California Ag Today, Author at California Agriculture News Today

CACASA Clarifies Food Safety Concerns Surrounding Dacthal

Courtesy of CACASA

The California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association has issued a letter clarifying food safety concerns surrounding the herbicide Dacthal (DCPA dimethyl tetrachloroterephthalate) recently banned by the U.S. EPA.

The letter states the following:

On August 6, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the suspension of all registrations and uses of the herbicide product Dacthal (DCPA: dimethyltetrachloroterephthalate).

The California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA) wishes to reiterate that DCPA is a pre-emergent herbicide commonly used in the production of cole crops such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and cauliflower. It is typically applied at the same time the crop is being planted and is not used on vegetable plants during the growing cycle.

As such, DCPA is not considered a food safety concern for consumers. Any applications of DCPA on commodities listed on the product label prior to U.S. EPA’s execution of the suspension were legal in nature and continue to be subject to strict residue tolerances to ensure the safety of consumers.

The U.S. EPA has stated it has taken action to ban this pesticide due to significant health risks to unborn babies of pregnant individuals who may be working in areas where DCPA has been applied

CACASA members, who are Agricultural Commissioners operating in every California county, have taken immediate action to notify farmers of this ban and their responsibility to discontinue use of this product immediately.

The ban on DCPA will be enforced as part of Ag Commissioners’ extensive and ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with pesticide laws. These efforts include physical inspections of farming businesses to make sure they are in compliance with all regulations. Ag Commissioners and their staff regularly drive around farming areas looking for pesticide applications that are in process and then conduct surprise inspections to verify that all laws are being followed.

Should you have additional concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

A copy of this letter can be downloaded here.

California Ag Today2024-08-19T09:21:05-07:00August 19th, 2024|

Economic Analysis Reveals Significant Impacts of Pesticide Policies on California Lettuce Production

Courtesy of the Californians for Smart Pesticide Policy

Today, Californians for Smart Pesticide Policy (CSPP) released a comprehensive economic analysis highlighting possible implications of elements of California’s proposed Sustainable Pest Management (SPM) framework that would result in impacts on the state’s lettuce production industry. The study, conducted by economists Jarrett Hart, Duncan MacEwan, Jay Noel, and Amrith Gunasekara, underscores the critical need for effective and timely pest management solutions to safeguard the state’s agricultural productivity.

The economic impact of pesticide restrictions is profound, with projections indicating a 7.3 percent decrease in California’s lettuce production due to restrictions on key pesticides such as neonicotinoids and pyrethroids. This would result in an annual loss of $160.3 million to producers and an additional cost of $694.28 million to consumers. Additionally, the shift in production from California to other regions like Arizona and Mexico would increase production costs and consumer prices, further straining the state’s agricultural economy.

The consequences of delays in pesticide registration are equally concerning. The study reveals that California’s stringent and lengthy registration process leads to a reduction in lettuce production, with producers losing $42.8 million and costing consumers $139.3 million annually. The state’s process, which can extend 1-3 years following federal approvals, hinders innovation and delays the availability of new, effective pest management products to California growers.

Market shifts and regulatory leakage are anticipated as a result of these proposed policies. The economic analysis predicts a modest short-run decrease in lettuce prices and a production shift from California to Arizona and Mexico. In the long run, more stringent pesticide policies would drive a significant portion of lettuce production out of California, resulting in increased prices throughout the supply chain, including for consumers.

The implications of the proposed SPM framework are significant. While the SPM framework aims to phase out harmful pesticides, without viable alternatives, this policy could undermine California’s agricultural sector.

California Ag Today2024-08-15T12:57:30-07:00August 15th, 2024|

Westlands Water District Awarded $1,000,000 by the California Department of Water Resources

Courtesy of the Westlands Water District Public Affairs Department

Grant will help implement projects to reduce flooding and facilitate groundwater recharge

The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) awarded Westlands Water District (District), a $1,000,000 grant as part of DWR’s Flood Diversion Recharge (FDRE) Initiative. This grant will assist the State’s efforts to reduce flooding by increasing flood flow diversion volumes to recharge areas and expand local capacity to divert future flood waters. These efforts in turn reduce downstream flood impacts and facilitate groundwater recharge.

