Sacramento, Calif., (February 2, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Pest Exclusion Branch is announcing two, mid-term vacancies on the Nursery Advisory Board. The Board is composed of twelve voting members, each representing an establishment with a valid California License to Sell Nursery Stock. No two members shall represent the same organization. Members will represent a wide spectrum of the nursery industry, and the Board will be geographically representative of the nursery industry in California.
The term of office for Board Members is four years. These positions are mid-term appointments. Members typically meet twice per year but can meet more frequently if needed. The members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.
In addition, the Board includes eight non-voting ex officio members from the County Agricultural Commissioner and Sealers Association, the University of California, and groups affiliated with the nursery industry.
The mission of the Nursery Advisory Board is to grow and maintain a strong relationship between CDFA and the nursery industry in order to secure the industry’s future. The Board facilitates communication between state and federal regulators and the nursery industry, and it advises CDFA’s Nursery Services Program on policies, fees, and other issues concerning nurseries and nursery stock.
Individuals interested in being considered for this Board appointment should send a brief résumé to Erin Lovig, Board Manager, by February 12, 2018 at:
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Pest Exclusion Branch
1220 N Street, Room 344
Sacramento, CA 95814
Attention: Erin Lovig
For additional information, you may contact the Nursery Services Program at (916) 654-0435.
Sacramento, Calif., (January 30, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing the creation of a new unit within its Inspection Services Division called the Produce Safety Program. This unit has been created to assist California produce farms in understanding the requirements of the Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act. The unit will be responsible for conducting on-farm inspections on behalf of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that will begin in 2019 to verify compliance with the Produce Safety Rule, which became effective January 26, 2018 for produce farms designated as “large” – defined as those with $500,000 or more in annual sales. Smaller farms will be phased in over the next few years.
“It’s estimated some 20,000 California farms will fall under this new regulation,” explained California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “This will be a big job and we will all need to work cooperatively to achieve our vision of 100 percent compliance.”
CDFA’s plan is to first educate farmers about the Produce Safety Rule and then regulate farms by verifying their compliance with it by keeping required records on adherence to best practices and providing ongoing health and hygiene training for workers, among other provisions. CDFA is launching an educational program and is asking produce associations to join-in to help spread the word.
To administer the program, inspectors employed by CDFA are required to be credentialed by the FDA and have specialized training and education to conduct authorized routine inspections on behalf of the federal agency.
Meanwhile, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will continue to serve in its role to ensure the safety of California’s food supply. If a CDFA Produce Safety Program inspector believes there is a significant and imminent threat to public health on a produce farm, he or she will inform CDPH of the situation for evaluation and potential regulatory action.
Under the Produce Safety Rule, every produce farm must have at least one employee on staff who has completed an FDA-recognized grower training course. CDFA is offering training courses in both English and Spanish at several locations throughout the state. Produce farmers who do not yet have an employee who has completed the training should do so immediately.
“CDFA will also be offering a series of non-regulatory On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRR),” said Natalie Krout-Greenberg, Director of CDFA’s Inspection Services Division. “These are designed to give produce farmers a better understanding of what they can expect from a routine Produce Safety Program inspection. Information on how to schedule an OFRR will be available very soon.”
CDFA’s Produce Safety Program is developing an informational website that will be accessible to all produce farmers and the public next month. The website will be located at www.cdfa.ca.gov/prducesafety/.
Sacramento, Calif., (January 29, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner’s office have eradicated an Oriental fruit fly (OFF) infestation centered near the Hollywood area of Los Angeles County, ending a 75-square-mile quarantine that began August 18, 2017. A total of 9 flies were detected.
The Oriental fruit fly is known to target more than 230 different fruits, vegetables, and plants. Damage occurs when the female fruit fly lays her eggs inside the fruit. The eggs hatch into maggots and tunnel through the flesh of the fruit, making it unfit for consumption.
The Oriental fruit fly is widespread throughout much of the mainland of Southern Asia and neighboring islands including Sri Lanka and Taiwan, and has invaded other areas, most notably Africa and Hawaii.
Following the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), CDFA uses a male attractant technique in its eradication effort for this pest. This approach, which has successfully eliminated dozens of fruit fly infestations in California, significantly reduces the amount of insecticide required to eradicate the population, and only targets the fruit flies – no other insects or animals are harmed.
Federal, state and county agricultural officials work year-round to prevent, deter, and eliminate the threat of invasive pests and diseases that can damage or destroy our backyard gardens, agricultural products and natural environment. The efforts are aimed at keeping California’s food supply plentiful, safe and pest-free.
While fruit flies and other invasive species that threaten California’s crops and natural environment are sometimes detected in agricultural areas, the vast majority are found in urban and suburban communities. The most common pathway for these invasive species to enter our state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions of the world. To help protect California’s agriculture and natural resources, CDFA urges travelers to follow the Don’t Pack a Pest program guidelines (www.dontpackapest.com).
