CALIFORNIA RANGELAND TRUST IN FORWARD-LOOKING PARTNERSHIP WITH RETAILER

California Rangeland Trust Partners with Whole Foods for Donation

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross released the following post about California Rangeland Trust:

As we work together to embrace a future that will require a substantial increase in food production while using fewer natural resources, it is critical that we look for new ways to emphasize the importance of sustainability, which we define as an agricultural production system that meets the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

That’s why I applaud California Rangeland Trust for its partnership with Whole Foods. The retailer has committed to donating five percent of its net sales on September 25th from its stores in Northern California and Reno to the Trust.

I like this partnership because it underscores the importance of ecosystemservices, which are the multiple benefits we gain from farming and ranching, including crop and livestock production. This means that, in addition to valuable open space and wildlife habitat, the management decisions and conservation practices of farmers and ranchers enhance environmental quality, provide recreational opportunities, and offer social benefits.

Ecosystem services match up very well with the work of the California Rangeland Trust -conserving the open space, natural habitat and stewardship provided by California’s ranching families. The Trust has protected more than 275,000 acres of productive grazing lands across the state through the use of conservation easements.

California’s ranching heritage is important to our landscape, our economy and our environment. Ranchlands help to sustain us and feed us, and we’ll benefit from their protection for many years to come. I hope we’ll see more partnerships like this in the future, giving consumers an opportunity to see the connection between food and agriculture and enabling them to do something on its behalf.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 27th, 2013|

CHAFFEE ZOO VALLEY FARM EXHIBIT

Valley Farm Exhibit Opens At Chaffee Zoo

The entrance to the exhibit designed by Heather Davis, with Chaffee Zoo.

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Today, local agricultural leaders gathered at Fresno’s Chaffee Zoo to enjoy the official opening of the new Valley Farm Exhibit at the former Small Wonder’s area of the zoo.

The area has been transformed into a representative view of local agriculture including fruit trees, rows crops, a chicken coop and new farm animals.

For years to come, the exhibit will be an interactive opportunity for thousands of kids and adults to see the importance of agriculture in the valley. The crop part are of the exhibit was administrated by California State University, Fresno’s (CSUF) Jordan School of Agriculture, along with the Ag One Foundation at CSUF, the Fresno County Farm Bureau and Bennett & Bennett Irrigation.

Current crops in the exhibit are corn, alfalfa, cotton, vegetables, stone fruit, figs, olives, citrus trees and grapes. There are also eggs from the hens in the exhibit. “All of the crops as well as eggs will eventually become feed for zoo animals,” said Terri Mejorado, director of marketing for Chaffe Zoo.

“This is a public outreach for the Plant Science Department at Fresno State to assist the Chaffe Zoo in enhancing their petting zoo of the Valley Farm area,” said Bruce Roberts, professor at the CSUF Plant Science Department, and the advisor of the Food Science Club.

The crowd listens to Scott Barton, Chaffee Zoo Director.

“We’re involved in planting the crops that represent our regional agriculture, and visitors can see what the animals feed on and what’s grown here. Our students will maintain the crops, including year-round replanting. We are also educating the important zoo docents, so that they can answer questions about the crops grown here,” said Roberts.

The Fresno County Farm Bureau was very involved in the planning of the project and planting of the crops. “Fresno County, if viewed as a state, would be #2 in the nation in agricultural production value. Of course, #1 would be California,” said Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen.

Crops Growing at the Valley Farm Exhibit.

“When you talk about agriculture being the economic engine, it’s important to know that every dollar generated on the farm typically generates $3.50 in the local economy,” said Jacobsen. “When you talk about Fresno County, which alone generates $6.6 billion, and then add in Kings, Tulare, Madera and Merced Counties, we are talking about an economic impact of more than $60 billion. Kids in the middle of the urban environment need to understand what we do and how we do it.”

“There is a reason why we do things in a certain way. We have the most advanced technology in the world right here in our own back yard, and it’s important to showcase that at the Valley Farm,” said Jacobsen. “This is a great educational opportunity, and we are pleased to be part of it.”

