California Fruit and Vegetable

Category: Economics

  • Automation Helps Solve Specialty Crop Challenges

    With support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture’s Multistate Research Fund, researchers at 17 land-grant universities are working together to develop automated systems that work well for labor-intensive specialty crops like fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery plants. A multi-state collaborative approach lifts the burden of research and development from a single specialty crop sector and spurs major advances.

    Automation is helping the specialty crop industry overcome labor shortages, fine-tune management decisions, conserve resources and meet growing demand. Consistent with the USDA Agriculture Innovation Agenda, advances in technology for growing, harvesting, handling, and processing are generating significant savings for growers and consumers, while improving sustainability.

    University of Florida scientists developed a robot that counts and maps the fruit on citrus trees, and University of California-Davis researchers developed fruit-picking carts with instruments that map orchard fruits. These automated devices have helped farmers see if and where production issues arise, so they can make targeted, effective management decisions. Accurate yield estimates are also important for programming harvest machines and making marketing decisions.

    Automated disease detection and management technologies could mitigate crop losses. For example, Iowa State University scientists are guiding the manufacturing of technology that reduces pesticide drift. Washington State University scientists developed drones to deter birds that eat and damage fruit crops. And, handheld devices designed by University of Hawaii researchers give coffee growers an inexpensive way to spot leaf water stress and optimize irrigation.

    To overcome labor shortages and cut labor costs, Washington State University scientists designed a robotic twining machine for hops, and University of Georgia researchers are perfecting affordable automated technologies for efficient blueberry harvest. A new pruning method recommended by Pennsylvania State University Extension could cut pruning time by 42% and save $136 per acre. Automation can also make labor less dangerous. For example, a harvest-assist device designed at Penn State eliminated ladder falls and reduced the time apple pickers spent in awkward, dangerous postures from 65% to 43% of picking time.

    Automation won’t soon replace the keen eye of talented growers, but these technologies will reduce costs, improve quality, and ensure consumer satisfaction, while eliminating some on-farm health risks, increasing efficiency, and reducing environmental impacts.

    Learn more about this USDA-NIFA funded project: W2009: Integrated Systems Research and Development in Automation and Sensor for Sustainability of Specialty Crops(link is external) (2013-2018). Learn more about NIFA Impacts.

    This research supports the “value-added innovation” theme outlined in the USDA Science Blueprint and moves us closer to meeting the goals outlined in USDA’s Agriculture Innovation Agenda. Learn more about The Hatch Act of 1887 (NIFA’s Multistate Research Fund).

    Advances in technology, automation, and remote sensing is a cross-cutting, macro movement in science impacting agriculture outlined in the USDA Science Blueprint (PDF, 2.6 MB). The Science Blueprint guides USDA’s science priorities for the next 5 years, building from past success. Relative to other crops, many specialty crops are more dependent on agricultural labor for production, harvesting, and processing. This is part of a blog series that highlights research investments to advance automation and mechanization for specialty crops. — By Sara Delheimer, NIFA-funded Multistate Research Fund Impacts Program

  • Poor Weather & COVID-19 Hurt Mexican Tomato Industry

    Poor weather conditions during harvest in Sinaloa, the top tomato producing state in Mexico, plus demand and supply chain challenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic have resulted in slightly lower forecasted production and trade in fresh tomatoes. However, spring/summer supplies from central Mexico are expected to meet all demand to the United States for the remainder of the marketing year. Fall/winter tomato producers experienced significant effects from the Covid-19 pandemic, due to reduced demand in both the United States and Mexico from the hotel and restaurant industries shutting down operations for a number of months in the spring and summer, corresponding directly with the harvesting season.

    Production

    Tomatoes are produced in Mexico year-round, with a fall/winter cycle and a spring/summer cycle stretching over 18 months and measured by an agricultural year (AY) from October to March (plus one year). The tomato marketing year is covered from October to September. For purposes of this report, FAS Mexico will refer to the AY in production forecasts in order to capture full tomato production in the country. A full list of Mexican tomato producing states by cycle is provided at the end of this report.

