California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Economics

  • NIFA Invests Nearly $11M to Combat & Prevent Citrus Greening Disease

    NIFA Invests Nearly $11M to Combat & Prevent Citrus Greening Disease

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced an investment of nearly $11 million for research to combat Huanglongbing (HLB), commonly known as citrus greening disease. HLB, caused by an insect bacterium, is the most severe threat to global citrus production.

    “NIFA’s Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension program brings the nation’s top scientists together with citrus industry representatives to find scientifically sound solutions to combat and prevent HLB at the farm-level,” said NIFA Director Dr. Carrie Castille. “This year’s awards represent all three major U.S. citrus growing regions and include possible solutions ranging from blocking HLB transmission from inside the insect vector to utilizing novel anti-microbial peptides to treat HLB-infected trees.”

    The fiscal year 2021 five funded Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Extension projects include:

     

    • Texas A&M AgriLife Research will leverage public-private partnerships between state agencies, universities, USDA’s Agricultural Research Service, and the citrus industry to pursue advanced testing and commercialization of promising HLB therapies and extend outcomes to stakeholders. ($7,000,000)
    • University of California, Riverside will build on previous work and evaluate the performance of 300 hybrid citrus trees in established trials to map HLB tolerance/resistance genes and release superior new rootstocks. ($1,499,998)
    • University of Florida seeks to develop a bacterial pathogen transmission blocking strategy (specifically to block Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the pathogen that causes HLB) toward mitigation of citrus greening-related losses in an integrated pest management framework. ($1,020,810)
    • University of Florida’s project will support the needs of both commercial and residential citrus growers by comparing new tools to support young trees and develop management recommendations for the incorporation of each tool into production and residential settings. ($750,000)
    • University of Florida aims to introduce and transfer the natural HLB resistance present in Australian limes into conventional citrus to produce HLB-resistant Australian lime hybrid rootstocks and deploy these hybrids to protect susceptible citrus scions against HLB. ($500,000)

    Background: Huanglongbing (HLB) is considered the most destructive disease in citrus growing regions worldwide and has become the greatest challenge for the U.S. citrus industry. Currently, HLB has no cure.  Since HLB’s initial U.S. detection in 2005, citrus acreage and production in Florida has decreased by 60 percent and 80 percent, respectively. The disease has spread to all citrus-producing states, including Texas and California. Although citrus greening is a serious threat to the citrus industry worldwide, significant progress has been made to coordinate a multipronged approach for citrus greening management and suppression of the Asian citrus psyllid, an insect that carries and spreads HLB, through expanding partnerships with USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, states, universities, and private partners.  Learn more about HLB.

    Asian Citrus Psyllid, the insect responsible for the spread of the citrus-killing disease HLB

    NIFA invests in and advances agricultural research, education, and Extension across the nation to make transformative discoveries that solve societal challenges. NIFA supports initiatives that ensure the long-term viability of agriculture and applies an integrated approach to ensure that groundbreaking discoveries in agriculture-related sciences and technologies reach the people who can put them into practice. In FY2020, NIFA’s total investment was $1.95 billion.

    Visit our website: www.nifa.usda.gov; Twitter: @USDA_NIFA; LinkedIn: USDA-NIFA.

  • UCR Seeking CA Avocado Grower Cooperators

    UCR Seeking CA Avocado Grower Cooperators

    The University of California Riverside Avocado Rootstock Program is seeking for grower cooperators interested on participating and testing the new soon to be released UCR avocado rootstocks selections in Spring 2022!

    UCR Rootstocks selections have been chosen by their performance under Phytophthora root rot high incidence, alkalinity, heat, and salinity tolerance. We are seeking growers in California to stablish two rootstock x scion field trials: i) 576 trees corresponding to Dusa, Toro Canyon, Stedoom, PP35, PP40, and PP80 UCR rootstocks grafted with Hass, Gem, Lamb_Hass, and Reed (24 trees/rootstock x scion combination); and ii) 600 trees corresponding to Dusa, PP35, PP40, and PP80 UCR rootstocks grafted with Hass, Gem, and Lamb_Hass (50 trees/ rootstock x scion combination). PP35, PP40, and PP80 are rootstocks with Phytophthora root rot resistance and exhibited good performance (tree health and yield) under high salinity and heat conditions.

