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State Water Board Takes Unprecedented Action to Restore Failing Central Valley Sewer System

State’s first-ever wastewater administrator appointee will oversee East Orosi sewer system

Exercising new authorities under a 2024 law to protect public health and ensure access to sanitation in disadvantaged communities, the State Water Resources Control Board today appointed an administrator to provide safe and reliable wastewater services to the Central Valley community of East Orosi.

The appointment of the Tulare County Resource Management Agency to manage East Orosi’s sewer system was facilitated by Assembly Bill 805, which allows the State Water Board to require failing sewer systems that serve disadvantaged communities to contract with an approved administrator. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the landmark bill last September while visiting East Orosi with Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel, AB 805 author Assemblyman Dr. Joaquin Arambula and community partners. The board will be responsible for eligible costs associated with the county’s administrator services.

“This appointment is another milestone in the board’s ongoing efforts to ensure that all residents, particularly in underserved rural areas, have access to clean, safe, and affordable water for drinking, cooking and sanitation,” said Esquivel. “Administrator appointment authority has been a critical tool to help us secure safe drinking water for communities, and now it can serve to broaden access to wastewater services as well.”

For nearly a decade, a poorly managed sewer system has exposed residents of the disadvantaged Tulare County community to a variety of challenges, including raw sewage leaks, maintenance backlogs, plumbing issues and billing discrepancies. The administrator will take over management of East Orosi’s system, using their technical expertise and financial support from the board to restore basic sanitation services to approximately 100 low-income households. In addition, a separate technical assistance provider will conduct an engineering study of the system and provide recommendations for system improvements.

“Tulare County applauds the board’s leadership in working to cure the longstanding problems in East Orosi,” said Tulare County Supervisor Eddie Valero. “Tulare County stands ready to remedy obstacles, provide transparent management of the sewer system and work towards a long-term solution for the community.”

Following the enactment of AB 805, the board moved quickly to update its policies to facilitate the sewer system administrator process, hold public comment periods and meetings with East Orosi residents and approve nearly $390,000 to Tulare County for the administrator services. The county was selected through a solicitation process that requires it to ensure the sewer system comes into compliance with applicable sewer and wastewater regulations sustainably into the future. Since 2022, the county has served as the administrator of East Orosi’s drinking water system.

Failing and outdated sanitation systems can threaten access to drinking water supplies or cause harmful algal blooms and other environmental harm. The board is conducting a nation-leading effort to evaluate the conditions of the state’s estimated 100,000 miles of sewer lines and more than 900 wastewater treatment plants. The ongoing assessment aims to identify financial gaps and permanent funding solutions to assist more communities suffering from inadequate sewer systems like East Orosi.

Find more information at the Sewer System Administrators: Community and Program Information | California State Water Resources Control Board page.

California Ag Today2025-06-11T15:46:11-07:00June 11th, 2025|

UC Davis Launches Small-Batch Wine Label

Hilgard631 Wine Sales Will Benefit Student Scholarship

By Emily C. Dooley

For the first time in its storied history, the University of California, Davis, is selling wines to the public made by students, staff and faculty from grapes they grow in the Napa Valley and around campus in Yolo County.

Hilgard631 has been in the works for more than 10 years and was made possible by a 2021 state law that allows the transfer of as much as 20,000 gallons of Department of Viticulture and Enology wines to a nonprofit that will handle public sales. With this release, the department bottled roughly 500 gallons of wine to sell.

Money from the sales will support student scholarships. By using the grapes and wines produced through teaching, the department is enhancing sustainability. Prior to these sales, wines made by students, including in a 10-week winemaking course, had to be discarded.

“These wines represent our students, their knowledge, creativity and learning,” said Ben Montpetit, chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology. “From vine to bottle, our students are involved in every step.”

The wine label name pays homage to Eugene Hilgard, founding director of the university’s Agricultural Experiment Station, and 631, which is the address of the Teaching and Research Winery on campus.

The wines sold under Hilgard631 include a 2020 cabernet sauvignon and 2024 sauvignon blanc made from grapes at Oakville Station, a research and teaching vineyard in the heart of Napa County.

