California Agriculture News Archives - Page 150 of 174

PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PRESERVES FOOD SAFETY

LGMA Audits Continue During Shutdown

Scott Horsfall, CEO of the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement (LGMA), blogged that in light of the current federal government shut-down, “We want to ensure our customers and consumers that government food safety audits on leafy greens farms continue uninterrupted.”

LGMA auditors are not direct employees of the federal government; rather they are certified and licensed by the United States Department of Food and Agriculture, and they operate with oversight from the state department of agriculture in California. The audit program is fully funded by the leafy greens community through mandatory government assessments and is not reliant on tax dollars.

This public-private partnership is, according to LGMA, the best model for food safety because it is a system in which industry and government work together to ensure safe food. The leafy greens industry works with scientists and food safety experts in a transparent process to develop science-based food safety standards, or metrics. The government then works independently to ensure these practices are followed on farms.

The program requires handlers to be 100 percent in compliance with required standards. The handlers must correct any issued citations or face decertification from the program, resulting in loss of business. The end result is a system that drives continuous improvement with real penalties for non-compliance, provided at approximately 1 cent per box for leafy greens handlers.

As federal government agencies continue to struggle with funding the Food Safety Modernization Act, consumers continue to enjoy leafy greens grown under a system of mandatory government inspection. And the LGMA will continue to operate through the shutdown as it has since 2007.

Source: Scott Horsfall, CEO, LGMA

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:22-07:00October 9th, 2013|

AG CRIME DURING HARVEST

Report Every Crop Theft During Harvest

On Tuesday, the Yuba-Sutter Farm Bureau’s Ag Crime Committee met with Yuba County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Thomas Oakes to discuss crop theft this harvest season.

Sergeant Oakes would like to urge all growers to report every single theft, no matter how small. He emphasized that more reports will help his department identify hot spots in Yuba County and provide the information needed to deploy more deputies.

“Technically, the data right now says there were only 800 pounds of walnuts stolen last month, and we caught the guys that did it,” Oakes said. He added he knows there are more thefts taking place and his department needs to hear about them from growers. “Even if you don’t want to file a report, you can call in to say, ‘This happened, and I just want you to know,’” Oakes said.

The Yuba County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line is (530) 749-7777. The Sutter County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line is (530) 822-7307.

Of course this would apply to all farming areas in the state. Growers should notify their local Sheriff to report any thefts that they notice.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:22-07:00October 9th, 2013|

BONE HEALTH LINKED TO GRAPES

Better Bones with Grapes

The California Table Grape Commission announced TODAY that consuming grapes may help protect bone health, according to research presented this week at the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. Natural components found in grapes are thought to be responsible for these beneficial effects.

Purdue University’s eight-week study investigated the long-term benefits of grape consumption on bone health using an animal model for menopause. An earlier study had demonstrated short-term benefits with grape intake in these animals.

Research results showed that animals consuming a grape-enriched diet had improved bone calcium retention compared to those fed the control diet without grapes. Additionally, the grape-fed group had greater femur (thigh bone) thickness and strength, a detection that could indicate risk for hip fracture.

Approximately 57 million Americans are affected by osteoporosis or low bone mass, the effects of which can be debilitating. Until the age of thirty, our bones naturally rebuild themselves on a daily basis, but as we age, we begin to lose bone density.

For women, this loss is accelerated during the transition to menopause. Bone mineral density loss during menopause – once attributed solely to the loss of estrogen – actually depends on a combination of factors.

“These results suggest that grapes can improve yet another important aspect of health – our bones,” said Dr. Connie Weaver, lead investigator of the study. “This is an exciting new area of grape research that merits additional focus and study.”

The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research is a professional, scientific and medical society established to bring together clinical and experimental scientists involved in the study of bone and mineral metabolism.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:22-07:00October 9th, 2013|

WELL PICT BERRIES’ 20TH YEAR AT PMA’S FRESH SUMMIT

Well Pict to Introduce New Strawberry Variety

For more than 40 years, Well Pict Berries, in Watsonville, has been carrying on a tradition of growing premium, proprietary strawberries and raspberries, offering their customers the very best Mother Nature has to offer.