“The District is committed to building a resilient water future for the San Joaquin Valley and our family farms,” said Allison Febbo, General Manager of Westlands Water District. “This grant will greatly assist us in clearing the way for flood diversion and support our ongoing groundwater recharge efforts as we navigate through climate-driven weather extremes and continued decline in reliable surface water supplies and work towards groundwater sustainability.”

The grant will support the removal of 450 acres of orchards from land recently acquired by the District. Located in an area of the District identified as subsidence-prone, adjacent to the San Luis Canal, the cleared land will reduce demand for groundwater near critical infrastructure, improve the availability of surface water and sustainable groundwater allocation(s), provide the District with increased recharge capabilities, and provide a site to temporarily retain diverted floodwater when needed. The subject land is part of 5,340 acres acquired since 2022, including the removal of 1,930 acres of orchards and vines, at a total investment of over $58,000,000.

Reducing groundwater demand, increasing surface water, and sustainable groundwater allocation(s) to other productive farmland, land repurposing, and groundwater recharge are all important measures identified in the Westside Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Plan. Diverting flood flows for groundwater recharge also protects downstream communities and infrastructure.

California Ag Today2024-08-14T09:10:02-07:00August 14th, 2024|

Duncan’s research ‘blew up preconceived ideas,’ improved almond, peach, grape production

Courtesy of UC Agriculture and Natural Resources

Roger Duncan, UCCE farm advisor in Stanislaus County, retires after 36 years

For more than three decades, tree fruit and nut growers have depended on the advice of Roger Duncan, UC Cooperative Extension pomology farm advisor in Stanislaus County, to improve their production practices. Duncan, whose research and extension program focused on almonds, peaches, grapes and other tree crops, retired July 1.

“Roger Duncan has been an extraordinarily relevant researcher for the predominant crops in Stanislaus County,” said Rep. John Duarte, owner of Duarte Nursery in Hughson. “His research has encompassed rootstock and variety selection, tree spacing, chemical inputs and spraying, fertilizers, pruning and replanting amongst other projects.”

Duncan began working for UC ANR in 1988 as a field assistant to Integrated Pest Management advisor Jim Stapleton after earning a master’s degree in plant science and plant pathology from Fresno State and a bachelor’s degree in the same subjects from UC Davis. In 1990, he became a UC Cooperative Extension in pomology farm advisor in Stanislaus County.

During Duncan’s tenure, the planted acreage of tree and vine crops has tripled in Stanislaus County to nearly 1,900 farms on over 230,000 acres. His research has helped to improve production efficiency through improved rootstocks, crop varieties and production practices.

“Roger provides growers with resources and tools on nutrition, sprays, nutrient deficiencies, calendars, costs, pest management and other horticultural practices,” Duarte said. “His work has had significant impact on the productivity and quality of almonds, peaches and grapes. Breeders, universities, nurseries, growers and marketers have all gained from the wisdom and dedication of Roger Duncan.”

Growing up in Modesto, Duncan wasn’t raised on a farm. “I had friends whose families farmed orchard crops, so I had some exposure,” he said. “I caught the Extension bug while working as a summer intern for the pomology advisors in the Stanislaus County UCCE office after I graduated with my B.S. That is what inspired me to return to school with the goal of being a pomology farm advisor.”

Reducing production costs

To help growers lower production costs, Duncan introduced orchard practices aimed at reducing hand labor and other inputs. As a result of his research, minimal pruning has become the norm in California almond production, reducing input costs and carbon output and increasing yield. He also improved monitoring and management techniques of established and invasive diseases and insect pests.

“The practical applications Roger brings to the grower community are invaluable,” said Mel Machado, Blue Diamond Almonds vice president for member relations and Stanislaus County almond grower. “His minimal pruning study stood growers on their heads. People had preconceived ideas about pruning. He blew that up. His research showed that after you get the tree’s frame, all you need to remove are the dead and occluded branches. With the market depressed, we needed to cut costs. He said, ‘You don’t need pruning.’ Now I’m growing bushes.”

