California Ag Network

Tag: Karen Ross

  • California Agriculture Leads Nation In Specialty Crop Funding

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 12, 2017) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced funding for the 2017 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received $19.2 million out of approximately $60.6 million awarded nationwide.

    The SCBGP provides grants to state departments of agriculture to fund projects that enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops, defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

    “This is an essential program for California in meeting a state priority – helping our specialty crop growers remain competitive,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.“The success of this grant program has generated widespread support for continued robust funding in the Farm Bill.”

    The program will fund 54 projects, awarding grants ranging from $50,000 to $450,000 to non-profit and for-profit organizations, government entities, and colleges and universities. Selected through a competitive process, these projects focus on increasing sales of specialty crops by leveraging the California Grown identity; increasing consumption by expanding the specialty crop consumer market, improving product availability, and providing nutritional education for consumers; training growers to equip them for current and future challenges; and conducting research on conservation and environmental outcomes, pest control and disease, and organic and sustainable production practices.

    Additionally, there are fixed-amount awards to fund projects that address workforce concerns throughout the specialty crop supply chain, including conforming to labor regulations, securing skilled and unskilled workers, and training the existing workforce to effectively utilize new technologies.

    CDFA is continuing its partnership with the Center for Produce Safety in the evaluation and recommendation of food safety related projects. These projects represent an ongoing effort to address food safety practices and minimize outbreaks of foodborne illness with proactive research.

    The 2017 SCBGP project abstracts are available online at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/grants.

  • Karen Ross To Headline California Citrus Conference

    Visalia, Calif., (October 10, 2017) – The California Citrus Conference, scheduled for October 11, will feature California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross as its keynote speaker.

    All those associated with the California citrus industry are invited to attend the free one-day event of presentations and demonstrations sponsored by the Citrus Research Board (CRB) at the Wyndham Hotel in Visalia, California. The conference will share the “best of the best” in research developments, according to CRB President Gary Schulz, and will emphasize work being done to combat huanglongbing (HLB).

    “HLB, which has decimated the citrus industry in other growing regions throughout the world, has now been found in over 150 residential trees in California,” said Schulz. “Secretary Ross will convey to growers that the CDFA understands the urgency of finding a cure for this devastating disease and stands foursquare behind the CRB’s wide-reaching research efforts.”

    “This disease is fatal to citrus trees,” Ross said. “It has no cure, so the solution must come from research – research that is already well underway, thanks to foresight and funding from growers and our state and federal leaders.”

    Ross has served as CDFA Secretary for nearly seven years. She previously was chief of staff for U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and also had been president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and vice-president of the Agricultural Council of California. Under her stewardship, the CDFA has worked diligently to track, contain and slow the spread of Asian citrus psyllids (ACP) and HLB by setting traps, treating trees in infested areas and removing HLB-positive trees.

    Other featured topics and speakers at the conference will include:

    • “The Very Latest in ACP and HLB Treatment Strategies and Detection Challenges” presented by Beth Grafton-Cardwell, Ph.D., director of the Lindcove Research and Extension Center and research entomologist, University of California, Riverside, and Carla Thomas, plant pathologist and epidemiologist, University of California, Davis.
    • “Exploration and Exploitation of the Microbial Communities That Associate with Citrus Trees” presented by Johan Leveau, Ph.D., professor of plant pathology, University of California, Davis.
    • “Improving Nitrogen Management of Citrus” presented by Steve Petrie, Ph.D., of Yara North America Inc.
    • “Being Active Is Not Being Bold” presented by Joel Nelsen, president of California Citrus Mutual.
    • “An Update from the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee (CPDPC)” presented by Nick Hill, CPDPC chairman.
    • “Priority Post-Harvest Research to Control Insect Pests of California Citrus” presented by Spencer Walse, Ph.D., research chemist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Agricultural Research Service, San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center.
    • “Panel Discussion: Biological Control Program for Asian Citrus Psyllid in California and Arizona” presented by Greg Simmons, Ph.D., entomologist with USDA-Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, David Morgan, Ph.D., biocontrol specialist with CDFA and Richard Stouthamer, Ph.D., entomologist with the University of California, Riverside.
    • “Citrus Breeding for California: New Tools to Meet the Challenge of HLB” presented by Mikeal Roose, Ph.D., professor of genetics at the University of California, Riverside.
    • “Streamlining the Introduction of Citrus Varieties from HLB-infested Areas into California. A Case Study – Florida” presented by Georgios Vidalakis, Ph.D., professor and UC extension specialist in plant pathology, University of California, Riverside and director of the Citrus Clonal Protection Program.

