California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: California Citrus

  • Huanglongbing Quarantine Boundary Expands in Riverside, SD Counties

    Effective September 11, 2026, the Department is expanding the citrus greening disease boundary in the Murrieta area of Riverside County and into San Diego County (grids 484, 499, and 510). A map of the expanded boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/hlb/regulation.html. 

    Also effective September 11, 2026, the Department is expanding the Asian Citrus Psyllid Bulk Citrus Regional Quarantine Zone 6 in these areas to reflect the HLB quarantine boundary expansion. A map of the expanded boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/acp/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3435 & 3439. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3435 & 3439, any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation. 

    Process to Appeal the Expanded Boundary 

    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 – Citrus Division 1220 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814 

    Electronic 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 at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new 

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, please email Raymond Niem (Raymond.Niem@cdfa.ca.gov) or call 916-274-6300. — Story contributed by the California Department of Food and Ag

  • APHIS Expands the Citrus Greening (Huanglongbing) Quarantined Area in California

    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), is expanding the citrus greening (Huanglongbing; HLB) quarantined area in California. APHIS is adding one square mile to the Santa Paula quarantined area in Ventura County, which impacts 151.7 acres of commercial citrus. APHIS is adding 10 square miles to the quarantined area in Riverside and San Diego Counties, which impacts 121.5 acres of commercial citrus. This measure parallels the intrastate quarantine that CDFA established on July 15, 2026. APHIS is taking this action because plant tissue samples from residential properties tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, the causal agent of HLB.

    APHIS is applying safeguarding measures outlined in 7 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 301.76 through 301.76-11 and associated Federal Orders that govern interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined areas. This action helps prevent HLB from spreading to areas that are not currently infested.

    For updated maps and details, visit the APHIS Citrus Greening and Asian Citrus Psyllid webpage. APHIS will also publish a notice of this change in the “Federal Register.”

    For additional information contact Abby R. Stilwell at 919-323-6296 or abby.r.stilwell@usda.gov

    — Story contributed by the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

  • APHIS Expands Sweet Orange Scab Quarantine

    Effective Aug. 19, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), expanded the area quarantined for sweet orange scab (SOS) in the Burbank, Los Angeles and Long Beach areas of Los Angeles County and the Anaheim and Garden Grove areas of Orange County. SOS is a disease caused by the fungus Elsinöe australis. APHIS is expanding the quarantined area by 110 square miles in Los Angeles County and 67 square miles in Orange County. APHIS is taking this action because of SOS detections in plant tissue samples collected from residential properties in Los Angeles and Orange Counties. There are 2.5 acres of commercial citrus impacted by the Anaheim and Garden Grove area expansion

    APHIS is applying safeguarding measures outlined in Federal Order DA-2024-34 pertaining to the interstate movement of regulated articles from the quarantined areas in California. This measure parallels the intrastate quarantine that CDFA established on June 18, 2026. This action is necessary to prevent the spread of SOS to non-infested areas of the United States

    The APHIS Sweet Orange Scab webpage has information on this disease, Federal Orders, APHIS approved packinghouse procedures, and a description of current Federal SOS quarantined areas.

    For additional information growers may contact:

    Abby R. Stilwell
    Agriculturalist
    919-323-6296
    abby.r.stilwell@usda.gov

    — Story contributed by USDA APHIS

  • 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.

  • Huanglongbing Quarantine Boundary Expands in Riverside, San Diego Counties

    Effective July 29, the Department is expanding the HLB quarantine boundary in the Fallbrook and Rainbow areas of San Diego County and into Riverside County (grids 499 and 500). A map of the expanded boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/hlb/regulation.html.

    Also effective July 29, the Department is expanding the Asian Citrus Psyllid Bulk Citrus Regional Quarantine Zone 6 in the both areas to reflect the HLB quarantine boundary expansion. A map of the expanded boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/acp/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3435 & 3439. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3435 & 3439, any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.

    Process to Appeal the Expanded Boundary

    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 — Citrus Division 1220 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814

    Electronic 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 at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, email Raymond Niem (Raymond.Niem@cdfa.ca.gov) or call 916.274.6300.

    — Story contributed to the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • California Citrus Mutual Welcomes FDA Update to Orange Juice Standard

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) recently welcomed the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s decision to update the federal standard of identity for pasteurized orange juice. The action marks the first significant revision to the standard in more than 60 years and takes effect Aug.19.

    Under the revised standard, orange juice will be permitted to contain up to 15% juice from mandarins and mandarin hybrids while still being labeled orange juice. The rule also adjusts the minimum sugar-content threshold, known as the Brix level, to reflect current growing conditions. Together, the changes bring the decades-old standard in line with today’s citrus industry and strengthen the domestic juice supply.

    The FDA reviewed consumer sensory data during its rulemaking process and concluded that the change will not alter how consumers perceive orange juice. The agency found the update preserves the taste and quality consumers expect while giving domestic producers greater flexibility and reducing reliance on imported juice.

    CCM supported the update through the FDA’s public rulemaking process, submitting comments in favor of the change and working with members of Congress to advance it. The petitions that prompted the rule were led by Florida’s citrus industry, whose growers have faced production challenges from disease and severe weather.