This year marks Well Pict Berries’ 20^thyear exhibiting at the Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit Trade Show, hosted this year on October 19 and 20 in New Orleans. On the show floor, the Well Pict team will be discussing an exciting new variety of strawberry that will be available in the 2014 growing season, as well as their well-received and ever-growing raspberry program.

“Fresh Summit is always the center of our exhibiting year,” says Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Dan Crowley. “It’s a fantastic chance to keep up with our valued customers, reach out to potential clients, and provide buyers with information on what sets us apart.”

In 1969, Founder Tim Miyasaka and a team of experienced growers began their quest to develop and market the best berry possible. Through time-tested cross-pollination and sustainable farming practices, Well-Pict has become the industry standard with their full line of premium, proprietary non-GMO berries.

For more information on Well Pict berries, please visit www.wellpict.com

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:22-07:00October 9th, 2013|

CITRUS GROWERS HAVE CHALLENGES

Citrus Growers Unhappy

With Governor Veto of AB 571

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Allen Ishida

Allen Ishida, Tulare County Supervisor, District 1, said it appears that High Speed Rail is more important than California’s $2 billion dollar citrus industry. “I think everyone in the citrus industry supports California Citrus Mutual President Joel Nelson’s position on his disappointment of Governor Brown’s vetoing of AB 571,” said Ishida. (See Monday’s post below.)

“The citrus industry is not only important for the Central Valley, but also for the Port of Oakland and the Port of Long Beach with the export shipments,” said Ishida.

“The navel citrus crop that’s maturing on the trees looks very good,” noted Ishida. “The Valencia orange season is just getting wrapped up.”

Ishida addressed other citrus news:

Like most growers, Ishida is worried about Federal water deliveries in the Friant Water District that he farms in. “We have no idea of how much water will be delivered next year,” he said.

Regarding Asian Citrus Psyllid finds in his county, Ishida is not sure what the industry is going to do, long term. “I have already sprayed some of my groves twice, as required. And it is decimating the organic citrus industry. They are forced to spray and will lose their organic status for one year. And if growers do not have to spray again, their farms can go back to an organic status,” Ishida said.

“With the wide range of ACP finds in Tulare County, I think we are always going to find the pest and will have to spray, and that would mean that organic industry may be over in the quarantine areas,” Ishida said.

As far as the new regulation from the regional water boards requiring nitrogen budgets, Ishida noted that if growers did not do anything, the high nitrates in the ground water would clear up on their own. “For the last 20 years we have not wasted nitrogen and we use soil and leaf analysis, which they did not have in the 1960s.”

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:22-07:00October 8th, 2013|

SALMONELLA IN CHICKEN

BREAKING NEWS

Public Health Alert

For Three Foster Farms Facilities

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued a public health alert TODAY due to concerns that illness caused by strains of Salmonella Heidelberg are associated with raw chicken products produced by Foster Farms at three facilities in California.

At this point in the investigation, FSIS is unable to link the illnesses to a specific product and a specific production period. Raw products from the facilities in question bear one of the establishment numbers inside a USDA mark of inspection or elsewhere on the package:

“P6137”
“P6137A”
“P7632”

The products were mainly distributed to retail outlets in California, Oregon and Washington State.

This public health alert is being issued after an estimated 278 illnesses were recently reported in 18 states, predominantly in California. The outbreak is continuing.

The investigations indicate that consumption of Foster Farms brand chicken and other brand chicken produced at Foster Farms plants are the likely source of this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections. Illnesses were linked to Foster Farms brand chicken through epidemiologic, laboratory and traceback investigations conducted by local, state, and federal officials.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is partnering with state health departments to monitor the outbreak while FSIS continues its investigation.

The investigation is ongoing and FSIS is prepared to take additional actions or expand the investigation based on new evidence.

FSIS reminds consumers to properly handle raw poultry in a manner to prevent contamination from spreading to other foods and food contact surfaces.

FSIS further reminds consumers of the critical importance of following package cooking instructions for frozen or fresh chicken products and general food safety guidelines when handling and preparing any raw meat or poultry. In particular, while cooking instructions may give a specific number of minutes of cooking for each side of the product in order to attain 165 °F internal temperature, consumers should be aware that actual time may vary depending on the cooking method (broiling, frying, or grilling) and the temperature of the product (chilled versus frozen) so it is important that the final temperature of 165 °F must be reached for safety. Please do not rely on the cooking time for each side of the product, but use a food thermometer.

