California Ag Network

Tag: CDFA

  • Top State Scientist to Head California Agricultural Research Institute

    Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, manager of environmental programs for the California Department of Food and Agriculture, has been hired to head a research foundation conducting and supporting scientific studies on critical matters affecting California farm communities.

    Dr. Gunasekara will serve as director of science and research for the California Bountiful Foundation. The foundation, which is affiliated with the California Farm Bureau, will serve as a research clearinghouse compiling scientific data on agriculture, water and the environment.

    “Bringing together Dr. Gunasekara’s considerable expertise and experience and the collective contributions of our 31,000 farmers, ranchers and supporting businesses presents a tremendous opportunity to the people of California,” said California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson. “Science and agriculture are the bedrocks of our society and our state, and now we have the best of both working to bring more food, fiber, flora and fauna to the people in a healthy and sustainable way.”

    Dr. Gunasekara served as scientific advisor to California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross and manager of the Office of Environmental Farming and Innovation. He previously served as a senior environmental scientist for CFDA, specializing in environmental issues related to fertilizer use.

    He is also a former research scientist for the California Department of Public Health and worked as a graduate assistant with the state Department of Pesticide Regulation.

    Dr. Gunasekara earned his doctorate in agricultural and environmental chemistry from the University of California, Davis. He holds a master’s degree in plant and soil sciences and bachelor’s degrees in environmental sciences and anthropology from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

    The California Bountiful Foundation aspires to become a leading agricultural research institute, supporting studies on climate-smart agriculture, farming technology, forest management, and water and economic security for agriculture.

    The California Bountiful Foundation replaced the Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Foundation, which was founded in 1998 with a goal of supporting scientific research on surface and groundwater management in California.

    The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 31,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of nearly 6 million Farm Bureau members.— By the California Farm Bureau

  • Citrus Canker in Nursery Stock Sold to CA, CDFA & USDA Take Action to Identify & Destroy Affected Plants

    Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program — The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of citrus canker disease in a nursery in South Carolina. The nursery sells plants to consumers through online sales, including four locations in California since August 2021. Retail nurseries did not receive these plants.

    Citrus canker causes citrus leaves and fruit to drop prematurely, and results in lesions on citrus leaves, stems and fruit. Fruit infected with the bacterium that causes citrus canker (Xanthomonas axonopodis) is safe to eat, but it may not be marketable because of the lesions. The disease affects all citrus varieties. Citrus canker is not harmful to people or animals.

    Together with state partners, APHIS is working to collect and destroy the plants shipped to consumers in 11 states and trace plants that were sold to determine additional locations of potentially infected plants. The states include Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and Washington.

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) was notified that four residential properties throughout the state had ordered citrus nursery stock from the South Carolina nursery. Upon being notified of the recall, CDFA staff successfully verified that one order was not filled, removed and destroyed the recalled trees from two of the three remaining residential properties and is working to connect with the recipients of the final shipment (as of March 9). All additional host plants on these properties were surveyed and sampled for citrus canker disease and submitted for analysis, and delimitation surveys will also be conducted around these locations. These swift actions by APHIS and CDFA are focused on protecting the citrus industry as well as nurseries and other establishments that sell citrus plants wholesale and direct to consumers.

    Currently, citrus canker is found throughout Florida and in limited areas of Louisiana and Texas. APHIS is working with state partners to contain the disease, and federal and state quarantines exist in these states. Additionally, citrus canker was recently confirmed in Alabama, and APHIS is working with state partners to establish a federal quarantine to parallel the state quarantine.

    If you live in one of the 11 states and bought citrus plants online that came from South Carolina between Aug. 5, 2021 – Feb. 17, 2022, please keep your plants for now. If you purchased a plant or plants that might be infected, APHIS and/or state officials will contact you in the next several days to collect and properly dispose of any plants purchased from the nursery. You can also call your local USDA office with additional questions. Contact information can be found at www.aphis.usda.gov/planthealth/sphd.

