California Ag Today, Author at California Agriculture News Today

California Citrus Mutual to Host 2024 Citrus Showcase Thursday, March 14

Courtesy of California Citrus Mutual

California Citrus Mutual (CCM) will host the 2024 Citrus Showcase on Thursday, March 14, at the Visalia Convention Center in Visalia, CA. The event will feature informational workshops and continuing education (CE) unit-approved courses, a tradeshow, and an industry luncheon with keynote speaker California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross.

“We are extremely pleased to have a speaker of Secretary Ross’ caliber for this year’s Citrus Showcase,” says CCM President and CEO Casey Creamer. “Ross will provide a unique perspective on the state of California agriculture and its perception in Sacramento.”

Citrus Showcase will also offer a number of continuing education courses including:

Perspectives on California Citrus IPM
The Superiority of Bacillic Acid Materials
What we Know about Lemon Pitting
Regulatory Perspective on HLB and Fruit Fly
Pest Management Updates from the CRB Core IPM Program
Personal Protection Equipment Update

Other speakers and presentations of note include a Citrus Market Analysis with Rabobank Vice President and Senior Analyst David Magana, a Conversation with CCM leadership, including Chairman Jared Plumlee and several committee chairs, and a presentation on Management vs. Leadership with Abby Taylor-Silva, Executive Vice President of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation.

CCM is hosting Citrus Showcase in partnership with JCS Marketing Inc. This partnership allows CCM to give the industry a higher level of content and deliver an expanded agenda to educate the citrus industry on critical topics that will help growers make informed business decisions.

The Citrus Showcase is open to the public and free to attend other than the industry luncheon, which requires advance registration. CCM invites growers and allied agricultural industry members to join them in a day of education, networking, and industry comradery. For more information and to register, go to myaglife.com/events-citrus-mutual/

California Ag Today2024-02-26T08:48:34-08:00February 26th, 2024|

North San Joaquin Valley, California Issued ‘AA’ BDO Zone Rating for Tree Nut Biomass

Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

BEAM Circular, the Almond Board of California, Stanislaus County and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of a rare ‘AA’ rating to the North San Joaquin Valley Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone centered in Modesto, CA, North America’s first BDO Zone rating for Orchard Biomass, Nut Tree Shells and Almond Hulls.

The North San Joaquin Valley BDO Zone investment grade rating denotes ‘very high quality’ feedstock supply chains and infrastructure. The region exhibits a longstanding industry supported by 6,300 nut tree growers and suppliers along with a robust network of processors and separators of nuts from shells and hulls in concentrated locations. Decreasing local demand for local biomass along with significant quantities of feedstock currently available for the cost of transportation create ideal conditions for large-scale bio-project development. Significant infrastructure advantages include flexible zoning, access to natural gas, rail connectivity, and proximity to an extensive highway system.

“The ‘AA’ rating for the North San Joaquin Valley’s BDO Zone is a testament to our region’s unique positioning for global leadership in the bioeconomy,” stated Karen Warner, CEO of BEAM Circular. “Local communities here are proactively investing in the infrastructure, partnerships, and innovation that will allow us to grow world-class bioindustrial manufacturing facilities in the heart of the most productive agricultural state in America. This region is ready to support and scale the future of sustainable bioproduction.”

“Almond biomass is uniquely concentrated with well established transport systems. With this rating and the research investments made by the almond industry, we stand ready to partner with companies in bio-based industries,” said Josette Lewis, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of the Almond Board of California.

“Rated for over a million tons of underutilized project-available feedstock, this first ‘AA’ BDO Zone rating for tree nut biomass underscores the high level of regional readiness for biomanufacturing within the North San Joaquin Valley,” said Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative. “The zone offers very low-risk supply chains and is positioned as a prime target for top-tier and innovative bio-based projects. The collaborative efforts of organizations dedicated to realizing this BDO Zone highlight the region’s visionary approach and the bold stance it takes in the global bioeconomy.”

“Stanislaus County is proud to be investing in the growth of our region’s bioproduction leadership,” said Mani Grewal, Chairman of the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors. “We are building upon our historic strengths in agriculture and manufacturing to grow the bio-based industries of the future. We welcome collaboration with new projects that create quality jobs and advance the economic vitality of our community.”

To see the full BDO Zone Rating for North San Joaquin Valley please click here, or visit www.bdozone.org.