All poultry products should be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165° F as determined by a food thermometer. Using a food thermometer is the only way to know that food has reached a high enough temperature to destroy foodborne bacteria.

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonellainfections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

Consumers with food safety questions can “Ask Karen,” the FSIS virtual representative available 24 hours a day at AskKaren.gov. The toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from l0 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are available 24 hours a day.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:23-07:00October 8th, 2013|

GOVERNOR VETOES CITRUS BILL AB 571

Governor Abandons Citrus Industry In Crisis

California Citrus Mutual issued the following assessment and response to Governor Brown’s veto of AB 571:

“With his veto pen in hand, Governor Jerry Brown once again signaled to Californians and the Nation that agriculture is not an important industry for California.”

“His veto of AB 571 is a clear message to our industry that citrus no longer has a home in California,” states CCM President Joel Nelsen. “AB 571 passed through four committees and two houses of the state legislature without opposition. The Governor vetoed a bill designed to protect Southern California homeowners, the commercial citrus industry, and the pioneering use of biological control to stop the Asian citrus psyllid and deadly citrus disease Huanglongbing.”

“He sent the same message 30 years ago with his unwillingness to eradicate the medfly and now California’s $2 billion iconic citrus industry has been given the same message – that we are not important.”

The California citrus industry exists significantly in eight counties, employs over 12,000 people, with a foundation of over 3,900 producers, the vast majority of whom are family farmers who ship fresh product from approximately 100 shippers, generating an additional $1.5 billion in economic activity.

Citrus growers, packing houses, and their employees submit $500 million in general fund support via taxes each year. In terms of fees and permits, the industry forwards another $112 million to underwrite state government mandates. “But I guess none of that is important,” continues Nelsen.

The California citrus industry has assessed itself over $60 million in detection and treatment for the Asian citrus psyllid. The federal government has put forth an estimated $40 million in an effort to protect the nation’s number one fresh citrus industry. The state of Florida has financially partnered with their industry to defend against the ravages of Huanglongbing.

“But not our Governor,” states Nelsen. “Governor Brown’s veto of AB 571 sends a clear message to all agriculture stakeholders, that this administration does not care about the citrus industry or California agriculture.”

There are more citrus trees in Southern California backyards than in the entire commercial citrus industry. “Funds from AB 571 were destined for biological control in the Los Angeles Basin,” continues Nelsen. “Biological control would reduce the threat of diseased Asian citrus psyllids from infecting back yard trees.

“That’s how it started in Florida and now over 250,000 acres of prime citrus have been destroyed or abandoned in that state. Brazil has eliminated over 12 million trees because of the disease. Every state in Mexico with citrus is infected with the disease for which there is no known cure. But I guess none of that is important to the Governor.”

In his veto message the Governor states, “Let’s review our options during the budget process.”

To this Nelsen responds, “The Governor’s veto message is laughable! The legislature approved $1 million to the California Department of Food and Agriculture, but his Department of Finance will not release the funds!”

AB 571 was initiated by members of his own party as a vehicle to better protect their constituents. “But the Governor states with his veto that this visionary approach is not important.”

Designed by representatives of the citrus industry in partnership with the scientific community and regulatory bodies at the state and federal level, the California’s effort to stop the Asian citrus psyllid and Huanglongbing has been touted across the country as a vibrant example of private and public sector partnerships.

“But I guess that’s not important to this Governor,” concludes Nelsen. “His

definition of leadership is duplicating the destruction that continues to spread throughout the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Belize and China.”

For more information, contact CCM President Joel Nelsen, 559-592-3790

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:23-07:00October 7th, 2013|

THE COST OF PIERCE’S DISEASE and GWSS

Grapevine Diseases Costs Wine Grape Growers and State

Issues relating to various grapevine diseases, including Pierce’s Disease (PD), grapevine leafroll, and powdery mildew, are under scrutiny by Kate Binzen Fuller, a post-doctoral researcher in the Agricultural and Resource Economics Department at UC Davis, and colleagues.