    Protected agriculture continues to become more prevalent throughout the country, particularly for operations and businesses that rely on the export market. Protected agriculture includes greenhouse, shade house and tunnel cultivation systems, and allows for year-round production through strict climatic controls. Protected agriculture systems also enhance yields, saves significant amounts of water, and reduces pesticide use.

    Tomato production for AY 2020 is forecasted at 3.33 million metric tons (MMT) according to the Agrifood and Fisheries Information System (SIAP), three percent lower than the previous agricultural year due to volatile weather in Sinaloa (fall/winter cycle), and reductions to planted area. Cold weather and heavy rains were observed throughout the winter months in Sinaloa, tightening supplies and pressuring prices up through the spring. Contacts in Sinaloa state that due to Covid-19 sanitary restrictions impacting data collection, accurate production data for the state is not yet available. The SIAP production forecast for AY 2021 is 3.47 million MMT, contingent upon favorable weather conditions. AY 2019 production is at 3.44 MMT according to SIAP data, although modifications are expected.

    Tomato planted area for AY 2021 is forecasted at 46,510 hectares (Ha) according to SIAP data three percent higher than AY 2020 and contingent upon improved weather conditions throughout the growing season. Planted area for AY 2020 is estimated at 45,102 Ha, five percent lower compared to AY 2019. This reduction can be attributed to drought damage to some fields in central states, and changes from open field to more efficient protected agriculture growing systems that bring about improve yields. Additionally, uncertainties caused by renegotiation of the U.S. -Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement (please see policy section below) caused many round and Roma producers to plant cucumbers and peppers instead. The Roma tomato is the main variety produced in Mexico, followed by round and cherry. Producer are beginning to increase cultivation of specialty tomatoes, like cherry and grape, based on increased demand from the United States.

    Sinaloa is the largest tomato producing state in Mexico, with fall/winter production only. Production is mainly through open field cultivation, but protected agriculture methods are also increasingly utilized. Sinaloa tomatoes are harvested and supply the U.S. market during the winter months, typically from late December through May, and cross at the Nogales, Arizona border port of entry.

    Tomato production in the central Mexican states of San Luis Potosi, Michoacán, Zacatecas and Jalisco have seen increases in recent years, with use of both open field and protected agriculture methods. Supplies from the central region enter the U.S. market in the summer months, after the Sinaloa export window winds down in May, and cross through Texas border ports of entry in Laredo and Pharr.

    The states of Baja California and Baja California Sur are consequential tomato for export producers, with protected agriculture systems widely used to produce Roma tomatoes, and smaller volumes of vine- ripe and specialty tomato varieties, like grape. The region supplies the U.S. west coast through the Otay Mesa, California border port of entry with an export window of May through December.

    Covid-19 Effects on Production

    Mexican tomato producers suffered significant effects due to the Covid-19 pandemic, especially in Sinaloa, where harvest season fell directly within the onset of the pandemic. With the hotel and restaurant industries in both the United States and Mexico shut down by middle of March, demand for businesses that sell to that sector fell nearly 40 percent. Additionally, many operations were forced to lay off laborers, and some employees left harvest early to return to their homes in the country’s southern states, fearful that they would not be able to return during lock down. As a result, some producers in Sinaloa donated tomato supplies to food banks, some used product for cattle feed, and others simply halted harvest.

    Consumption

    31,015 7,262 8,748 349

    The MY (October- September) 2020/21 consumption forecast is 1.60 MMT. MY 2019/20 consumption is estimated at 1.50 MMT due to slightly lower production during the market year and the closure of the hotel and restaurant industries for several months due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Annual per capita consumption of tomato 16.8 kilograms per year. Producers prefer to export supplies for higher returns, and remaining supplies are sold on the domestic market. However, consumers are price sensitive purchasers. As protected agriculture production continues to increase, so do prices as compared to open field produced tomatoes.

    Trade

    Tomato trade to the United States is economically significant and makes up nearly 99.7 percent market share of total Mexican exports. Exports in 2019 were valued at approximately USD $2 billion. Tomatoes are by far one of the greatest beneficiaries to Mexican fruit and vegetable trade since the creation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) in 1995, when exports were valued at a mere $406 million.

    Producers have been consistently improving their production technologies to produce high quality exportable supplies year-round. Export volumes are heaviest in the U.S. fall, winter and early spring months, before U.S. supplies come to market in the summer.

