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.
Tag: Matthew Malcolm
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Economist Shares How California Farmers Should Respond to Economic Uncertainty
Economic uncertainty can be quite unsettling and can make important business and investment decisions difficult to navigate. Inflating costs, threatening tariffs and a volatile stock market are very concerning, especially in a state like California. World-renowned economist and financial expert Marci Rossell met with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network following a presentation she delivered to a group of American Pistachio Growers to address these concerns as they relate specifically to California farmers, whose success rely quite heavily on a healthy export market. Watch this brief interview to learn more.
Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.
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Safe Food California Conference Returning After Six Year Hiatus
Food safety professionals in the dried fruit, nut and fresh fruit industries will be gathering in Monterey this June for DFA of California’s Safe Food Conference. This annual event finally returns after a six-year hiatus. Watch this video as Hillari Bynum from DFA of California shares more details about the conference with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and what food safety professionals have long awaited.
Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.
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Could Farmers Get a Tax Credit for Paying Employees Overtime?
Could farmers in California get a tax credit for paying their employees to work overtime? Other states have already implemented this to alleviate the pressures of inflating wage costs burdening ag employers. Watch this brief interview as Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) joins Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share how CAWG is working with the California Farm Bureau and Senator Shannon Grove through SB628 to support California ag employers and make this happen.
Please thank this video’s sponsor SIPCAM AGRO USA for their industry support.
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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.
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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.
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Prospective Candidate for CA Governor Calls for Revolution Addressing Farmer Needs
At a recent Ag Breakfast Club meeting in Fresno, CA, farmers joined English-American Commentator Steve Hilton live on Fox News to share their urgent need for increased water allocations, among other challenges that need to be addressed to support agriculture across the state. Former policy adviser to British Prime Minister David Cameron, Steve is also seriously considering running to succeed Governor Newsom in 2026. Watch as Steve joins Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to discuss his views supporting agriculture and the need for a “California revolution”. -
Central Valley Farmer Responds to Initial 2025 Water Allocation
On February 25, the Central Valley Water Project announced an initial farm water allocation of 35%. This comes as welcome news to farmers that were hampered last year around the same time by an initial allocation of only 15%. Watch this brief interview with pistachio/carrot grower and Director at Westlands Water District William Bourdeau, as he shares his perspective on the announcement on California Ag Network with Matthew Malcolm.
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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.