    To learn more about APHIS’ regulations for citrus canker, please visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/planthealth/plant-pest-and-disease-programs/pests-and-diseases/citrus/citrus-canker.

    For questions about citrus canker in California or other pests or diseases, please call CDFA’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

  • Fresno County Vacancy on Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Committee

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing one vacancy on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA Secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus specific pest and disease work plan that includes, but is not limited to, outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of the necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the Department of Personnel Administration.

    The Committee member vacancy exists for one grower representative from Fresno County, the member term expires on September 30, 2022. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention.

    Individuals interested in being considered for a committee appointment should send a brief resume by March 31, 2022 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, California 95814, Attention: David Gutierrez.

    For additional information, contact: David Gutierrez, Branch Chief, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division at (916) 274-6300, or e-mail David.Gutierrez@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • Crush Report Reveals an 8.7% Increase in California Grapes

    After recuperating from another rigorous harvest season, California grape grower and vintners anticipate the release of the annual Grape Crush Report from USDA & CDFA – and that time has come with preliminary results revealing an 8.7% increase from the 2020 crush. Read the following report for more details.

    The 2021 crush totaled 3,858,841 tons, up 8.7% from the 2020 crush of 3,551,312 tons. Red wine varieties accounted for the largest share of all grapes crushed, at 2,016,959 tons, up 10.7% from 2020. White wine varieties crushed totaled 1,596,051 tons, up 0.3% from 2020. Tons crushed of raisin type varieties totaled 137,959, up 225% from 2020, and tons crushed of table type varieties totaled 107,872, up 13.2% from 2020.

    The 2021 average price of all varieties was $848.42, up 24.8% from 2020. Average prices for the 2021 crop by type were as follows: red wine grapes, $1.055.18, up 32.4% from 2020; white wine grapes, $668.89, up 19.7% from 2020; raisin grapes, $292.23, up 16.6% from 2020; and table grapes, $183.12, up 14.6% from 2020.

    In 2021, Chardonnay continued to account for the largest percentage of the total tonnage crushed at 16.0%. Cabernet Sauvignon accounted for the second largest percentage of the total crush at 15.3%. Table grape varieties crushed for wine accounted for 2.8% and raisin varieties crushed for wine were 3.6% of the total crush.

    District 13 (Madera, Fresno, Alpine, Mono, Inyo Counties; and Kings and Tulare Counties north of Nevada Avenue (Avenue 192)), had the largest share of the State’s crush at 1,190,395 tons. The average price per ton in District 13 was $335.75.

    Grapes produced in District 4 (Napa County) received the highest average price at $6,090.55 per ton, up 32.5% from 2020. District 3 (Sonoma and Marin counties) received the second highest average price at $2,671.57 per ton, up 10.7% from 2020.

    The 2021 Chardonnay average price of $967.52 was up 16.6% from 2020 and the Cabernet Sauvignon average price of $1,643.06 was up 33.0% from 2020. The 2021 average price for French Colombard was $324.51, up 13.0% from 2020, while the Zinfandel average price was up 21.7% from 2020, at $636.79 per ton.

    Prices for 2020 reflected adjustments due to smoke damage, as reported by purchasers. For more information about how purchasers reported smoke damaged grapes last year, go to: cdfa.ca.gov/mkt/pdf/GrapeCrush2020_Smoke_Taint_FAQ.pdf

    Grasp the full picture of the 2021 grape harvest by reading the March feature in American Vineyard Magazine. Don’t currently receive the print publication? Subscribe for free HERE.

  • CA Court Halts Enforcement of Prop 12 with Concern for Pork Supply Chain

    The North American Meat Institute (Meat Institute) today praised the ruling issued by the Superior Court for Sacramento County in California to halt enforcement of Proposition 12 (Prop 12 or the law) because the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is more than two years late finalizing complicated and costly regulations.

    “Judge Arguelles’ decision recognizes the complexity of the pork supply chain and the burdensome and costly provisions of Prop 12,” said President and CEO of the Meat Institute, Julie Anna Potts. “To enforce the law without final regulations leaves the industry unsure of how to comply or what significant changes must be made to provide pork to this critical market.”

