ACP Fines Are Starting to Show a Map of Infestation

ACP Map Slowly Being Developed

The recent detection of additional Asian Citrus Psyllids in Tulare County are a sobering reminder that there may indeed be a small infestation in the Valley.

According to Beth Grafton-Cardwell, UC Extension Specialist in Citrus, “It’s adding to general map of where we have a possible infestation. “We hope growers are vigilant in spraying the required sprays within 800 meters in and around areas where they are found,” she said.

Grafton-Cardwell noted that the industry should probably be spraying beyond the 800-meter treatment zone around each fine to insure better control. “We have to work hard to keep ACP populations down for as long as possible in the San Joaquin Valley,” she said.

ACP is the known vector of Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening disease, is a bacterial plant disease that, while not harmful to humans or animals – is fatal for citrus trees. The disease destroys the production, appearance and economic value of citrus trees. Diseased trees produce bitter, hard, misshapen fruit and die within a few years of being infected. HLB is considered to be one of the most serious plant diseases in the world and currently there is no cure.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:08-07:00November 15th, 2013|

CDFA Seeks Grower Members of Standardization Committee

Growers Asked to Fill Standardization Committee

The California Standardization Advisory Committee is looking to fill eight member vacancies. Spots open include two to represent oranges, other citrus fruits or table grapes; one member to represent other fresh fruit commodities; four members to represent broccoli, lettuce and/or tomatoes; and two members to represent other fresh vegetable commodities.

The committee is tasked with making recommendations to the secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture on the Standardization Program, which serves to make sure fresh fruit, nuts and vegetables meet minimum market standards.

The committee is comprised of 13 voting members who have a financial interest, either personal or through their employment, in fresh fruits, nuts and vegetable commodities.

There are a total of 14 member seats, including one county agricultural commissioner that is a non-voting member. For more information, please contact CDFA’s Steve Patton at (916) 900-5203.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:08-07:00November 15th, 2013|

FDA EXTENDS COMMENT PERIOD ON FSMA

FDA Extends Comment Period on Notice to Determine Scope for the Environmental Impact Statement on Proposed Produce Safety Rule

TODAY The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is extending the comment period for the “Notice of Intent to Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Rule: Standards for Growing, Harvesting, Packing and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption,” which appeared in the August 19, 2013 Federal Register. 

Comments on the scope of issues FDA should include in the Environmental Impact Statement may be submitted until March 15, 2014. Comments were originally due by November 15, 2013.

Submit comments electronically on http://www.regulations.gov, using the docket number FDA-2011-N-0921. 

To submit comments by mail, send to FDA at:
Division of Dockets Management (HFA-305)
Food and Drug Administration
5630 Fishers Lane, Rm. 1061
Rockville, MD 20852
All submissions must include the agency name and docket number FDA-2011-N-0921.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:08-07:00November 15th, 2013|

BREAKING NEWS: THREE ACP DISCOVERIES IN TULARE COUNTY

ACP Spreads in Tulare County, Encroaches on Kern and Fresno Counties; Quarantine Expected

We will keep you updated.

Marilyn Kinoshita, Tulare Ag Commissioner

By Laurie Greene, Associate Editor

TODAY, Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner, Marilyn Kinoshita told California Ag Today that three new Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP) discoveries were found on Sharpshooter yellow sticky traps on commercial groves in the county.

An ACP was found in each of Lemon Cove and Farmersville, located east of Visalia, and the third in Richgrove, in the south end of the County. Kinoshita was notified last Thursday night and the CDFA laboratory in Sacramento positively identified the ACPs on Friday.

Since the traps are pulled monthly, the dates and times of entrapment are unknown.

Kinoshita expects to receive the Pest Damage Reports in 1 to 2 days.

According to standard protocol, after the official identification is made, the state draws an 800-meter radius for containment and eradication, and a 5-mile radius typically using roads as boundary markers for the quarantine. Kinoshita’s staff members review the boundaries for any adjustments, and then the CDFA reviews the plan and issues a Quarantine press release.

The quarantine established for the last discovery (a residence in Dinuba) took three weeks to process; this discovery may take eight days, per Kinoshita.

Effective measures for eradication used in Tulare County include foliar and systemic insecticides and an area-wide approach within the 800-meter site that includes residences and commercial sites. Kinoshita believes the pests in Tulare County can be eradicated when they occur, and she does not expect any natural predator program to be initiated in Tulare County in the next few years.

These ACP findings are significant because this is the first ACP encroachment into Kern County, the findings create one large contiguous region, plus they reach an area near Dinuba that extends into Fresno County. The findings may portend spreading to Merced and Stanislaus County citrus groves, and possibly to Bay Area citrus nurseries. Wherever labor moves from location to location and where packing sheds, bulk product destinations and juices plants are located, these areas are susceptible to an influx of ACP.