Davis, Calif., (January 29, 2018) – Oakleaf, Mizuna, Red Rib Chicory, Lollo Rosa, and Lamb’s Lettuce, are the names of a few of the leafy vegetables which graced my salad plate. The thinly sliced fresh red onion, juicy pomegranate kernels, and fresh citrus dressing added to the delectable ensemble. I, as well as so many other California diners, have grown accustomed to the taste-bud sensations that await us in this day of the farm-to-fork movement.
Ronald F. Bond collecting samples in the Salinas Valley. (Photo: M. L. Partyka)
As I inhaled my salad, I couldn’t help but think of the recent E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that affected at least 24 people in the U.S. and more than 40 in Canada. Originally it was blamed on Romaine lettuce, but early in January the CDC said in a statement that the likely source of the outbreak in the United States appears to be leafy greens. However, officials have not identified a specific type of leafy green or specifically where it originated.
A 2013 report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control revealed that 46 percent of all foodborne illnesses that led to hospitalization or death between 1998 and 2008 were attributable to fresh produce. The report brought to the consumers’ attention that, while fresh fruits and vegetables are the cornerstones of a healthy diet, when improperly handled, they can be fatal.
In spite of these sobering statistics I feel confident to continue my consumption of raw produce, in part because of the knowledge of such things as the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program administered by CDFA to create and deliver educational materials for growers to assist in conducting agricultural water sampling and environmental assessments. The grant is part of an effort to help growers meet the requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) standards for safe foods.
Western Institute for Food Safety and Security (WIFSS) and UC Agricultural and Natural Resource (ANR) personnel – including plant pathologist Bennie Osburn, UC Cooperative Extension specialist Alda Pires, UCCE specialist Erin DiCaprio, and WIFFS staff Heather Johnson and Ronald Bond – are developing a guide for California’s mid- and small- farm specialty crop growers to meet the requirements of the PSR. Training materials, including online and face-to-face field exercises, will be developed for extension specialists and farm advisors. To facilitate the learning experience, there will be online information in multiple languages including Spanish, Hmong, Mandarin and English to meet the diverse needs of California specialty crop growers. The final step in the process will be to deliver the course materials in seven outreach workshops in those regions of California where mid- and small-sized growers are located.
With UC Davis and UC ANR working together to support California specialty crop growers as they work to meet the new compliance standards of the FSMA PSR, we can long enjoy the abundant, fresh leafy green produce produced in California’s fertile valleys.
Sacramento, Calif., (January 25, 2018) – The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will be holding a two-day meeting to discuss a variety of local agricultural issues impacting the Delta and Sonoma County. As an advisory board to the governor and the CDFA secretary, the Board addresses issues of importance to California’s farmers, ranchers and community stakeholders.
On Wednesday, January 31st the Board will hear from Delta stakeholders on the importance of Delta agriculture, agri-tourism and environmental restoration efforts. The meeting will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Old Sugar Mill, 35265 Willow Avenue (Barrel Room), Clarksburg, CA 95612.
Invited speakers include: Supervisor Skip Thomson, chair of the Delta Protection Commission; Mark Pruner, public member of the Delta Protection Advisory Committee; Stephen F. Herigner III, Heringer Estates Family Vineyard & Winery; Tim Neuharth, Steamboat Acres; Michael George, Delta Watermaster; and Kristopher Tjernell, California Natural Resources Agency. Following the meeting, board members will have a tour of Delta region in cooperation with staff from the Delta Protection Commission.
On Thursday, February 1st the Board will have a meeting in Sonoma County to discuss the impacts of the October wildfires on local agricultural production. The meeting will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Iron Horse Vineyards, 9786 Ross Station Road, Sebastopol, CA 95472. Invited speakers include: Agricultural Commissioner Tony Linegar, County of Sonoma; Karissa Kruse, Sonoma County Winegrowers; Honore Comfort, Wine Business Institute; Gladys Horiuchi, Wine Institute; and a representative from Sonoma County Tourism.
Prior to the meeting, board members will have a tour of impacted areas in Sonoma County in cooperation with staff from the County of Sonoma.
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and the CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The state board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives and citizens to discuss current issues of concern to California agriculture.
All meetings are open to the public and attendance is welcome.
Sacramento, Calif., (January 22, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Farm to Fork is currently accepting proposals for the California Nutrition Incentive Program (CNIP), 2018 CNIP Expansion. CNIP encourages the purchase and consumption of healthy, California grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts by nutrition benefit clients.
