California Agriculture News Archives - Page 156 of 175

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|

CDFA’S TRADE MISSION FINDS VIETNAM EAGER TO COOPERATE

Vietnam Holds Great Prospects for California

TODAY, CDFA Secretary Karen Ross issued the following summary of the Vietnam segment of CDFA’s Asian trade mission:

In returning to California after three days in Vietnam, I’m greatly impressed by the potential the market has for California as well as the commitment of the Vietnamese government to farmers; trade; and climate change, mitigation and adaptation.

During my short visit, I had the opportunity to visit the nation’s largest dairy processor – Vinamilk – whose state-of-the-art facility in Binh Duong Province underscores the market potential that Vietnam holds. Not only is Vinamilk committed to product innovation and environmental sustainability, the new facility is a world-class operation dedicated to meeting the future growth of the country. In addition, Vinamilk’s management is very eager to learn and partner with California to improve the prospects and potential for the dairy industry in both countries.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (fourth from right) at a trade meeting in Vietnam. Richard Matoian of the American Pistachio Growers is two spots to her right

The eagerness for cooperation was consistent in all my interactions with the Vietnamese people – business and government alike. In my governmental meetings with the ministries of agriculture and trade, I underscored our commitment to trade and our appreciation for the continued progress on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations. California and the United States can benefit significantly from increased market access and a reduction in tariff barriers to region. Vietnam is a $200 million market for California agricultural products – our 12th largest export destination – and it increased 43 percent from the previous year.

I was very thankful to be joined on this trip by a great group of small businesses that are eager to expand their business and California exports. Of the 11 companies that participated, we had trading companies, winery exporters, growers and a even a small seasoning company from Calaveras County. I was pleased to have Richard Matoian of American Pistachio Growers join me on my governmental meetings and visits.

Trade missions like this are an excellent opportunity for companies to expand business relationships and the Fresno Center for International Trade Development is a great partner in making activities like this possible.

I look forward to visiting more markets in the future to promote the California brand and support our farmers and ranchers.

Secretary Ross was in Asia as part of a trade mission facilitated by the Fresno Center for International Trade Development and funded by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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

SHANGHAI "CALIFORNIA WEEK" PROMOTES AG

California Dreaming in Shanghai

from Shanghai Daily.com

CDFA’s Office of Public Affairs issued an announcement today, that California Week was opened in Shanghai last week at which there is an exhibit at the city’s downtown Yandang Road of the best agricultural and lifestyle products from the state.

As reported on Shanghai Daily.com, to further bolster business ties between China and California in the United States, the event was planned when California Governor Jerry Brown visited Shanghai in April as he joined a celebration of setting up a trade and investment office in the city to enhance economic cooperation.

“We hope to bring Shanghai people a real taste of California,” said Karen Ross, secretary of California Department of Food and Agriculture.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross chats with an exhibitor at the first

California Week. The US Consul General in Shanghai Robert Griffiths

(behind Secretary Ross) was also present.

California is a gateway of the United States to the Asia Pacific. It is home to 53 companies in the Fortune Global 500 list and also a major producer of agricultural products.

Last year, more than 584,000 Chinese tourists visited California, where over 25,000 Chinese students studied.

The four-day event, which showcased many things California — from wine, soft drinks, fruit and snacks to culture and attractions, aimed at building up a “California brand.”

As a major exporter in the US to Asia, California sold US$13.6 billion in goods to China last year.

In June, Chinese President Xi Jinping and his American counterpart Barack Obama had a summit in California, which was an historic meeting to build up a closer bilateral relationship between the world’s two biggest economies.

Last month, China’s National Development and Reform Commission signed an agreement with California to strengthen collaboration in the areas of climate change and low-carbon development.

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

DWR ISSUES IWM PROCEEDINGS: “WATER 360” LAUNCHED

“Water 360” to Strengthen Integrated Water Management

TODAY, DWR issued “A Commitment to Action,” proceedings from California’s first integrated water management (IWM) summit held recently. “Water 360,” a campaign designed to use IWM to strengthen the efforts of California’s water management community, was launched at the summit

“Water 360” will help refocus and strengthen the water management community by advancing integrated water management, a framework for planning and implementation that melds the objectives of improving public safety, fostering environmental stewardship and supporting economic stability to lead to sustainable water resource management.

Integrated water management is not a new concept in California, and great strides have been made in the last decade to utilize the approach, particularly at the regional level. The Water 360 Campaign builds on these early successes and calls for broader application across the entire state.

DWR is prepared and committed to lead this effort in close partnership with other water leaders, particularly State, federal, and local agencies; and in collaboration with all stakeholders.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:44:29-07:00September 23rd, 2013|

WATER IS THE KEY TO OUR FUTURE

A Free Spirit With a Dire Message About Water

Yoreme Alma Grande on Lassen Ave. in Huron, CA

Yoreme Alma Grande is an activist and an advocate for farm workers’ rights, and he is from the Yuma Valley.

Grande mentioned that companies from Yuma will not come to this area next year because there will be no lettuce to harvest.

The pot in the lower left of the photo is a pot with a dry plant representing the water shortage that is coming.

Maria Hernandez, who works for Los Gatos Tomato Products, lives in Huron. She found Yorema walking through town.

Maria Hernandez

Hernandez shot the photo.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:14-07:00September 23rd, 2013|

IRRIGATION NOZZLE REBATES AVAILABLE FROM PG&E

PG&E Rebates:

Low-Pressure Sprinkler Nozzles Are Recommended

Replacing high-pressure sprinkler nozzles with low- pressure sprinkler nozzles enables you to reduce your irrigation system’s operating pressure, thus reducing the energy it takes to run the pumps—yet still distribute the same volume of water your crops need, with fewer line breaks and less maintenance.

Requirements:

• Must convert from a high-pressure, sprinkler system nozzle (50 psi operating pressure or more at the sprinkler head) to a low-pressure sprinkler system nozzle. Low-pressure sprinkler system nozzles must replace high-pressure sprinkler system nozzles one-for-one.

• A pumping plant analysis must be completed after the replacement to ensure reasonable pumping efficiency. Must have 45% overall pumping efficiency or above.

• Hand move or permanent (solid set) systems apply. Application Process:  • To qualify for this rebate, invoice must include the number of nozzles.  • Must also include a pumping analysis, completed after installation, in order to show overall pumping efficiency.

Sprinkler-to-Drip Irrigation

Replacing a high-pressure sprinkler system with drip irrigation reduces water, energy costs and maintenance costs and increases yields and revenue. Switching to drip irrigation also enables you to continue crop production in those areas where water supplies are depleted or restricted.

Requirements:

To qualify for this rebate, system must be converted from a high-pressure, impact-type sprinkler irrigation system (50 PSI operating pressure or more at the sprinkler head) to a micro-irrigation system.

Exclusions:

• Not applicable to new plantings of vineyards or orchards unless a vineyard or orchard was the previous crop on the field.

• Drip tape systems are not eligible.

Visit www.pge.com/ag or call Agriculture Customer Service

at 1-877-311-FARM (3276)

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:45:14-07:00September 23rd, 2013|

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