Art Bowman, a crop adviser with Salida Ag Chem, agreed that Duncan’s pruning research had an impact. “Roger’s pruning trial that lasted over 20 years was a much-discussed subject among growers,” Bowman said. “Growers’ pruning practices definitely changed due to Roger’s research, with early emphasis on structural development and, later in the tree’s life, concentrating on tree accessibility and deadwood removal.”

In 1990, when Duncan joined UC Cooperative Extension, California had 408,700 acres of almonds, according to the California Agricultural Statistics Service. Now the state has over 1.5 million acres of almonds.

About 75% of the farms Duncan has served have 40 acres or less, farmed by “small” or “part-time” farmers, who needed to learn basic horticulture and pest management. Stanislaus County also is home to some very large, sophisticated growers, who Duncan has kept apprised of new technology.

“I believe that personal interaction offers the most memorable means of information transfer, which is why I held an average of 12-plus extension events per year, gave 18-plus extension presentations per year, and went on an average of over 75 individual farm calls per year,” Duncan said. He also provided information via videos, blogs, podcasts, radio shows, newsletters, news media and extension publications as well as commodity boards.

Along with Duncan’s research, Bowman has appreciated his availability. “Roger was always ready to take a call, make orchard visits and listen to a grower’s concern or problem,” he said.

In 1997, Duncan began hosting twice monthly Tree & Vine Integrated Pest Management breakfast meetings for pest control advisers and growers to discuss current and potential pest threats. These meetings have continued for 28 years.

He speaks ‘farmer’

Machado attributes much of Duncan’s success to his communication skills. “His research is scientific and he speaks ‘farmer,’” he said.

Machado gave rootstock as an example. “Roger is my rootstock resource; he knows rootstocks better than anybody,” he said. “His rootstock trial is dirt simple. There’s a different rootstock every five trees. You can see walking down the row the differences in the rootstocks.”

From his field evaluations, Duncan identified a complex hybrid rootstock that is highly tolerant to ring nematode, bacterial canker and salt toxicity. He found other hybrid rootstocks that boost crop yield while reducing risk from soil chemistry and soil-borne disease challenges, enabling almonds to be grown in the marginal soils on the west side of the North San Joaquin Valley. To help growers choose the appropriate rootstock for their soil, he wrote a comprehensive ANR publication, made a video and worked with the UC Fruit & Nut Center to create an interactive rootstock comparison website.

Over the last 15 years, use of hybrid almond rootstocks has increased dramatically. Burchell Nursery now sells approximately 40% of their trees on hybrid rootstock compared to less than 5% of almond trees 15 years ago, and more than 95% of Duarte Nursery almond trees are on hybrid rootstocks, according to Duncan.

“We’ve worked with Roger for years, back when he didn’t have a mustache and then when he had a mustache,” said Robert Longstreth, who grows almonds, walnuts and cherries.

“Roger does research in the area you need, not frivolous stuff that you don’t need,” said Longstreth, who has benefited from Duncan’s research on pruning, rootstocks, irrigation timing, plant nutrition and disease control. “He’s thought very highly of by almond growers. When he has something to say, people listen.”

The UCCE farm advisor has overseen long-term trials to learn how to design and maintain an almond orchard to capture early production, maintain long-term yields and maximize profits. “In the first 17 years of the orchard design project, I increased cumulative net profits by up to $14,000 per acre, including increased yield while reducing labor and carbon inputs,” Duncan said.

Influenced by Duncan’s tree-spacing research results, growers have increased almond tree density by 20% per acre statewide, leading to higher crop yields, longer-living orchards and better farm economic sustainability.

As California’s expert on almond rootstocks and almond orchard design, Duncan has taught the subjects for the UC Almond Production Short Course, was lead author on the UCANR publication “Almond Rootstocks,” wrote the rootstock chapter, and co-authored the orchard design chapter of the UC Almond Production Manual. He was invited to Chile, Spain and Australia to share his expertise with growers there.