    Selection Criteria

    In order to test our rootstocks under the best conditions, we would like that our cooperators meet the followings:

    • Willing to have a long-time commitment for the research trial (10 years) in order to acquire the data required for release.
    • Sites will be selected based on the diverse challenges your orchard has: Phytophthora root rot (PRR), salinity, and high alkalinity. Soil structure will be also considered especially for soils with low drainage and high saturation.
    • Harvesting will be done in coordination with our research team and we would need that the grower provide assistance during the harvesting process. We also would prefer single stripping harvest.
    • It is required that the field sites for the new experimental trials need them to be established in single growth areas and not between growers already existing avocado trees (not inter raw planting).
    • Finally, we will require to have open access to the gates of the field where our material will be evaluated for our quarterly visits

    If you are interested in being part of our rootstock evaluation, please contact Patricia Manosalva at patricia.manosalva@ucr.edu.

  • New Digital Campaign Kick-starts Pomegranate Season, Showcasing POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils as “Insta-Antioxidants”

    New Digital Campaign Kick-starts Pomegranate Season, Showcasing POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils as “Insta-Antioxidants”

    POM Wonderful, the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the U.S., is kicking off the 2021 California pomegranate season with its largest digital marketing campaign ever to raise brand awareness and continue to drive category growth. Unveiled in the campaign is new branding for POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils, the No. 1 aril brand in total sales, brand awareness, and velocity in the U.S.

    Previously known as POM POMS, the new branding and packaging coupled with the digital campaign helps to reinforce the connection for consumers that POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils are sourced straight from POM Wonderful pomegranates, making it easy to enjoy pomegranate arils as a snack or to elevate a variety of dishes, especially during the holidays.

    The digital campaign, part of a multi-million-dollar marketing investment, includes >$1MM in new digital marketing. The efforts consist of two brand-new epicurean and antioxidant campaigns, highlighting POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils as the easy way to enjoy pomegranates. With just a snap of a finger, getting antioxidants is easier than ever with POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils. Through the “Insta-Antioxidants” digital campaign, a whole POM Wonderful pomegranate is harvested at peak freshness and quickly transformed into a POM Pomegranate Arils cup, then directly into a kitchen creation, showing the ease with which consumers can enjoy POM Pomegranate Arils.

    “We are thrilled to kick off our 2021 season with new branding supported by our biggest digital marketing campaign, showcasing the ease of enjoying antioxidants with POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils,” said Stacey Anker, director of marketing, POM Wonderful. “With the holidays approaching, we hope to inspire consumers to use POM Arils in their holiday spreads to add the perfect pop of ruby-red color and antioxidant goodness.”

    The POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils epicurean campaign will focus on delicious recipes that include strong pomegranate flavors. From appetizers to desserts and cocktails, consumers will be inspired to use POM Wonderful Pomegranate Fresh Arils in their favorite dishes this holiday season. New recipes will be posted on the POM Wonderful social media accounts, as well as the POM Wonderful website.

    “As the No 1. arils brand sold nationwide, we are excited to see POM drive category growth and raise consumer awareness for snacking and epicurean uses of fresh pomegranates,” said Adam Cooper, senior vice president of marketing, The Wonderful Company. “With the “Insta-Antioxidant” campaign, we hope to showcase how quickly and easily consumers can enjoy pomegranate arils, while also benefiting from the antioxidant power of POM.”

    The campaign was created by The Wonderful Company’s in-house creative team, Wonderful Agency, and includes digital advertisements on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Snapchat,”as well as shopper marketing, consumer public relations, new POS materials, and a November FSI.

    About POM Wonderful

    POM Wonderful is the largest grower and producer of fresh pomegranates and pomegranate juice in the United States as well as the worldwide leader in fresh California pomegranates and pomegranate-based products including our 100% pomegranate juices, healthy juice blends, and teas. We grow, handpick, and juice our own pomegranates to ensure the highest quality. POM Wonderful is part of The Wonderful Company, a privately held $5 billion company, which also has other No. 1 brands such as Wonderful® Pistachios, FIJI® Water, Wonderful® Halos®, JUSTIN® Wine, and Teleflora®. To learn more about The Wonderful Company, visit www.wonderful.com, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. To view the current Corporate Social Responsibility report, visit www.wonderful.com/csr.

  • Evie Smith, New UCCE Staff Research Associate in Orchard Crop Systems

    Evie Smith, New UCCE Staff Research Associate in Orchard Crop Systems

    Have you had a chance to meet Evie Smith, one of our new Staff Research Associates with the UC Cooperative Extension? Watch her brief introduction here to learn about her and the almond, walnut and prune projects she is working on with Sacramento Valley farm advisors.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.
  • New Resource for Small Olive Oil Farmers in California

    New Resource for Small Olive Oil Farmers in California

    A new resource for small olive oil farmers and producers who want to know more about voluntary Olive Oil Commission of California (OOCC) membership is now available on the OOCC website. While OOCC membership is not required for producers of less than 5,000 gallons of olive oil per year, they may choose to participate in the OOCC’s mandatory sampling and testing program on a voluntary basis.

