California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: California Fresh Fruit Magazine

  • North Coast Olive Oil Field Day, Aug. 16

    The Olive Oil Commission of California would like to invite olive oil growers to a special day at McEvoy Ranch with presentations on olive production issues and olive oil tasting. This North Coast Olive Field Day will take place on August 16, with registration at 8:00 a.m. and the gathering ending after lunch at 1:00 p.m.

    The day’s agenda includes presentations on canopy management and nutrition; olive fruit fly; alternate bearing; olive diseases and irrigation. The course has been approved for 1 hour of Department of Pesticide Regulation Continuing Education Units and 2.5 hours of Certified Crop Advisor units.

    The event is sponsored by the University of California Ag and Natural Resources, the UC Davis Olive Center and McEvoy Ranch.

    Registration is required and space is limited. Please reserve your spot no later than August 8, 2022. Learn more and register here.

  • Nominate Blueberry Industry Standouts for NABC Awards

    The nomination period for the North American Blueberry Council (NABC) Awards is now open! Leaders in the blueberry industry will be honored at The Blueberry Summit this fall, and NABC needs your help to identify who should be recognized. The Duke Galletta Award recognizes excellence in blueberry horticultural research, and the Alex Wetherbee Award honors outstanding contributions in marketing and promotion.

    Submit nominations for these prestigious awards by August 12. For more information about the NABC Awards, contact Amanda Griffin, vice president of engagement and education, at agriffin@nabcblues.org, or visit nabc.blueberry.org/all-resources/nabc-awards/.

  • GroPro Appoints Benito Varela as Chief Operating Officer

    – SPONSORED CONTENT –

    GroPro Corp. announced that veteran agriculture industry executive Benito Varela joined the team as the new Chief Operating Officer on July 1. Varela has almost 30 years of experience in agribusiness, including 25 years at Dow Agrosciences. A driven executive with broad-based expertise in leading effective strategy, Benito has a strong background in biotech as well as international territory management, market and business development and strategic alliances through multiple M&A projects. His outstanding leadership, anchored by his high integrity and personal character form the basis of his long-term professional relationships.

    Mr. Varela has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Engineering (University of Florida) and a Master of Science Degree in Professional Business Management (Honors, University of Miami). Varela is also a Certified Mentor for entrepreneurship and small business by The Venture Mentoring Team and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

    “Benito’s strong history of achieving large territory growth, managing corporate innovation in biotech for agriculture and leadership skills will help GroPro accelerate its mission to become a leading international agricultural biotech company.” – said James Lamoureaux, CEO of GroPro. ” We believe that his experience, deep understanding of operational excellence, best practices, and partnering for rapid expansion in Latin American agribusiness, and strong industry connections make him an excellent leader to help expand our business.”

    About GroPro Corp:

    GroPro is an international Biotech #BioFertilizer, #BioStimulant, and #BioPesticide manufacturer with a headquarters in Austin, Texas (the USA). The company’s target regions are – the USA, the Middle East, Africa, the EU, and Central America. Our products have been competing and beating the bio-industry standards. Numerous field trial results with universities, researchers, and growers confirm our effectiveness. GroPro has also efficiently provided superior efficacy against traditional\chemical inputs, allowing us to offer product lines for all growers.

    Innovations Grow Here

    groproag.com

  • Citrus Research Board Secures Immense Support from Citrus Growers

    California citrus growers voted to continue their support of the Citrus Research Board (CRB) by a broad margin in a state-mandated referendum.

    The just-concluded referendum, which must be held every five years, was conducted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). A majority of eligible citrus producers cast their vote and their support was nearly unanimous – 97.80 percent, representing 99.51 percent of the state’s citrus volume, voted in favor of continuing the CRB.

    CDFA Marketing Branch Chief Joe Monson said, “Since the referendum results exceed the criteria required for continuation stated above, the Department has authorized the Program to continue operating for another five-year period, through September 30, 2027.”