Expanded programs for kids and gardeners

In addition to being a farm advisor, Duncan served as director of UC Cooperative Extension in Stanislaus County from 2011 through 2013 and again from 2017 through 2020. As the UCCE county director, he acquired new county funding to hire a 4-H youth development program representative in 2018 to provide more learning opportunities for local, underrepresented children.

That year, he also acquired county funding to hire a full-time Master Gardener coordinator and launched the first UC Master Gardener Program in the county.

“I felt very lucky to serve as an advisor in the same county where I was born and raised,” Duncan said. “I am most proud of the trust I have developed with the growers and other clientele.”

Professional awards

Recently, Duncan’s peers at UC ANR honored him with a Distinguished Service Award for his outstanding extension program, which gave growers the data and confidence to adopt orchard practices that have bumped up the productivity and economic value of California almond orchards.

The popular breakfast meetings to discuss pest management earned Duncan and his UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor colleagues the Entomological Society Award of Extension Excellence and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s IPM Innovator Award. The California Legislature also recognized the breakfast club’s commitment to sustainable pest management.

Recognizing Duncan’s extraordinary contributions, the university recently granted him emeritus status.

“I have a lot of respect for the other farm advisors, but Roger is at the top of the pile,” said Machado, who has served on Almond Board committees with Duncan and known him since he joined UC Cooperative Extension. “I’m going to miss him. You can absolutely count on him.”

Congressman and nurseryman Duarte added: “While he will be sorely missed by us in his role of pomology advisor for the University of California, we hope that he keeps his interest, and continues to influence the food production industry in the Central Valley.”

California Ag Today2024-08-06T08:32:07-07:00August 6th, 2024|

Could empty lots be growing food, economic opportunity?

Courtesy of UC ANR News

UCCE scientists study feasibility of specialty crops for small urban growers

The vacant lots around your neighborhood could be growing fruits and vegetables and making local produce more accessible – while reducing energy needed to transport and distribute the food. Could turning those empty lots into small farms also become opportunities for economic development?

To answer this question, a team of researchers from University of California Cooperative Extension in San Diego County are investigating the economic feasibility of growing high-value specialty crops in urban settings like vacant lots. The project – led by Eric Middleton, UCCE integrated pest management advisor for San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties – is currently in progress at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, a seasonal attraction for locals and tourists.

Tucked away in the back of the field is the Small-Scale Urban Ag Demonstration Site where Middleton and his team established a small farm on approximately 17,000 square feet, starting fall 2023. Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the farm is designed to evaluate containerized production both outdoors and under high tunnels.

Growers don’t necessarily need land, just space

High tunnels, also referred to as hoop houses, are semi-permanent structures that act similarly to greenhouses in providing a controlled environment. For the experiment, Middleton will compare cost, effort and durability of two types of high tunnels: one made of steel and the other out of PVC pipes.

“We want to give interested growers information on as many options as we can,” said Middleton, who explained that the project is motivated by the challenges of urban settings, including limited space and lack of arable land.

In the trial, they are growing turmeric, ginger and blueberries. The high-value crops were selected because of their potential to earn a profit. Data evaluating plant variety, soil mix, fertilizer, growth performance, yield and pest and disease pressures will be collected and reported when the project concludes in 2026.

As the crops develop in containers – blueberries in pots and turmeric and ginger in grow bags – Middleton pointed out the mobility aspect of the study, noting that growers don’t necessarily need land, just space.

Whether it’s a backyard or a rooftop, containerized production means easier transport, especially since vacant land doesn’t always remain vacant forever and urban lots may often need soil remediation. Growing in containers solves the anticipated problem of having to relocate.

Where to set up shop in San Diego County

Jan Gonzales, project coordinator and community education supervisor for UCCE San Diego County, is leading the effort to identify available urban land in San Diego County as well as the policies and procedures for growers to access these spaces.

Gonzales is collaborating with community members who are working on similar projects to identify space for prospective growers.

“This has been done before for different objectives and for specific areas in the region, but the information was either project-specific and not publicly available, or not easy to find,” Gonzales said.

Having spoken with people associated with previous or ongoing agricultural land mapping projects, Gonzales has agreed to coordinate and facilitate an advisory work group to discuss areas of potential collaboration and develop project efficiencies. She anticipates holding the first group meeting before the end of the summer.