BDO Zone Business Contacts:

Guangwei Huang,

Associate Director for Food Research & Technology

Almond Board of California

ghuang@almondboard.com

Matthew Godinez
Community Engagement Director
BEAM Circular
matthew@beamcircular.org
(209) 241 0562

About the North San Joaquin Valley

The North San Joaquin Valley (NSJV) is the ideal location for scaling globally competitive biomanufacturing. The NSJV is a tri-county region of 1.6 million people consisting of Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties, located in the heart of the most productive agricultural land in the United States. A global leader in large-scale agricultural production and food processing, the region’s combination of existing manufacturing infrastructure and abundant biomass feedstocks are unparalleled. The NSJV’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay Area and regional centers of technology innovation gives it access to world-class biotechnology and advanced manufacturing innovation.

About BEAM Circular

BEAM Circular is building a vibrant regional ecosystem for the circular bioeconomy in California’s agricultural heartland. Anchored in the North San Joaquin Valley, the non-profit organization facilitates public-private collaboration through the BioEconomy, Agriculture, & Manufacturing (BEAM) Initiative to scale the most promising innovations in bioindustrial manufacturing and to advance solutions that support economic and environmental outcomes for local communities.

For more information about BEAM Circular, visit www.beamcircular.org. The BDO Zone Local Development Leader (LDL) is Matthew Godinez, Community Engagement Director (matthew@beamcircular.org).

About the Almond Board of California

California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.

For more information about the Almond Board of California, visit www.almonds.com or contact Guangwei Huang, ABC Associate Director for Food Research & Technology (ghuang@almondboard.com).

About Stanislaus County

Stanislaus County is located in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, the geographical center of California. The county, with an economy and heritage deeply rooted in the agricultural sector, is quickly becoming one of the fastest growing regions of the state and a center of bioindustrial innovation. The bioindustrial manufacturing sector was identified as a strategic priority industry in the Stanislaus 2030 Investment Blueprint, and Stanislaus County provided seed funding to launch the BioEconomy, Agriculture, & Manufacturing (BEAM) Initiative in January 2023.

For more information about Stanislaus County, please contact Sonya Severo, Public Relations & Communications Director (severos@stancounty.com).

About The BDO Zone Initiative

The BDO Zone Initiative certifies regional readiness for bio-based manufacturing, creates global connections with project developers, and ignites an influx of clean energy opportunities.

A BDO Zone rating is an internationally recognized standards-based technical risk assessment of biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure risk with respect to the development potential of new biofuel, renewable chemical, biogas, and bioproduct plants. Investment grade ratings attract new bio-based manufacturing plants to the areas where they are most likely to succeed– and create jobs.

For more information on the BDO Zone Initiative, please contact info@bdozone.org. To view all current and upcoming BDO Zone designations, visit www.bdozone.org or check out the BDO Zone LinkedIn page for all news and updates.

About Ecostrat

Ecostrat is the North American Leader in supplying biomass due diligence for biofuels, renewable chemicals, biogas, and bio-product project development and finance. Ecostrat led the USDOE/BETO funded project to develop the new investment Standards and Ratings for Biomass Supply Chain Risk

which were subsequently used in the development of the CSA W209:21 Biomass supply chain risk National Standard of Canada.

Ecostrat’s Advisory Group combines the BSCR Standards with powerful predictive analytics to understand and minimize supply chain risk. It’s Biomass Supply Group has 25 years of experience in sourcing and supplying more than 5 million tons of biomass feedstock for bioenergy, biofuel, and biochemical projects across North America.

Jordan Solomon is Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative and President of Ecostrat. He can be reached at jordan.solomon@ecostrat.com. For more information about Ecostrat, visit the company’s website at www.ecostrat.com or check out the Ecostrat LinkedIn page for all news and updates.

California Ag Today2024-02-21T07:52:29-08:00February 21st, 2024|

CDFA Accepting Applications For 2023-24 CA Farm To School Grant Program

Courtesy of the CDFA News

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Office of Farm to Fork (CDFA-F2F) is accepting applications for the 2023-24 California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program, until 5 p.m. PDT April 4, 2024.

The program will award competitive grants to support projects that cultivate equity, nurture students, build climate resilience, and create scalable and sustainable change.