    The event also will feature scientific poster presentations, networking opportunities and continuing education units, which have been approved by the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

    A complimentary breakfast buffet will be served from 6:30-9:00 a.m. Morning conference sessions are scheduled from 9:00 a.m.-noon, and will be highlighted by the keynote address from Secretary Ross. Following a free luncheon, afternoon sessions will run from 1:15-5:00 p.m.

    To register or request additional details, contact the CRB on line at www.citrusresearch.org  or by phone at 559.738.0246.

    Additionally, a special session, “Train the Trainer: Best Practices for Citrus Field Crews to Prevent the Spread of ACP/HLB” will be conducted in Spanish only from 7:00-9:00 a.m. Pre-registration for this seminar is required through www.citrusinsider.org or by phone at 559-592-3790.

  • 122 Tons of Food – California Ag Comes Through During Farm to Food Bank Month

    Sacramento, Calif., (October 5, 2017) – California agriculture joined together in September to raise donations for the state’s annual Farm to Food Bank Month. More than 245-thousand pounds of food–in excess of 122 tons–were donated to the California Association of Food Bank’s Farm to Family Program for needy families in Southern California – from holiday turkeys to olive oil and rice; and tens of thousands of pounds of fresh produce.

    CDFA secretary Karen Ross gathered last week in Orange County with leaders in the food bank sector to honor that commitment and to remind farmers and ranchers that the need is year-round, and therefore donations can be, as well.

    California Ag has shown strong support for the Farm to Family Program statewide, increasing contributions to 214 million pounds–more than 100,000 tons–in 2016

    However, hunger continues to be a substantial problem in California. More than two-million children in our state live in food-insecure households. All told, one in eight Californians struggles with hunger – roughly 5.4 million people. The fact that this occurs in a state with such an enormous bounty of food makes the problem even more glaring.

    The generosity of California agriculture during Farm to Food Bank Month is very much appreciated, and it will be a lifeline for a number of needy Southern California families, but it’s clear there is still a great deal of work to do.

  • Oriental Fruit Fly Quarantine Declared In A Portion Of Los Angeles County

    Sacramento, Calif., (August 23, 2017) – A portion of Los Angeles County has been placed under quarantine for the Oriental fruit fly following the detection of nine flies in the Hollywood area. The quarantine zone measures 75 square miles. A link to the quarantine map may be found here: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/off/regulation.html

    “California’s fruit fly season extends from late summer through the fall,” said California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. “These pests like Southern California for some of the same reasons other travelers do: the pleasant climate and the tremendous variety of food. Fortunately, with the help of local residents, we have a great track record of eradicating these infestations.”

    To prevent the spread of fruit flies through homegrown fruits and vegetables, residents living in the fruit fly quarantine area are urged to not move any fruits or vegetables from their property.  Produce may be consumed or processed (i.e. juiced, frozen, cooked, or ground in the garbage disposal) at the property where it was picked.
    The most common pathway for these pests to enter the state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions around the world or from packages sent to California. To help prevent infestations statewide, officials asks residents to refrain from bringing or mailing fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, and soil into California unless agricultural inspectors have cleared the shipment beforehand.

    While fruit flies and other invasive species threaten California’s crops, the vast majority of them are detected in urban and suburban areas.
    “That’s why it’s important for residents to cooperate with quarantine restrictions and allow authorized agricultural workers access to properties to inspect fruit and oriental fruit fly traps for signs of an infestation,” said Secretary Ross.

    Following the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), the California Department of Food and Agriculture (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. The treatment program is being carried out over several square miles surrounding the sites where the oriental fruit flies were trapped.

    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.
    Residents with questions about the quarantine may call the CDFA Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

  • Organic Grower Summit Coming to Monterey

    Monterey, Calif., (August 1, 2017) – General attendee registration is now open for the inaugural Organic Grower Summit (OGS), slated for December 13-14 in Monterey, CA. A joint production between California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and Organic Produce Network (OPN), OGS will bring together organic growers, producers and processors for two days of education, information and networking opportunities with organic production supply chain and service providers.

