California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: California Fresh Fruit Magazine

  • BASF Corrects Misconceptions about Ag & Engages in Community Education

    In today’s fast paced urban society, there is a serious disconnect between consumers and the source of their food.  There is so much public misinformation and misconceptions about agriculture, that it has become more critical for farmers to reach out side of their comfort zone and communities to share the truth about what they do out in the field.  International Ag chemical Corporation, BASF has joined farmers with efforts of their own in educating the public about agriculture, as shared in this brief video with BASF representative Paul Rea.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at Malcolm Media’s Annual Agricultural Expos next month.

  • First Genome of Spotted Lanternfly Built from a Single Insect

    Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists, in cooperation with Pacific Biosciences and Penn State University, have published the first genome of the invasive Spotted Lanternfly (SLF) in the journal Gigascience and they did it from a single caught-in-the-wild specimen.

    Not only is it the first published genome for this pest, but no closely related species has had its genome sequenced, making the data even more important, according to entomologist Scott M. Geib with the ARS Daniel K Inouye U.S. Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center.

    SLF, a native of China, Bangladesh and Vietnam, was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014 and has now spread to Virginia, Maryland and New York. This invasive pest has a taste for almonds, apples, apricots, grapes, peaches, blueberries and hops as well as hardwoods such as oak, walnut, and poplar. Various estimates put the potential economic damage in the billions of dollars, if the SLF becomes widely established in the United States.

    “Having the genome for this pest opens the door to a better understanding of its biology and behavior, and makes coming up with potential control methods much more likely to happen, such as developing a lure for a trap through understanding the insect’s olfactory genes, or exploring avenues such as gene editing or RNAi,” said Geib.

    While having the SLF genome is critical for the management and control of this invasive pest, the approach taken to obtain the genetic data is an achievement of remarkable note as well. For the first time, all of the DNA required to generate a whole genome sequence was taken from a single insect picked from a tree in the wild in Reading, Pennsylvania, across the street from the Reading Pagoda on Mt. Penn.

    One hurdle for deciphering this species’ genome is its relatively large genome size, at about 2.2 billion base pairs. Typically, with previous sequencing systems, many sequencing runs would have been needed to do the complete job, with each run using up the available DNA for the organism being sequenced.

    So often to have sufficient DNA for a complete genome sequence, many organisms would need to be pooled, introducing more opportunities for errors to be generated. To avoid such potential for errors, the subjects—especially insects—often have to be raised in colonies and inbred.

    “In cooperation with Pacific Biosciences and using their new sequencing platform—the PacBio Sequel II—that produces 10 times the data from a single sequencing run, we were able to generate sufficient coverage from just a single specimen. This allows for a very fast turn-around of data and assemblies as well as lowers cost, in this case under $2,000 in consumable supplies, not including the purchase price of the sequencing instrument of course,” explained Geib.

    For genome completeness, and since there aren’t many related genomes to compare that of the SLF to, the team checked a set of “core genes” that should be present exactly one time in all insects and verified how many of these were found in this genome project. In this case, they found about 97 percent of these single copy core genes, with a very low rate of duplication.

    “Sequencing such a large insect genome quickly and showing there is no need to pull the insect into a colony raises the feasibility that we can complete the Ag100Pest Project,” Geib said. The ARS Ag100Pest initiative is focused on deciphering the genomes of 100 insect species that are most destructive to crops and livestock and that are projected to have profound bioeconomic impacts to agriculture and the environment. “Now, with this system, doing 100 or even 1,000 genomes is not unrealistic,” he added.

    The ability to get a complete genome from a small amount of DNA also makes it practical to consider sequencing the genomes of physically tiny insects without having to catch or raise a large number of any one species. That expands the list of insects that may be genetically sequenced.

    By Kim Kaplan, USDA-ARS

    The Agricultural Research Service is the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s chief scientific in-house research agency. Daily, ARS focuses on solutions to agricultural problems affecting America. Each dollar invested in agricultural research results in $20 of economic impact.

  • Western Growers Board Selects Dave Puglia as Next President and CEO

    The Western Growers Board of Directors has unanimously selected Dave Puglia as the organization’s next President and Chief Executive Officer. Puglia will succeed current President and CEO Tom Nassif, who is retiring after 18 years as a forceful and effective leader in the nation’s agriculture industry, on February 1, 2020.

    “Fifteen years ago, Dave came to Western Growers with an extraordinary pedigree in California politics, having served in senior roles on statewide political campaigns and in public service in addition to private sector experience,” said Ratto Bros. President and Western Growers Chairman of the Board, Ron Ratto. “Since joining our organization, Dave has demonstrated an unyielding passion for our members, a deep understanding of the issues facing Western agriculture – water policy, in particular – and an unrivaled capacity for leading our association and industry into the next decade and beyond.”