Kate Fuller, post-doctoral researcher at UC Davis

The team’s PD research, a CDFA-funded effort, analyzes the costs of PD and associated control measures for grape growers and nurseries, and the benefits from state and federal programs that have been put in place to control its spread.

“To understand the effects of PD in California requires an understanding of differences in disease characteristics and wine grape production characteristics in different parts of the state,” said Fuller. “In northern California, especially in Napa and Sonoma Counties, the Blue-Green Sharpshooter has spread the disease for many years, causing chronic but manageable damages. Wine grapes in Napa and Sonoma are typically very expensive and yield per acre is managed to be very low.”

“In southern California,” Fuller continued, “wine grapes are produced with much higher yields per acre and fetch much lower prices per ton, and the insect that spreads the disease is much more efficient at doing so. In Riverside County in particular, a non-native vector, the Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter (GWSS), decimated many acres of vineyard land in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

“As a result, the CDFA put programs in place in to prevent GWSS spread from southern California where the GWSS is now managed but endemic, to northern California’s high value wine regions,” stated Fuller.

“Our research suggests that PD of grapevines costs more than $100 million per year, even with public control programs in place that cost $50 million per year,” said Fuller. “This amount includes the costs of state and federal efforts to monitor and control the GWSS, research on PD/GWSS, and costs of compliance with the regulations by private firms including nurseries.”

Fuller estimates that under the current program, PD costs wine grape growers and consumers $92 million annually. If the control program ended and the GWSS became widespread throughout California, the annual cost borne by growers and consumers could increase by as much as $185 million.

In additional research, Fuller and her colleagues estimate that benefits from research, development, and adoption of PD-resistant vines range from $4 million to $125 million annually over a 50-year horizon, depending on the length of the amount of time until these vines are available to growers, and the rate of adoption. The sooner the resistant vines are available and the more growers adopt them, the greater the benefit.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:23-07:00October 7th, 2013|

ALERT: UFW NOTICES OF INTENT TO TAKE ACCESS

California Farm Employers’ Rights

Courtesy of Farm Employers Labor Service via Monterey County Farm Bureau

FELS has learned additional information that may be useful while dealing with United Farm Workers Union (UFW) Notices of Intent to Take Access (NAs).

First, regional Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) offices have recently requested certain information from employers within seven days:

the number of current agricultural employees including employees hired through farm labor contractors;
the principal crops produced by the employer; and,
the worksites and addresses of all of employees, including those hired through FLCs.

Such a request by the ALRB is previously unheard of; an investigation of an NA and provision of this information is not required by the ALRB’s access regulation.

Second, let your employees know that you and other agricultural employers and their organizations have been working very hard for a long time for the passage of an immigration-reform law that will benefit them and their family and friends, along with employers.

Also before UFW agents take access, reassure your employees that you respect their right and the right of UFW agents to communicate with each other confidentially during access periods. You should also let employees know they have the rights:

Not to talk to UFW agents if they do not wish to do so.
To fully understand for themselves what it is that UFW agents are asking them to sign before they sign it.

Third, there are limitations on UFW’s access rights in addition to those mentioned in the September 30 FELS eNews:

Access may be taken by only two UFW agents for each work crew on your land, except that if there are more than 30 employees in a crew, one additional agent is allowed for up to every 15 additional employees.
You may deny access to UFW agents if no NA was filed and served or if the agents fail to identify themselves upon request.
You may end access and order UFW agents off your land once the mandated access time has expired or if the agents disrupt work or harm equipment, crops or other property.

If you have further questions or concerns, please contact FELS at 800-753-9073 or info@fels.net

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:23-07:00October 7th, 2013|

KIWI FRUIT COMING TO PRODUCE AISLES

California Kiwifruit Shipments Started

By the beginning of next week all of the packers and handlers of California kiwifruit will be packing and shipping the harvested fruit.

Some small volumes of California kiwifruit have been shipped to date, and the Kiwifruit Administrative Committee will likely begin its broadcast of the KISS Weekly Price-Shipment Reports next week. The reports are posted on the California Kiwifruit industry website by the end of the reporting week at the following link: http://www.kiwifruit.org/industry/reports.aspx.

Monthly Inventory Reports will also be posted on the above link. The first such report will be posted the week of November 5.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:23-07:00October 5th, 2013|