    Over the past five years, the CRB has worked continuously to advance findings within our four research priorities: vectored diseases, pest management, production and post-harvest technology, and new varieties. Much of the research has focused on the deadly disease huanglongbing (HLB) and advancements have been made to keep the infections from spreading in California. The disease has devastated other citrus growing regions, including Florida, but the diligence of California’s growers has kept HLB from entering any of the state’s commercial groves.

    “We are pleased to once again receive the support of the industry,” said CRB President Marcy L. Martin, “and we look forward to continually improving upon the scientific pillars that allow the California citrus industry to thrive.”

    The CRB administers the California Citrus Research Program, the grower-funded and grower-directed program established in 1968 under the California Marketing Act as the mechanism enabling the State’s citrus producers to sponsor and support needed research. More information about the Citrus Research Board may be found at www.citrusresearch.org.

  • Progress on Prop 1 Funded California Water Projects

    California is in the midst of a serious drought, which is taking a major toll on our local agricultural industries. The Water Quality, Supply & Infrastructure Improvement Act (Prop 1) passed back in 2014, yet no construction of any of the funded projects has commenced.  Watch this brief interview with Emily Rooney from the Ag Council of California as she shares a progress report on these projects and how they will help address California’s water crisis.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • California Ag Coalition Requests Immediate State Action on Water Needs

    Due to an economically crippling drought and the overwhelming regulatory demands of California, several agricultural groups formed a coalition and recently sent a letter to the governor and state legislature, both informing them of the challenges impacting farming families and requesting immediate action and funding to boost water storage and supplies. Watch this brief interview with Emily Rooney from the Ag Council of California as she explains.
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Women in Blueberries Webinar Series

    For women in agriculture, creating a supportive network can be one of the most important factors for career success. Fortunately, in the blueberry industry, we’re surrounded by women who are making an impact! Register for the first session of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council’s (USHBC) new webinar series, Women in Blueberries: The Power of Supportive Women’s Networks, on July 13 from 2-3:30 p.m. ET/11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. PT.
    This webinar will examine the power of bringing women along on your career journey, and how to be more mindful in supporting women who inspire you. During the webinar, you’ll also interact with the other participants in breakout sessions curated by USHBC. Be part of the solution by joining the discussion!
    This opportunity is limited to 100 participants so register today!

  • New York City Event to Kick Off National Blueberry Month

    To kick off National Blueberry Month and announce the Grab A Boost, Give A Boost Challenge with No Kid Hungry, the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) is hosting a media event in New York City on June 28. Our team will create a blueberry garden oasis in the heart of New York at Gallow Green in The McKittrick Hotel, best known for its interactive theater experience at the base of the Chelsea Highline. We’ll host a grower showcase farm stand, design a series of immersive visuals at the theater to showcase our influencers, and build an installation that supports our partnership with No Kid Hungry.

    Plus, fitness expert Joey Thurman will conduct demonstrations and speak about the benefits of blueberries when it comes to living an active lifestyle. Wellness and nutrition expert Mascha Davis will conduct yoga and meditation demonstrations, as well as talks on intuitive eating. As registered dietitian, Davis will also speak to the many health and lifestyle benefits of blueberries. Both experts will help shape and drive media coverage and stories about blueberries following the event.

    A final send off at the end of the evening will officially kick off National Blueberry Month and our 31-Day Challenge with No Kid Hungry, and introduce our celebrity spokesperson. A photographer will document the event, capturing guests interacting with blueberry-related experiences. A post-event sizzle reel will be created for sharing with the industry, on social media and more.

  • California Represented in First-Ever National Blueberry Industry Leadership Program

    The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council (USHBC) announced the first cohort of fellows accepted into its Blueberry Industry Leadership Program. The program, launched in March, is designed to elevate up-and-coming leaders in the blueberry industry by providing in-depth training, industry education and connection to other ag leaders for passionate blueberry professionals across the supply chain.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome this group of leaders as our inaugural class of fellows,” said Amanda Griffin, USHBC’s vice president of engagement and education. “These ag professionals will guide the blueberry industry into a bright future, and we can’t wait to be a part of their journey by helping to add to their knowledge, experience and level of connection.”