A production guide to help community members re-create the project

The ideal audience for a study like this is anyone who wants to grow specialty crops, according to Lindsey Pedroncelli, interim director of UC South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine, who worked on the project alongside Middleton when she was a staff research associate with UCCE San Diego.

“If you’re a new grower or a grower who wants to diversify your crop production, what we’re learning here can be applied to you,” said Pedroncelli.

Pedroncelli has been instrumental in bringing the experiment to life and documenting its step-by-step workflow thus far. The production guide, which is being created as the study unfolds, will include instructions detailing how to replicate the experiment from the ground up. Currently, it contains information on how to design your farm, the materials to buy, building structures, irrigation setup and crop management.

The most intriguing open question, whether the operation is profitable, is the driving force behind the production guide and will certainly be addressed, Pedroncelli said.

Book a tour and visit the farm

When visiting the farm, you’ll encounter three varieties of blueberries: Star, Snowchaser and Misty. Snowchaser has been a top producer since it was planted in January, but the variety is known to be an early season producer.

Using only one variety of each, the turmeric and ginger were planted in late March-early April. With some unanticipated cold weather in San Diego County, both crops struggled when transitioning out of dormancy, leading to very slow progress, which the team is still navigating today.

Visually, Middleton and his team have noticed differences between the crops growing under the high tunnels versus those grown outdoors, although the data has not been analyzed to confirm or explain notable differences.

Attempting to demonstrate how to profitably grow high-value crops in urban settings using limited space and resources, Pedroncelli said she hopes this study will also encourage people to grow culturally significant crops for their communities.

To tour the Small-Scale Urban Ag Demonstration Site at The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, email Eric Middleton at egmiddleton@ucanr.edu with “Urban Agriculture Demonstration Site Tour” in the subject line.

To learn more about the project and its progress, visit https://ucanr.edu/sites/socalIPM/Small_Scale_Urban_Agriculture_Project_/.

California Ag Today2024-07-25T15:52:23-07:00July 25th, 2024|

$1.5 Million in Grant Funding Available to Dairy Processors

Pacific Coast Coalition Opens Grants Round 5 to Support Dairy Processors – Applications Due September 30, 2024

The California Dairy Innovation Center (CDIC) today shared that the Pacific Coast Coalition (PCC) has launched its fifth round of industry grant funding. Designed to support and enhance the efforts of California’s dairy processors and others in the western region, the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative grants, which are available for application at dairypcc.net, aim to foster innovation, sustainability, and growth within the dairy industry. A total of $1.5 million is being made available during this round, which opens for applications August 1^st.

California dairy processors are encouraged to apply for these grants, which offer financial assistance for projects that promote technological advancements, increase capacity and innovation, and enhance product quality. The PCC is committed to empowering local and regional processors to achieve their goals and continue to lead the nation in dairy production.

Applicants can find detailed information about the grant program, including eligibility criteria and application guidelines, at https://www.dairypcc.net/grant-applications/. Eligible projects are those that modernize, specialize, expand, investigate and/or market the use of regionally produced milk to higher-value products, including projects to improve or add value chain and commodity innovation and/or facility process updates for dairy processors and to improve or add dairy product development, packaging, and marketing.

The PCC encourages all eligible processors, in particular first-time applicants, to take advantage of this valuable opportunity to advance their operations and contribute to the industry’s growth. For further information, please visit dairypcc.net or contact dairypacificcoast@mail.fresnostate.edu.

California Ag Today2024-07-24T13:56:55-07:00July 24th, 2024|

USDA Projects Larger 2024 Almond Crop; Down 7 Percent from May Forecast

Courtesy of the Almond Board of California

Harvest 2024 predicted at 2.8 billion pounds while carryout expected to drop significantly.

The 2024 California Almond Objective Measurement Report published Wednesday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) estimates that the crop harvested in 2024 will come in at 2.80 billion meat pounds.

The estimate is down 7 percent from USDA-NASS’s Subjective Forecast in May. It follows a generally solid bloom as well as a year in which growers faced a range of economic challenges. It also comes when the carryout is projected to drop to levels not seen in years as almond shipments set a record of 10 months straight of at least 212 million pounds shipped.