To support a systems approach to advancing farm to school throughout the state, the program offers four funding tracks:
• Track 1: The California Farm to School TK-12 Procurement and Education Grant
• Track 2: The California Farm to School Technical Assistance (TA) Grant
• Track 3: The California Farm to Early Care and Education (ECE) Grant
• Track 4: The California Farm to School Producer Grant

Visit the California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program webpage to view the formal request for applications, access the online portal through which applications must be submitted, and register for informational webinars.

The California Budget Acts of 2021 and 2022 made appropriations for the 2023-24 California Farm to School Incubator Grant Program. CDFA will make a total of up-to $52.8 million available via the four funding tracks outlined above. The amount of funds awarded in each funding track will depend on the number of competitive applications received in each funding track.

For assistance and questions related to the Farm to School Incubator Grant Program process, please email cafarmtoschool@cdfa.ca.gov.

California Ag Today2024-02-14T07:45:19-08:00February 14th, 2024|

What Are Atmospheric Rivers and How Can I Capitalize On All This Rainfall?

Courtesy of UCANR

The 2024 rainy season in Southern California has intensified, with recent storms causing significant damage and life-threatening flooding. Daniel Swain, a dedicated UCLA researcher specializing in the analysis of evolving weather patterns influenced by climate change, warned of “bomb cyclone” conditions driven by air current anomalies off the West Coast. His detailed insights, outlined in a February 3rd blog post on Weather West, sheds light on recent weather events.

Despite the apprehension surrounding these storms, it’s crucial to acknowledge the vital role atmospheric rivers play in replenishing water supplies in western states. The current situation marks a stark contrast for Californians, who only a few years ago grappled with historic drought conditions. Are you curious how much rain fell in your area? You can track rainfall totals through the Ventura County Watershed Protection District rainfall map. Click on the boxes and see how much rain fell in the last day, week or season.

Those residing in low-lying areas or flood-prone regions can acquire free sandbags to safeguard their properties during future rain events. On a positive note, excess rainfall presents an opportune time to invest in rain barrels and rain-harvesting systems. Rainwater harvesting, a time-tested practice dating back to ancient times, is experiencing a resurgence. On a large scale, the Freeman Diversion redirects water from the Santa Clara River during storms to spreading basins for groundwater recharge.

For the homeowner, installing rain barrels is a straightforward process, with ample online resources such as books and videos. “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond,” by Brad Lancaster, stands out as a go-to guide. Additionally, the creation of rain gardens can facilitate the capture of water in the soil. This natural process allows plants and microorganisms to break down organic compounds and filter out pollutants commonly found in urban stormwater runoff.

Explore discounted rain barrels and other water conservation devices offered by local municipalities.

California Ag Today2024-02-13T09:21:53-08:00February 13th, 2024|

Almond Board of California Announces 2024 Elections

Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

Elections for the Almond Board of California (ABC) Board of Directors will launch for the 2024-2025 crop year on Friday, Feb. 9 with the call to all candidates to file their petitions or declarations of candidacy by April 1, 2024.

The industry will choose people to hold two independent grower positions and two independent handler positions on the ABC Board of Directors in voting that starts April 22 and ends May 23. Alternate seats for those spots are also open.

To be considered for an independent grower or alternate seat, candidates must be a current grower and must submit a petition signed by at least 15 independent almond growers (as verified by ABC). Independent handler and alternate candidates must declare their intention in writing to ABC.

All details, documents, open positions, the election timeline and deadlines, and frequently asked questions can be found at Almonds.com/Elections. All petitions and declarations must state the position for which the candidate is running and be sent to abcbodelections@almondboard.com or printed and mailed to ABC, 1150 Ninth St., Suite 1500, Modesto, CA 95354. The deadline for all filings is April 1. Potential candidates who’d like more information can contact ABC at abcbodelections@almondboard.com.

“The ABC Board of Directors is tremendously important to the success of our industry,” said ABC President and CEO Clarice Turner. “More than 7,600 growers and 100 handlers count on them to guide the work of the Almond Board and to help the industry navigate these complicated times and work toward a positive future.”

The ABC board sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, public relations and advertising, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

Getting involved provides an opportunity to help shape the future of the almond industry and to help guide ABC in its mission to promote California almonds to domestic and international audiences through marketing efforts, funding and promoting studies about almonds’ health benefits, and ensuring best-of-class agricultural practices and food safety.

ABC encourages eligible women, minorities and people with disabilities to consider running for a position on the Board of Directors to reflect the diversity of the industry it serves.

