California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: California Fruit and Vegetable Magazine

  • Ants Protect Deadly Citrus Disease Vector – New Ant Management Tools

    Ants are known to interfere with biological control of key citrus pests because they feast upon the sugary honeydew produced by small insects. One of these key pests is the invasive asian citrus psyllid that vectors the deadly huanglongbing citrus disease. As California growers diligently work to keep this disease out of citrus orchards, effective ant management is a critical component in the game plan. Ivan Milosavljevic from the California Citrus Research Board met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss some new game-changing control strategies. Watch this brief interview and read more about it in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • California Potato Harvest Off to a Solid Start

    California is far from being the top producer of potatoes; however the Golden State is unique in its ability to cultivate potatoes year-round with four major (and diverse) growing regions.  Potato harvest is well-underway in California for some growers, while it’s still a little ways off for process potato grower Jason Selvidge of Buttonwillow Land & Cattle. California Fruit & Vegetable Editor Matthew Malcolm met with this member of the California Potato Research Advisory Board at UCANR’s recent Potato Variety Trial Field Day in Kern County. Watch his brief interview as he shares his outlook for California’s potato crop this year and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Why California is the Coldest State in the Nation

    At the annual Conference of the California Fresh Fruit Association, keynote speaker Nicola Twilley visited with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share insights the fresh produce industry in California can learn from a recent book she authored “Frostbite: How Refrigeration Changed Our Food, Our Planet, and Ourselves”. From the history of refrigeration and food preservation to the evolving consumer perception of what is considered fresh, watch this brief interview on an unexpectedly compelling topic.

  • Funding Available for California Citrus Growers to Fight Asian Citrus Psyllid, Prevent Citrus Disease

    Huanglongbing (HLB), the deadly citrus disease that decimated the Florida citrus industry has shown up in Southern California and is now threatening the nation’s number one citrus state.  HLB is primarily spread by the invasive Asian Citrus Psyllid, so managing this insect is key to preventing the spread of the disease. Pest mitigation practices may be costly, the California Citrus Research Board (CRB) introduced the California Citrus Research and Field Trials program (CA-CRaFT) to help fund commercial growers (both conventional and organic) to implement these practices. CRB representative Ivan Milosavljevic met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share details. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Untimely, New Law in California that Farm Employers Need to be Aware of

    California laws and regulations continue changing, often causing unnecessary hardships on businesses in the state. A new law has passed in California, effective January 1, 2025 (often referred to as the “Captive Audience Meetings” law) that farm employers need to be aware of. Ron Barsamian, legal advisor to the California Fresh Fruit Association, shared the details of this new law, The California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and how to safely navigate the changes. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Strong Demand and Prices Expected for California Blueberries This Season

    California blueberry growers are gearing up for harvest, and market trends appear to be in their favor this season with strong demand and lower global competition, according to David Magaña, Raboresearch Senior Analyst of Horticulture at Rabobank. David met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to highlight opportunities for the California blueberry market heading into the season. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • California Citrus Growers Deliver Quality Crop, Imports & Costs Remain a Challenge

    It’s been a great harvest season for California citrus growers; however, increased production costs and market challenges are a growing concern. California Citrus Mutual President/CEO Casey Creamer met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network at their annual Citrus Showcase to highlight the bright spots of the State of the California citrus industry, but also to address the challenges. Watch this brief interview and read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Watermelon Growers Face Challenges When Expanding Their Season

    Watermelon is a favorite summertime treat for consumers. Naturally anticipating those summer picnics and BBQs, consumers may want to enjoy this sweet treat earlier or even later in the year, outside of California’s traditional harvest window. Determined to meet consumer demand with an innovative spirit, California growers are planting watermelons earlier than ever before and expanding their seasons late into the fall as well. This does not come without consequence though, and growers faced some particular challenges during their extended 2024 season that they won’t soon forget. Watch this brief interview as Zheng Wang, UCCE Vegetable Crop Advisor — specializing in Central Valley melon crops, discusses these challenges with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network. Read more in California Fruit & Vegetable Magazine.

  • Meal Period Violations, Farm Employers Beware

    Meal break violations are an open door for Class Action & PAGA lawsuits that farmers have been getting impacted by, according to longtime ag labor and employment attorney Ron Barsamian.  Watch this video interview with Ron as he shares what farm employers can do to maintain better records and avoid the costly losses involved in such litigation.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor Ranch Systems for their industry support.