    “Words are not adequate to express how deeply honored I am to be entrusted with this great opportunity and responsibility,” stated Puglia. “The people of this industry welcomed me into their hearts from the first day on the job, rain or shine. As their advocate, I am as energized and optimistic as ever about the opportunities and challenges ahead.”

    The Western Growers Board of Directors engaged in an extensive nationwide search to ensure that Western Growers’ leadership in federal and state public policy would carry forward and grow while continuing to provide innovative business services to the association’s members. The Western Growers Family of Companies is built on the strength of 445 dedicated employees providing expert advocacy and services across multiple business lines.

    “The mentoring and support I have received from Tom Nassif and so many current and past directors has been amazing,”

    “Outgoing President & CEO Tom Nassif”

    continued Puglia. “My talented and dedicated Western Growers colleagues have also helped propel me on this journey, and there is no better professional staff in the entire agriculture industry. We are ready to go.”

    Puglia will inherit an association that experienced a renaissance under Nassif’s leadership. Over the course of nearly two decades, Nassif elevated the national prominence of Western Growers and established the organization as a recognized leader in food safety, labor and immigration, water, technology and innovation, international trade and many other areas impacting the viability of Western Growers members.

    “Tom Nassif was the right leader at the right time for our organization and the industry,” said Ratto. “The strength and influence our association enjoys today is a credit to his intelligence, work ethic and personal charm. Our membership owes Tom a debt of gratitude for employing his fierce devotion and incomparable talents on our collective behalf.”

    “My service to Western Growers and the fresh produce industry has been a fulfilling culmination to my career,” stated Nassif. “Every day since 2002, my inspiration has been derived from the hard-working, innovative and ethical family farmers who comprise our membership. I am proud of the major strides we have taken as an industry during my tenure, and it brings me great satisfaction knowing that the future of our association is secure in the hands of Dave Puglia.”

    Puglia joined Western Growers in 2005 and currently serves as Executive Vice President, overseeing four departments in addition to the organization’s non-profit charitable foundation and its political action committees. He is also intimately involved in the internal operations of the organization. Prior to joining Western Growers, he was Vice President of APCO Worldwide, a global public affairs consulting firm, and previously served for seven years in the California Attorney General’s Office, first as Press Secretary and later as Director of Public Affairs and Communications.

    About Western Growers:

    Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on our Twitter and Facebook.

     

  • Clarification of New Farm Water Testing Requirements Under FSMA

    For those agricultural commodities that are subject to the new Produce Safety Rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act, water testing will be a key component in this adjustment.  In some cases, these water testing requirements may include more than just what you are irrigating the crop with.  Watch this brief interview with Tom Jones from the Safe Food Alliance as he clarifies these requirements.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.

  • Congressman Ted Yoho Addresses Citrus Growers on Ag Guest Worker Legislation

    I have worked in agriculture for over thirty years. At the age of fifteen, I worked loading produce during the harvest season at the Pompano farmers market in South Florida. I went on to veterinary school and after graduation, I worked as a large animal vet in North Central Florida for 30 years. For the last six and a half years, I have served on the House Agriculture Committee, proudly representing Florida’s Third Congressional District. With over three decades of experience in and around agriculture, I can confidently say that I understand the needs of American producers and those of the farmworker.

    Currently, agriculture faces an uncertain future because our nation’s farmers cannot find enough workers to tend to livestock or harvest crops. Labor scarcity in agriculture is not a new problem. Producers have been talking about this issue for decades, and likewise, lawmakers in Washington have failed for decades to come up with a commonsense reform to meet the needs of the producer while protecting the migrant workforce.

    Producers who cannot find domestic labor use the H-2A program or use the I-9 form to find temporary foreign labor. The H-2A program is a vital tool for producers, however, the program is flawed in that it only allows for temporary workers up to 10 months legally in the country. Industries like dairy, plant nurseries, and others have full time year-round labor demands that aren’t fulfilled by these programs. Another flaw is it has no enforcement to keep workers in the agriculture sector. So once in the country, the H-2A worker can go work in another industry, say construction for example, that often pays more than agriculture work

    The I-9 form that many producers rely on is plagued with many problems. One is that it does not confirm the legitimacy of a worker’s proper identification or social security number. E-Verify would help alleviate this uncertainty for employers, however the E-Verify program is not mandatory and therefore not widely used.

    While our citrus producers are currently able to use H-2A, there are problems with the program that our proposal would address. Our proposal would allow producers to continue bringing in temporary workers using the H-2A program, but it addresses the high costs of the program. Many citrus producers we have met with have discussed the issues they have with planning for the next year due to the unpredictability and high costs of the adverse effect wage rate (AEWR). Our reforms to H-2A would eliminate the AEWR, allowing market-based conditions to determine the wages paid to workers.