CDFA is seeking project proposals from qualified entities to distribute incentives at Certified Farmers’ Markets and/or small businesses (retail stores, Community Supported Agriculture, and farm stands) throughout California. Incentives should be available to CalFresh, WIC, Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, and/or CalWORKs shoppers using their benefits to purchase California grown fresh fruits, vegetables, and/or nuts. Participants should be able to receive the incentive at the time of purchase. Projects that reach underserved populations, particularly communities where a large proportion of the population is eligible for CalFresh and communities with high rates of diet-related disease, will be prioritized. This is a competitive process. The California Nutrition Incentive Program was established by Assembly Bill 1321 (Chapter 442, Statutes of 2015).
Sacramento, Calif., (January 19, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has extended the grant application deadline for the Dairy Digester Research and Development Program (DDRDP), from January 26, 2018 to February 23, at 5 P.M. PST.
The DDRDP is one of two programs designed by CDFA to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions. The program will provide between $61 million and $75 million in grants to California dairy farms to install anaerobic digesters that reduce their methane emissions.
For detailed information on eligibility and program requirements, prospective applicants should visit the CDFA DDRDP website at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/ddrdp/ . To streamline and expedite the application process, CDFA is partnering with the State Water Resources Control Board, which hosts an online application tool, the Financial Assistance Application Submittal Tool (FAAST). All prospective applicants must register for a FAAST account at https://faast.waterboards.ca.gov . Applications and all supporting information must be submitted electronically using FAAST by Friday, February 23 at 5:00 P.M. PST.
NOTE – The DDRDP is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of cap-and-trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy and improving public health and the environment-particularly in disadvantaged communities. The cap-and-trade program also creates a financial incentive for industries to invest in clean technologies and develop innovative ways to reduce pollution. California Climate Investment projects include affordable housing, renewable energy, public transportation, zero-emission vehicles, environmental restoration, more sustainable agriculture, recycling and much more. At least 35 percent of these investments are made in disadvantaged and low-income communities. For more information, visit California Climate Investments.
Modesto, Calif., (January 19, 2018) – WUD and CDC filed a petition with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) today requesting the call of an emergency hearing to consider increases to Class1,2,3,4a and 4b prices for a period of twelve months. The requested increase would add approximately $0.35/cwt to the over base price.
California dairy families have suffered severe economic hardship in the past three years. Many have gone out of business or acquired massive debt on top of eroded equity. The significant negative margins witnessed every quarter since January 2015 have placed many producers in a dire financial situation. 2017 displayed a modest recovery in the markets but the improvements were short lived and not significant enough to allow for positive margins. According to CDFA’s cost of production data, the smallest loss recorded these past three years was $0.23/cwt of milk produced during the first quarter of 2017.
You have likely read this newsletter’s milk price forecast with concern. WUD and
CDC’s boards had the same reaction and decided action must be taken against those spiraling prices. 2017 ended on a sour note, with the estimated over base price reaching the lowest level since June 2016. As we start 2018, producers are facing an even lower over base price, with current commodity prices yielding an over base of $13.29/cwt for January. Looking down the following few months is even less pleasant, with potential for prices to fall below $13/cwt. The first quarter of 2018 price forecast is set to be 12% below the last quarter of 2017. Compared to the latest cost of production of $18 per hundred weight released by CDFA (third quarter of 2017), this clearly illustrates how the price of milk will be insufficient to cover costs.
While the FMMO hearing is behind us, the process is not over. USDA still has not released its final decision for a California FMMO. Even when it does, there will be a referendum process (likely a few months) and an implementation period if the vote is a yes. Until then, we cannot sit idly while more dairy farms go out of business in the state. California’s milk production pattern relative to the rest of the country is concerning, with year-over-year milk production down 1.1% in November (the U.S. was up 1%). This is not a recent pattern: California’s milk production declined in 32 of the past 36 months. California dairy families clearly need additional revenues and we believe the CDFA
should provide pricing assistance while we await USDA’s final decision. If you are also
concerned with milk prices, you can call CDFA at 916-654-0462 or submit a letter to dairy@cdfa.ca.gov to voice your opinion on this matter.
CDFA has 15 days to grant or deny a hearing, so stay tuned for more details as we await the Secretary’s decision!
Sacramento, Calif., (January 18, 2018) – The gypsy moth, an interloper from Europe and Asia, is threatening California’s majestic oaks in Ventura County.
Invasive desert knapweed, which comes from Africa, has made its first North American appearance in in California’s Anza-Borrego Desert, where it has started to crowd out native plants.
Asian citrus psyllids are slowly spreading the devastating huanglongbing disease in Southern California citrus.
River rats from South America, called nutrias, are munching voraciously on wetland plants in some areas of Stanislaus, Merced and Fresno counties.
These are just a few of the insects, weeds, animals and diseases that have entered the state of California from elsewhere on the globe, causing tremendous ecological damage and huge economic losses to agricultural crops, which ultimately affect every resident of California.
Based on historical data, a new invertebrate species establishes itself in California about every six weeks, on average. They don’t all become serious pest problems, but many evade eradication efforts, disrupt carefully balanced integrated pest management programs, hijack sensitive ecosystems, and spoil valued recreational resources and urban landscapes.