Visitors to the Valley Farm will learn about growing techniques used in the Central Valley and how agriculture utilizes assets efficiently, such as water, to produce our crops.

“We get to share our agriculture with 640,000 guests, and we’re excited about it,” said Scott Barton, CEO and Director of the Chaffee Zoo. “A lot of people in California do not “get” agriculture and that we grow more than 400 different crops in Fresno County, and we are going to be very happy to tell that story.”

Barton noted that this has been a real partnership with our agriculture community.

CSUF President Joseph Castro

Joseph Castro, CSUF President knows, first hand, the importance of agriculture to Fresno, the Central Valley, the state, the nation and the world. “This exhibit is a great opportunity to introduce to families up and down the valley, how important agriculture is to all of us. The university is very excited about our partnership with the zoo.

The major driver and sponsor of the exhibit is the Fresno-based Gar & Esther Tootelian Charitable Foundation. Karen Musson, managing partner with Gar Tootelian, Inc., noted “that this is one of the most exciting projects that I have ever worked on, and what makes it truly exciting are the partners that came to the table.”

“The whole idea of the Family Farm came from friends who noted that food arrives at the zoo every day for the animals—fresh fruits, vegetables and meat. And we produce all that in the Central Valley, and that was the inspiration of the Valley Farm.

Teachers will bring students to the zoo during the school year, and there are plans for a summertime farm camp.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 27th, 2013|

CALIFORNIA PUMPKIN SEASON IS ON

Pumpkin Grower Starts A Busy Season

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Bryan Van Groningan

Bryan Van Groningan, with Van Groningan and Sons, a diversified farming operation in the San Joaquin County around Manteca, is busy in his 1,250 acres of pumpkin fields this week. There is a big demand to fill as Halloween and other fall holidays are approaching.

“We planted in May and nearly everything this year has been going very smooth. We did have a hot spell in September that caused some problems on our mini-pumpkins and ornamental gourds that were close to harvest,” Van Groningan said. “We lost about 10 percent of that crop due to cosmetic damage.”

“However, everything else, including our big carving pumpkin fields, are doing very well after a great growing season,” he said. “We have shut the water off of all of our fields in preparation for big harvest throughout the last few days of
September and all through late October.”

“We usually start the harvest of our early plantings just after Labor Day,” noted Van Groningan. “We harvested about three truckloads a day all the way up to Sept. 20 or so. This week we have picked up the volume—shipping 10 to 15 loads a day, and we will increase our shipment steadily all the up to Oct. 25.”

Prices for his crops are usually quite stable, barring any crop failures in the west. Van Groningan said his markets are the western states, including Texas, Arizona and Utah, with about 80 percent of his business in California.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 27th, 2013|

Any Deal is too late for Dairies Out of Business

Dairy Industry Waiting for CDFA Decision

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Out of business dairy #1

The dairy industry continues to engage the California Legislature with any information to educate them about the ailing California dairy industry, following a special hearing Sept. 12, with CDFA Secretary Karen Ross.

The hearing was to consider a deal that would adjust the whey factor in the 4b cheese milk formula by raising the cap from 75 cents per hundredweight (CWT) to $1 per CWT, and provide an additional surcharge of 46 cents per CWT during the next year on milk going into cheese-making.

Ross must make a decision by 62 days following the hearing date.

Among the witnesses in support of the dairy petition was Dr. Richard Sexton, who is the chair of the Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis. Sexton is also the presiding president of the American Society of Agricultural Economists.

Out of business dairy #2

“We are waiting for a decision from Secretary Ross and continuing to update the legislature on the dire financial situation in the dairy industry,” noted Michael Marsh, Chief Executive Officer with the Modesto-based Western United Dairymen.

According to Marsh, “The value of whey is capped at 75 cents per CWT, which is ridiculous, as we have seen whey values as high as $4 per CWT in other states back when we were getting 25 cents per CWT as our cap.”

