extra virgin olive oils.”

    The following are Best of California Award Winners of the other categories:

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Micro-Producer (Two olive oils tied for this award)
    Balestrieri, Estate Blend

    Briones, CA

    Luretík Estate Olive Oil, “Meridione” Certified Organic

    Solvang, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by an Artisan Producer
    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil by a Large Producer
    ENZO, Organic Medium

    Madera, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Delicate Intensity
    Olive Truck, Arbequina-California

    Headquartered in San Francisco, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Medium Intensity
    Frantoio Grove, Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    San Martin, CA

    Monovarietal Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Robust Intensity
    Marcum Olive, Itrana

    Paso Robles, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Delicate Intensity
    Luretík Estate Olive Oil, “Sicily” Certified Organic

    Solvang, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Medium Intensity
    Capay Valley Olive, French Blend

    Capay, CA

    Extra Virgin Olive Oil Blend, Robust Intensity
    Gold Ridge Organic Farms, Picholine Blend

    Sebastopol, CA

    Co-Milled Flavored Olive Oil
    McEvoy Ranch, Organic Ginger Turmeric

    Petaluma, CA

    “The California State Fair extends its congratulations to all the winners of the 2026 Commercial Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition,” said Tom Martinez, CEO of Cal Expo and the California State Fair. “Their achievements reflect the innovation, dedication, and agricultural excellence found throughout California’s olive oil industry.”

    During the 2026 California State Fair, fair guests will be able to explore award-winning extra virgin and flavored olive oils through educational exhibits, cooking demonstrations, tastings, and opportunities to purchase products directly from California producers.

    Complete results and competition information can be found at CAStateFair.com

    About the California State Fair
    The California State Fair is an international award-winning fair, receiving top honors at the International Association of Fairs and Expositions out of more than 1,100 fairs world-wide. The California State Fair is dedicated as a place to celebrate the best the state has to offer in agriculture, technology, and the diversity of its people, traditions, and trends that shape the Golden State’s future. The 2023 State Fair will include a comprehensive set of competitions, including California’s best commercial wines, cheeses, craft beers, cannabis, olive oils, and fine arts, among others.