Twelve other wines made by students in the product development class, known as VEN 127L, also will be for sale, including albariño, chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and petite sirah.

VEN 127L has traditionally been focused on blending, wine stabilization, bottling and the design of labels, and this launch broadens the class to include the consideration of selling, said Professor David Block, who created the course in 2017 when he was chair of the department.

“The wines are made by students who are still learning and getting to try out things they may not have done before,” Block said. “It’s a new aspect of the program. It’s more sustainable than pouring it down the drain.”

In VEN 127L, student winemakers are divided into three groups and charged with developing a red and white wine. Each group also gets help from a professional consultant and department alum who offers advice throughout the class.

“It’s absolutely fascinating,” said Leticia Chacón-Rodríguez, the winemaker and winery manager. “The students get to connect everything that they learn — all the chemistry, regulations, marketing and blending. The blending piece is where you really put your senses into play.”

Students also design their own labels. Master’s student Bainian Chen designed the Oakville Station labels, which are a mix of vibrant colors and some familiar campus sights such as the water tower and a bike.

“I usually love my pictures to be very colorful, full of imagination,” said Chen, who is known to give artwork to friends and professors. “I wanted to leave something for the viticulture and enology department.”

The student winemakers also helped label and bottle the wines, working a commercial mobile bottling line in a trailer behind the winery.

“To see it being bottled is coming full circle for all of us,” master’s student Megan Hill said.

Block feels the same way. “I want to buy the first bottle of wine,” he said.

Wines will range in price from $30 to $40 per bottle for student labels and from $50 to $125 per bottle for the Oakville wines. The winery is bonded and meets federal regulations for commercial wine sales. More information can be found at the Hilgard631 website.

California Ag Today2025-06-11T15:18:34-07:00June 11th, 2025|

2025 ABC Election Results

The Almond Board of California announced the Board of Directors election results on June 2, and the names of the following nominees have been submitted to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture for selection to terms of office beginning Aug. 1, 2025:

Grower Position #1, Member:
1-year term
Paul Ewing, Atwater

Grower Position #1, Alternate:
Tobin Barth, Esparto

Grower Position #2, Member:
3-year term
Brandon Rebiero, Modesto

Grower Position #2, Alternate:
Brad Klump, Escalon

Handler Position #1, Member:
3-year term (only one year of term remaining)
Chad DeRose, McFarland

Handler Position #3, Member:
1-year term
Darren Rigg, Le Grand

Handler Position #3, Alternate:
Dinesh Bajaj, Orland

Co-op Handler Position #1, Member:
3-year term
Laura Gerhard, Sacramento

Co-op Handler Position #1, Alternate:
Mel Machado, Modesto

The Independent Handler Position #1 is normally a 3-year seat but was vacated part way through the term. The elected candidate for the member seat will only serve the remaining one year of the term. This position will be up for election again in 2026. The alternate position was not up for election.

The ABC board is made up of five handler and five grower representatives, each with an alternate. It sets policy and recommends budgets in major areas, including marketing, production research, advertising, public relations, nutrition research, statistical reporting, quality control and food safety.

California Ag Today2025-06-02T09:45:17-07:00June 2nd, 2025|

SoCal youth inspired by UCCE advisor’s passion for water conservation

Lofton, urban watershed resilience advisor, spurs community action to mark Water Awareness Month

May is Water Awareness Month, a special time for Californians to come together in celebration of water, our most essential shared resource. Across the state, water agencies and providers are hosting lively events, such as poster contests and family-friendly activities, that promote conservation and spark curiosity.

“Now is a great time to visit your local water provider’s website to learn how you can get involved,” said Esther Lofton, University of California Cooperative Extension urban watershed resilience advisor for Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Earlier this May, Lofton and her team actively engaged eight groups of 12th-grade students from Orange and Los Angeles counties. As part of a GROW Program event at UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, she brought water science to life by exploring the intricacies of filtration systems and the remarkable journey water takes to reach our taps.

Lofton’s colleague, Daniel Gonzalez II, energized the sessions by demonstrating parts of the filtration process and guiding students through hands-on activities.