    The ruling delays enforcement until 180 days after the final rules go into effect. 

    The ruling, California Hispanic Chambers Of Commerce vs. Karen Ross, can be found here.

    The North American Meat Institute and its members are opposed to Prop 12 and urged the State of California to delay its implementation of the law due to the risk of criminal sanctions and civil litigation for non-compliance.

    About North American Meat Institute
    The Meat Institute is the United States’ oldest and largest trade association representing packers and processors of beef, pork, lamb, veal, turkey, and processed meat products. NAMI members include over 350 meat packing and processing companies, the majority of which have fewer than 100 employees, and account for over 95 percent of the United States’ output of meat and 70 percent of turkey production.

  • North American Meat Institute to CDFA: Modified Prop 12 Rules Remain Flawed; More Time Needed

    In comments submitted to the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), The North American Meat Institute (NAMI) said, despite modification to proposed rules for Proposition 12 (Prop 12 or the law), the proposed rules remain flawed and more time is needed for compliance.

    “Until CDFA publishes final rules, no one can adequately prepare to comply with a law with criminal sanctions and that authorizes civil litigation,” said Mark Dopp, General Counsel and Chief Operating Officer at NAMI. “Rather than apply ‘band aids’ to address some challenges, NAMI suggests CDFA go further and afford everyone in the supply chain, from hog producers all the way to foodservice and retail entities, the 28-month preparation time the law, and the voters, contemplated before enforcing any aspect of Prop 12 or its regulations.”

    For the text of the comments, go here.

    Although CDFA modified the proposed rules and are to be applauded because they account for complexities in the supply chain or they bring the proposal more in line with the law, unfortunately, many parts of the May 2021 proposed rules remain intact and flawed. NAMI identified these flaws in its July comments and during the August public hearing.

    Prop 12 directed CDFA to promulgate regulations implementing the law by September 1, 2019. The rules are yet to be finalized even though some provisions take effect January 1, 2022.

    About North American Meat Institute
    The North American Meat Institute is a leading voice for the meat and poultry industry. The Meat Institute’s members process the vast majority of U.S. beef, pork, lamb, and poultry, as well as manufactures the equipment and ingredients needed to produce safe, high quality meat and poultry products.

  • CA Walnut Board Supports Industry Growth In New Ways With Retail, Research And Advocacy Programs

    During the 2020-2021 crop year, California walnut growers and handlers worked together with the California Walnut Board and California Walnut Commission to advance the industry in new ways. Growers produced a record crop of 785,000 tons, a 20 percent gain over the 2019 crop. The California Walnut Board (CWB) and Commission (CWC) promoted walnuts through marketing campaigns that increased sales, leveraged new CWC-funded health research to sustain consumer interest in walnut consumption, conducted new production and post-harvest research to help maintain competitiveness, and accessed government dollars.

    “In a year where a pandemic has altered so many aspects of the way Americans live and work, the Board’s contributions to the industry have been critical,” says Michelle Connelly, Executive Director of California Walnut Board.

    Retail Campaign Generates Double-Digit Sales Growth

    Retail programs drove sales and consumption during seasonal time periods when walnuts are not typically a priority for consumers. During American Heart Month in February, the CWB worked with retailers nationwide on a campaign to display walnuts with messaging about their heart-health benefits*. With 34 participating retailers, operating 10,400 locations, retailers saw an average sales lift of 22.5 percent. Additionally, television and radio advertising during this program reached 52% of US households.

    In May through August, a summer snacking campaign signed-on 26 retailers with 7,400 locations to execute in-store promotions and specials. The first-of-its-kind snacking-focused program encouraged retailers to think of new ways to promote walnuts by tying into the consumer trend. Retail elements were supported with consumer outreach, and the average US consumer saw the message on walnuts and snacking six times. The campaign drove year-over-year walnut sales increases, when comparing the summer months.

