Pear growers enjoyed an good crop this year, both in size and quantity. Demand for California pears remains strong, but imports from Argentina could pose challenges for growers. Chris Zanobini from the California Pear Advisory Board Spoke to Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network to discuss the latest in the pear industry. Watch this quick video and learn more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.
Tag: California Agriculture
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This Week In Ag – September 2
Five stories are making headlines across California agriculture this week, from a familiar Central Valley face appearing on pistachio packaging to a new tool aimed at protecting cattle from New World screwworm. Here’s what you need to know in this week’s edition of This Week in Ag.
Josh Allen Featured on Wonderful Pistachios Packaging
Firebaugh native and NFL MVP Josh Allen is bringing more attention to one of California’s biggest specialty crops.
Allen is featured on new limited-edition Wonderful Pistachios packaging rolling out at select retailers. The Buffalo Bills quarterback has a personal connection to the industry as a fourth-generation pistachio farmer.
This marks the second year of Allen’s partnership with Wonderful Pistachios and also brings back the Josh Allen Scholarship program. The program supports first-generation students from Firebaugh pursuing higher education, providing recipients with up to $12,000 over four years of college.
Nearly 40 high school seniors were accepted into the scholarship program during its first year.
Blueberry Industry Votes to Continue U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. blueberry industry has voted in favor of continuing the work of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announced that a majority of eligible blueberry producers and importers supported continuing the council.
Created by the industry 26 years ago, USHBC works to increase consumer demand for blueberries, expand opportunities in global markets and provide resources to support the blueberry industry.
FDA Authorizes Tool to Help Prevent New World Screwworm
Cattle producers have another tool available as concerns surrounding New World screwworm continue.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Bimectin, an ivermectin injection, to help prevent New World screwworm infestations in certain cattle.
Under the authorization, the product can be administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration or when a wound appears.
Bimectin is not authorized for this use in lactating dairy cows or calves intended to be processed for veal.
The FDA said available evidence indicates it is reasonable to believe the product may be effective when used as authorized and that its known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.
UC ANR Connect Seeks New Technology for California Agriculture
UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is looking for agricultural technology that could benefit California growers.
Applications are open for UC ANR Connect, a grower-informed commercialization program operated by UC ANR Innovate in partnership with Farmhand Ventures.
Selected companies will receive commercialization support, feedback directly from California growers and agricultural professionals, industry connections and an opportunity to demonstrate their technology during a field day.
The current application cycle is focused on commercially available technology for permanent and specialty crops, including fresh fruit, table grapes, pistachios, desert vegetables, berries, citrus and avocados.
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 18.
Mike Forbes Named President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers
American Pistachio Growers has announced new leadership.
Mike Forbes officially takes over as the organization’s president and CEO on Sept. 1, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across the food, consumer products and wellness industries.
Forbes also has agricultural roots. A Wisconsin native, he grew up participating in 4-H and comes from a family of farmers. His career has included positions with McKinsey & Company, Jim Beam, Procter & Gamble and General Mills.
As president and CEO, Forbes will lead American Pistachio Growers’ efforts to represent American pistachio growers and processors, strengthen domestic and international demand and promote the benefits of American-grown pistachios.
Stay Up to Date with California Ag Network
That’s this week’s look at five stories impacting agriculture.
Follow California Ag Network for more news, industry updates and stories from across California agriculture.
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UC ANR Connect Seeks Ag Tech for California Crops
Applications are now open for UC ANR Connect, a grower-informed commercialization program operated by UC ANR Innovate, the innovation arm of University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, in partnership with ag tech venture firm Farmhand Ventures. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 18.
Selected companies receive commercialization support, direct feedback from California growers and agricultural professionals, industry connections and the opportunity to demonstrate their technology live at a field day.
The current application cycle is focused on commercially available technologies for permanent crops, including fresh fruit, table grapes, pistachios, desert vegetables, berries, citrus and avocados.