“This increase would add an additional $110 million to the pool of California dairy farmers. At the same time, it would notcost consumers a penny as it simply redistributes assets from the cheese makers back to the farmers.” said Marsh.

Out of business dairy #3

“This current process is an outgrowth of our original AB 31 legislation that we introduced last December on the first day of the legislature,” said Marsh. “Since that time, there have been ongoing negotiations between members of the legislature and cheese makers trying to get some relief for the dairy families of our state.”

AB 31was intended to reconnect our cheese price as best we could back to the marketplace. “Unfortunately, CDFA Secretary A.G. Kawamura, at the request of cheese makers in California in 2007, disconnected the cheese milk price from the marketplace, and we have been struggling ever since to reconnect it. It was unfortunate that Kawamura agreed to transfer wealth from the famers to the cheese makers, given everything else that hit California dairy farmers beginning in 2008,” said Marsh.

“Since the change, there has been a transfer of 940 million dollars from the dairy farmers to the cheese makers. It was just another nail in the coffin for so many dairies that have since gone out of business,” said Marsh.

Out of business dairy #4

We need to close the gap, between what we receive for milk going into cheese making in California and what dairy farmers outside the state receive for the same type of milk,” said Marsh.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 26th, 2013|

CENTER FOR PRODUCE SAFETY AWARDS SIXTEEN RESEARCH PROJECTS

Two Calif. Research Projects

Awarded CPS Grants

Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, Executive Director of the Center for Produce Safety (CPS) at the UC Davis, announced sixteen new grant awards valued at $3 million. The research awards are directed at answering critical questions in specific areas of:

Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli

food safety practices for fruit, vegetable and tree nut production
pre-harvest, harvest and post-harvest handling
co-management of food safety and the environment.

The objective is to provide the produce industry with practical, translatable research data that can be used at all levels of the supply chain.

The broad range of the projects reflects the commitment of CPS’s Partners in Research (PIR), a cross section of public and private partners. Contributing partners for these projects are:

California Department of Food and Agriculture
California Cantaloupe Advisory Board
California Melon Research Board
California Leafy Greens Research Program
Western Center for Food Safety
California Pistachio Research Board
CPS Campaign for Research.

Two of the sixteen research projects include California researchers:

Linda Harris, University of California, Davis

Assessing postharvest food safety risks and identifying mitigation strategies for foodborne pathogens in pistachios.

Trevor Suslow, University of California, Davis

Remediation and recovery measures to expedite planting or replanting of vegetables following soil contamination by Salmonella enterica.

Research work on these projects will commence in January 2014.

“Each year, submissions to the RFP grow,” said Stephen Patricio, chairman for the CPS Board of Directors. The CPS Technical Committee reviewed 55 proposals, the highest number of proposals received since the initial RFP in 2008. To date, CPS has funded 85 projects valued at $13.6 million.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 26th, 2013|

CENTRAL COAST GROWER GET SETTLEMENT IN AG WAIVER COMPLIANCE

Water Board approves Settlement in 2012 Central Coast Ag Waiver

By Norm Groot, Executive Director, Monterey County Farm Bureau

Modifications were made to final draft during lengthy State Water Board hearing in Sacramento on Sept. 24th

Monterey County Farm Bureau attended the hearing held to finalize the order of settlement, passed unanimously by the four commissioners present.

A brief overview of the modifications that were inserted into the final order:

Norm Groot

• Growers are required to submit their Annual Compliance Form by October 1st, 2013, using the same version of the form from 2012’s reporting cycle. Additional reporting requirements are NOT added to this filing cycle.

• Tier 2 and Tier 3 growers will be required to report their Nitrate Reporting Risk Level by January 15th, 2014. Growers will report this on their Annual Compliance Form (as an additional module to be added by CCRWQCB staff; no other portion of the form will need to be reported or updated with this reporting requirement. Growers will have a full two months to do this reporting after CCRWQCB posts the module on their website).