    Additionally, our program would make housing and transportation accommodations optional, allowing producers to charge a reasonable fee if they choose to provide these services to their temporary workers. H-2A would remain a seasonal program, allowing producers to bring in temporary workers for up to 10 months with the same contractual agreement between producers and workers. With these reforms the H-2A program would automatically enrolled the worker into the E-Verify system so an employer is confident they have hired a legal H-2A worker.  In addition, once a worker is in the system, their re-entry into the U.S. would be streamlined like TSA pre-check.  Our proposal would also simplify the petitioning process for employers who bring in H-2A workers. Once implemented this program will create certainty for producers seeking labor while easing restrictions on the valued H-2A worker.

    In addition to the temporary H-2A guest worker program, we are implementing a five-year program that will enable year-round workers to stay in the United States. The guest worker will be able to renew their visa every four and half years and will be allowed to travel back and forth between their county and the United States or follow the growing season around the country

    We must face reality. Without a reliable, predictable, and steady agriculture workforce, our food will not get to market, household food costs will increase, and our producers won’t be able to compete globally.  This also creates the risk of making America dependent on another country for our food supply, which no American should accept.   Our farmers and ranchers produce the highest quality food in the world. We are fortunate to live with such abundance, but we need individuals to work the fields and ranches to make this possible. It is imperative that we provide producers with the workforce they need to feed America and the world. While at the same time provide the hard-working migrants a legal, dignified way to generate income and opportunity.

  • AgSafe Salutes Departing President and Launches Candidate Search

    AgSafe (agsafe.org), a leading provider of health and safety education to the agricultural community, has announced that President & CEO Amy Wolfe will be leaving the organization and that a search for her replacement is underway. Wolfe, who has led the organization for more than a decade, will vacate her position in June 2020.

    “Amy has been a remarkable leader, and both our organization and the employers and workers that we serve owe her a tremendous debt of gratitude for her dedicated service and guidance,” said Don Winn, Board Chairman of AgSafe. “We’ve launched an exhaustive search to find the candidate best qualified to take the reins at AgSafe and continue our mission of providing practical health and safety education to the agricultural community.”AgSafe is leveraging many platforms in its search for a new president and CEO, whose responsibilities will include providing strategic direction for the organization, managing the AgSafe leadership team, ensuring regulatory compliance and representing the organization as its lead public spokesperson.“My work at AgSafe has been extremely fulfilling and rewarding,” said Wolfe. “It’s not easy to leave but doing so is the right thing for me and my family at this stage of life. And, I’ll move on knowing that this incredible organization is in good hands with an outstanding leadership team who will find an exceptional agriculture industry professional to take on the president/CEO role.”AgSafe is seeking candidates with backgrounds that include:

    • Minimum six to eight years of non-profit management and fund development experience, preferably within a comparable business environment
    • Expertise in occupational safety and health, human resources, agricultural business management and/or workforce development
    • Expertise in cultivating and stewarding partnerships and other collaborative business agreements
    • Strong communication skills including written, verbal and listening
    • Proven track record in fund and resource development, including traditional and emerging strategies
    • Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university with major course work in business administration/management, public policy and/or a related field
    • Professional certifications, licenses and/or accreditations specific to fund development, agriculture, human resources and/or occupational safety and health desirable

    They must also exhibit leadership competencies that include confidence, organizational awareness, trustworthiness, initiative, optimism, empathy and achievement orientation. Interested parties can apply by sending a cover letter, resume and contact information for five individuals who can speak to their accomplishments and potential for success to:

    Don Winn, Chairman
    AgSafe
    PO Box 1011
    Modesto, CA 95353
    (209) 526-4400 business
    (209) 526-4404 fax

    About AgSafe:

    AgSafe is a membership-based, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide practical health and safety education to the agricultural community. Founded in 1991 and based in Modesto, CA, our organization has trained over 75,000 employers, supervisors and farm workers in the most critical issues impacting worker safety, human resources, pesticide safety and food safety. Visit agsafe.org for more information.

  • 9th Annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival

    The 9th annual Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival takes place Saturday, November 2, from 10:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Madera District Fairgrounds.  Admission and parking are free.  The unique, vibrant and fun event brings in visitors from all over the world to experience the best of the Central Valley’s local pomegranate and nut products.  The event is organized by the Madera Tourism Alliance, a committee of the Madera Chamber of Commerce.

    The festival features a full day of delicious pomegranate products, assorted local nut vendors, live entertainment, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, educational briefings on pomegranates, arts & crafts, and fun for the whole family.  Check out last year’s Pomegranate Festival Video –  https://youtu.be/ATqn5N-wwOY.

