California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Economics

  • Four Vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee

    CDFA is announcing four vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus pest and disease work plan that includes outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The Committee member vacancies are for two grower representatives in Fresno County (one term expiring September 30, 2027 and the other term expiring September 30, 2028); one grower representative in Tulare County with a term expiring September 30, 2028; and one nursery representative with a term expiring September 30, 2027. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention.

    Members receive no compensation but are entitled to necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

    Individuals interested in a committee appointment should submit a resume/CV by January 1, 2025 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, Attention: David Gutierrez.

    For more information contact: David Gutierrez, Interim Director, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division at 916-274-6300 or email (David.Gutierrez@cdfa.ca.gov).

  • Fresno Chamber Honors Harold McClarty as Agriculturalist of the Year

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, is delighted to unveil the recipients of the 2024 Ag Awards, a cherished tradition that pays tribute to the outstanding leaders within our local agricultural industry. These distinguished individuals and organizations will be honored at the Ag Awards Celebration on November 7th, hosted at Pardini’s Banquet and Catering.

    The 2024 Ag Awards Honorees are as follows:

    Agriculturalist of the Year: Harold McClarty, HMC
    Harold is an innovator in the fresh fruit industry, using technology to enhance safety and productivity on the farm. His investments in innovation, including new trellises and automation, are shaping the future of agriculture. A past chair of CFFA, he also serves on the board of Western Growers, working closely with F3 to improve the lives of farm employees.

    Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year: Trinity Company
    Trinity Company, a family-owned and operated company, was founded in 1991 by David E. White. Since then, Trinity Company has become a vertically integrated organization with a complete year-round portfolio. As grower, packer, and shipper, they feature fruit for every season. They also offer sales and logistics to make Trinity Company a full-service partner.
    AGvocate of the Year: Jeff and Jill Aiello 18THIRTY Entertainment
    Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Jeff and his wife Jill are passionate advocates for agriculture. Their work includes the documentary series American Grown and Tapped Out, which highlights critical issues in agriculture and water. Their storytelling and videography educate the public and inspire trust and engagement in agricultural narratives.

    Agricultural Employee of the Year: Silverio Madrigal, P-R Farms
    With 48 years of dedicated service, Silverio has risen from a tree fruit picker to a Farm Manager. He exemplifies loyalty and commitment, emphasizing safety training and communication with fellow employees. His long-term contributions showcase his value to the employer and family.

    “These awards symbolize vital facets of Fresno’s agricultural community,” remarked Scott Miller, CEO & President of Fresno Chamber of Commerce. “The Ag Awards Celebration has expanded its recognition to include those who play pivotal roles in the prosperity of our local industry and the broader Central Valley.”

    For more information about the event and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tatevik Hovhannisyan, Events Manager at the Fresno Chamber of Commerce, at thovhannisyan@fresnochamber.com or 559-905-6090.

    To view the list of past recipients of the Agriculturalist of the Year and Moss Adams Agribusiness of the Year awards, visit https://fresnochamber.com/.

    The Fresno Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest business organizations in the Central Valley, with approximately 1,200 member businesses representing over 77,000 employees. The Chamber’s mission is to “promote and support the success of the regional business community through effective advocacy, education and relationship building.

  • California Association of Pest Control Advisers Celebrates 50th Conference

    The California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA) recently gathered for their 50th annual conference. Bringing together a bright group pest control advisors tasked with protecting the most diverse agricultural landscape in the nation, watch this special video presentation highlighting what CAPCA is all about and what it means to be a member of this organization as they celebrate this milestone year.

  • New Film Captures Avocado Industry Impact on California Communities

    A new film about the avocado industry’s success at driving demand nationwide documents the local as well as global impact of the national marketing program led by the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) since its inception over 20 years ago. Independent researchers from the University of California, Davis found strategic promotion helped drive over 260% growth of U.S. avocado consumption while all fresh fruit consumption only rose by 9% during the same timeframe. Growers in California and the surrounding communities that benefit from their business activity have a lot to celebrate as researchers found evidence that with continued investment in research and marketing, the industry is poised for even more growth.