    Production Research Delivers Short- and Long-Term Benefits

    The CWB continued investment in research programs to maintain competitiveness in walnut production and processing, as well as invested in applied projects that directly benefit immediate grower needs. Topics including pest management, food safety, product quality, and more were prevalent in these programs. UC Davis’ CWB-funded walnut breeding program released a new varietal, UC Wolfskill, in hopes of finding more desirable traits such as a late leafing, early harvesting Chandler-like variety.

    The CWB Grades and Standards Committee approved 11 post-harvest research projects, three of which are exploring byproduct utilization for the walnut industry to add further value across the supply chain while promoting sustainability. The Committee also funded a project to develop methods and a database to help differentiate walnuts from various origins and cultivators which can help preserve the integrity and reputation of California walnuts.

    “Our research programs are key in providing growers and handlers the resources they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive space,” says Connelly.

    Steps Taken to Increase Efficiencies and Mitigate Market Disruptions

    In September, the CWB voted to suspend the mandatory outbound inspections of walnuts to mitigate market disruptions like labor shortages or shipping constraints, while reducing redundancies. The suspension brings further efficiencies to the industry, while allowing resources to be saved.

    “The Federal Marketing Order rules governing inspections are obsolete as market and customer quality demands have since surpassed USDA grade standards,” added Connelly. “The Board’s vote to suspend the inspections stands to benefit both producers and processors.”

    CWC and CWB Do More Together to Advance Industry

    In lock step with the CWB, CWC activities also contributed to and supported the industry throughout the year. As a result of the Commission’s efforts, walnut growers received over $85MM in direct payments from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) 1 alone and millions more through CFAP 2. Ensuring the walnut industry’s voice was heard, the CWC, as part of a coalition, also worked with sectors of the CA government to urge lawmakers in the Department of Pesticide Regulations to not increase mill tax for at least two years.

    Furthermore, 17 scientific papers published that were funded or supported by the CWC, including findings in the areas of heart health, cognition, gut health and longevity. Sharing those health findings with health professionals and reporters resulted in 431 articles mentioning the health benefits of walnuts in mainstream media. The average US consumer saw the message 22 times.

    Connelly shared more about why a robust, ongoing health research program is important, “Health is a top reason why consumers eat walnuts and demands are always evolving. New research discovers breakthrough results and makes important health advancements.”

    Growers who want to learn more about how the CWB/CWC are doing more for the walnut industry are encouraged to sign up for newsletters to hear directly from the Board, follow our social channels on LinkedIn and @GrowCAWalnuts on Facebook, and learn more at walnuts.org/walnut-industry.

    *Supportive but not conclusive research shows that eating 1.5 ounces of walnuts per day, as part of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet and not resulting in increased caloric intake, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. (FDA) One ounce of walnuts offers 18g of total fat, 2.5g of monounsaturated fat, 13g of polyunsaturated fat including 2.5g of alpha-linolenic acid – the plant-based omega-3.

    About the California Walnut Board

    The California Walnut Board (CWB) was established in 1948 to represent the walnut growers and handlers of California. The CWB is funded by mandatory assessments of the handlers. The CWB is governed by a Federal Walnut Marketing Order. The CWB promotes usage of walnuts in the United States through publicity and educational programs. The CWB also provides funding for walnut production, food safety and post-harvest research.

    About the California Walnut Commission

    The California Walnut Commission, established in 1987, is funded by mandatory assessments of the growers. The CWC represents over 4,800 growers and approximately 90 handlers (processors) of California walnuts in export market development activities and conducts health research. The CWC is an agency of the State of California that works in concurrence with the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).

  • California Farmland Trust Awarded 2021 CalAgPlate Grant Funding

    Thanks to the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) California Special Interest License Plate (CalAgPlate) grant program, California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to be awarded funding to distribute an additional 40 Orange You Glad We Have Farmland kits to classrooms all throughout California.