“The Objective Measurement is in line with what the industry expected and a drop from the Subjective Estimate. It reflects both a good bloom and hard work by California almond growers during trying times,” said Clarice Turner, president and CEO of the Almond Board of California. “For perspective, demand has been strong, consistent and continues to grow, which has reduced the carryout to what may be the smallest in years. California almonds shipped at least 212 million pounds each of the first 10 months of this crop year and averaged 230 million pounds a month. Never before has the industry shipped even 200 million pounds 10 months in a row in the same crop year.”

Turner said the Almond Board expects the almond supply to be similar to what was available in the past 2023-24 crop year.

“The actual supply of California almonds available for the market is the combination of crop size and carryout from the previous year,” she said, “We expect only minor changes, if any, to the supply for market this next crop year because the forecasted increase in crop size will mostly be offset by the smaller carryout. Clearly, global demand is strong and consistent. We will continue to work hard to meet growing demand.”

The 2023 harvest yielded 2.47 billion pounds, 5% below the 2023 Objective Report estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precisely forecasting crop size given the current fluctuations in weather and economic factors.

USDA-NASS said the 2024 harvest is expected to be on schedule. “The 2024 almond crop experienced mostly favorable weather during the bloom period,” the report said. “Bee hours were reported to be significantly higher than last year. Wet and warm weather in April increased pest and disease pressure, but dry conditions and mild temperatures in May helped the developing crop. Multiple heat waves across the state during June and July required growers to increase irrigation on their orchards.”

USDA-NASS’ forecasted yield is 2030 pounds per acre, up from 1,790 in 2023. The forecast for the average nut set per tree is 4,072 up from 3,953 in 2023, while the average kernel weight for all varieties sampled was 1.61 grams, down from the 1.67 grams in 2023. The Nonpareil average nut set of 4,137 is up from 4,004 last year, and the average Nonpareil kernel weight was 1.64, down from 1.69 grams last year.

The 2024 Objective Report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. The survey was conducted from May 25 to June 28 and 1,904 trees were sampled in 952 orchards, the most ever, USDA NASS said. It was 40 more orchards than in 2023. USDA-NASS conducts the annual Objective Report, Subjective Forecast and Nursery Survey to provide the California almond industry with the data needed to make informed business decisions.

California Ag Today2024-07-10T13:48:16-07:00July 10th, 2024|

Extreme Heat Advisory

Dear Friends,

I want to make sure everyone stays safe from the heat this week, and to stay updated subscribe to my email list.

The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning beginning this morning and continuing through the 4th of July weekend. Consistent high temperatures over 110 degrees Fahrenheit will persist until next Wednesday, with little relief overnight.

Even though we’ve lived through many heatwaves before, don’t become complacent and let this one catch you off guard. As we come together to celebrate our country and Valley, let’s look out for each other.

Lastly, elevated temperatures are likely to occur multiple times this summer and fall, so this message provides information about resources like cooling centers in Stanislaus, San Joaquin County, Merced, Madera, and Fresno Counties.

Here are the signs and symptoms of heat stroke.

California Ag Today2024-07-03T08:36:18-07:00July 3rd, 2024|

CFFA REACTS TO PAGA REFORM SIGNING

Courtesy of the California Fresh Fruit Association

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) applauds Governor Newsom’s enactment of legislation to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). The Association is proud to have been a partner in the Fix PAGA Coalition, as this new state law will make significant improvements to how PAGA cases are handled in California.

The PAGA Reform agreement was reached in a collaborative effort by the Newsom Administration, legislative leaders, labor advocates and the Fix PAGA Coalition. The legislative package – AB 2288 by Assemblymember Ash Kalra and SB 92 by Senator Tom Umberg – will ensure employees are able to bring forth labor claims and receive fair compensation, while limiting lawsuits that ultimately hurt employers and their workforce.

President Daniel Hartwig stated, “CFFA is grateful that the coalition was able to come together and reach a solution to the scourge of PAGA lawsuits. Far too many ag employers have been on the receiving end of these shakedown lawsuits and have spent millions of their hard-earned dollars in attorney fees to make them go away. This reform effort helps protect employers and employees.”