Watch for updates.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:08-07:00November 14th, 2013|

Rural Crime Alert San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

Rural Crime Task Force

STOLEN PROPERTY

Water Tank removed from Meadowbrook Diary on or 

around 10-30-2013, in the El Mirage area of Sheep Creek and El Mirage Rd.  Value is approximately $10,000.

Any Information Please Contact:

Dep. Chris Wadkins/Dep. Kristie Dougan

Rural Crime Task Force

(909) 228-2276 / 760/954-1521

Case# 071304365

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:08-07:00November 14th, 2013|

Record Crowd At Grape, Raisin and Nut Expo

Grape, Raisin and Nut Expo A Big Success

More than 600 in Attendance in Fresno

More than 600 growers and PCAs gathered at the Fresno Fairgrounds to hear from UC Scientists, Commodity Boards, UC Cooperative Extension, USDA Researchers, Irrigation Experts, and Ag Safety Experts.

“The show exceeded our expectations, with a record crowd,” said Dan Malcolm, editor of American Vineyard magazine and co-host of the event. “We were happy that so many attended so that we could thank them for all they do in providing so much for all of us.”

The one-day event had concurrent seminars for almond and walnut growers, and grape growers.

Jennifer Olmstead, California walnut Board talks about domestic marketing.

The seminar speakers were captivating and provided great information for growers and PCAs to gain up to three hours of continuing education credit.

“We provide a free breakfast featuring eggs and sausage breakfast burritos, and free lunch featuring a barbeque tri-tip feast and broccoli salad,” said Patrick Cavanaugh, editor of Pacific Nut Producer and co-host of the show. “All attendees seem very happy with the event.”

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:09-07:00November 14th, 2013|

LATEST CALIFORNIA CROP FORECAST

California Crops Production Update

The USDA NASS, Pacific Regional Office released the crop production forecast for November 2013. The latest survey, conducted during the last week of October and the first week of November, included the following commodities:

Oranges

The 2013-14 California orange crop is forecast at 113 million cartons. California’s Navel orange forecast is 88.0 million cartons. The 2013-14 Navel orange harvest is underway with growers expecting large, good quality fruit. California’s Valencia orange forecast is 25.0 million cartons

Rice

All rice production in California is forecast at 46.7 million cwt. for 2013, up 4 percent from the previous year. The yield forecast is 8,400 pounds per acre and the harvested acreage is estimated at 556 thousand. Harvest began during the middle of September and is ongoing.

Sugar Beets

California sugar beet production is forecast at 1.1 million tons, up 2 percent from the 2012 crop. Harvested acreage is estimated at 24.5 thousand and the yield forecast is 45.0 tons per acre.

Potatoes

Fall potatoes harvest in California is forecast at 4.03 million cwt., up 3 percent from a year ago. Harvested acreage is estimated at 8.3 thousand and the yield forecast is 485 cwt. per acre.

Production forecasts are released on a monthly basis and do not reflect final production estimates. Late fall harvests may change these forecasts. The next production forecast will be issued December 10, 2013.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:09-07:00November 14th, 2013|

Larson, and Gar Tootelian Honored in Fresno

Phil Larson Honored as Agriculturist of the Year

Gar Tootelian is Ag Business of the Year

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

TODAY, Phil Larson, a life-long Fresno County farmer, pest control advisor, 3-term Fresno County Supervisor and major advocate for Fresno County Agriculture, became the 2013 Agriculturalist of the Year.

Phil Larson, Agriculturist of the Year

He was honored during a lunch with more than 500 Valley Ag leaders, including past recipients of the award.

Larson’s distinguished career had him facing off with Fish and Game in Washington D.C. and pressing ever forward for common sense in the Endangered Species Act, which has had a very negative and dramatic effect on both Central San Joaquin Federal water users and altered water deliveries to Central Valley farms.

“Farming has always been in my blood, but I went to college, joined the Marines and then came back to the farm to work with my father. During his farming years, Larson met his wife of 54 years, Joyce, a special education teacher, who retired in 2000. They have a son Tim, and a daughter Lisa, who are married with children.

While farming, Larson joined the team of Wilbur Ellis Co. and consulted for 38 years with other farmers on pest and disease control needs. He became a part of Farm Bureau, CAPCA and the School Board. “With Farm Bureau, we traveled and visited State legislators and representatives in Washington D.C. to talk about agriculture and the critical need for water.

“If we do not tell our story then no one is going to know,” said Larson.

“I can honestly say that in all my years with farming and Wilbur-Ellis, and as a County Supervisor, there has never been a day that I did not want to go to work,” said Larson, who will soon retire after serving out his current term as a County Supervisor. “When it’s over with, it won’t be over with, because I am going to still be around,” he said.

Karen Musson, Gar Tootelian

Gar Tootelian Inc. was also honored TODAY as the Baker, Peterson & Franklin Ag Business of the Year.