A diverse group of university scientists, federal and state government representatives, county agricultural commissioners and non-profit organization leaders who are battling these pests converged at a summit in the state capitol Jan. 11 and 12 to coordinate their efforts, pool intellectual resources, and plot a strategy for protecting agricultural crops, natural resources, unique ecological communities, cityscapes and residential neighborhoods.
“We are a big, beautiful, special place, blessed with great weather and diverse geography,” said California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross at the summit. “That means a lot to our many visitors – including pests.”
Glenda Humiston, vice president of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources, said research is a fundamental component of the fight against damaging invasive species.
“We know that collectively, we have the tools and expertise to prevent invasive species from entering California, spreading and becoming established,” Humiston said. “I am so pleased with the numbers of people here today, and the expertise that you bring.”
A fundamental component of the fight against damaging invasive species is research, Humiston said, adding that the European grapevine moth in an apt example. The pest was detected in California’s wine country in 2009, and later found as far south as Fresno County. A multi-agency collaboration responded quickly.
UC ANR academics studied the moth’s biology, life cycle, host range and proven management practices. They developed a pest management program that relied on mating disruption with pheromones and application of carefully timed insecticides. In short order, the moth population plummeted, and the state was declared free of European grapevine moth, lifting a quarantine, enhancing farmers’ ability to export its product, and preserving the communities’ economic wellbeing.
“This multi-agency collaboration contributed to a successful, science-based response plan to a serious pest threat,” Humiston said.
She noted, however, that prevention is the best option.
“This is critical,” Humiston said. “Once the pests are here, they cost us millions upon millions of dollars to manage, not to mention the devastation and destruction inflicted on our crops, natural resources and the damage to local economies.”
In 2010, CDFA created a strategic framework for addressing California’s ongoing invasive pest problems and potential future introductions. Successful implementation of the framework requires partnerships involving government from the state to local levels, the agriculture industry and commodity groups, non-governmental organizations committed to the environment, and researchers at UC and other universities.
UC Cooperative Extension advisor emeritus John Kabashima led a break out session on arthropods during the summit.
UC Cooperative Extension advisor emeritus John Kabashima was instrumental in bringing the summit to fruition. Kabashima, who retired in 2015, continues to lead a battle against invasive shot hole borer pests in Southern California. The insects, originally from Asia, are killing thousands of Southern California trees, and have the potential to kill millions of trees in urban areas, natural areas and even on farms in parts of the state as far north as Sacramento.
“We convened this meeting to bring together experts in the field and people who are feeling the impacts,” Kabashima said. “We’re trying to start a 21st century invasive pest program that would then be implemented and funded to address the urgent issues before they cause any more devastation.”
At the end of the two-day summit, the participants voted to decide the most pressing issues and best strategies to take forward to their agencies, coalitions, research groups, legislators and constituents. Key strategies that emerged were:
Analyze the economic impacts of invasive species management and the cost of “doing nothing.”
Develop and maintain statewide surveys and map high-risk surveys.
Increase funding to study invasive species’ biology.
Create a standing rapid response workgroup to guide response to new invasive species. Fund a rapid response emergency fund.
Enact regulations to control high-risk vectors, such as soil, green waste, gravel, forage, straw and firewood.
Formalize the Invasive Species Council of California (ISCC) and the California Invasive Species Advisory Committee (CISAC).
Mark Hoddle, UC Cooperative Extension biological control specialist and director of the Center for Invasive Species Research at UC Riverside, said the summit was a valuable part of the ongoing battle against invasive pests.
Summit participants prepare to vote on most pressing invasive species’ issues and best management strategies.
“It’s good to see the number of agencies and organizations involved with invasive species issues,” Hoddle said. “I’m impressed with the energy in coming up with these priority lists.”
Summit outcomes will include sending recommended action items to the Legislature for funding consideration.
“Without financial support, many of the management tools that prevent unwanted incursions, find and monitor incipient pest populations, and develop sustainable, cost-effective management programs won’t be possible,” Hoddle said.
Sacramento, Calif., (January 15, 2018) – The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing two vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board. The board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to the department to help ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome supply of milk, meat, and eggs.
The vacancies are for two commercial feed industry representatives, and applicants must hold a current California Commercial Feed License. The term of office is three years. Members receive no compensation, but are entitled to payment of necessary traveling expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Personnel Administration.
Individuals interested in serving on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board must submit a short resume along with a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire by March 2, 2018
California Department of Food and Agriculture
Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Service Branch
Attention: Brittnie Sabalbro
1220 N Street
Sacramento, California 95814
For further information on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board and vacancies, you may contact Brittnie Sabalbro at (916) 900-5022 or Brittnie.Sabalbro@cdfa.ca.gov.