“Entering the California market requires more than a strong technology. Companies need to understand how farmers make decisions, how their products fit into agricultural operations and what it takes to earn trust,” said Helle Petersen, director of UC ANR Innovate. “UC ANR Connect gives companies a structured way to build that understanding while developing relationships across California agriculture.”
The program begins with challenges identified by California growers and agricultural professionals. UC ANR Innovate’s advisory board and agricultural partners help define priority needs and evaluate whether applicants have commercially available solutions that are relevant to those needs.
Participants engage directly with growers, UC Cooperative Extension advisors, researchers and industry partners through customer-discovery conversations and feedback sessions. That input helps companies refine their value proposition, strengthen their market positioning and communicate more effectively with the people who may use, recommend or support their products.
“The unique thing about our program is that it starts with grower priorities based on their biggest operational constraints,” said Hannah Johnson, industry lead for UC ANR Connect. “We are looking for teams that have solutions to those problems and are ready to build lasting relationships in California agriculture.”
The program culminates in a live field-day demonstration, where companies show their technology in an agricultural setting, explain how it works and answer questions from growers and other attendees. The demonstrations give companies immediate, practical feedback while allowing growers to evaluate emerging technologies before considering adoption.
During its first two years, UC ANR Connect has worked with 55 companies through eight program cycles and brought more than 1,000 growers, researchers, agricultural professionals and industry representatives to its field days.
Past participants have included Carbon Robotics, Verdant Robotics, Sami Robotics, Bonsai Robotics and Verdi Ag, with technologies spanning weed control, equipment automation, irrigation management, mechanical pollination, disease detection and harvest assistance.
Applications must be submitted by Sept. 18, 2026. Learn more and apply at ucanr.edu/site/uc-anr-innovate/ucanr-connect.
UC ANR Innovate will host a virtual information session for prospective applicants and other interested stakeholders on Sept. 10, 2026, at 8 a.m. PDT. The webinar will explain how the program works, who should apply, how companies are selected and what participating companies can expect.
Register for the webinar at https://ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5x2lvlO-SjWcQjUIW3PFdQ#/registration.
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Free Business Skills Training Offered to Growers, Ranchers and Food Vendors
UC Ag and Natural Resources and F3 are offering free skills training courses to help California growers navigate the hurdles of planning, marketing, social media, capital access and buyer engagement.
Small- to mid-size growers, ranchers, fishers, food producers and food business owners are invited to join the Business Launchpad, a free, cohort-based business development program designed to help them build stronger, more resilient businesses.
Growing and preparing exceptional food is only part of what it takes to build a successful food business. Today’s producers are expected to be marketers, financial managers, regulatory experts and sales professionals – all while continuing to farm, ranch, fish or manufacture food products. While they excel at their craft, many people would benefit from developing the business skills needed to grow and sustain their operations.
“We are recruiting up to 40 participants across the state to be part of a nine-week virtual cohort designed to improve the financial stability and operational resilience of small- to mid-sized agricultural enterprises in California,” said Tracy Celio, regional director of F3 Local Farm and Food Innovation and UC ANR’s Southwest Regional Food Business Center.
Business Launchpad participants will receive practical instruction from experts on key business topics, including recordkeeping, business planning, access to capital, marketing, branding and food safety. In addition to weekly online sessions, participants will receive individualized technical assistance and have opportunities to connect with peers and buyers in person.
The fall 2026 cohort will run from October through December 2026. Participants will attend one online session each week, with each session lasting approximately 2.5 hours. Weekly educational sessions and coaching are delivered virtually, while regional networking and resource fair events will be held in person in Northern California, Central California and Southern California.
The course will cover:
- Business planning
- Financial literacy
- Regulatory compliance
- Marketing and branding
Participation will be hybrid with:
- Virtual courses
- 1:1 coaching
- Regional networking events for professional growth
Applications will be accepted until Sept. 1, and applicants will be notified of acceptance by Sept. 10, 2026.
Learn more and complete the application for Business Launchpad: Growing Resilient Roots For Food, Farm and Ranch Businesses at https://bit.ly/Foodbizlaunch.
