California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: CDFA

  • Citrus Yellow Vein Clearing Virus Quarantine Boundary Expanded

    Effective Aug. 14, the CDFA is expanding the citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV quarantine) in the Lodi area of San Joaquin County (grids 180 and 191). A map of the expanded boundary can be found at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/citrus/pests_diseases/cyvcv/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 3447. Pursuant to 3 CCR § 3447, 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

  • 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

  • CDFA Expands Sweet Orange Scab Quarantine in La Puente

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced it is expanding its sweet orange scab (SOS) quarantine in the La Puente area of Los Angeles County (grids 456 and 457). The quarantine is effective as of April 8.

    SOS is believed to be caused by Elsinöe australis, a fungal pathogen. The disease results in the formation of pustules and lesions on the skin of the citrus.

    Regulated articles and conditions for intrastate movement under the quarantine can be found at Title 3 of the California Code of Regulations section 3443. Interested parties and local entities may request to lift the quarantine area designations by submitting a written appeal supported by convincing evidence. Appeals must be filed within 10 working days of the notification. Quarantines will remain in effect during the appeal’s pending. Appeals can be mailed to: CDFA – Citrus Division 1220 N. St. Sacramento, CA 95814.

    Growers can sign up for regulatory updates at https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/CADFA/subscriber/new. For questions regarding the regulations or map, reach out to Raymond Niem at Raymond.niem@cdfa.gov or call 916-274-6300

  • APHIS Expands Mediterranean Fruit Fly Quarantine in California

    The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) expanded the Santa Clara Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata; Medfly) quarantine in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties, California. This action parallels the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) expansion of the Santa Clara Medfly quarantine published on January 2.

    APHIS and CDFA expanded the Santa Clara Medfly quarantine following the confirmed detection on December 17 of one wild male Medfly from a trap in on a residential property in an orange tree in Milpitas, Santa Clara County. This action expanded the quarantine by 17 square miles and does not include additional commercial agriculture. The amended quarantine encompasses 241 square miles with 58.76 acres of commercial agriculture, including grape, olive, orange, pepper, stone fruit, and tomato.

    APHIS is applying safeguarding measures and restrictions on the interstate movement of regulated articles to prevent the spread of Medfly to non-infested areas of the United States, as well as to prevent the entry of these fruit flies into foreign trade. APHIS is working with CDFA and the Agricultural Commissioners of Alameda and Santa Clara Counties to eradicate this transient fruit fly population following program guidelines for survey, treatment, and regulatory actions

    The APHIS Exotic Fruit Flies website contains descriptions and maps of all current Federal fruit fly quarantine areas. APHIS will publish a notice of this change in the Federal Register. —USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

  • Three Vacancies on CDFA Avocado Inspection Committee

    There are currently three vacancies on the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Avocado Inspection Committee. The role of the AIP is to provide guidance to the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the California avocado inspection program, which ensures the fruit meets product size requirements, has minimal defects, has an appropriate package count and meets established standards.

    The current vacancies include:

    • 1 Alternate Handler Member
    • 1 Grower Member
    • 1 Alternate Grower Member

    The term of office is two years. Committee members do not receive compensation, but can receive payment for travel expenses. Interested parties should complete the prospective member questionnaire and submit it to Kristi Garcia via mail or email as noted below.

    Kristi Garcia
    CA Department of Food & Agriculture
    Inspection & Compliance Branch
    Branch Committee Analyst
    Kristi.Garcia@cdfa.ca.gov

  • Free CE Course Now Available: Invasive Fruit Flies in California

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering a new free Continuing Education (CE) course designed specifically for Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) and other industry professionals focused on invasive pest management.

    Titled Invasive Fruit Flies in California, this course provides an in-depth look at the rising pressure of invasive fruit flies (IFF) across the state and the critical role PCAs play in early detection and containment. This course is approved for 1.0 DPR CEUs (Other).

    Participants will:

    •Understand the pest profiles of major IFF species affecting California

    •Learn the triggers that initiate quarantines in the state

    •Explore best practices for supporting growers with timely, science-based recommendations

    •Review the 2023-2025 IFF response strategies

    •Discover innovations shaping the future of pest detection and management

    This complimentary CE course is a valuable resource for PCAs looking to stay informedand proactive in the protection of California’s agricultural economy.

    To learn more, click the button below.

    To enroll, click the button, then go to “Online Learning,” then “Shop” to register at no cost ($0.00).

    CAPCA Course Catalog

    About the California Department of Food and Agriculture

    CDFA has a mission to serve the citizens of California by promoting and protecting a safe, healthy food supply and enhancing local and global agricultural trade.

    About the California Association of Pest Control Advisers

    CAPCA’s purpose is to serve as the leader in the evolution of the pest management industry through the communication of reliable information.