• State Water Board staff proposed the reporting of nitrogen in irrigation water by concentration; Board member Steven Moore was persuaded by the “environmental justice” and “enviro” comments that this information should be reported in pounds instead; the rest of the Board agreed with this change.

• A number of modifications were included that affect the cooperative groundwater program and the monitoring of domestic wells and the use of statistical projections of these wells.

• Language for containment structures was modified to include more iterative practices to ‘avoid’ percolation of constituents to the groundwater basin.

A final version of the document will be issued by State Board staff in the coming week.

The environmental jusice and enviro groups expressed, again, their extreme displeasure with the revisions and the Ag Waiver in general. We may see further action by these groups challenging the order of settlement.

Growers are encouraged to complete their Annual Compliance Form filing by October 1st.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:27-07:00September 26th, 2013|

Garlic and Onions will not be planted in Federal Water Districts

Central Valley Farmers Cannot Commit to Planting Garlic or Onions

By Patrick Cavanaugh, Editor

Bob Ehn

Bob Ehn, CEO and Technical Manager for the Clovis-based California Garlic and Onion Research Advisor Board, noted that the 2013-2014 season is shaping up to be a major production challenge.

“As expected, growers on the West Side are not committing to planting garlic or onions this winter, and processors and handlers are scrambling trying to find growers who can contract with them on land not effected by a possible zero Federal water allocation,” said Ehn.

“We traditionally plant between 18,000 and 20,000 acres of garlic in the central valley usually in Fresno, Kings with a smaller amount of acreage in Kern,” said Ehn.

“Processed onions are planted on 25,000 acres in a wider geographic area from Parker, Arizona all the to Tule Lake in Northern California. Again, most of that crop is grown in the central valley,” Ehn noted.

“The industry is having to expand the growing areas outside the usual acreage in Fresno and Kings county,” said Ehn. “Those processors need growers.”

“It’s going to be a real tough year,” said Ehn. He noted that he has heard that

many of the vegetable operations in the Salinas valley are having a very difficult time finding growers willing to plant winter crops in the central valley.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:28-07:00September 25th, 2013|

CALIF. AG LEADS THE NATION IN FUNDING FOR SPECIALTY CROPS

$18 Million Comes to Calif.

For Specialty Crops Promotion

The United States Department of Agriculture announced funding TODAY for the 2013 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). California received more than $18 million out of the total $52 million awarded nationwide.

The SCBGP provides grants to states to enhance the competitiveness of Specialty Crops, which are defined as fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, dried fruits, horticulture, and nursery crops (including floriculture).

“We are grateful for this partnership with the USDA and our stakeholders,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “This program, which is made possible by the Farm Bill, provides investment in California agriculture at a time when there are tremendous opportunities to meet the demands of local and international markets for new products, while continually improving our food safety and environmental stewardship practices.”

Market enhancement, agriculture education, nutrition, and research proposals were solicited and selected through a competitive process. The 64 projects funded under the 2013 SCBGP reflect the diversity of California’s specialty crops across the state. This year they include, but are not limited to: creating economic opportunities for specialty crop producers through market development activities that focus on local, regional, or international markets; development of effective agritourism associations to enhance rural tourism and promote specialty crops; food safety benefits and training programs; growing community food systems in underserved neighborhoods; online irrigation nitrogen management tool for cool season vegetables; and research to mitigate impacts of invasive pests.

In addition, CDFA partnered with the Center for Produce Safety in the evaluation and recommendation of food safety related projects. These projects represent an ongoing effort to minimize outbreaks by proactive research.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:28-07:00September 25th, 2013|

CDFA UPDATE: ACP QUARANTINE EXPANDS IN CA

BREAKING NEWS
Asian Citrus Psyllid Quarantine Expansion in Tulare and Kern Counties

Today, an additional portion of Tulare County and a portion of Kern County have been placed under quarantine for the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) following the detections of psyllids in Dinuba, Tulare County, and Wasco, Kern County.