    The Post export forecast for MY (October-September) 2020/21 is at 1.87 MMT, two percent higher than previous MY on consistent U.S. demand and ample supplies. The Post export estimate for MY 2019/20 is at 1.80 MMT, with exports to the U.S. forecast at 1.6 MMT, contingent upon the resolution of Covid- 19 demand and supply issues observed in the spring of 2020. Mexico imports a small amount of specialty and organic tomatoes, and sometimes are packaged and re-exported. The Post import forecast for MY 2020/21 is 850 tons, the same level as MY 2019/20, with supplies almost entirely from the United States.

    Policy

    U.S. -Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement

    Mexican fresh tomato trade to the U.S. has been managed and implemented by terms of the U.S. – Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreements since 1996, following an agreement between the two countries to cease a tomato anti-dumping case requested by the Florida Tomato Exchange. The original agreement had been reviewed and renewed every five years since coming into force. However, on November 14, 2018 the Florida Tomato Exchange requested that the U.S. Commerce Department terminate the 2013 Suspension Agreement. On May 7, 2019, the Suspension Agreement was terminated, the antidumping (AD) investigation from 1996 was resumed, and duties were placed on Mexican tomato exports to the United States.

    On September 19, 2019, Commerce and the Mexican tomato growers signed another agreement suspending the ongoing AD investigation on fresh tomatoes from Mexico. The agreement set reference prices for round, Roma, vine, and specialty tomatoes ranging from $0.31 to $0.826 per pound. It also created an inspection mechanism for all round, Roma, and grape tomatoes in bulk (packages weighing more than two pounds), which began on April 4, 2020, and is carried out by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service

    On October 14, the Florida Tomato Exchange filed a request for continuation of the AD investigation of fresh tomatoes from Mexico despite a signed suspension agreement. U.S. trade law permits domestic producers to request a continuation of investigations. On October 21, Commerce issued its final affirmative determinations, with dumping rates range from 3.91 percent to 30.48 percent.

    On November 22, 2019 the International Trade Commission (ITC) made its final injury determination, determining that “a U.S. industry is threatened with material injury by reason of imports of fresh tomatoes from Mexico that the U.S. Department of Commerce has determined are sold in the United States at less than fair value.” Although the affirmative final injury determination was found, the 2019 suspension agreement remains in force.

    AMS Marketing Order for Round Tomatoes

    Since 1955, AMS has implemented a marketing order for fresh round tomatoes produced in Florida. Amended in 1986, the order regulates the quality and package requirements and provides authority for research and promotion of fresh round tomatoes grown in Florida. Per section 8e of the order, imported tomatoes must meet the same or comparable minimum grade, size, quality, and maturity requirements as specified in the order. As a result, imported tomatoes from Mexico are subject to border inspection for the above quality requirements from October 10 through June 15.

    Tariffs

    Mexico typically imports all tomatoes from the United States. Mexico’s most favored nation (MFN) applied tariff rate for tomato (HTS 0702) imports is 10 percent. Countries with tariff-free access to Mexico include the United States, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Bolivia, the European Union, and Japan. There is an applied tariff rate of 28 percent for tomatoes from Colombia. Tomatoes are classified under tariff codes 0702.0001 and 0702.0099.

    Prices

    Tight supplies Roma supplies out of Sinaloa and supply chain complications as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in high prices for both round and Roma prices on the domestic market. — By Rhiannon Elms, USDA Foreign Agricultural Service

  • Request for Research Proposals to Support and Enhance Honey Bee Health

    Scientific research provides us with the foundation of knowledge we rely on in order to understand honey bee health threats and address them.

    Project Apis m. and the National Honey Board are requesting research proposals to support and enhance honey bee health. Proposals will be accepted between September 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Please visit www.ProjectApism.org/rfps to view the full RFP. PAm and NHB supported research projects can be explored in detail at the Bee Health Collective.