Students were surprised to learn about the complexities of water sourcing. “I didn’t know we import water from as far as Colorado!” one of them said.

To foster a sense of ownership and responsibility, Lofton encouraged the approximately 280 participating students to make personal pledges for water conservation. Their enthusiastic responses included promises to turn off the tap while brushing their teeth and to fill washing machines completely before use.

One memorable moment came when a student humorously stated: “I will drink less water!”

Lofton chuckled and reminded the class: “If your body needs it, I encourage you to drink more water – that’s the only exception!”

Orange County grade schoolers wowed by ‘magic’ of water science

Lofton and her team also attended the OC Children’s Water Education Festival, hosted by the Orange County Water District in late April, where they captivated more than 1,600 enthusiastic third- to fifth-graders.

Over two days at Oak Canyon Park, the educators conducted 13 interactive sessions, each with approximately 45 students, guiding them on the extraordinary journey water takes from source to tap while reinforcing the importance of conservation.

The enthusiasm of the young crowd was palpable, with many exclaiming “this is magic!” as they watched water flow cleanly from the filter.

“I really try to ignite a sense of responsibility in this next generation about their critical role in sustainable practices,” Lofton said.

Beyond the classroom, Lofton and Gonzalez also amplified their message through social media and blog posts, creating opportunities for community feedback and questions.

One resident from Santa Barbara asked: “If California cares about protecting water, why are they also building more houses?” This inquiry stimulates essential discussions about finding the balance between growth and sustainability.

Lofton is keeping the conversation going by inviting community members to participate in a brief survey and share their personal water conservation pledges.

“We all live in watersheds, and every small action contributes to a greater impact,” Lofton said. “By making a pledge, you’re not only contributing to a more sustainable future, but you’re also helping lead by example.”

Selected pledges will be featured in next year’s Water Awareness Month celebrations, highlighting the meaningful ways individuals are making a difference.

To learn more, explore Lofton’s latest blog post on Water Awareness Month. You can also follow her journey and access additional resources on Instagram, TikTok, and X, or visit her UC ANR SoCal Water Resources website, which features engaging resources on drinking water, water resilience, water use efficiency and more.

California Ag Today2025-06-02T09:42:35-07:00June 2nd, 2025|

Westlands Water District Announces 2025 Scholarship Winners

Scholarship winners will each receive a $1,000 scholarship toward their post-secondary education

Westlands Water District is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Westlands Scholarship. This Westlands Scholarship program celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of 20 graduating seniors from Westside high schools and supports these exceptional young leaders in the next steps of their educational journey.

These inspiring scholarship recipients emerged from a competitive selection process that evaluated their academic records, leadership capabilities, community service, and career aspirations. Each winner represents the very best of our region’s emerging talent—bright minds poised to make significant contributions in their chosen fields.

“As we celebrate our 19th year of the Westlands Scholarship program, we’re incredibly proud to support these 20 exceptional students as they pursue their academic dreams,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager, Westlands Water District. “These scholarships represent our ongoing commitment to investing in the bright minds who will shape our region’s future. By reducing financial barriers to education, we hope to empower these talented young individuals to return and contribute to the prosperity of the Central Valley.”

Westlands congratulates the following 20 recipients of the 2025 Westlands Scholarship. Amongst our recipients we have future leaders in education, healthcare, business, and science. Below are excerpts from each recipient’s application when asked about the importance of agriculture and water in the San Joaquin Valley.

Abigail Lee, Future Computer Scientist

Coalinga High School– Fresno State (CSU, Fresno)

“Agriculture has affected my life in more ways than I can count. It has influenced my upbringing, my perspective on work and education, and my future goals. Even if I do not end up working directly in this field, agriculture will always be part of who I am and where I come from.”

Angel Jimenez Farias, Future Public Relations Specialist

Lemoore High School – San Jose State University

“Throughout my life, agriculture has shaped my perspective on work, family, and community. Moving to Lemoore and seeing the impact of water on farming made me realize how important it is to protect water resources. Ensuring that water continues to flow to farms in California is essential to keeping agriculture alive and ensuring families, especially Hispanic workers like mine, can continue to rely on it for income.”