  • Strong Endorsement from Growers and Processors Results in Continuation of California Prune Board

    Following a successful public hearing and comment period, the California Prune Board (CPB) has been authorized by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to continue for another five years through July 31, 2030, reaffirming the industry’s collective commitment to market leadership, innovation, and long-term success. The decision follows a review conducted by CDFA to evaluate whether the Marketing Order should remain in effect. Testimony and evidence from prune growers and handlers overwhelmingly supported the continuation, highlighting CPB’s critical role in delivering impact to the industry.

    The Marketing Order guides strategic promotion, research, and issue management initiatives designed to strengthen the position of California Prunes in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. The program is funded by mandatory assessments from California prune growers and handlers, with activities directed by an industry-elected board under CDFA oversight.

    “This outcome is a reflection of our industry’s shared belief in the future of California Prunes,” said George Sousa, Jr., Chairman of the California Prune Board. “We remain united in our pursuit to promote, protect and grow the value of California Prunes by supporting a stable industry to drive long-term success.”

    The continuation — without requiring a referendum — reflects not only confidence in the board and staff but also trust in the strategic direction it provides. It reinforces the industry’s ability to invest exponentially more in market development, brand value, and consumer demand than any other prune-producing region of the world, setting California Prunes apart through quality, innovation, and sustained consumer demand.

    This renewal ensures that:

    • Promotional programs will continue to be tailored to consumer preferences in key markets around the world, helping to drive consideration and purchase intent for California-origin prunes.
    • California Prunes remains a premium offering to retailers, importers, and food professionals, with a clear value proposition: unmatched quality, consistency, and brand support.
    • Marketing efforts will continue to strengthen the category, by highlighting health, taste, and versatility—inviting new audiences while deepening engagement with loyal consumers.
    • Trade partners benefit from the strength of a fully aligned industry, with growers, handlers, and a dedicated Board actively investing in innovation, nutrition research, and marketing to ensure long-term supply, quality, and market relevance.

    California’s Difference, Backed by Action

    This continuation affirms California’s unique position: no other origin matches its combination of scientific investment, consumer-driven promotion, and strategic trade support. It also underscores the industry’s resolve to lead, not just compete, in an evolving global food landscape.

    “We stand with our trade partners in delivering a product and a program that adds value to their business,” said Donn Zea, Executive Director for the California Prune Board. “This renewal reinforces our commitment to growing the category, protecting premium positioning, and staying responsive to consumer trends—now and into the future.”

    ABOUT THE CALIFORNIA PRUNE BOARD

    The California Prune Board was established in 1980 to represent growers and handlers under the authority of the California Secretary of Food and Agriculture. California is the world’s largest producer of premium prunes with orchards across the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys. Promoting a lifetime of wellness through the enjoyment of California Prunes, the organization leads the premium prune category with generations of craftsmanship supported by California’s leading food safety and sustainability standards. California Prunes. Prunes. For life.

  • Four Vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee

    CDFA is announcing four vacancies on the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Committee. The Committee advises the CDFA secretary on activities associated with the statewide citrus pest and disease work plan that includes outreach and education programs and programs for surveying, detecting, analyzing, and treating pests and diseases specific to citrus.

    The Committee member vacancies are for two grower representatives in Fresno County (one term expiring September 30, 2027 and the other term expiring September 30, 2028); one grower representative in Tulare County with a term expiring September 30, 2028; and one nursery representative with a term expiring September 30, 2027. Applicants should have an interest in agriculture and citrus pest and disease prevention.

    Members receive no compensation but are entitled to necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

    Individuals interested in a committee appointment should submit a resume/CV by January 1, 2025 to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, Attention: David Gutierrez.

    For more information contact: David Gutierrez, Interim Director, Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division at 916-274-6300 or email (David.Gutierrez@cdfa.ca.gov).

  • Victoria Hornbaker Moves from Director of Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Division to Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services Division

    The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Division (CPDPD) has announced that as of May 14, 2024, Victoria Hornbaker, former director of the CPDPD, will transition to her new role as the director of the CDFA’s Plant Health and Pest Prevention Services (PHPPS) Division. David Gutierrez, branch chief of the CPDPD, will serve as interim director while a recruitment process is conducted to find a permanent hire for the role.

    During her tenure, Victoria played a pivotal role in the development of the CPDPD, which was officially declared a division of CDFA in 2019. For the past 11 years, Victoria has led efforts to develop and execute innovative strategies to manage various citrus pest and disease threats, including the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing.

    With Victoria’s transition to her new position as director of the PHPPS Division, David Gutierrez has been appointed as the interim director of the CPDPD, bringing his experience of serving as branch chief to the role, and will maintain the CPDPD’s various operations and activities during this transitional period.

    CDFA will be recruiting for a permanent director to lead the CPDPD in the coming months. For any questions regarding the CPDPD or this transition, please email cdfa.cpdpd@cdfa.ca.gov.

  • Rising Fruit Fly Populations Concern California Growers

    Fruit fly populations spiked last season and brought multiple species, compounding the damage to vineyards and orchards following Hurricane Hilary.  This is a continued concern for California fruit growers moving into the 2024 season with limited pest management tools available. Watch this brief California Ag Network interview with Adam Borchard from the California Fresh Fruit Association to learn more.