Established in 1949, the company still prospers as one of California’s oldest and largest independent agricultural chemical and fertilizer retailers. Second generation and family-owned, it serves more than 1,400 growers from Madera to Kern County.

Partner Karen Musson, whose parents started the business, produces daily spots for KMJ 580 Radio for awareness of the value of agriculture. Today Musson and her husband Greg run the company.

The Gar & Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation established in 2003 has granted more than $2 million to local colleges, high schools, and FFA.

The Foundation was instrumental in establishing the recent Valley Farm at Fresno Chaffee Zoo.

A Crowd Gathers for Award Lunch

“I do not think my parents could have had any idea, as they started that small business in their barn behind our home, that we would be here today with so many employees and a $70 million business,” said Musson.

The event was presented by the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce, along with major sponsors Lyons (a leader in Food Service); Fresno Equipment Co.; Baker, Peterson & Franklin, CPA, LLP; Inland Star Distribution; and Wells Fargo Bank.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:09-07:00November 14th, 2013|

WINEGRAPE ASSOCIATION NAMES NEW CHAIR

Heidi M. Scheid Elected CAWG Chair

California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) has announced that Heidi M. Scheid, senior vice president of Scheid Vineyards Inc., was elected chair during the board’s Nov. 7 meeting in Sonoma, CA. Interestingly, her father, Al Scheid, served as CAWG Chair in 1978. Scheid takes over the CAWG leadership post from Bill Pauli, of Pauli Ranch in Mendocino County, who completed a two-year term.

“It is an honor for me to be elected the chair of CAWG,” said Scheid. “Since its establishment in 1974, CAWG has made a significant impact as the only statewide organization specifically focused on representing and promoting the interests of California Winegrape Growers. CAWG is the unified voice for effective state and federal advocacy and I look forward to continuing our unique role in the industry through our ongoing development of sound public policies, strengthened through membership growth.”

Scheid joined Scheid Vineyards in 1992 as Director of Planning and served as the company’s Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to 2001. Prior to joining Scheid Vineyards she served as a senior valuation analyst at Ernst & Young, LLP and as an associate at the venture capital firm of InterVen Partners.

Scheid has been a director of Wine Market Council since 1990, a wine industry association aimed at expanding the American wine consumer base. She holds an M.B.A. degree from the University of Southern California.

In addition to her professional accomplishments, Scheid achieved some noteworthy personal goals this year as she summited both Mt. Whitney (the highest summit in the contiguous United States) and Mt. Kilimanjaro (a dormant volcanic mountain in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania).

The CAWG Board also elected Aaron Lange, of LangeTwins Family Vineyards and Winery in Lodi and Dennis Wittchow, of Lent-Burden Farming in Oakdale, as vice chairs. J.D. Harkey, of Drake Enterprises in Temecula, was elected secretary. Ryan Metzler, of Fruita del Sol in Fresno, was re-elected as treasurer. Nat DiBuduo, president of Allied Grape Growers and Carson Smith, of Carson Smith Farming in Fresno, were re-elected as CAWG At-Large Directors.

CAWG’s elected officers begin their term of office on Dec. 1, 2013.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:09-07:00November 13th, 2013|

Syngenta is Committed to Agricultural Students

Syngenta Offers National Scholarships

•    Scholarship available to students in all crop markets

•    Scholarship open to undergraduate students

•    Expands Syngenta investment in future of agriculture to national level

In conjunction with its 12-year anniversary this November, Syngenta is proud to announce TODAY the new national Syngenta Agricultural Scholarship. The scholarship application period runs January 2014 through April 2014.

“We’re excited to offer this opportunity to college students pursuing agricultural degrees throughout the nation and in all crop areas,” said Mary Streett DeMers, senior communications lead, Syngenta. “Syngenta has always been committed to the future of agriculture. This wide-reaching scholarship will help to strengthen that commitment.”

Scholarship winnings will be used to help finance the education of undergraduate students enrolled as of spring 2014 in an accredited agriculture program at a land-grant university.  

“Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders,” said Corey Huck, head of U.S. sales, Syngenta. “We know higher learning plays a critical role in the next generation’s ability to develop new strategies and innovate with new technologies to advance agriculture. When we invest in the next generation of ag leaders, we are investing in the future of the industry.”

Visit the scholarship website for more details, including prize amounts, essay topic and application guidelines, as Syngenta announces them.

For more information about Syngenta, visit www.syngenta.com. Follow Syngenta on Twitter (@SyngentaUS) and Facebook (Facebook.com/FarmAssist).

About Syngenta

Syngenta is one of the world’s leading companies with more than 27,000 employees in over 90 countries dedicated to our purpose: Bringing plant potential to life. Through world-class science, global reach and commitment to our customers, we help to increase crop productivity, protect the environment, and improve health and quality of life. For more information about us, please go to www.syngenta.com

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:43:09-07:00November 13th, 2013|