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California Citrus Mutual Names Tom Danowski as New CEO
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) announced the selection of Tom Danowski as its new CEO following a search conducted by the CCM Board of Directors.
Danowski brings more than three decades of executive leadership experience spanning agriculture, advocacy, trade association management and marketing to the job. More recently, he served for 13 years as President and CEO of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. During his tenure, he helped drive the Oregon wine industry’s total annual economic impact from $2.7 billion to $8 billion through industry collaboration, strategic advocacy and public policy work.
“We are excited to welcome Tom to California Citrus Mutual,” said Julia Inestroza, CCM Board Chair. “The Board was looking for a leader with strong agricultural and advocacy experience who could help guide our organization into the future. With Tom’s leadership, experience working with growers, and ability to build strong relationships with policymakers, we are confident he will be a great leader for CCM and California’s citrus industry.”
Danowski said he was drawn to the opportunity because of California citrus’s reputation and the organization’s strong leadership.
“Citrus is one of California’s most iconic agricultural industries. California citrus has an outstanding reputation, and CCM has a highly respected Board of Directors and a dedicated team working on behalf of growers, said Danowski. “It’s an exciting opportunity to bring what I’ve learned from another premium specialty crop industry and apply it to helping California citrus continue to thrive.”
“I look forward to building on the tremendous work already underway, continuing the energy and vision that have made California citrus so successful, and helping lawmakers and policymakers develop an even deeper understanding of the industry’s importance to California agriculture and our economy,” he continued.
Ryan Young of Sun Pacific, who served on the CEO Search Committee, said the Board was intentional in finding a leader with the right blend of advocacy experience and executive leadership.
“After an extensive and thoughtful search process, it became clear that Tom possesses the qualities we are looking for. He understands grower-funded organizations, has a strong track record of working with government leaders, and has successfully led a major agricultural trade association through significant growth and change,” said Young.
As CEO, Danowski will lead CCM’s advocacy efforts on behalf of California citrus growers at the state and federal levels while overseeing the organization’s membership services, communications, industry partnerships, and strategic initiatives. He will officially begin his role as CEO on Sept. 1.
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Blueberry Convention Coming to Monterey
The Blueberry Convention is the largest gathering of the blueberry industry in the U.S. — and this year’s event is packed with insights, connections and experiences designed to help move the industry forward.
Guests will be able to:
- Get the latest category data, insights and economic outlooks to guide your operations.
- See how the Blueberries GO BIG campaign is driving demand.
- Learn about the organizations’ health research focus on cognitive health.
- Experience the energy of the Blueberry Boost Accelerator live pitch competition.
- Join the USHBC Council and NABC Board meetings on Wednesday.
New for 2026
The USHBC and NABC are bringing some new features and opportunities to Monterey this year. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s ahead:
Tech Tuesday
Explore emerging and advancing technologies shaping the future of the blueberry industry during this special education session organized by the BerrySmart Technology Task Force. Over the course of two hours, attendees will gain insight into innovations, tools and ideas designed to support on-farm efficiency, data-driven decision-making and long-term industry progress.
Blueberry Night at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
A one-of-a-kind strolling dinner as the blueberry industry takes over the aquarium. Enjoy chef-curated food stations, coastal views and access to incredible exhibits — all in a vibrant setting designed for connection and celebration.
Meet, Eat and Explore
An open lunch in the heart of the convention action. With seating throughout the common areas near Blueberry Lane and Blueberry Row, it’s the perfect chance to grab a bite, connect with exhibitors and spend time with fellow attendees.
Blueberry Boardroom
The Blueberry Boardroom will offer a dedicated space to meet with colleagues, host team conversations or hold business meetings throughout the event. Advance booking is encouraged.
Blueberries & Beyond: A Central Coast Tour
The convention will wrap up with an on-the-ground look at agriculture in the Monterey area. This industry tour will give guests the opportunity to explore blueberry-related production, while also experiencing the broader agricultural landscape of California’s Central Coast.
Guests also have access to favorites from past events, including the Blueberry Boost Accelerator live pitch competition (back by popular demand), the NABC Awards and the USHBC Elizabeth White Award, the BerryFit Club 5k and yoga, keynotes and education sessions.
