According to Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, California blueberry growers hit a sweet spot on the market this year and had a successful harvest season. Meanwhile, the two councils “Go Big” on their latest marketing efforts, determined to position blueberries as the world’s favorite fruit. Watch Cronquist’s brief interview with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Tag: California Ag News
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Global Demand Rises for California Figs, Met with Ideal Growing Conditions
California fig growers have experienced delayed, yet ideal growing conditions this year. Karla Stockli CEO of the California Fresh Fig Growers Association and California Fig Advisory Board met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network in August to share an outlook for the 2025 crop and some exciting new global market opportunities for both fresh and dried California figs. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
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Nation’s Largest Fig Grower Embraces Exciting New Variety
There is a new fig variety finally being commercially harvested this year in California. Exclusively grown (for the time being) by the nation’s largest fig grower, The Specialty Crop Company, multi-generational Central Valley farmer Erik Herman met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network in August to talk about the performance of the new variety and share some insights on this year’s fig crop and how it’s expected to be received in the market. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
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Widespread Rat Infestation in Orchards & Vineyards, CAPCA on Tools & Resources Moving Ahead
As if California growers and PCAs didn’t have enough on their plates with rising input costs compounded by the most restrictive laws & regulations in the nation, they’ve been further challenged with an unusual pest problem this year — rats! An increasing number of abandoned orchards and vineyards due to poor economic circumstances has caused a feeding frenzy for some uninvited rodent guests, whose numbers have been multiplying at unprecedented levels. Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to explain this issue and what they are doing to help provide the tools and resources growers and PCAs to combat this emergency situation, beginning with an anonymous survey they can fill out HERE. Watch this brief video to learn more.
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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.
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Tapping into Growing Market Opportunities for U.S. Blueberries
According to Kasey Cronquist, President of the North American Blueberry Council and the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, the global market potential for U.S. blueberries has been largely untapped, considering the tremendous growth opportunities he sees for the industry. The U.S. may reach a new record this year in blueberry production, and the increased supply is poised to meet the growing global demand for this nutrient-dense product. Watch Cronquist’s brief interview with Matthew Malcolm at California Ag Network and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.
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Big DPR Licensing Changes for Pest Control Advisers and Invitation to Gather for 50th Anniversary CAPCA Conference
To help California Pest Control Advisers and qualified/aerial pesticide applicators prepare for several changes to their license renewals with DPR, Ruthann Anderson, President/CEO of the California Association of Pest Control Advisers (CAPCA), met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network on August 5th to explain the changes. Among them is a significant renewal fee increase. While increasing costs are never welcome news, Anderson calls upon DPR for transparency and accountability in the use of the increased funds to better serve licensees. She also points out that 2024 is a milestone year for CAPCA, as they will be holding their 50th annual Conference this fall. Watch this brief interview to learn more specifics on California DPR license renewal changes, and some exciting things to expect in attending CAPCA’s 50th Conference this October.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.
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Fig Harvest is Here – California Fresh Fig Industry Poised for Growth
Madera, California, is the nation’s capitol for fig production. Fresh fig harvest is well underway and growers are expecting the best crop they’ve had in years. Karla Stockli CEO of the California Fresh Fig Growers Association and California Fig Advisory Board met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share an exciting outlook for the 2024 crop and bright future of the fig industry. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.
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Center for Land-Based Learning Fosters Rising Generation of CA Farmers & Ag Leaders
Have you heard of the Center for Land-Based Learning? For over 30 years, this nonprofit organization has served California’s agricultural industries by inspiring and educating youth with an interest in food and ag — connecting them with resources and opportunities to pursue a career in farming. Nicole Curiel, Apprenticeship Program Assistant Manager from the Center met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share more about the program and how farmers can get involved. Watch this brief interview to learn more.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.
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Congressman John Duarte Shares Legislative Priorities for California Ag in Crisis
In November 2022, the newly realigned 13th Congressional District of California elected to send a farmer to represent them in congress. Representative John Duarte has been at the job for about a year in a half and has been working on a number of bills to support California’s specialty crop industries, which are in desperate need of recovery from many challenges brought on by the pandemic and drought, among other global trade, inflation, and invasive pest pressures. Watch his brief interview with Matthew Malcolm from California Ag Network to learn more.
Please thank this video’s sponsor Southern California Gas Company for their industry support.