Bret Orton, Future Civil Engineer

Lemoore Middle College High School – Brigham Young University-Idaho

“Farming has been a cornerstone of my family’s success in California, shaping our past and guiding our future. It is not just a livelihood but a legacy—one that I am proud to be a part of and one that will likely continue for generations to come.”

Brynn Close, Future Agricultural Business Leader

Riverdale High School – CSU Bakersfield (California State University, Bakersfield)

“Once I reached high school, agriculture became more than just where I live, but how I live. Learning about agriculture and the connections that I have made in the last four years has made it one of the biggest things that have impacted my life as a young individual. Through the agricultural community, I know that any question I have can be answered through a phone call. What is so heartwarming about this community is that you are working with others to essentially provide for the world.”

Carlos Pizano Hernandez, Future Chemist

Riverdale High School – UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)

“When I began doing research in a university lab through Project SEED, I realized just how far those early mornings in the fields had taken me. I was studying the effects of plasma on polymer surfaces, running experiments, and analyzing data. But the patience, focus, and persistence I needed there weren’t new to me. I’d learned them long before, packing grapes beside my mom.”

David Cox, Future Agricultural Business Leader

Riverdale High School – California Polytechnic State University

“Agriculture has had a profound impact on my life because it’s supported my family, allowed me to network with successful businesspeople from all over the state, and revealed to me that I would like to go into an agriculture career.”

Eliana Freitas, Future Physician’s Assistant

Lemoore High School – University of San Diego

“I have learned first-hand what it is like to have parents who rely on rain, prayers, and good people to work alongside. Over time it has become apparent that hard work, dedication, and faith are how goals are achieved.”

Gloria Mayenci Escobar, Future Agricultural Educator

Mendota High School – California State University, Fresno

“Growing up, I have witnessed how agriculture has evolved and advanced around my hometown, and I have learned how beneficial and important it is. All of this affected my way of viewing the agricultural industry and helped me find plenty of opportunities and pathways that it offers.”

Joanna Garcia, Future Human Biologist

Firebaugh High School – University of California, Davis

“Agriculture has taught me to be grounded, humble, and hardworking. It has given me a deep respect for labor and for the people who often go unseen but are the backbone of our food system. I carry that with me in everything I do.”

Juan Mendoza, Future Physical Therapist

Tranquility High School – Fresno State (CSU, Fresno)

” Thousands of farms in the San Joaquin Valley support California’s economy and give agricultural workers jobs. Drought-related changes to water supplies result in fewer acres being grown, which lowers farmworkers’ incomes and gets rid of jobs. Furthermore, lower agricultural output may result in higher food costs, which would impact consumers throughout the state and globally.”

Keysi Lopez Gonzalez, Future Nurse

Mendota High School – Fresno State (CSU, Fresno)

“Agriculture has impacted my life physically and academically, but in the end, I have to give a huge thanks to agriculture because it taught me to always work hard no matter what.”

Luis Zarco, Future Mechanical Engineer

Riverdale High School – Fresno State (CSU, Fresno)

“Agriculture has made me who I am today and cemented the bonds in my local community. It’s not dirt and plants, it’s people, tradition, and growth. Among the vines of grapes and from the encouragement of neighbors, I’ve found purpose, yes, but more significantly, a sense of place like the roots we’ve grown over the years.”

Madison Ball, Future Agricultural Business Leader

Lemoore High School – Texas Tech University

“The crops planted here rely on essential water for their irrigation and sustainability. The area’s reliance on water from Westlands Water District could be the difference between a successful crop harvest and a farmer shutting down a generational family farm. Water is what makes this valley live.”

Melissa Ochoa Villegas, Future Architectural Engineer

Mendota High School – Fresno State (CSU, Fresno)

“Without agriculture, my parents wouldn’t have survived their journey here, and I wouldn’t have the opportunities I do today. Because of the doors agriculture has opened for my family, I’ve committed myself to giving back through my education.”