    There has been tremendous amounts of hard work and collaboration across the industry to transform avocados from being a misunderstood specialty fruit to today’s produce aisle powerhouse. Avocado Nation: An American Success Story, now streaming at HassAvocadoBoard.com/HAPRIOImpact, looks at how the business opportunity for growers, including over 3,000 avocado producers in California, has transformed since the Hass Avocado Promotion, Research and Information Order (HAPRIO) created the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) in 2002. Feedback like the comments below underscore the impact.

    “My family has been growing avocados for multiple generations,” said Chuck Bandy, a southern California producer for more than 35 years. “I appreciate that because HAB takes care of keeping demand high through promotion, I can focus on being hands-on in the groves doing my part to add value and security for my family and community.”

    “Mother Nature serves up plenty of curve balls to California growers,” commented Bob Schaar, HAB Chairman and southern California grower for over 25 years who had to replant his avocado grove after a fire destroyed it in 2007. “HAB’s continued success at using our incredible nutrition story to drive sales without having to discount fuels my excitement and confidence in the future, so I keep charging ahead with a positive outlook.”

    “There are hundreds of people involved behind-the-scenes of California’s avocado industry,” said Scott Bauwens, a northern California grower and 23-year operations veteran. “We all count on each other and HAB to keep profits up so there’s a lot to be proud of when I see in the report that we achieved an ROI of 247% over the last two decades.”

    Without the Hass Avocado Board and the member organizations’ ongoing support to grow consumption, the U.S. avocado industry might have faced diminished demand, increased supplies, and lower prices for producers and importers. Stakeholders across the supply chain can learn more about how HAB’s efforts have a positive effect on the whole industry and view the film at HassAvocadoBoard.com/HAPRIOImpact.

    About The Hass Avocado Board

    The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) exists to help make avocados America’s most popular fruit. HAB is the only avocado organization that equips the entire global industry for success by collecting, focusing, and distributing investments to maintain and expand demand for avocados in the United States. HAB provides the industry with consolidated supply and market data, conducts nutrition research, educates health professionals, and brings people together from all corners of the industry to collectively work towards growth that benefits everyone. The organization also collects and reallocates funds to California and importer associations to benefit specific countries of origin in promoting their avocado brands to customers and consumers across the United States.

  • Special Local Needs Registration Makes Herbicide Available to CA Avocado Growers

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has issued a section 24(c) Special Local Needs registration for Forfeit® 280 (glufosinate-ammonium) herbicide for use in avocado groves. This registration is effective through October 31, 2029. Growers wishing to use Forfeit® must have a copy of the SLN label in their possession during use. The label can be found on the California Avocado Commission website.

    As you may recall, in May 2024 we alerted the industry that the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) had finally approved the herbicide Rely® 280 (glufosinate-ammonium) for use in avocado groves in California. The process to get Rely® registered had taken about five years and was a much-needed tool for California avocado growers to manage glyphosate (Roundup®) resistant weeds.

    Unfortunately, in late August we received word that BASF, the manufacturer of Rely®, had “chosen to discontinue production of Rely Herbicide.” This was shocking information to receive given the time that had been invested in obtaining this registration. And as we learned, it was a decision that was just as surprising to our contacts at BASF who had worked closely with us on the registration process.

    The California Avocado Commission is grateful to Loveland Products for their willingness to support our application for an SLN registration for Forfeit®. We also are grateful to DPR for the rapid review and approval of our application. We know that glufosinate-ammonium is an important tool for growers and we are happy that this disruption was relatively minor and growers will have Forfeit® available to them for the spring weed management season.

    As a reminder, Rely® (the BASF product) is still registered for use on avocados and is legal for use as long as supplies last, but growers must have a copy of the DPR approved label that has a stamp on it with the wording “LABELING ACCEPTABLE State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation Pesticide Registration” and can be found on the CAC grower website here: (https://www.californiaavocadogrowers.com/sites/default/files/Rely-280-NVA-2022-04-0598-0238-avocado.pdf).

  • National Watermelon Promotion Board Keeps Marine Corps Marathon Hydrated for 11th Year

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) is excited to announce its continued partnership with the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) for the 11th consecutive year. Known as “The People’s Marathon,” the MCM is celebrated annually on the last Sunday of October and stands out as the largest marathon worldwide that does not offer prize money. Instead, it champions a spirited community experience, highlighted by the distribution of refreshing watermelon. This year, 16 pallets of fresh watermelon were enjoyed by participants and supporters from every U.S. state and numerous countries at the Finisher’s Festival, celebrating their marathon achievements.