California Ag Today2024-02-08T10:40:51-08:00February 8th, 2024|

Almond Board Announces Exceptional 2024 Almond Leadership Class

Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

The outstanding 15^th class of professionals begins a year-long immersion to become the next great leaders of the California almond industry

The Almond Board of California is proud to announce the Almond Leadership Program class of 2024, a group of 18 exceptional professionals expected to help lead the industry into the future.

Bayer Crop Science has sponsored the Almond Leadership Program (ALP) for a number of years and is again the sponsor of this 2024 class of next-generation leaders who were chosen from more than 50 highly qualified applicants. They come from diverse backgrounds across the full range of the industry and include growers and processors, sales representatives, sustainability specialists, company executives, pest control advisors and more.

ALP began in 2009 and has graduated 226 industry members. Dozens now serve on ABC workgroups, committees and even the Board of Directors.

“We have had so many great participants through the years, and this 2024 class is simply outstanding,” said Rebecca Bailey, the ABC senior specialist who oversees ALP. “This program helps great people become great leaders and our industry continues to see the enormous benefits from 15 years of ALP. We have no doubt these 18 people will continue to be great assets and advocates for the almond industry.”

Members of this 15^th class – while still working at their jobs – will be immersed in every aspect of the industry, including ABC activities in global marketing, production, nutrition research, food safety and more. They’ll sharpen their communication skills and build lasting relationships with industry leaders, ABC staff and each other.

“It’s crucial to be connected to people in all areas of the almond supply chain,” said Erik Stanek, a class member and sustainability specialist with Blue Diamond Growers. “Industry challenges are not solved in a silo. For me, ALP offers an opportunity to build meaningful relationships that can lead to actionable solutions. The program helps lift the entire industry.”

Class members are guided by volunteer mentors – many of them ALP graduates – who will help them develop the skills, knowledge and perspective to improve their industry and their communities.

“As a mentor, I have an opportunity to share what I’ve learned in the last 25 years as a farmer and a conservation biologist,” said mentor Christine Gemperle, a grower and member of ABC’s Board of Directors. “It’s my hope that the next generation of industry leaders can take that knowledge and grow an even better future for California almonds.”

The leadership program will also offer class members thorough looks at the impacts on the industry of social, economic, environmental and regulatory issues. In addition,

participants will take on a yearlong, self-directed project focused on improving the California almond industry. Some past projects have led to important breakthroughs for the industry.

Leadership class members kicked off their training with a two-day orientation at the ABC offices in Modesto, which included one-on-one talks with their mentors and hearing from Board of Directors Chair Alexi Rodriguez and ABC CEO Clarice Turner.

“The leadership program has been incredibly enriching so far. I’ve been introduced to so many fascinating topics beyond my usual scope of work,” said Ziv Attia, part of the 2024 class and head of agronomy at Phytech. “Besides that, the staff and program members are amazing, and I look forward to getting to know them better, gaining further insights and building lasting connections that will contribute to the almond industry’s growth.”

Once again, class members will raise money for California FFA, pledging to raise more than $25,000 in scholarships for high school students interested in pursuing agriculture in college. Through the years, ALP has raised more than $320,000 for FFA.

The 2024 Almond Leadership class members are Ziv Attia of Bakersfield and Phytech; Andy Barahate of Kerman and Central California Almond Growers Association; Gurajan Brar of Madera and Brar & Son Farms; Matthew Brocato of Fresno and Phytech; Mark Cavallero of Madera and Sierra Valley Almonds; Zachary Days of Patterson and Cal Coast Almond Processing Inc.; Mallory Dodds of Fresno and Gowan USA; Ryan Hackett of Modesto and Gold Leaf Farming; Brandon Heinrich of Modesto and B&M Orchards; Amanda Hernandez of Hollister and TriCal Inc.; Victoria Lee of Sacramento and Blue Diamond Growers; Sutter Long of Corning and Bayer Crop Science; Antonio Lopez of Woodland and Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation; Ryan McCoon of Escalon and Cultiva; Edgar Perez of Modesto and American AgCredit; Jeevan Sandhu of Yuba City and Wilbur Ellis; Erik Stanek of Sacramento and Blue Diamond Growers; and Delaney Woolwine of Fresno and Harris Woolf California Almonds.