    In June, 2016 Project Apis m. (PAm) and the National Honey Board (NHB) announced that PAm would begin administering the NHB Production Research funds. This collaboration has streamlined efforts to support the beekeeping industry, by connecting the NHB research funding opportunities with several other efforts coordinated by PAm. This collaboration allows opportunities to consider a broader spectrum of efforts linked to supporting the industry, to support collaborations and synergy, and harmonize and access deeper resources when necessary for projects that need larger time or money commitments. Merging efforts has also resulted in one less round of work for all of our hardworking bee researchers who write proposals, the scientific reviewers who read them, and selection committees and administrators who see these processes through.

    The National Honey Board (NHB) is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that educates consumers about the benefits and uses of honey and honey products. NHB research, marketing and promotional programs are funded by an assessment on domestic and imported honey and are designed to increase awareness and usage of honey by consumers, the foodservice industry and food manufacturers. For more information please visit www.honey.com.

    Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops. Since 2006, we’ve infused over $8.5 million into honey bee research and $2.9 million into forage programs, resulting in better pollination and increased crop yields for growers, and lower losses and better honey production for beekeepers. We work closely with commercial beekeepers, growers, and top bee scientists in the USA and Canada to fund projects and direct strategic efforts focused on practical solutions. PAm funds studies, offers graduate scholarships to encourage careers in pursuit of science-based solutions to honey bee challenges, and has expanding efforts to put forage on the landscape where bees need it most. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization governed by an eleven-member board of stakeholders representing major national and state industry organizations, and an additional seven-member Science Advisory Board. Learn more at www.ProjectApism.org.

  • Request for Research Proposals to Support and Enhance Honey Bee Health

    Scientific research provides us with the foundation of knowledge we rely on in order to understand honey bee health threats and address them.

    Project Apis m. and the National Honey Board are requesting research proposals to support and enhance honey bee health. Proposals will be accepted between September 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020. Please visit www.ProjectApism.org/rfps to view the full RFP. PAm and NHB supported research projects can be explored in detail at the Bee Health Collective.

    In June, 2016 Project Apis m. (PAm) and the National Honey Board (NHB) announced that PAm would begin administering the NHB Production Research funds. This collaboration has streamlined efforts to support the beekeeping industry, by connecting the NHB research funding opportunities with several other efforts coordinated by PAm. This collaboration allows opportunities to consider a broader spectrum of efforts linked to supporting the industry, to support collaborations and synergy, and harmonize and access deeper resources when necessary for projects that need larger time or money commitments. Merging efforts has also resulted in one less round of work for all of our hardworking bee researchers who write proposals, the scientific reviewers who read them, and selection committees and administrators who see these processes through.

    The National Honey Board (NHB) is an industry-funded agriculture promotion group that educates consumers about the benefits and uses of honey and honey products. NHB research, marketing and promotional programs are funded by an assessment on domestic and imported honey and are designed to increase awareness and usage of honey by consumers, the foodservice industry and food manufacturers. For more information please visit www.honey.com.

    Project Apis m. (PAm) is the go-to organization at the interface of honey bees and pollinated crops. Since 2006, we’ve infused over $8.5 million into honey bee research and $2.9 million into forage programs, resulting in better pollination and increased crop yields for growers, and lower losses and better honey production for beekeepers. We work closely with commercial beekeepers, growers, and top bee scientists in the USA and Canada to fund projects and direct strategic efforts focused on practical solutions. PAm funds studies, offers graduate scholarships to encourage careers in pursuit of science-based solutions to honey bee challenges, and has expanding efforts to put forage on the landscape where bees need it most. We are a 501(c)5 nonprofit organization governed by an eleven-member board of stakeholders representing major national and state industry organizations, and an additional seven-member Science Advisory Board. Learn more at www.ProjectApism.org.

  • Watermelon Master Classes to Educate, Inform & Inspire

    The first of its kind, the Watermelon Virtual Master Classes were arguably one of the largest pivots of the Spring-Summer season for the communications program of the National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB). The challenge was to move an NYC-based freelance summertime media event to online: a virtual version for the at-home world of media and influencers to educate, inform and inspire watermelon content and coverage.