California agriculture has long been affected by PAGA lawsuits, and the Association is appreciative to this collective group for coming together to reach a deal that will benefit businesses and their employees across all industries.

California Ag Today2024-07-03T08:13:24-07:00July 3rd, 2024|

UC food-safety specialist tests biosensors to ensure safe produce

Courtesy of the UCANR News

Ahmed El-Moghazy joined UC Agriculture and Natural Resources as a UC Cooperative Extension food safety specialist in February and is based at UC Riverside. Food safety, according to El-Moghazy, are measures that ensure food is free from harmful contaminants, prevent foodborne illnesses and is safe to eat. El-Moghazy is responsible for assisting California farmers and food processing facilities to enhance food safety practices by training appropriate personnel and addressing food-safety issues on their farms.

As the principal investigator for the 2-SAFE Lab at UC Riverside, El-Moghazy is investigating the accuracy and applicability of point-of-use biosensor technology. The small, lightweight and easy-to-use sensor can be used while out in the field or in a packing house to test contamination of liquids such as irrigation and washing water or solids like food samples.

Testing for foodborne pathogens traditionally takes two to three days and the process can be costly. The biosensor technology that El-Moghazy is using is inexpensive and can provide results within one work shift, which allows businesses that grow fresh produce to confirm the safety of their products before sending them to the market.

The alternative, selling contaminated food to consumers, is not only detrimental to human health, but can ruin the reputation of businesses, making way for unanticipated costs associated with recalling contaminated products and regulatory consequences including fines and sanctions.

El-Moghazy is also developing the next generation of antimicrobial surface coatings and materials that can rapidly control the foodborne pathogens and hinder the transfer of harmful bacteria from contaminated food to non-contaminated food.

El-Moghazy is optimistic that his research can safeguard public health, reduce the burden of foodborne illness and protect the integrity of businesses. Although El-Moghazy serves the entire state, he is dedicating a large part of his needs assessment and efforts in Southern California where high-value specialty crops such as avocados and citrus are grown.

“Did you know that one in every six Americans get sick from eating food contaminated with a foodborne pathogen?” asked El-Moghazy. Understanding the fatality of foodborne illnesses, El-Moghazy believes that increasing awareness through education is an essential aspect of his role. “It’s true, but not many people realize this, or that 40% of foodborne illnesses stem from fresh produce.”

To protect consumers, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires farms with a certain level of annual sales (adjusted for inflation) of fruits and vegetables typically consumed raw to have one employee who has completed an FDA-approved Produce Safety Rule Grower Training.

In addition to certified trainings, El-Moghazy offers technical assistance to ensure growers comply before and after inspections, as well as resources for several topics including produce safety, agriculture water, flooding, soil amendments, worker health, hygiene and training and postharvest handling and sanitation. He can also assist in developing food-safety plans and other general farm food-safety protocols. His technical expertise covers all aspects of food production and supply including irrigation water quality, hygiene of harvesting tools and transportation.

Before joining ANR, El-Moghazy completed two years as a visiting scholar in the UC Davis Biological and Agricultural Engineering department before continuing as a postdoctoral fellow in the UC Davis Food Science and Technology department for 5 years. Much of his work was rooted in the development of biosensors and antimicrobial materials for food safety. While in Davis, he collaborated with local farms and food processing companies on food safety research and extension.

El-Moghazy earned a Ph.D. studying developmental biosensors for food safety applications to detect pesticides residues from a joint program offered by University of Perpignan in France and Alexandria University in Egypt. He also earned a master’s degree in developmental biobased fungicides and a bachelor’s in agriculture science from Alexandria University. Finally, he completed a fellowship at the Institute of Plant Protection, Szent Istvan University in Hungary, where he studied how to extend shelf-life of fresh produce using biomaterials.

El-Moghazy is based at UC Riverside in the Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology. He can be reached at aelmogha@ucr.edu or (951) 827-0257.

California Ag Today2024-07-01T14:25:52-07:00July 1st, 2024|