    Selected as inaugural fellows in the program are:
    • Christina Butler, Director of NW and NJ Business Units, MBG Marketing
    • Gonzalo de Elizalde, Blueberry Product Leadership Sr. Director, Driscoll’s
    • Ernesto Diaz, Director of Operations, Berry Brothers
    • Anna Jesse, Vice President, Forest Hills Farms Inc.
    • Karan Kohli, Account Manager, Mastronardi Produce
    • Scott Mainord, SE Regional Sales Manager, WECO
    • Luke McCreesh, N.A. Blueberry Operations Manager, California Giant Berry Farms 
    • Jennifer Pulcipher, Director of Food Safety & Compliance, North Bay Produce Inc.
    • Darren Sinn, Northwest Business Manager, Berry Fresh LLC
    • Micah Weiss, Sales and Grower Support, Fall Creek Farm & Nursery Inc.

    The Blueberry Industry Leadership Program is the first of its kind in the blueberry industry and will help fellows grow their leadership skill set, learn from decades-long industry leaders and develop their network of connections. Professional development within the industry is a priority as members of the blueberry industry work together to make blueberries the No. 1 berry in sales volume and premium value. Fellows in the new program will lead the industry into its next period of growth.

    The fellows will begin their training this summer and continue through next year, taking an interactive approach to leadership development through hands-on training, immersive learning experiences, engagement with key industry players and exposure to the many components of the produce supply chain.

    Fellows will participate both virtually and in person, traveling four times over the course of the curriculum through August 2023, with a graduation ceremony taking place at the 2023 USHBC fall meetings.

    The second group of fellows to enter the program will be selected in the fall of 2023.

  • Tips to Save Avocado from Root Rot

    Root rot is a term referring to any disease where the pathogen damage and deteriorate the plant’s root system. Root rot can occur on most woody and herbaceous plants. Root rot is caused by many soil-borne fungi. Most fungi causing root rot to prefer wet soil conditions. Some of them produce spores (microscopic biological particles that allow fungi to be reproduced) that can survive for a long time in soil or plants debris.

    Avocado root rot. Credit: California Avocado Commission

    Symptoms

    • Small, pale green, or yellow leaves
    • Wilted leaves
    • Leaves show necrotic or brown tips
    • Spare foliage and rare new growth
    • Branch dieback on top of the tree
    • A decline in fruit production
    • Small fruits

    Cause

    • Excess soil moisture or poor drainage
    • Infested soil with fungi spores

    Management

    Before infection

    • Monitor your tree regularly for disease and disease-promoting conditions
    • Purchase certified disease-free trees
    • Purchase root rot resistant cultivars
    • Inspect new tree before planting (roots and foliage)
    • Good irrigation management (stop irrigation when heavy rainfall)
    • Avoid planting your tree where you suspect there was an infected tree before
    • Plant in well-drained soil (or improve drainage by planting on a soil berm)
    • Prevent soil or water movement from an infested area
    • Apply gypsum (gypsum supplies calcium which suppresses the formation of spores
    • Use fertilizer regularly to promote good growth

    After Infection

    • Reduce irrigation schedule (especially when you forecast rainfall)
    • Add drainage around the tree
    • Dry root system by removing soil from the crown of the root system (Air drying)
    • Reapply gypsum
    • Apply fungicides such as phosphonates can help trees tolerate the disease. To apply the fungicide, follow the label. Fungicide may be sprayed onto bark or foliage, drench into the soil with irrigation water, or injected into the trunk. Remember fungicide can only help control the disease, not eradicate it.

    — By Amir Rezazadeh, University of Florida Extension

    Reference:

    UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Avocado
    https://www2.ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/avocado/Phytophthora-root-rot/