    The reinvention of the media event turned into three separate virtual events with three different topics, three different presenters with three sets of recipe ideas, sending out three different curated boxes of watermelon goodies for the media to enjoy and utilize for their Watermelon Master Classes. The strategies were tri-fold:

    • Lean on “Back to Basics” materials to educate at-home cooks on easy ways to get creative with watermelon
    • Leverage “Use the Whole Watermelon” messaging to encourage use of the rind and juice
    • Develop strong relationships with members of the media and influence their watermelon content for months to come

    NWPB spent weeks pitching media contacts from major publications, in a time when much of the country was in a “shelter in place” order, to offer an at-home, free event to create content and excitement about the sweet summer staple. Additionally NWPB provided education focused on a year-round message to extend the seasonal reach and amplify watermelon’s appeal.

    “We confirmed attendees across the country, rather than have to only host those based in the NYC-area. We sent out custom curated watermelon boxes with a mix of items related to each class and related to our brand: a logoed chef’s apron and a new kitchen knife, a cocktail shaker and food pun spatula, etc. The boxes generated excitement and enthusiasm for the classes, and each one was well attended… with the cameras turned ON!” said Stephanie Barlow, senior director of communications.

    Further, the timing of the classes gave many attendees the opportunity to create their own watermelon content this summer, in time for National Watermelon Day and beyond. Several attendees posted on their personal social pages, where media turn into influencers and endorse watermelon recipes, usage ideas and health benefits. In total, NWPB hosted 60 food editors, writers and media dietitians. Their enthusiasm and delight over the events ensures earned media attention for watermelon to come for months.

    “To date, we have nearly 40 social media posts and 15 articles covering these events, which wasn’t even one of the main strategies but it is additional earned content on their personal influencer networks. We look forward to building long lasting partnerships with writers and their publications in the coming year,” said Barlow.

    These were the Watermelon Master Classes:

    ·       Watermelon Wellness with Pam Smith, RDN featuring Salted Watermelon Woju, Watermelon Overnight Oats, Watermelon Poke Salad and a Watermelon Yogurt Smoothie

    ·       The Ultimate Watermelon Workshop with cookbook authors Mark Scarbrough and Bruce Weinstein, creating Thai-inspired Watermelon Rind Salad, Curried Wheatberry Watermelon Salad and Watermelon, and Prosciutto and Mozzarella Skewers

    ·       Summer Sips Watermelon Cocktails with Jordan Catapano from This Girls Walks into a Bar, mixing a Watermelon Rose Sangria, Watermelon Gimlet and a Summer into Fall Cocktail

    Each of the classes incorporated watermelon key messages of health, value, versatility and year-round availability, but also gave attendees the opportunities to ask questions to the hosts or the watermelon experts from NWPB.

    “The engaging questions were rampant throughout all the classes, asking everything from watermelon storage techniques to flavor pairings, or alternative ingredients when you couldn’t find elderflower liqueur or red wheat berries, which effectively made these events much richer than a plain recipe demonstration,” Barlow continued.

    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 800 watermelon producers, handlers and importers, NWPB mission is to increase consumer demand for watermelon through promotion, research and education programs.

    Watermelon packs a nutritious punch, with each serving providing an excellent source of Vitamin C (25%), a source of Vitamins A ( 8%) and B6 (8%), and a delicious way to stay hydrated (92% water), with only 80 calories. For additional information, visit www.watermelon.org.

  • Fresh Produce Veterans Reimagining the Procurement Experience

    Fresh produce industry veterans Doug Fisher and Joe Cimino — each with over 30 years of growing, buying and distribution experience — have teamed up to form Re Fresh, a new produce procurement company. Re Fresh combines break-through predictive analytics with the more personal old-school way of doing business, to enhance produce procurement for buyers and growers.

    “Buying and selling produce used to be a simple, trust-based business, where nothing mattered more than personal relationships and integrity” explained Joe Cimino, co-founder, “we believe this is still the best way to conduct business, especially when it is combined with sophisticated modeling and predictive analytics to provide insight into supply, demand and pricing trends.”

    In addition to a focus on personal connections and relationships to better integrate with customer needs, Re Fresh’s business model is based on a culture of accountability, transparency, and a passion for produce combined with deep market intelligence and insights.

    “We use sophisticated technology and predictive analytics to help us advise clients to make better data-driven business decisions and buying moves. However, we will not let our systems or technology get in the way of boots-on-the-ground experience or personal communication and insights,” added Doug Fisher, co-founder. “We will still be visiting with and picking up the phone to talk to our customers and suppliers on a regular basis, as nothing can replace personal connections.”