— Story contributed by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council and the North American Blueberry Council
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10th Annual Strawberry Center Annual Field Day at Cal Poly
The Cal Poly Strawberry Center brought together over 800 growers, researchers and innovators in the strawberry industry to their 10th annual Strawberry Center Field Day. Strawberry growers attended the event with the question in mind on what’s the next best thing, to make their product better for the world. With California producing over 90% of the nation’s strawberries, events like these are necessary to keep everyone on the same page. Learn more about the field day in California Fruit and Vegetable Magazine.
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Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine in Santa Clara, Alameda Counties Over
Effective July 8, 2026 the CDFA is removing the MedFly quarantine located in Santa Clara and Alameda counties. Maps of any remaining MedFly quarantine boundaries can be found at www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/medfly/regulation.html.
Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3406. Pursuant to Title 3 CCR section 3406 any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.
Process to Appeal the Area Boundaries
The appeal must be submitted to the Department in writing and supported by clear and convincing evidence. The appeal must be filed no later than ten (10) working days from the date of this notification. During the pending of the appeal, the designated Quarantine Boundary under appeal shall remain in effect.
Mail Appeals to:
CDFA – Pest Exclusion
1220 N St., Room 221
Sacramento, CA 95814Electronic Notification of Boundary Changes
California Code of Regulation allows interested parties to be notified of quarantine area boundary changes, as well as the opportunity to submit quarantine boundary appeals. If interested in receiving notifications, please sign up for regulatory updates through the email notification list at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new
For questions regarding the regulations or map, please email Vince Arellano at vince.arellano@cdfa.ca.gov or call 916-654-0312.
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20 Years of Strengthening Leafy Greens Food Safety
—Sponsored Content—
Born from one of the industry’s greatest challenges, the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement has spent 20 years strengthening food safety through prevention, verification, and continuous improvement to build systems that support the production of safeleafy greens.
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California Pear Farmers Call on Retailers to Shift from Imports
California pear growers are optimistic about the upcoming 2026 season, with an early and abundant harvest expected following a warm spring that accelerated bloom across key growing regions.
“California pears are always the first to harvest in North America and our season is even earlier this year than normal with harvest anticipated in late June and promotable volume available in early July,” said Chris Zanobini, Executive Director of the California Pear Advisory Board (CPAB).
“When California comes into the market, they offer consumers the only fresh, locally grown Bartlett pear in the U.S.,” said Zanobini. “California pears are produced by multi-generational family farms who operate under the most stringent regulations in the world to protect people and the environment. We’re looking for support from retailers to kick-start this year’s pear season with early promotions.”
Zanobini noted that Bartlett pears are the favorite of consumers. In recent years, Argentina has been exporting increasingly more pears to U.S. retailers in the late Spring. Since 2016, Argentine exports of fresh pears to the U.S. have increased by 125 percent, directly competing with California Bartlett pears at the start of their season.
“Last year was especially challenging, with roughly 70 percent of imports arriving in April and May, creating a backlog of inventory as California began harvesting its first pears of the season, said Zanobini. “We are urging retailers to stop importing pears well before California pear harvest begins in July.
“Retailers should also understand that Argentine exporters sometimes treat pears with the anti-ripening agent, 1-MCP, at post-harvest to prolong shelf life,” explained Zanobini. “This treatment results in pears that don’t ripen, slowing consumer purchases and reducing retail profitability. So, when buying imported pears – or even those from domestic producers — make sure they are not treated with 1-MCP.”
California growers are committed to delivering a consistently high-quality product.
“California pear growers have pledged never to use 1-MCP,” Zanobini said. “Instead, we allow Bartlett pears to ripen naturally, ensuring an optimum eating experience for consumers.”
To support a successful transition to domestic fruit, CPAB recommends retailers phase out offshore pears by late April or early May. The California pear industry is ready to support retailers with promotion and consumer advertising to bring California Pears to light as a great summer fruit. — By the California Pear Advisory Board