California Fruit and Vegetable

Tag: Sustainable Farming

  • Kula Bio® Launches Soluble Powder (SP) Line of Its Innovative Nitrogen Fixing Biological Products

    —Sponsored Content—

    Boston, MA — February 2, 2026 — Kula Bio, a sustainable nitrogen provider, today announced the commercial launch of Kula-NSP and Kula-NextSP, two shelf-stable, soluble powders that deliver efficient nitrogen-fixing bacteria directly to the root zone.

    Kula Bio’s SP product line builds on the strong agronomic performance of its liquid formulations introduced in 2024, translating that success into a dry, soluble powder engineered to simplify operations, eliminate cold storage requirements, and significantly extend shelf life. With OMRI certification, Kula-NSP is approved for certified organic production, while Kula-NextSP is designed for conventional agriculture. Both products extend the proven platform established by Kula-N, Kula Bio’s flagship solution approved as a Certified Biostimulant by The Fertilizer Institute (TFI), and the company plans to pursue the same certification pathway for its new dry formulations as part of its broader commitment to quality, credibility, and leadership in the biologicals space.

     “This launch reflects our commitment to delivering practical, reliable solutions that are easy for farmers and distributors to adopt at scale. Our focus was on combining consistent biological performance with a product that can be stored, handled, and applied seamlessly in commercial agricultural settings without compromising quality,” said Harrison Yoon, CEO at Kula Bio. How It Works

    Both products feature Xanthobacter autotrophicus, a nitrogen-fixing microbe, distinct for its ability to store its own energy. Kula Bio’s proprietary manufacturing process supercharges these microbes, providing them with a robust internal carbon reserve, enhancing their natural nitrogen‑fixing capabilities. In comparative studies, Xanthobacter autotrophicus has demonstrated up to 65% greater efficiency in nitrogen fixation compared to conventional nitrogen-fixing bacteria.

    Once applied to the soil, the organism actively converts atmospheric nitrogen into plant available forms directly in the root zone, ensuring a steady and targeted uptake of nitrogen.

    How Kula-NSP and Kula-NextSP help Growers:

    •       Boost traditional nitrogen programs

    Maintain nitrogen availability between fertilizer applications with a consistent supply that supports crops through critical growth stages.

    •       Replace a portion of synthetic nitrogen

    Provide an alternative that supports compliance in regions facing strict nitrogen regulations while improving economic flexibility.

    •       Support Organic farmers

    Deliver a reliable organic source (Kula-NSP) of sustainable nitrogen without compromising quality or yield.

    •       Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE)

    Deliver plant ready nitrogen directly to the root zone, maximizing uptake and reducing losses from leaching or volatilization.

    “Growers are under pressure to produce more with fewer inputs, tighter regulations, and unpredictable markets. Kula-NextSP and Kula-NSP give them a reliable biological alternative that performs in real‑world conditions with cost competitiveness to fit their Nitrogen programs,” said Geraldo Mattioli, CCO at Kula Bio. 

    About Kula Bio

    Kula Bio is advancing sustainable agriculture by harnessing the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide a reliable alternative to traditional nitrogen fertilizers. Through biological innovation and precision application, Kula Bio delivers environmentally responsible, efficient, and cost‑competitive nitrogen solutions for modern crop production.

  • Domestic Citrus Season Brings First-to-Market Organic Mandarins from Fruit World

    Creekside Organics, a grower-shipper representing family farms across California, is celebrating the arrival of citrus season with earlier start dates and expanded programs. The company is also proud to announce the debut of the first certified organic Dulce mandarins in the U.S, sold under their Fruit World label.

    The season has already begun with organic California lemons out of the D3 growing region, harvested about four weeks earlier than last year. Organic grapefruit and sweet limes are kicking off this week, with mandarins following. Organic navels are on track for early November, and Cara Caras will start in December, expanded by three blocks that obtained organic certification this year.

    Operational improvements supported Creekside’s growth this season. The Reedley packing facility, previously operated by Eastside Packing, is now leased by Cobblestone Fruit, whose leadership and investment are positioning the site for continued growth. This transition strengthens Creekside’s relationship with the operation and supports the consistency and capacity of its citrus programs. Importantly, customers will not see any changes to Fruit World packs.

    One highlight of this season is the introduction of Fruit World’s organic Dulce mandarins. Developed by co-CEO Bianca Kaprielian’s father and harvested just before clementines, Dulce mandarins completed their three-year organic transition this year, allowing Creekside to bring them to market as certified organic for the first time.