California Ag Today2024-02-07T09:18:31-08:00February 7th, 2024|

CDFA Announces Grant Funding for Healthy Soils Program

Courtesy of the CDFA

CDFA is pleased to announce the availability of approximately $12 million in grant funding for Healthy Soils Program Incentive Grants. The objectives of the program are to increase statewide implementation of conservation management practices that improve soil health, sequester carbon, and reduce atmospheric greenhouse gases.

California farmers, ranchers, business entities, California Native American tribes, and non-profit organizations can apply for awards. Applicants may request up to $100,000 per project. Priority will be given to applicants who are considered Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers.

The program is currently accepting grant applications and will continue to do so until 5 p.m. PST, Friday, February 9, 2024.

“The Healthy Soils Program was developed to partner with farmers and ranchers and facilitate their preferred methods to draw down carbon onto their lands and store it in our soils,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “Building up soil’s organic matter and biodiversity promotes its lasting health and productivity, while also reducing the possibility for erosion. With tremendous thanks to our Governor and the California Legislature for their ongoing support, the Healthy Soils Program has awarded more than $105 million to fund more than 1,500 projects over its lifetime, resulting in a combined greenhouse gas reduction of more than 1.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions over the projects’ lifespans. That’s like removing 24,000 gas-powered cars from the road for 10 years.”

CDFA will hold two online workshops to provide information about the application process. Participants register for the webinars using the links below. Each workshop will cover the same content, and for those unable to attend, a PowerPoint presentation along with other relevant materials will be posted on the Healthy Soils Program Incentive Grants webpage: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/IncentivesProgram.html.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024, at 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm PST https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_qsjIpbedQ-m8B6UFqOrZgA
Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 10:30 pm – 12:00 pm PST https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VUI60B10SRy7tVte08td1A

Free technical assistance (TA) is available to applicants. TA providers’ contact information, and other details, can be found at: https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/technical/docs/2023_hsp_taps.pdf and https://ciwr.ucanr.edu/Programs/ClimateSmartAg/TechnicalAssistanceProviders/.

Available TA Providers include providers from the University of California Cooperative Extension Community Education Specialists (UCCS CESs), through their Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

“Through our strong relationships with diverse farming communities, our team supports the implementation of practices that build soil health, use water more efficiently, and provide an alternative for manure management,” said Amber Butland, a TA Provider who works through the CES group. “We strive to provide the best assistance possible by offering translation services, grant application support, computer access, and one-on-one farm visits.”

The Healthy Soils Program stems from the California Healthy Soils Initiative, a collaboration of state agencies and departments that promotes the development of healthy soils on California’s farmlands and ranchlands.

For information on eligibility and program requirements, prospective applicants should visit the HSP Incentive Grants website at www.cdfa.ca.gov/oefi/healthysoils/incentivesprogram.html.

California Ag Today2024-01-22T10:27:11-08:00January 22nd, 2024|

Bird owners urged to take precautions for avian flu

Courtesy of the UCANR News

The highly contagious avian flu is being spread primarily by migratory birds, putting backyard and commercial poultry and game birds at risk.

“Poultry owners should take precautions to prevent their birds from contacting waterfowl or the habitat that waterfowl frequent because this strain of avian influenza is highly contagious,” said Maurice Pitesky, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine associate professor of Cooperative Extension.

Infected waterfowl shed the highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in their feces and respiratory secretions, where the virus can remain viable for months in the environment.

“If you can’t confine your birds in a coop, focus on good sanitation and reducing contact with waterfowl and their habitat such as agricultural fields and ponds,” he said.

Pitesky urges commercial and backyard chicken owners to monitor their birds for the following symptoms:

Reduced egg production
Trouble breathing
Clear, runny discharge from nose, mouth and eyes
Lethargy or lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Drinking less
Swollen eyes, head, wattles or combs
Discolored or bruised comb, wattles or legs
Sudden death

To prevent exposure to potentially infected waterfowl, Pitesky suggests reassessing and redoubling biosecurity efforts to prevent contact between wild animals and domestic poultry.

Specifically, he recommends keeping birds away from ponds and other open water where they may contact waterfowl, which are the primary reservoir of the disease. To prevent cross-contamination, use clothing and boots that stay on your property and avoid sharing equipment with other bird owners.

A local veterinarian or UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor may have more suggestions to reduce risk.

For more information about protecting birds from avian influenza, visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/poultry/files/225352.pdf.

Unusual or suspicious sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the California Department of Food and Agriculture Sick Bird Hotline at (866) 922-2473.