    With their long history and broad connections in the Salinas Valley, Fisher and Cimino are assembling a Re Fresh team of like-minded, experienced produce procurement experts with deep supplier relationships to join them. Fisher and Cimino are eager to continue utilizing their industry passion and expertise to enhance the produce procurement process.

    About Re Fresh:
    Re Fresh is reimagining the procurement experience, combining industry insights and extensive relationships to help retailers, food service operators and wholesalers across the USA and Canada to ensure a steady supply of transparently sourced and correctly priced fresh produce. To learn more, visit www.refreshproduce.com.

  • Protecting Workers from Unhealthy Air Due to Wildfire Smoke

    Cal/OSHA is reminding employers that California’s protection from wildfire smoke standard is still in effect, and they must take steps to protect their workers from harmful exposure to unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke.

    “Employers are obligated to protect their outdoor workers and must evaluate the health hazards posed by wildfire smoke,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker. “If employers cannot move operations indoors where air is adequately filtered and they do not have access to respiratory protection, they may need to halt operations until the outdoor air quality improves.”

    Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health. The greatest hazard comes from breathing fine particles in the air (called PM2.5), which can reduce lung function, worsen asthma or other existing heart and lung conditions, and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. These types of respiratory conditions also make the effects of COVID-19 more severe.

    If employers move operations indoors or into enclosed spaces, they should be sure to follow guidelines for prevention of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.

    When wildfire smoke affects a worksite, employers must monitor the air quality index (AQI) for PM2.5. Employers can monitor the AQI using the following websites:

    If the AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or greater, employers must take the following steps to protect employees:

    • Communication – Inform employees of the AQI for PM2.5 and the protective measures available to them.
    • Training and Instruction – Provide effective training and instruction to all employees on the information contained in section 5141.1 Appendix B.
    • Modifications – Implement modifications to the workplace, if feasible, to reduce exposure. Examples include providing enclosed structures or vehicles for employees to work in, where the air is filtered.
    • Changes – Implement practicable changes to work procedures or schedules. Examples include changing the location where employees work or reducing the amount of time they work outdoors or exposed to unfiltered outdoor air.
    • Respiratory protection – Provide proper respiratory protection equipment, such as disposable respirators, for voluntary use.
      • To filter out fine particles, respirators must be labeled N-95, N-99, N-100, R-95, P-95, P-99, or P-100, and must be labeled as approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

    “Cal/OSHA is working diligently to identify viable available temporary alternatives that would provide workers with an acceptable alternative to a compliant respirator such as an N-95 mask,” added Chief Parker.

    CalOES and the California Department of Food and Agriculture are working in partnership to provide approximately one million N-95 masks to help protect farmworkers from wildfire smoke. County Agricultural Commissioners in affected counties will distribute the masks.

    If the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500, respirator use is required. Employers must ensure employees uses respirators and implement a respiratory protection program as required in California’s respiratory standard. For information or help on developing a respiratory protection program, see Cal/OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Fact Sheet.

    Guidance for employers and workers on working safely in conditions with smoke caused by the wildfires is available on Cal/OSHA’s web page, including information for protecting outdoor workers, details on how to protect indoor workers from outdoor air pollution, and frequently asked questions about N95 masks.

    Information on current wildfires is available from CalFire and the Incident Information System website.

    Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

    Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

  • Protecting Workers from Unhealthy Air Due to Wildfire Smoke

    Cal/OSHA is reminding employers that California’s protection from wildfire smoke standard is still in effect, and they must take steps to protect their workers from harmful exposure to unhealthy air due to wildfire smoke.

    “Employers are obligated to protect their outdoor workers and must evaluate the health hazards posed by wildfire smoke,” said Cal/OSHA Chief Doug Parker. “If employers cannot move operations indoors where air is adequately filtered and they do not have access to respiratory protection, they may need to halt operations until the outdoor air quality improves.”

    Smoke from wildfires contains chemicals, gases and fine particles that can harm health. The greatest hazard comes from breathing fine particles in the air (called PM2.5), which can reduce lung function, worsen asthma or other existing heart and lung conditions, and cause coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. These types of respiratory conditions also make the effects of COVID-19 more severe.