    Attendee registration is $399, with discounts available for CCOF members. The registration includes all activities and events associated with the event, including opening reception, breakfast, educational sessions, keynote presentation, lunch and trade show floor.

    Over 50 sponsors have confirmed their attendance to date at the event, with more than half of the 72 available trade show booths sold. Among participating exhibitors are leaders in the fields of seed, packaging, soil amendments, food safety and ag technology who will be connecting with organic field production staff, supply chain managers, pest management advisors and food safety experts.

    “The Organic Grower Summit offers an important opportunity for agricultural producers and leaders to network and stay on top of the latest trends in organic production,” said Cathy Calfo, CCOF Executive Director/CEO, “The overwhelming enthusiasm for this gathering speaks to its importance for California’s organic and agricultural community.”

    Educational session panels at OGS will range in topics including farm soil management, environmentally sustainable packaging, advances in agricultural technology, and a discussion with elected state and federal officials on key issues facing agriculture. Among confirmed speakers are Karen Ross, secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture; Miles McEvoy, deputy administrator at USDA-AMS; plus additional keynote presentations and speakers to be announced in the coming weeks.

    Additionally, OGS is finalizing an educational Outreach Program for PCA, PRC and qualified applicators to kick off the event. Attendees are eligible for two hours of approved continuing education credit and will learn about new requirements for pesticide use near schools and worker protection standards.

    “The response to the event has been resoundingly positive from the organic community. They see the benefit of an event connecting organic growers and farmers with those on the supply and service provider side of the business. As organics continues to grow, the need for expanded education and information throughout the organic production community will be vital to our continued success,” said Tonya Antle, co-founder of OPN. “Our relationship with CCOF in putting together the OGS indicates we are producing the right event at the right time in bringing our community together.”

    For further information about the first-ever Organic Grower Summit, visit www.organicgrowersummit.com

     

     

  • CDFA Secretary Karen Ross To Host Farm Bill Listening Sessions – Seeking Public Comments On California’s Agricultural Priorities

    Sacramento, Calif., (January 24, 2017) – California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross is holding several public forums across the state seeking input from farmers, ranchers and other stakeholders on priorities for the 2018 Farm Bill.

    “The farm bill is as important to San Francisco and Los Angeles as it is to the Central Valley,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This legislation ensures a robust farm safety net, promotes farming and ranching practices that are environmentally sound and provides important nutritional funding for our citizens. How our California Congressional delegation helps to shape the federal farm bill will result in positive investments to our communities, our health and agricultural economy.”

    The current farm bill, the Agricultural Act of 2014 will expire next year necessitating action by Congress. The farm bill provides an estimated $489 billion in federal funding nationwide to support a variety of food and agricultural programs including crop insurance, conservation, nutrition and trade.

    California Farm Bill Listening Sessions:

    • Modesto – Tuesday, February 7th (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

    DoubleTree Hotel (Napa Room)

    1150 Ninth Street   
Modesto, CA 95354

     

    • Chico – Wednesday, February 8th (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

    Silver Dollar Fair (Harvest Hall)

    2357 Fair Street
Chico, CA 95928

     

    • Tulare (World Ag Expo) – Thursday, February 16th (Noon – 3:00p.m.)

    International Agri-Center Heritage Complex (Theater)

    4500 S. Laspina Street
Tulare, CA 93274

     

    • Salinas – Wednesday, February 22nd (4:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

    Monterey County Farm Bureau

    1140 Abbott Street, Suite C.
Salinas, CA 93901

     

    • Los Angeles – Thursday, February 23rd (1:00 – 3:00 p.m.)

    Los Angeles Trade Technical College (Meeting Room: TBD)

    400 West Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90015

     

    The 2018 Farm Bill Listening Sessions are a public forum allowing individuals input on California’s priorities for the upcoming farm bill. Provided comments will be used to help develop recommendations on the farm bill that will be shared with California’s Congressional delegation and the leadership of the Senate and House agricultural committees.

    Public comments can also be emailed to FarmBill@cdfa.ca.gov