Suspicious wild bird deaths can be reported to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/Mortality-Report.

California Ag Today2024-01-19T07:56:02-08:00January 19th, 2024|

$5 Million Grant Awarded to Help Farmers Enhance Pollinator Habitat in Citrus Groves

Courtesy of California Farm Bureau

The California Farm Bureau and its partners have received $5 million from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to implement climate-smart farming practices in citrus groves in 11 counties. The project, which is part of CDFA’s Pollinator Habitat Program, will focus on hedgerow planting, carbon sequestration and soil management practices, all of which create safe pollinator habitat in citrus groves.

It will fund 20 to 45 citrus groves over three years in Fresno, Imperial, Kern, Kings, Riverside, San Bernardino, Santa Barbara, Tulare, San Diego, Placer and Ventura counties. The citrus sector in these counties generates around $2 billion per year, playing a crucial role in job creation and contributing to agricultural and environmental sustainability efforts.

“This grant will help citrus growers offset costs associated with their efforts to increase pollinator habitat and learn more about how growers can protect pollinators while still controlling harmful insects and plant diseases,” said James Cranney, president of the California Citrus Quality Council, the lead organization on the grant. “The data collected from these projects will help the industry to tell its story about their contribution to pollinator protection and climate change.”

The grant was awarded to a partnership between CCQC, California Farm Bureau and the Xerces Society.

CCQC will recruit citrus growers to join the program and create pilot projects that will then help other growers determine the feasibility of developing climate-smart production practices.

California Farm Bureau will provide all administrative support and technical assistance on healthy soil management practices through its science and research nonprofit, the California Bountiful Foundation.

The Xerces Society will provide technical assistance on pollinator-related aspects of the project, including native plants, hedgerow planting and identifying optimal locations for these features that balance pollinator health with crop productivity.

“It was important to bring the right organizations into this grant application,” California Farm Bureau Administrator Jim Houston said. “As the largest farmer organization in the state, we have the resources and know-how to implement such projects since we are designed to serve the farming community.”

Xerces Society Pollinator and Agricultural Biodiversity Co-Director Eric Lee-Mäder said, “We are excited to be part of this project and provide pollinator habitat technical assistance for citrus growers wanting to further their environmental sustainability efforts, including carbon sequestration, which contributes to reducing the effects of climate change. These partnerships are critical to building trust and making progress on so many different fronts.”

More than 80% of the awards will fund the cost of on-farm healthy soil management practices in citrus groves. As required by the funding agency, socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers—as defined by the 2017 Farmer Equity Act—will receive at least 25% of the funds.

For more information on the awards, visit California Farm Bureau’s program webpage or CDFA’s fact sheet.

California Ag Today2024-01-17T11:01:00-08:00January 17th, 2024|

Almond Board CEO Clarice Turner Among Top 50 Diverse Candidates to Lead Boards

Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

The Almond Board of California congratulates President and CEO Clarice Turner for being named one of the Top 50 Diverse Board Candidates in America by Equilar and the Nasdaq Center for Board Excellence.

The award was created to provide a definitive roster of “exemplary individuals among the pool of highly qualified diverse candidates who will propel companies and boards into the next era of board leadership,” said David Chun, founder and CEO of Equilar, a national executive intelligence firm.

“I want to give a heartfelt thank you to Equilar and Nasdaq not just for the honor but also for their collaborative dedication to advancing opportunities for underrepresented groups within today’s corporate boardrooms,” said Turner. “The Almond Board of California has long understood that different experiences and viewpoints make our industry and our communities stronger, more inclusive and more vibrant.”

Nominations for the designation came from a number of organizations across the country, a range of Equilar Diversity Network partners and the selection committee, composed of directors on S&P 500 boards, leaders in the board search industry and distinguished figures from the corporate governance sector, Equilar said.

“The Board of Directors is delighted to congratulate Clarice on this outstanding leadership distinction,” said Alexi Rodriguez, chair of ABC’s Board of Directors. “It’s an honor for her to be recognized by major business leaders around the country and it’s a testament to her leadership abilities, which are a great asset to our industry.”

Turner has a long history of serving on corporate and non-profit boards, including the Culinary Institute of America, Delicato Family Wines, the National Restaurant Association, Washington State University School of Business and San Francisco State University Lam School of Business.

California Ag Today2024-01-11T10:32:41-08:00January 11th, 2024|