    This year, NWPB’s involvement was further supported by BASF | Nunhems, a leading global supplier of vegetable seeds. Their collaboration with NWPB helped ensure that the marathon’s participants maintained the same experience as in year’s past, reinforcing the Board’s commitment to promoting watermelon’s health benefits and versatility.

    At the Finish Festival, the NWPB team, along with national and state watermelon queens and coordinators, joined forces to hand out fresh watermelon slices. The queens, known for their ambassadorial roles in promoting watermelon across the country, were instrumental in making the event an engaging and memorable experience for participants. The team also distributed hundreds of Tajin® packets, encouraging runners and supporters to try the delicious pairing of watermelon with the popular seasoning—a crowd favorite.

    One marathon supporter shared their enthusiasm for the tradition: “Every year, I look forward to the fresh watermelon at the finish line. It’s the perfect post-run snack—hydrating, refreshing, and just what I need after this run. It’s the only thing getting me home!”

    This long-standing partnership exemplifies the Board’s dedication to promoting watermelon not only as a delicious and hydrating fruit but also as a healthy option for people of all walks of life. Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications, spoke on the importance of the NWPB’s ongoing sponsorship of the MCM: “Watermelon’s participation in the Marine Corps Marathon is a reflection of our fruit’s universal appeal. We believe watermelon is for everyone, and events like this reinforce that it’s not only a people’s favorite, but also great for hydration and overall health. We’re proud to be part of this marathon year after year—it’s a tradition we love because of the shared sense of community.”

    For more information about the Board’s participation in Marine Corps Marathon, contact Stephanie Barlow, Senior Director of Communications at sbarlow@watermelon.org.

    About National Watermelon Promotion Board

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 700 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

    A serving of nutrient-dense watermelon provides an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving. Watermelon consumption per capita in the United States was nearly 16.9 pounds in 2023. Watermelon consumption in the United States was nearly 5.6 billion pounds in 2023. The United States exported an additional 377 million pounds of watermelon. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

  • California Citrus Acreage Report Reveals Lemon and Mandarin Production on the Rise

    The Pacific Regional Office of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts an acreage survey of California citrus growers as funding is available. The purpose of this survey is to provide bi-annual citrus acreage, which includes information on new plantings and removals. It is the continuation of a long series of industry-funded Citrus Acreage surveys. Results of the survey reveal significant interest and growth in mandarin production. Grapefruit and lemon acreage are also on the rise, while Valencia and navel orange acreage is in decline. The bulk of growth in citrus acreage has been taking place in Kern, Riverside, Tulare and Fresno Counties.

    Users are cautioned that this report consists of two parts:

    • ➢ Table1 shows estimated statewide bearing acreage for the 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons.
    • ➢ Tables 2, 3, 4 and 5 show detailed acreage data by type, variety, and year planted — as voluntarily reported by citrus growers and maintained in NASS’ database.With perfect information, the estimated statewide bearing acreage and the detailed acreage data would be the same. Generally, this will not be the case for the following reasons:
    • ➢ A voluntary survey of approximately 5,000 citrus growers is unlikely to ever attain 100 percent completeness.
    • ➢ It is difficult for USDA/NASS to detect growers who are planting citrus for the first time.

    PROCEDURES

    The major source of the citrus detailed acreage data was a questionnaire mailed to all citrus growers currently in NASS’ database. The mailing was sent in January 2024. The questionnaire contained previously reported crop, variety, and acreage information preprinted. Producers were asked to update the information with new plantings, removals, and any other corrections. New growers were mailed a blank questionnaire. Growers were given about eight weeks to respond by mail. A telephone follow-up was then undertaken. Data collection ended in July 2024.

    To arrive at the estimated statewide bearing acreage, the NASS citrus acreage database was compared with pesticide application data maintained by County Agricultural Commissioners and the Department of Pesticide Regulation.

    ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

    The USDA, NASS Pacific Regional Office sincerely appreciates the many orchard operators, owners, and management firms that provided their acreage information. Funding for the survey was provided by the California Citrus industry.

  • Protecting Apples & Pears in Extreme Temperatures

    Washington State University (WSU) scientists will lead nationwide research addressing the impact of extreme temperatures on apple and pear crops.

    Lee Kalcsits, associate professor and Endowed Chair of Environmental Physiology for Tree Fruit, heads a team of 21 scientists from seven institutions working to mitigate stresses on pome fruits and develop strategies that limit future risks.

    “This is a great team that will share existing knowledge and develop new ideas to support apple and pear growers dealing with extreme temperatures,” Kalcsits said.

    Funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative, the $6.75 million project will run for four years.

    Among research goals, the team will focus on extreme cold and heat, studying a variety of issues including cold hardiness patterns for new apple and pear cultivars; flowering and the emergence from dormancy during spring; and how to mitigate sunburn and enhance red color during extreme heat.

    “In Washington state we typically deal less with cold stress, but in 2023 and 2024 we had higher losses than normal due to cold,” said Kalcsits, an associate professor of horticulture based at WSU’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center(TFREC). “In the eastern U.S., the risk of cold damage is higher, so we can use some knowledge from scientists located there. They aren’t as used to extreme heat on the East Coast, so we can share some of our strategies more easily with them, thanks to this project.”

    Economists on the team, including a climate change economist, will collaborate with other specialists to examine the current risk of extreme climate issues, study historic impacts of extreme temperatures, and create models that will allow growers to more reliably assess risk.

    Team members will also look at the cost and benefit of different mitigation strategies to see if they’re worth the cost of implementation.

    Finally, the team aims to develop a coordinated, nationwide Extension strategy for mitigating fruit losses. Researchers plan to host a series of field days and fruit schools online and in person to provide growers with training that helps reduce losses due to temperature extremes.

    “When you look at the statistics, extreme temperatures are the leading cause of reductions in yield and packout,” Kalcsits said. “Even with our current strategies, losses occur. We need to develop a better understanding of the biological factors leading to those losses, and growers also need more effective options.”

    The project’s overarching objective is to make more apples and pears available for consumers.

    “It’s about developing new strategies for issues the industry already experiences,” Kalcsits said. “It’s not just climate change but understanding exposure to extreme temperatures and how that will change in the future. It will be great to have additional tools available now and to understand risks 20 or 50 years down the road.”

    Other WSU scientists on the project include WSU Pome Fruit Breeder Kate Evans; Biological Systems Engineering Assistant Professor Kirti Rajagopalan; School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science faculty members Ananth Kalyanaraman and Paola Pesantez-Cabrera; and Sonia Hall, researcher at WSU’s Center for Sustaining Agriculture and Natural Resources.

    Other institutions involved in this project include Cornell University; the University of Maine; Michigan State University; Penn State University; Oregon State University; and the USDA Agricultural Research Service.

  • SoCal Retailer Wins National Watermelon Promotion Board Contest

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB) has named the winners of its annual Retail Merchandising Contest, which drew over 140 entries from retail chains, independent retailers, and commissaries across the U.S. and Canada. Now in its 16th year, the contest encouraged retailers to spotlight watermelon’s health benefits, value, and versatility through creative displays and marketing. New this year, the contest ran from June through August, aiming to capture the excitement of early summer watermelon demand.

    Judging criteria included category visibility, point-of-sale materials, visual merchandising, messaging nutritional benefits, recipes, selection education, and the use of print, online, and digital platforms. Contestants demonstrated a wide range of tactics, from engaging in-store displays and take-home materials to social media posts sharing watermelon recipes, nutrition tips, and fun facts.

    This year’s Grand Prize winner, Gelson’s Market #23 in La Canada, CA, made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle after previously earning an Honorable Mention in last year’s contest. Gelson’s elevated their efforts this year, impressing judges with their creative displays and consumer education initiatives including in-store sampling events, social media recipe videos and selection and nutrition education, earning them the top prize.