    If employers move operations indoors or into enclosed spaces, they should be sure to follow guidelines for prevention of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace.

    When wildfire smoke affects a worksite, employers must monitor the air quality index (AQI) for PM2.5. Employers can monitor the AQI using the following websites:

    If the AQI for PM2.5 is 151 or greater, employers must take the following steps to protect employees:

    • Communication – Inform employees of the AQI for PM2.5 and the protective measures available to them.
    • Training and Instruction – Provide effective training and instruction to all employees on the information contained in section 5141.1 Appendix B.
    • Modifications – Implement modifications to the workplace, if feasible, to reduce exposure. Examples include providing enclosed structures or vehicles for employees to work in, where the air is filtered.
    • Changes – Implement practicable changes to work procedures or schedules. Examples include changing the location where employees work or reducing the amount of time they work outdoors or exposed to unfiltered outdoor air.
    • Respiratory protection – Provide proper respiratory protection equipment, such as disposable respirators, for voluntary use.
      • To filter out fine particles, respirators must be labeled N-95, N-99, N-100, R-95, P-95, P-99, or P-100, and must be labeled as approved by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

    “Cal/OSHA is working diligently to identify viable available temporary alternatives that would provide workers with an acceptable alternative to a compliant respirator such as an N-95 mask,” added Chief Parker.

    CalOES and the California Department of Food and Agriculture are working in partnership to provide approximately one million N-95 masks to help protect farmworkers from wildfire smoke. County Agricultural Commissioners in affected counties will distribute the masks.

    If the AQI for PM2.5 exceeds 500, respirator use is required. Employers must ensure employees uses respirators and implement a respiratory protection program as required in California’s respiratory standard. For information or help on developing a respiratory protection program, see Cal/OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Fact Sheet.

    Guidance for employers and workers on working safely in conditions with smoke caused by the wildfires is available on Cal/OSHA’s web page, including information for protecting outdoor workers, details on how to protect indoor workers from outdoor air pollution, and frequently asked questions about N95 masks.

    Information on current wildfires is available from CalFire and the Incident Information System website.

    Cal/OSHA helps protect workers from health and safety hazards on the job in almost every workplace in California. Employers and workers who have questions or need assistance with workplace health and safety programs can call Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch at 800-963-9424.

    Complaints about workplace safety and health hazards can be filed confidentially with Cal/OSHA district offices. Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734).

  • California Farmland Trust Elects & Appoints New Leadership

    With a passion for preserving California’s farmland, California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to share the results of those elected to serve our Board of Directors as well as new board member appointments.

    “We’re honored to have such well-known and well-respected individuals serve on the CFT board” shared Charlotte Mitchell, CFT Executive Director. “Our board members each bring professional skills and a passion for agriculture that serve in furthering our mission and protecting farmland.”

    Newly Elected Officers

    Jon Harvey, President

    Jon Harvey retired from Cisco as a Hardware Engineer Manager and is now a ski patroller at Sugar Bowl. A former board member of Brentwood Ag Land Trust (BALT), Harvey joined the CFT board in 2018, following the BALT and Central Valley Farmland Trust merger that formed California Farmland Trust. Harvey became immersed in land conservation at a young age, when he recognized the connections between his appreciation for wildlife, a family history of farming, and his love for fresh food.

    Patrick Johnston, Vice President

    Patrick Johnston lives in Brentwood where his family has farmed since 1923. He is currently a partner in Dwelley Family Farms, growing both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables. He was a board member of the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust, until its merger with Central Valley Farmland Trust to form CFT.

    Maxwell Norton, Secretary

    Maxwell Norton is a retired Farm Advisor with the UC Cooperative Extension, and a founding member of the Merced County Farmland and Open Space Trust, which later formed the Central Valley Farmland Trust.  He is the Past President of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the California Association of Farm Advisors and Specialists, and Past Chairman of Merced County Economic Development Task Force.

    Ken Oneto, Treasurer

    Ken Oneto resides in Elk Grove where he grows cherries, walnuts, dry beans, tomatoes and wine grapes on the family farm.  He is a graduate of the California Ag Resources Training Program and the Ag Leadership Program.  He was a founding member of the Sacramento Valley Ag Land Conservancy which helped to form the Central Valley Farmland Trust, and currently serves as the President of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau.