    Geared toward third through fifth grade students, the Orange You Glad We Have Farmland curriculum provides students with a hands-on, poster-based activity, to better understand just how little farmland is left in the world to supply food for our growing population. Students learn fractions in a tangible, sensory-oriented manner by cutting an orange and exploring how the slices resemble various parts of earth. Once they complete the activity, they can enjoy a fresh, California orange as a nutritious and healthy snack.

    “The funds provided by the CalAgPlate grant program have helped connect our youth back to the farmland that grows food for their own families and created conservation-based habits, while also teaching them the importance of farmland protection for their generation and generations to come,” said Katie Otto, development and operations director at CFT. “We are thankful to receive another round of funds from CDFA’s CalAgPlate program.”

    CFT was chosen as one of the five organizations to receive funds under the 2021 CalAgPlate grant, which aims to fund efforts that enhance agricultural education and leadership opportunities. The Orange You Glad We Have Farmland curriculum aligns with California Education Standards and includes a Spanish option, to better serve a wider segment of California’s youth.

    CFT previously received funding from the CalAgPlate grant in 2020 to fund initial kit development and disbursement, reaching 1,000 students statewide. The 2021 grant money will supply materials for 1,000 students to complete the activity in-person or virtually, including English and Spanish educational posters, fresh oranges, reusable cutting boards, and student-safe knives. More information on CFT’s education and outreach efforts can be found at cafarmtrust.org/education-outreach/.

  • Federal-State Work Group Launches On-Farm Compost Research Site for Farmers & Ranchers

    The Federal-State On-Farm Compost Work Group is pleased to announce the launch of an On-Farm Compost Resource Website. The resources on this website include information and tools to help farmers and ranchers compost agricultural byproducts, including manure, and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

    The website is hosted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and was developed as part of a larger collaborative working group that was co-led by the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), US Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA NRCS), and California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) as well as eleven additional state and regional regulatory bodies. The working group was formed in 2019 to help reduce barriers and clarify regulatory requirements for producers wishing to co-compost off-site agricultural waste.

    “California farmers and ranchers have long understood the benefits of this proven practice, just like those who embrace composting at home” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This multi-agency effort will help meet farmer demand for more on-farm composting to ensure safe, nutrient rich soil, and this new on-line resource provides a single location to show our producers how to put it all together in compliance with California environmental regulations.”

    “California will dramatically cut a major source of climate warming gas when we launch food and yard waste composting statewide in 2022,” said California Environmental Protection Agency Secretary Jared Blumenfeld. “Using this compost on our agricultural and rangelands will add to that greenhouse gas reduction and help drought-ravaged soil retain water.”

    “The tools created by the On-Farm Compost Work Group will help promote the composting of agricultural materials in California,” added EPA Pacific Southwest Acting Regional Administrator Deborah Jordan. “Composting is an alternate pathway for agricultural materials, which will reduce ag burning in California, thus protecting air and water quality.”

    “Application of compost is a common soil health practice, that can help farmers in our arid climate maintain and build soil carbon,” said NRCS California State Conservationist Carlos Suarez. “Compost application improves plant health and crop yields, increases water retention and infiltration, and sequesters carbon. This effort helps create valuable soil amendments from diverse on-farm resources. It’s a win-win for California agriculture”

  • HLB Quarantine Expansion Connects Boundaries in Jurupa Valley and Riverside Areas

    Effective Dec. 6, 2021, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has expanded the Huanglongbing (HLB) quarantine boundaries in Riverside and San Bernardino counties in the Jurupa Valley and Riverside areas to create one quarantine area, connecting parts of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. A map of the boundary expansion can be found below and at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/hlb/regulation.html#maps.

    Additionally, effective Dec. 6, 2021, CDFA is expanding the Asian citrus psyllid bulk citrus quarantine zone 6 in Riverside and San Bernardino counties to reflect the HLB boundary expansion. A map of the proposed new boundaries can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/acp/regulation.html.

    For any questions regarding the regulations or quarantine area, please email Karina Chu at Karina.Chu@cdfa.ca.gov or call 916-274-6300.