    “This variety is really special to us—sweet, tangy, and the first organic mandarin of the season,” said Kaprielian. “It’s a true celebration of what makes citrus season so exciting.”

    Kaprielian also highlighted another family favorite: organic clementines from Sky Ranch, grown in an area known for its mineral-rich soils and unique hillside microclimate. “These mandarins are hands down the best you’ll eat all season,” she said. The mandarins from Sky Ranch will be ready in mid to late November and are not to be missed.

    Creekside is building consistency across its organic lemon program with expanded acreage, ensuring a year-round supply for retailers. “Shoppers rely on lemons, so they are a great way to drive repeat sales,” said co-CEO Brenda Haught.

    On the specialty side, Cara Cara production is also ramping up thanks to young blocks coming into maturity. This gives retailers more opportunities to promote this consumer favorite, which is known for its bright color and sweet-tangy flavor. Creekside also increased volume on kumquats, Minneolas, and blood oranges. Sweet limes are poised to stand out this season thanks to their unique flavor and versatility in cooking and juicing.

    Haught encourages retailers to build citrus programs that balance core items with intriguing specialties, adjusting assortments as the season progresses. “The best citrus displays showcase abundance, variety, and flavor. Colorful sets that mix bagged and bulk fruit side by side draw shoppers in and invite them to discover something new,” she explained.

    As winter approaches, Creekside Organics and its Fruit World label give retailers a dazzling variety

    of in-season organic staples and specialty varieties. They’re the ideal ingredients for vibrant produce sets that shoppers will remember.

    To learn more or place an order, contact the Creekside sales team at salesteam@creeksideorganics.com. Additional information is available at www.creeksideorganics.com and www.fruitworldco.com.

    About Creekside Organics, Inc.

    Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading certified organic grower-shipper based in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside is dedicated to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. Through a growing family of brands—including Fruit World and Capay Organics—Creekside continues to build a stronger, more resilient future for organic agriculture. Learn more at www.creeksideorganics.com.

  • Shield Your Yield with Spectra™

    SPONSORED CONTENT

    Shield your yield with Tidal Grow® Spectra™, a bioactive fungicide, bactericide, and nematicide that’s now approved for California growers. Spectra™ fights pests and pathogens directly, enhances natural crop defenses, and fortifies against abiotic stressors. It also boosts nutrient uptake, root function, growth, and yield while working synergistically with other active ingredients.

    Growers are effectively fighting California crop threats like Almond Blossom Blight, Shot Hole, and Powdery Mildew with Spectra™. In fact, in a 2023 almond trial, Spectra™ provided a 15% reduction of Shot Hole over Grower Standard while also helping offset its cost by enabling reduced use of the Grower Standard fungicide.

    Protect your crops and shield your yield with Spectra™. Click the button below to learn more.

  • Compost Tax Credit Bill for California Farmers Progresses Through Legislature

    California growers investing in compost to boost soil fertility on the farm may soon reap additional benefits in the form of a tax credit. Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) joined Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network to share how this promising CAWG-sponsored bill is currently making its way through legislature. Watch this brief video to learn more.

  • Are Autonomous Self-Driving Tractors Legal in California?

    As California’s agricultural industries progress towards a more sustainable future with new technologies and innovations, current Cal OSHA regulations (unless changed) may hinder their progress, particularly with regard to autonomous or self-driving tractors.  Watch this brief video with Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers as he explains.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Are Autonomous Self-Driving Tractors Legal in California?

    As California’s agricultural industries progress towards a more sustainable future with new technologies and innovations, current Cal OSHA regulations (unless changed) may hinder their progress, particularly with regard to autonomous or self-driving tractors.  Watch this brief video with Michael Miiller from the California Association of Winegrape Growers as he explains.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.

  • Saving Money on Sustainable Farming with Sonoma’s Dutton Ranch

    Sonoma County farmers have been outstanding examples of moving towards new and innovative sustainable practices on their farms. Sustainability takes many forms though, and accounts for the health and prosperity of both the land and the steward. There are costs with implementing sustainable practices on the farm, but many of these can return savings to the farmers as well, such as apple and wine grape grower Steve Dutton’s recent investment in renewable energy. Watch this brief interview and read more about sustainable farming in American Vineyard and California Fresh Fruit Magazines.
     
    Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their industry support.