    Newly Appointed Board Members

    Ryan Jacobsen

    Ryan Jacobsen resides in Fresno, where he currently serves as the CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. He is the first board member to serve the organization from Fresno County.  Jacobsen currently serves as president of the Fresno Irrigation District Board of Directors, secretary/treasurer of the Kings River Water Association and president-elect of the Rotary Club of Fresno. He is also the host of the television show, Valley’s Gold.

    Theresa Kiehn

    Theresa Kiehn is the Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of AgSafe. Her career also included a tenure with the Great Valley Center, where she supported the formation of the Central Valley Farmland Trust. In addition to her current role, she serves on the Turlock Farmers Market Board of Directors, the Salas Family Foundation, is a member of Modesto Downtown Rotary and is engaged in a variety of capacities with her faith-based community.

    The California Farmland Trust is a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 16,708 acres of farmland on 77 family farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org

  • California Farmland Trust Elects & Appoints New Leadership

    With a passion for preserving California’s farmland, California Farmland Trust (CFT) is proud to share the results of those elected to serve our Board of Directors as well as new board member appointments.

    “We’re honored to have such well-known and well-respected individuals serve on the CFT board” shared Charlotte Mitchell, CFT Executive Director. “Our board members each bring professional skills and a passion for agriculture that serve in furthering our mission and protecting farmland.”

    Newly Elected Officers

    Jon Harvey, President

    Jon Harvey retired from Cisco as a Hardware Engineer Manager and is now a ski patroller at Sugar Bowl. A former board member of Brentwood Ag Land Trust (BALT), Harvey joined the CFT board in 2018, following the BALT and Central Valley Farmland Trust merger that formed California Farmland Trust. Harvey became immersed in land conservation at a young age, when he recognized the connections between his appreciation for wildlife, a family history of farming, and his love for fresh food.

    Patrick Johnston, Vice President

    Patrick Johnston lives in Brentwood where his family has farmed since 1923. He is currently a partner in Dwelley Family Farms, growing both conventional and organic fruits and vegetables. He was a board member of the Brentwood Agricultural Land Trust, until its merger with Central Valley Farmland Trust to form CFT.

    Maxwell Norton, Secretary

    Maxwell Norton is a retired Farm Advisor with the UC Cooperative Extension, and a founding member of the Merced County Farmland and Open Space Trust, which later formed the Central Valley Farmland Trust.  He is the Past President of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, Past President of the California Association of Farm Advisors and Specialists, and Past Chairman of Merced County Economic Development Task Force.

    Ken Oneto, Treasurer

    Ken Oneto resides in Elk Grove where he grows cherries, walnuts, dry beans, tomatoes and wine grapes on the family farm.  He is a graduate of the California Ag Resources Training Program and the Ag Leadership Program.  He was a founding member of the Sacramento Valley Ag Land Conservancy which helped to form the Central Valley Farmland Trust, and currently serves as the President of the Sacramento County Farm Bureau.

    Newly Appointed Board Members

    Ryan Jacobsen

    Ryan Jacobsen resides in Fresno, where he currently serves as the CEO of the Fresno County Farm Bureau. He is the first board member to serve the organization from Fresno County.  Jacobsen currently serves as president of the Fresno Irrigation District Board of Directors, secretary/treasurer of the Kings River Water Association and president-elect of the Rotary Club of Fresno. He is also the host of the television show, Valley’s Gold.

    Theresa Kiehn

    Theresa Kiehn is the Acting President and Chief Executive Officer of AgSafe. Her career also included a tenure with the Great Valley Center, where she supported the formation of the Central Valley Farmland Trust. In addition to her current role, she serves on the Turlock Farmers Market Board of Directors, the Salas Family Foundation, is a member of Modesto Downtown Rotary and is engaged in a variety of capacities with her faith-based community.

    The California Farmland Trust is a California Non-Profit 501(c)(3). Our mission is to help farmers protect the best farmland in the world. To date, we have protected 16,708 acres of farmland on 77 family farms. To learn more visit us: www.cafarmtrust.org