    “This year’s entries were exceptionally innovative, showing watermelon’s health benefits and versatility through various media,” said Juliemar Rosado, Director of Retail and International Marketing at NWPB. “The winners stood out for their consumer education focus, with displays highlighting watermelon selection, recipe ideas and happiness. Whole, mini and fresh-cut watermelons were also featured to appeal to a wider range of shoppers.”

    In addition to the Grand Prize, Wegmans Food Markets in Rochester, NY took second place, and Schnuck Markets in St. Louis, MO secured third. Due to the remarkable quality of submissions this year, the NWPB awarded an additional Honorable Mention, recognizing a total of four retailers for their outstanding efforts:

    • Harps – Heber Springs, AR
    • Riverside Market #1135 – Montrose, MI
    • Tops Friendly Markets – Dunkirk, NY
    • United Grocery Outlet – Knoxville, TN

    “The team at Gelson’s #23 would like to express our gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the talent we have at Gelson’s Market,” said Thot Phommasaysy, Produce Manager at Gelson’s Market #23. “We take great pride in creating impactful displays that excite our customers. Gelson’s La Canada is proud to have won the Grand Prize this year in [NWPB’s] Retail Merchandising Contest. A special thank you goes out to Catrice Taylor, Produce Clerk for her dedication, hard work, and merchandising skills. Thank you Catrice, for helping La Canada Gelson’s become this year’s winner!”

    More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded to the winners. Gelson’s Market #23 will receive $5,000 as the Grand Prize winner, Wegmans will take home $2,500 for second place, and Schnuck Markets will receive $1,000 for third. Each of the Honorable Mention winners will be awarded $500 for their exceptional displays.

    For a complete list of winning displays, including images, visit the NWPB Retail Contest Winners page at watermelon.org. For additional information, contact Juliemar Rosado at jrosado@watermelon.org.

    About National Watermelon Promotion Board

    The National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), based in Winter Springs, Florida, was established in 1989 as an agricultural promotion group to promote watermelon in the United States and in various markets abroad. Funded through a self-mandated industry assessment paid by more than 700 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

    A serving of nutrient-dense watermelon provides an excellent source of Vitamin C (25% DV), a source of Vitamin B6 (8% DV), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories per 2-cup serving. Watermelon consumption per capita in the United States was nearly 16.9 pounds in 2023. Watermelon consumption in the United States was nearly 5.6 billion pounds in 2023. The United States exported an additional 377 million pounds of watermelon. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

  • UC Davis Enters New International Strawberry Licensing Agreements

    The University of California, Davis, has reached new agreements to license more than a dozen of its world-renowned strawberry varieties to growers in countries across the world.

    The agreements ensure that nurseries and fruit growers in Mexico, South America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East have access to all available varieties developed by the UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program.

    Strawberry plant varieties developed at UC Davis produce about 60% of all strawberries consumed around the world.

    UK-based Global Plant Genetics, or GPG, will add 15 legacy varieties of UC Davis strawberry plants to its existing portfolio in China, South America, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. GPG, which has been a UC Davis master licensee since 2018, already oversees licensing of a dozen of the more recently developed UC Davis varieties in those markets.

    Fresa Fortaleza, or F2, is the new master licensee for the legacy varieties in Mexico. Since 2020, the San Diego-based company has been the master licensee in Mexico for the more recently developed UC Davis varieties.

    Earlier this year, UC Davis severed ties with former master licensee Eurosemillas as to these legacy varieties.

    “We are pleased to have expanded our agreements with GPG and Fresa Forteleza,” said Helene Dillard, dean of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “We appreciate the shared commitment to maintaining outstanding relationships with our nurseries and growers and providing vigorous support for the UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program.”

    The new agreements cover:

    • The European Union, Switzerland and the United Kingdom
    • Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru and Uruguay
    • China
    • Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Morocco and Turkey.

    The UC Davis Public Strawberry Breeding Program seeks to address the needs of growers by developing strawberries for positive characteristics including greater yield, flavor, disease resistance, and adaptation to different growing conditions. The university directly licenses strawberry varieties to nurseries in Canada and the U.S. and offers California strawberry growers a competitive advantage through exclusive access to new varieties for two years and reduced royalty rates.

    The program, funded primarily by revenue from licensing strawberry varieties, also trains students and postdoctoral researchers to be leaders in the field.