    “The California citrus industry thanks the FDA for updating the orange juice standard and allowing the blending of complementary citrus varieties,” said Jacob Villagomez, CCM Director of Governmental Affairs. “This decision supports domestic juice production, reduces reliance on imports, and ensures consumers continue receiving the quality and flavor they expect.”

    The change is expected to create new opportunities for California growers, who produce large volumes of mandarins and mandarin hybrids. California is predominantly a fresh-market supplier, and the higher blending allowance opens a stronger processing outlet for fruit that does not reach the fresh market. Mandarins have become an increasingly important part of California’s citrus production.

    CCM appreciates the FDA’s willingness to update a decades-old regulation through a science-based process that benefits growers, processors, and consumers alike. — Story contributed by California Citrus Mutual

  • Sweet Orange Scab Quarantine Boundary Expands

    Effective June 18, the CDFA is expanding the sweet orange scab (SOS) quarantine in the Burbank, Los Angeles and Long Beach areas of Los Angeles County and the Anaheim and Garden Grove areas of Orange County (grids 438, 439, 455, 456, 457, 470, and 471). A map of the new boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/sos/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3443. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3443, any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.

    Process to Appeal the Expanded Boundary

    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 – Citrus Division 1220 N Street Sacramento, Calif. 95814

    Electronic 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 at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, email Raymond Niem (Raymond.Niem@CDFA.ca.gov) or call (916) 274-6300. — Story contributed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • CDFA Expands Sweet Orange Scab Quarantine in Southern California

    Effective June, the CDFA is expanding the sweet orange scab (SOS) quarantine boundary in the Artesia area of Los Angeles County and Buena Park area of Orange County (grids 470 and 471). A map of the new boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/sos/regulation.html.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 3443. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3443, any interested party or local entity may appeal a quarantine area designation.

    Process to Appeal the Expanded Boundary

    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 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 – Citrus Division 1220 N Street Sacramento, CA 95814

    Electronic 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 at: https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new

    For questions regarding the regulations or map, email Raymond Niem (Raymond.Niem@cdfa.ca.gov) or call 916.274.6300. — Story contributed by the California Department of Food and Ag

  • Citrus Research Board to Host Webinar Series

    The Citrus Research Board (CRB) is preparing to host the 2026 Citrus Growers Educational Webinar Series. CRB will be holding two one-hour webinars, scheduled for June 9 and 23, which will highlight research and discussions for growers.

    The first webinar, “Plant Growth Regulators and California Citrus — Review and Updates,” will review the plant growth regulators (PGRs) currently available to the California citrus industry. This will include uses and effects of each of the PGRs covering both a historical perspective and current needs. The importance of 2,4-D timing will also discussed with respect to the premature fruit drop observed in Fall 2025.

    Registration for the June 9 webinar can be done here.

    The second webinar, “On the Ground with CA-CRaFT,” was started by California Research and Field Trials in 2023 to develop practical, field-based ACP management strategies under real commercial conditions across California. A major focus of this webinar will be updates on canine-assisted Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) inspections, field scouting, tap sampling, sticky traps and drone imagery are being integrated to support regional ACP management decisions and strengthen early detection efforts. Additional updates will include planned expansion of CA-CRaFT activities into Ventura County with stronger emphasis on biological control using self-release Tamarixia radiata cage systems. Ongoing Argentine ant management efforts will also be discussed, as invasive ants continue to be an important factor Tamaraxia establishment and overall biological control success in California citrus.

    Registration for the June 23 webinar can be done here. — Story contributed by the Citrus Research Board

  • California Citrus Breeding Program Receives Additional Congressional Support

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) and Citrus Research Board (CRB) voiced support for the House Committee on Appropriations for including additional funds in the FY 2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill for the citrus breeding program in Parlier.

    Congress is allocating an additional $500,000 in federal funding, on top of the $1.5 million previously granted, to expand the program into California. If approved, the program will receive $2 million in federal funds annually, in addition to the funding it receives from CRB.

    “CRB was instrumental in developing the concept for the California-based program and was also involved in efforts to establish the nationwide program, while CCM advocated to secure funding,” said CRB President Marcy Martin. “Our two organizations working together on behalf of the industry have been instrumental in getting this program off the ground.”

    “I would like to thank our Appropriators and Committee leadership for their continued support of this vital program,” said CCM Director of Governmental Affairs Jacob Villagomez. “Finding solutions for California-specific growing patterns is an essential tool in fighting HLB for years to come.”

    The California citrus breeding program will focus on fresh market citrus. Funding will go towards research and development of citrus selections suited to California growing regions, changing climatic pressures, consumer taste preferences and resistance to pests and diseases, such as huanglongbing.

    The California program is an expansion of the existing national USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) citrus breeding program located in Fort Pierce, Florida, which is focused primarily on varieties optimized for Florida growing conditions. Work done through the Florida program has resulted in new varieties with higher yields, increased disease resistance, improved color, and a longer shelf life.

    The Florida and California breeding programs, along with the continued support from the University of California citrus breeding program at UC Riverside, will work together to deliver results for California-based growers.

    The California citrus breeding program is located at the USDA ARS field station in Parlier. Thanks to ongoing appropriations commitment, forward progress continues to be made with the addition of a dedicated scientist, completion of a greenhouse, and future plans for laboratory and office space, and hopefully securing additional ground for further expansion.

    — Story contributed by California Citrus Mutual and Citrus Research Board