    “On behalf of the Madera Chamber, I would like to invite everyone to come out and join us for this fun-filled event. It’s a great outing for the entire family, ” Debi Bray, President/CEO, stated. “The Tourism Alliance Committee and Chamber staff is working hard to bring yet another great event to our community this year.”

    This year the festival welcomes Ohana Comic Con, featuring the world of comic book culture.  The event will be held in Women’s World, and as a part of the festival there will be no charge to attendees.  Fans often dress in costume when attending Comic Con and Ohana will host a costume contest in the afternoon.  This year’s Halloween costumes can be put to good use for this year’s festival attire!

    Ohana has also announced the participation of two featured celebrities; C. Andrew Nelson is an award-winning artist, actor, writer, consultant, and motivational speaker.  Andrew is probably best known for having played the iconic character of Darth Vader in the Special Edition re-release of the original Star Wars trilogy as well as in the Rebel Assault II and Dark Forces games from LucasArts.

    Actor Robert Allen Mukes, tops out at 6’10” and uniquely stands out from his fellow actors.  His most current projects include HBO’s TV series Westworld; the movies Coffin 2, Valentine DayZ, and Bone Tomahawk; and Showtime’s award-winning series Weeds, in which he played the memorable Alaskan bounty hunter, Abumchuk. He is most known for his role as Rufus Jr in Rob Zombie’s 2003 House of 1000 Corpses.

    This year, the live entertainment includes the Wheels Up band

    Festival highlights include:-

    • NEW this year is Ohana Comic Con. 
    • New this year Good Times Quarter Midget Race Car Show in Kids Zone
    • Pomegranate and Nut Inspired Foods and Products to taste and purchase.
    • Learn about the flavors of Pomegranates and Local Nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts through live cooking demonstrations.
    • Kid Zone that includes art, activities and games, children’s stage, educational information about local agriculture and interactive displays featuring law enforcement.
    • Live music entertainment
    • Classic Car Show
    • 100 plus vendors and exhibitors featuring pomegranate and nut products as well as a variety of other items

    The momentum is building and exciting things are falling into place for this year’s Madera Pomegranate, Fruit and Nut Festival. The annual event celebrates what Madera does best! Agriculture is Madera’s #1 industry, and the event takes place during November, which is National Pomegranate Month. Event Chair Nicki Rincon, encourages everyone to come out and join the fun.

    To learn more about the festival, visit www.PomegranateFestival.com or www.Facebook.com/PomegranateFestival, or call the Madera Chamber of Commerce at 559-673-3563.

  • Often Overlooked Legal Employee Reimbursement Requirements (Farm Liability Series Part 3 of 3)

    Farmers are some of the best people on the planet.  They work hard and do their very best to keep food on the table in homes all over the world.  Like anyone though, sometimes they make mistakes too and can overlook some of the ever-changing laws and requirements for their farm employees, and end up in court over violations that could have been prevented.  To keep farmers out of the court room, we have put together a series of three videos with simple tips and employee requirements featuring Ag Attorney Stacy Henderson, as shared in her presentation earlier this year at the annual Convention of the Almond Alliance of California.  Watch these brief videos to help reduce liabilities on the farm and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.

  • Legal Care for Injured Farm Employees (Farm Liability Series Part 2 of 3)

    Farmers are some of the best people on the planet.  They work hard and do their very best to keep food on the table in homes all over the world.  Like anyone though, sometimes they make mistakes too and can overlook some of the ever-changing laws and requirements for their farm employees, and end up in court over violations that could have been prevented.  To keep farmers out of the court room, we have put together a series of three videos with simple tips and employee requirements featuring Ag Attorney Stacy Henderson, as shared in her presentation earlier this year at the annual Convention of the Almond Alliance of California.  Watch these brief videos to help reduce liabilities on the farm and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.

  • Employee Meal & Rest Period Violation Prevention (Farm Liability Series Part 1 of 3)

    Farmers are some of the best people on the planet.  They work hard and do their very best to keep food on the table in homes all over the world.  Like anyone though, sometimes they make mistakes too and can overlook some of the ever-changing laws and requirements for their farm employees, and end up in court over violations that could have been prevented.  To keep farmers out of the court room, we have put together a series of three videos with simple tips and employee requirements featuring Ag Attorney Stacy Henderson, as shared in her presentation earlier this year at the annual Convention of the Almond Alliance of California.  Watch these brief videos to help reduce liabilities on the farm and read more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

     

    Please thank our sponsor Duarte Nursery for their industry support by visiting them at their booth at the following November Events: Tree & Vine Expo, the Grape, Nut & Tree Fruit Expo & Blue Diamond Growers Annual Membership Meeting.