Monique Silva, Monique Silva, Future Nurse

Sierra Pacific High School – College of the Sequoias

“It was in the late 1980s that my grandparents made the difficult decision to leave their hometown of Irapuato, Mexico in pursuit of a better life, thus establishing our family roots in the Central Valley. As the child and granddaughter of first-generation immigrants, I am appreciative of the impact that agriculture has had on my family and how it has shaped the trajectory of my life.”

Samantha Garcia – Future Business Administrator

Avenal High School – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“Agriculture is a very important part of our lives, it is a way that provides food on our table, supports people’s livelihood, and offers many diverse opportunities for growth economically. With all this being said I strongly believe that agriculture has affected my life positively and I am very thankful for it.”

Samantha Selliers – Future Agricultural Communications Specialist

Coalinga High School – Kansas State University

“Agriculture has shaped my identity, my future, and my purpose. What began as an unwanted class has become the foundation of my aspirations. I now know that agriculture is not just about crops and livestock—it is about leadership, education, and advocacy.”

Sophie Walker, Future Doctor

Coalinga High School – UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)

“Communities like Coalinga and many others across the Central Valley depend on agriculture to survive. Without reliable access to water, farms can’t operate, jobs are lost, families face hardship, and opportunities begin to disappear. That’s why it’s so important for us to raise our voices, advocate for water rights, support our local farmers, and work together to ensure agriculture not only survives but continues to thrive.”

Stephanie Berber, Future Nurse

Firebaugh High School – UC Davis

“Agricultural water is at the heart of California’s economy. As someone who lives in Firebaugh California, a small town dependent on agriculture, irrigation is crucial to maintaining our livelihood. Firebaugh grows crops such as almonds, pistachios, tomatoes, cotton, and melons. We rely on a prosperous harvesting season for people in our community to receive the paychecks they need to support their families. The irony here is that Firebaugh gets very little rainfall due to the ongoing drought in California, leading to those hard-working agricultural workers receiving less financial support.”

Valerie Garcia, Future Ag Business Leader

Mendota High School – California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

“Westland Water District has helped me and my family by conserving and managing the water needed to grow crops. Without this district, my dad would probably not have a job, because in this small town, agriculture is the main provider of jobs. Without having someone to manage the amount of water used, there would be tons of waste everywhere, and our small town would be gone forever. It would no longer be one of the best providers for cantaloupes, and many companies would have to shut down.”

California Ag Today2025-05-29T10:05:33-07:00May 29th, 2025|

Hilmar™ Awards 54 Educational Scholarships

Fifty-four students demonstrating academic performance and community involvement will each receive a scholarship to help fund their higher education goals through Hilmar Cheese Company’s annual scholarship program. This program, which has existed since 2003, is one of the many ways Hilmar Cheese helps achieve its company purpose to improve lives together.

The scholarship program awarded $40,000 in four categories – children of employees, children of the dairy farm families who ship milk to Hilmar Cheese, part-time Visitor Center staff and students pursing an agricultural undergraduate degree in the communities where the company operates.

Fifteen children of employees of Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., three part-time Hilmar Cheese Visitor Center staff, and eight children of the dairy farm families who ship milk to Hilmar received scholarships. A second additional scholarship was awarded to one part-time visitor center employee, three employee children and one child of a dairy family who ships milk to Hilmar.

“I am pursing a degree in Child Development at CSU Stanislaus,” explained Jordyn Hill part-time visitor center employee. “I feel fortunate to work in the visitor center and the scholarship helps pay for classes.”

An additional thirty-eight students pursuing an agricultural major living in the counties where the company is located also received scholarships. This last category is for students not affiliated with the company; but dedicated to the agricultural industry and living in Merced or Stanislaus counties in California or Dallam or Hartley counties in Texas and Ford County in Kansas.

The Hilmar Cheese Company scholarship program reflects the company’s ongoing support of higher education and its commitment to employees, dairy farm families, the California, Texas and Kansas agricultural industries and the communities where Hilmar operates.

Qualifying students are encouraged to apply November 1 through February 1, 2026. For more information about Hilmar Cheese Company’s scholarship program, visit the About Us Overview section of www.hilmar.com.