    A few years ago, the OOCC Board created a voluntary version of the OOCC’s mandatory sampling and testing program to make it more accessible and affordable for smaller producers. The program is available to any California olive oil producer committed to high quality standards for their product and who wishes to have this quality verified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). 

    This OOCC program is only for 100 percent California olive oil. The benefits to members include: 

    ● OOCC member olive oil is analyzed by a credible, independent laboratory to ensure it meets stringent standards for quality and purity;

    ● Samples are collected and verified by the California Department of Food and Agriculture;

    ● Members who meet the stringent CDFA standards are allowed to use the OOCC logo on their packaging and marketing materials;

    ● A list of OOCC Members in Good Standing, which includes voluntary members, is maintained and published each year; 

    The information packet is available HERE and includes more details about the OOCC program Members in Good Standing and other useful resources to help you make an informed decision. Should you have questions or need additional information, please contact OOCC Executive Director Chris Zanobini by email at chris@agamisi.com or phone at (916) 441-1581.

  • Blueberry Council Details Plan Empowering Industry to ‘Make Blueberries the World’s Favorite Fruit’

    Blueberry Council Details Plan Empowering Industry to ‘Make Blueberries the World’s Favorite Fruit’

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) today announced details around its recently approved 2021-2025 strategic plan, which charts an ambitious course to exponentially grow the volume and value of blueberries domestically and across the globe. The comprehensive plan explains how USHBC will lead demand-driving programs based on shared resources, research and insights that inspire possibilities and sustain the profitable growth of the blueberry industry – ultimately uniting industry stakeholders to work together toward making blueberries the world’s favorite fruit.

    USHBC collects approximately $10 million in assessment dollars from growers and importers of record annually, and the strategic plan addresses how the council will invest that funding to fuel increased blueberry demand and consumption. The plan includes expanded, measurable programmatic goals and tactics for five strategic pillars: integrated marketing communications, health and nutrition, industry services, global business development, and innovation and technology. The health and nutrition pillar will be driven by USHBC’s newly hired first-ever senior director of nutrition and health research, Leslie Wada, Ph.D., RD.

    “Our 2021-2025 strategic plan is the culmination of more input from blueberry industry leaders and strategic partners than ever before, discussed and distilled for over the better part of a year, to create a bold blueprint to boost blueberries worldwide,” said Kasey Cronquist, president of USHBC. “Our intent is that this plan and its guiding vision will positively impact the future beyond the next five years to hopefully the next decade or two of the blueberry industry.”

    USHBC embarked on the strategic plan development in partnership with Rockland Dutton Research & Consulting, drawing on highly relevant experience working with the National Mango Board, World Bank, Beef Checkoff, Hass Avocado Board and more. The work was the most robust planning process in the USHBC’s history, with significant internal and external input from approximately 50 interviews of board members and industry leaders, a survey of 193 industry stakeholders, and discussions with the entire USHBC staff and all partner agencies.

    “We’ve come a long way as a blueberry industry since the USHBC was established 20 years ago, and our exciting, forward-looking vision sets the stage for the next era of growth,” said Shelly Hartmann, chair of USHBC. “I’m proud to have a leading role as we begin to execute our new, unifying strategy to increase demand for blueberries, while strengthening and supporting our growers and stakeholders.”

    As the premier organization completely focused on growing the volume of blueberries sold in the U.S. and around the world, USHBC has driven demand for blueberries through comprehensive consumer promotional efforts and programming in retail, foodservice, export and food manufacturing. In 2019, 49% of U.S. households purchased blueberries — a 25% increase in annual household penetration over the previous six years. Blueberries are now on one in four menus, with 93% more restaurants offering blueberries than in 2005. And, 76% of food manufacturer respondents reported using blueberries in their company’s manufactured products — higher than any other berry.

    USHBC was established in 2000 as an official research and promotion program overseen by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Services (AMS) division. It’s governed by a 20-member board that periodically adopts strategic plans to guide short- and long-term budget and program decisions.

    To view the 2021-2025 Strategic Plan, visit ushbc.org/about-ushbc.

    About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

    Established in 2000, The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is a federal agriculture research and promotion program with independent oversight from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). USHBC represents blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. USHBC was established by blueberry growers and currently has 2,500 growers, packers and importers. USHBC is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at ushbc.org.

  • Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Infestation Detected in Solano County

    Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Infestation Detected in Solano County

    A local infestation of the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) has been detected in a residential area of Vacaville in Solano County. The pest is primarily a threat to grapevines because it can spread a fatal bacterium that causes Pierce’s disease (PD); however, the pest and disease can also impact susceptible types of citrus crops. Five adult GWSS were found Oct. 1 in traps set as part of a broad array designed specifically to detect this pest throughout areas of the state that are not infested. Additional traps have since been deployed at a higher density near those two initial detection sites, detecting approximately 35 additional GWSS. Visual surveys of plant material in the area have also detected egg masses in the same neighborhood. No GWSS or egg masses have been detected outside this immediate area.

    Working with the Solano County Agricultural Commissioner’s office and others in the region, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is continuing to survey the area, inform local growers and the broader community, and develop appropriate next steps to eradicate this infestation.

    If agricultural officials determine that pesticide treatments are necessary to eradicate this infestation, treatments would be made by ground equipment only and would consist of applications to the root zone and leaves/branches of the host plants to target adult GWSS and provide long-term, systemic protection against re-infestation. In previous eradication projects for this pest, properties with host plants within a 150-meter radius around each detection site were treated.

    Residents of affected properties will be invited to a public meeting with officials from CDFA, the county agricultural commissioner’s office, the Department of Pesticide Regulation and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment to address residents’ questions and concerns. Residents would be notified in writing at least 48 hours in advance of any treatment.

    GWSS is an invasive and aggressive vector of PD, which is considered one of the most devastating diseases of grapevines in the world. It currently infests 12 California counties, with established populations across Southern California. While grapevines are the pest’s most famous target, other crops and ornamental plants such as almonds, citrus, stone fruit and various shade trees are also at risk from the PD’s strain of the bacterium.

    For additional information and details on the infestation, please visit CDFA’s website here. — Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program

  • Assembly Bill 535 Supporting California Olive Oil Becomes Law

    Assembly Bill 535 Supporting California Olive Oil Becomes Law

    Assembly Bill 535 was signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom last week. The bill, introduced by Assemblymember Ceclia Aguiar-Curry, establishes guidelines for how companies can use the word “California” on olive oil labels and other marketing materials.

    While the OOCC does not have authority to lobby and did not take a position on this bill, the new ruling is critically important to the goals of our organization: ensuring California olive oil is accurately labeled so that customers can have confidence in the quality of California olive oil and all California olive oil is trusted and valued.

    The bill was supported by a group of California olive oil producers who launched a Truth in Labeling informational campaign.

    According to a press release from Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, consumers associate California produced olive oils with quality and demand has steadily increased over time. This increase in demand has led to companies using the word “California” on labels, even if the product only contains a small percentage of oil from olives actually produced in the state.

    Aguiar-Curry carried the bill because she believes misleading labeling causes confusion among consumers. It also places 100 percent California olive oil farmers and producers at a competitive disadvantage because of the greater regulatory burden and higher costs, and hurts the reputation of California olive oil as a trusted product.

    The guideline for olive oil labeling that Assembly Bill 535 provides consumers with clear and transparent information about the oil they are purchasing. The bill will require companies to disclose the minimum percentage of California olive oil present in their product and in the same size as the word “California” on their product label, packaging and marketing materials.

    The bill does not prohibit or restrict blending oils from different sources and destinations, it only requires the term “California” be used in a way that truthfully and clearly represents the actual amount of California-grown olives used in the product.

    With this bill, supporters hope to strengthen the integrity of California olive oils as a premium and trusted product. — Olive Oil Commission of California

  • California Avocado Acreage Drops (Acreage And Condition Analysis Report)

    California Avocado Acreage Drops (Acreage And Condition Analysis Report)

    The California Avocado Commission gathers critical yield forecasting data to make informed budgeting and marketing decisions by partnering with Land IQ to conduct an annual acreage survey. Data from this survey is then compiled in a database for use by the Commission. In addition, Land IQ releases a yearly report for public consumption. The 2021 Statewide Avocado Acreage and Condition report is now available on the California avocado growers website.