In Tulare County, the quarantine zone measures 90 square miles, bordered on the north by E. South Avenue; on the east by Road 128; on the south by Avenue 368; and on the west by Road 48. This area is in addition to an existing quarantine in the Porterville area.

In Kern County, the quarantine zone measures 88 square miles, bordered on the north by Hanawalt Avenue; on the east by Beech Avenue; on the south by Fresno Avenue and W. Lerdo Highway; and on the west by Wildwood Road.

Maps of these new quarantine zones may be found at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/pe/interiorexclusion/acp_quarantine_sjv.html

The quarantine prohibits the movement of host nursery stock out of the quarantine area and requires that all commercial citrus fruit be cleaned of leaves and stems prior to moving out of the area. A permit may be obtained to move nursery stock and budwood out of the area if grown in USDA-approved structures designed to keep ACP out. Residents with backyard citrus trees in the quarantine area are asked not to remove fruit from the area.

In addition to Kern and Tulare Counties, ACP quarantines are now in place in Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Diego, Imperial, Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.

The ACP is of grave concern because it can carry the disease huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. All citrus and closely related species are susceptible hosts for both the insect and the disease. There is no cure once a tree becomes infected. The diseased tree will decline in health until it dies. HLB has been detected just once in California – last year on a single residential property in Hacienda Heights, Los Angeles County.

HLB is known to be present in Mexico and in parts of the southern U.S. Florida first detected the pest in 1998 and the disease in 2005, and the two have been detected in all 30 citrus-producing counties in that state. The University of Florida estimates the disease has tallied more than 6,600 lost jobs, $1.3 billion in lost revenue to growers and $3.6 billion in lost economic activity. The disease is present in Texas, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina. The states of Hawaii, Arizona, Mississippi and Alabama have detected the pest but not the disease.

Residents in the area who think they may have seen the Asian citrus psyllid are urged to call CDFA’s Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899. For more information on the Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing disease please visit: www.cdfa.ca.gov/go/acp.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:28-07:00September 24th, 2013|

ACP FOUND NEAR EXETER

Another ACP is Trapped in Tulare County

The Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner’s office is announced TODAY that one additional Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) has been detected on a trap south of the city of Exeter. The latest interception was confirmed by the California Department of Agriculture (CDFA). Maps and current information are available on the Agricultural Commissioner’s website by visiting: http://agcomm.co.tulare.ca.us/default/.

CDFA has already begun to survey the affected area in order to determine the extent of any infestation. The United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA-APHIS) and CDFA will work collaboratively to determine what steps are taken next.

“CDFA is already considering a five-mile radius quarantine,” said Gavin Iacono, Tulare County Deputy Ag Commissioner. “There is also a discussion on the table whether or not to quarantine the entire county, following detection of ACP in traps in Porterville, trapped and live ACP adults and nymphs in Dinuba, and now a find in Exeter,” noted Iacono.

“This latest find is in the heart of our citrus belt, so it is very disappointing to hear that psyllids are being moved into a new part of our county,” said Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner Marilyn Kinoshita.

The Asian citrus psyllid is an invasive species of grave concern because it can carry the disease huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening. All citrus and closely related species are susceptible hosts for both the insect and the disease. There is no cure once a tree becomes infected. The diseased tree will decline in health, producing bitter, misshaped fruit until it dies. To date, HLB has been detected on just one residential property in the Hacienda Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Kinoshita points out that her staff will support the efforts of our $750 million citrus industry, as well as our residential citrus owners. “I want to emphasize that every citizen of our county plays a role in assuring that ACP is not spread from other parts of the state”.

Residents in the area who think they may have seen the pest are urged to call CDFA’s Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899 or the Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner. Media inquiries related to technical questions about Asian citrus psyllid and huanglongbing disease are encouraged to contact Katie Rowland, Account Coordinator for Nuffer, Smith, Tucker Inc. at (661)817-3638.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:28-07:00September 24th, 2013|