California Ag Today2025-05-29T09:56:00-07:00May 29th, 2025|

Westlands Water District Responds to 55% Allocation Update from the Central Valley Project

Today, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced a modest increase in the water allocation for Central Valley Project (CVP) South-of-Delta agricultural contractors from 50% to 55%. In response to the announcement, Westlands Water District General Manager Allison Febbo issued the following statement:

“While an increase is appropriate, given current reservoir levels and snowpack, a 5 % increase is disappointing and highlights a critical reality: even in average hydrological years, California’s outdated water system falls short of delivering the water our communities require. As a state, we are failing the family farms and rural communities in the San Joaquin Valley that depend on CVP water to grow food, provide jobs, and sustain the economy. We can and must do better.

We cannot simply hope for rain or snow. Our state needs a modernized water infrastructure that performs consistently regardless of annual hydrology. Westlands remains committed to working with state and federal partners to advance balanced, science-based solutions that improve the regulatory landscape, water storage, and delivery capabilities for the hardworking families who grow the food that feeds California—and the nation—day in and day out.”

California Ag Today2025-05-27T13:21:35-07:00May 27th, 2025|

MORE THAN 20 DAIRY PARTNERS DISPLAY DAIRY TRENDS, SUSTAINABLE INGREDIENTS IN REAL CALIFORNIA MILK’S STREET OF DAIRY AT 2025 INTERNATIONAL DAIRY DELI BAKERY ASSOCIATION SHOW

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) will spotlight a variety of innovative, on-trend sustainably sourced dairy products at the 2025 International Dairy Deli Bakery Association (IDDBA) show in New Orleans, La. June 1-3. As a key exhibitor at the event, which brings together 10,000 attendees and more than 800 exhibiting companies at the largest industry-only show for dairy, deli, bakery, and foodservice, CMAB will connect with industry professionals while sharing all that California dairy has to offer through on-trend culinary dishes and more.

An assortment of dairy applications will be sampled throughout the show in CMAB’s booth #3725, including specialty cheese, kefir, desserts and more. California culinary expert Joe Baird will showcase a selection of trending recipes including Truffle Brie Wonton Nachos, Di Puglia Burrata Lemon and Basil Orzo, Hot Honey Grilled Cheese, Cream Cheese Dubai Chocolate Mousse, Whipped Burrata Mango Thai-Style Salad, and Lemon Ricotta Gelato will be featured in the Real California Kitchen.

California dairy processors in attendance include Angelo & Franco, Arbo’s Cheese Dips, Bellwether Farms, Cheese Bits, California Sunshine/Hidden Villa Ranch, Crystal Creamery, DiStefano Cheese, Double Rainbow Ice Cream, Fiscalini Cheese, Gelato Festival, Karoun Dairies, Lifeway, Marin French Cheese, Moinear Farmhouse Butter, Marquez Brothers, Pacific Cheese, Petit Pot, Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Rumiano Cheese, Santini Foods, Savencia, Scott Brothers, Sierra Nevada Cheese Co., Super Store Industries, and Sweet Craft Dolceria.

California is the nation’s leading milk producer, and makes more butter, ice cream and nonfat dry milk than any other state. California is the second-largest producer of cheese and yogurt. California milk and dairy foods can be identified by the Real California Milk seal, which means they are made with milk from the state’s dairy families using some of the most sustainable farming practices in the world.

California Ag Today2025-05-27T07:41:14-07:00May 27th, 2025|

CDFA and Partner Agencies Remind Travelers of the Risks of Pests in Packed Fruits, Vegetables, or Meat Products on their Summer Trips

As millions of travelers pack their bags this Memorial Day weekend for the unofficial beginning of summer travel season, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and its partners in federal and local government are reminding travelers NOT to pack fruits, vegetables, or meat products that could spread harmful pests, like invasive fruit flies.

Downloadable media assets, including high-resolution images and video content, are available here.

While traveling with these items may seem harmless, CDFA along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), and local county agricultural commissioners want to remind air passengers and road trippers alike that non-native pests and diseases can act as sneaky hitchhikers in fruits, veggies and other plant and food items. If transported into California, these invasive species can cause significant damage to California’s agricultural industries and residents’ homegrown produce.