    Highlights from the report are as follows:

    • Total planted acreage in 2021 was 51,988 acres, a reduction of about 2,000 acres from 2020
      • 46,727 producing acres
      • 2,668 new/young acres
      • 2,592 topped/stumped acres
    • The five major avocado growing counties — Ventura, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Riverside and San Luis Obispo — accounted for 96% of planted acreage
      • Ventura — 38%
      • San Diego — 29%
      • Santa Barbara — 13%
      • Riverside — 9%
      • San Luis Obispo — 7%
    • Updated tree age analysis
      • 9% of groves were newly planted to 4 years old
      • 14% were 5 – 8 years old
      • 17% were 9 – 15 years old
      • 16% were 16 – 20 years old
      • 44% of groves were 21 or more years old
    • Planting density analysis
      • 19% of acreage is planted at high density (15×15 or closer and 20×10)
      • 81% of acreage is planted at standard density (15×20 or greater

    The report also includes:

    • Tables and graphs illustrating avocado acreage by condition and county
    • Tables of statewide avocado acreage by county and zip code
    • Tables listing planted avocado acreage by year planted or stumped
    • A table noting the age of groves as a percentage of planted acreage, as well as a table summarizing planted avocado acreage by year planted or stumped
    • Tables comparing the condition (producing, stumped, young, abandoned) of high density and standard groves by acreage and county
    • Maps depicting planted avocado polygons in each of the Commission’s five districts
    • Table of net change in acreage from 2020 to 2021, by county
    • Table noting the change in avocado acreage classifications from 2020 to 2021

    A copy of the report is available HERE.

  • 2020 Raisin & Prune Crop Report & Average Prices

    2020 Raisin & Prune Crop Report & Average Prices

    Information contained in this report was supplied by handlers of raisins and prunes to fulfill reporting requirements of Sections 55601.7 and 55601.8 of the Food and Agricultural Code. The report includes all tonnages of raisins and prunes that were either produced by the handler or purchased from producers. The final weighted average price, including bonuses and allowances, has been reported for all contracts which were finalized.

    All 2020 crop transactions completed through the close of business on August 31, 2021 are included in this report. A “good faith” estimate of final weighted average price was reported for those contracts which were not final on the same date. The data are shown by major varieties at the State level only.

    SUMMARY OF RAISIN HANDLERS’ REPORTS

    Free raisin tonnage produced by handlers in 2020 totaled 26,094 tons. This figure does NOT include raisins purchased from other handlers or producers.

    The total 2020 raisin crop purchased from producers, for whom pricing had been finalized, reached 110,853 tons at an average price of $1,302 per ton. This price is rounded to the nearest dollar per ton and includes all bonuses and allowances.

    Purchases from producers, for whom pricing was NOT finalized, totaled 105,480 tons. The average “good faith” estimate of the final weighted average price for this tonnage was $1,075 per ton.

    The quantity of all raisins purchased from producers was 216,334 tons for the 2020 crop. This figure does not include raisins produced by the handler or purchased from other handlers.

    The tonnage produced by the handler plus tonnage purchased from producers for the 2020 raisin crop was 242,427 tons.

    SUMMARY OF PRUNE HANDLERS’ REPORTS

    Prunes produced by handlers in 2020 totaled 9,170 tons. This figure does NOT include prunes purchased from other handlers or producers.

    The total 2020 prune crop purchased from producers, for whom pricing had been finalized, reached 22,351 tons at an average price of $1,834 per ton. This price is rounded to the nearest dollar per ton and includes all bonuses and allowances.

    Purchases from producers, for whom pricing was NOT finalized, totaled 27,182 tons. The average “good faith” estimate of the final weighted average price for this tonnage was $1,898 per ton.

    The quantity of all prunes purchased from producers was 49,533 tons for the 2020 crop. This figure does not include prunes produced by the handler or purchased from other handlers. The weighted average size count of tons purchased from producers was 56 for the French varieties and 66 for the Non-French varieties. 

    The tonnage produced by the handler plus tonnage purchased from producers for the 2020 prune crop was 57,225 tons of French prunes and 1,478 tons of Non-French prunes for a total of 58,703 tons.

    DEFINITIONS

    Producer: A person or operator who is responsible for the raisins or prunes in the unprocessed state. A dehydrator operator is considered the producer of raisins or prunes if they grew or purchased fresh grapes or prunes and dehydrated them.

    Handler: Firm that processes and markets raisins or prunes.

    Finalized Purchases: Tonnage purchased from producers, for which a pricing contract has been completed.

    Non-Finalized Purchases: Contracted tonnage, for which a final price has not yet been determined.

    Free Tonnage: Tonnage received by a handler, for which the only Federal marketing order regulation is a minimum quality or size standard. Reserve tonnage is the tonnage set aside as authorized by a Federal marketing order.

    Weighted Average Price: Weighted average price reflects prices or “good faith” estimates of prices as reported by handlers and include any bonuses or allowances.