To prevent the introduction of invasive pests and diseases, officials ask travelers entering or returning to California not to bring fruits, vegetables, or meat products with them. If travelers have plants or produce, they’re asked to declare it for inspection to ensure its safety.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross emphasized that the negative impacts of invasive pests and diseases stretch well beyond commercial agricultural operations. “Invasive pests and plant diseases that make their way into California not only can have devastating consequences for the bountiful agricultural operations throughout the state, but also can impact our community’s ability to grow fruits and vegetables at home, as well as the delicate ecosystems of our natural and working lands. Everyone can play a role in keeping California free from invasive pests and diseases.”

“Our CBP agriculture specialists stationed at land, sea and airports, utilize their technical proficiency in defending our borders from harmful pests and diseases,” said CBP Port Director of Los Angeles International Airport Andrew H. Douglas. “Travelers may even see our ‘Beagle Brigade,’ a specially trained canine team that can detect specific scents in travelers’ luggage associated with fruits, vegetables, meat and other products that could pose a threat.”

Highlighting the disruption invasive species can cause, California experienced the most pervasive invasive fruit fly outbreak in CDFA’s 100+ year history in 2023. Believed to be caused by unauthorized movement of infested agricultural products, the outbreaks established quarantines across the state, restricting thousands of acres of commercial agriculture operations and residents’ ability to share and enjoy their homegrown produce. There are currently two active invasive fruit fly quarantine areas in the state: a Mediterranean Fruit Fly quarantine area in parts of Alameda and Santa Clara counties, and an Oriental Fruit Fly quarantine in parts of Orange County.

For more information, visit DontPackaPest.com.

California Ag Today2025-05-23T13:31:22-07:00May 23rd, 2025|

Trustworthy Sources

Courtesy of Alliance for Food and Farming

As we wrote in a previous blog, we are likely to be exposed to increased unscientific rhetoric on a multitude of food-related subjects. And, consumers will be challenged to sift through media layers and determine trustworthy sources of information.

When it comes to produce safety, we suggest farmers as an important resource. We often say that a farmer’s first consumer is their own family. The farmers I know (and I know a lot of them) would only provide their children with the very safest fruits and vegetables. And, yes, the fruits and vegetables that reach consumers come from the very same fields and orchards.

While many farmers are busy and somewhat shy when it comes to social media, more and more realize the importance of what they do and have begun sharing the farming experience more publicly. We encourage consumers to follow these farmers on social media to learn more.

The Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF) also has conducted Farmer Takeovers of our Instagram channel to help communicate firsthand about production practices, advancements in technology and the daily challenges faced to provide safe and healthy fruits and vegetables. You can see the posts and videos from our Farmer Takeovers here.

Another important consumer resource is registered dietitians/nutritionists (RDs). Nutrition is an area rife with opinions and recommendations coming from a variety of sources. Misinformation abounds! However, RDs strive to provide science-based, actionable recommendations for consumers. They are invaluable when it comes to learning more about nutrition and helping consumers navigate through the massive amount of diet-related content hitting us constantly. (Read recent guest blogs by Registered Dietitians Sylvia Klinger and Elizabeth Shaw for credible, science-based advice.)

Many RDs specialize. From pregnancy, diabetes, gut health, pediatrics, sports medicine, there is an RD out there to help you.

RDs also provide healthy recipes and creative ways to increase daily consumption of nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables – a food group they universally recommend we eat more of every day. You can see some of those on the AFF’s Dietitian Quick Tips page at safefruitsandveggies.com.

Information is power, however, inaccurate information when it comes to food and nutrition can have the exact opposite effect and potentially negatively impact you and your family. This is why finding reliable and trustworthy sources can simplify this increasingly complicated food world and truly provide the information you need.

Read, learn, choose but eat more organic and conventionally grown produce every day for better health and a longer life.

Visit safefruitsandveggies.com and follow us @safeproduce.

California Ag Today2025-05-21T11:29:05-07:00May 21st, 2025|

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