Recently, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) issued the results of their annual residue sampling program on fruits and vegetables providing more evidence of the safety of conventionally grown produce.  Like their federal counterparts at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), CDPR found over 97% of the products sampled had residues well below Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) safety standards with 40% having no detectable residues at all.

The CDPR program consisted of 3,544 samples of unwashed, unpeeled fruits and vegetables so residue levels would be further reduced or eliminated by washing produce under running tap water, according to the FDA.

“Our residue testing program demonstrates the safety of our fruits and vegetables in California,” said CDPR Director Karen Morrison.

Of the 1,059 produce samples labeled as “grown in California,” fewer than 1% had pesticide residues above EPA safety levels. Since California produces the majority of fruits and vegetables in the country, these results are also good news for consumers nationwide.

Interestingly, these state and federal government reports never seem to garner much public attention despite their reassuring information for consumers about the more affordable and accessible fruits and vegetables.

Instead, more and more often, consumers are subjected to misinformation and false narratives about produce safety in an effort to influence the purchase of more expensive produce options. Peer reviewed research has shown that this type of fear-based messaging results in low income consumers stating they are less likely to purchase any produce – organic or conventional.

Decades of toxicology studies, nutrition research and government sampling data, like CDPR’s program, underscore the safety and healthiness of both organic and conventional produce.  Consumers should be encouraged to purchase the fruits and vegetables they enjoy and are affordable and accessible to them.

In these challenging times of rising costs, no parent should be discouraged from buying affordable produce options for their family.

Visit safefruitsandveggies.com and @safeproduce to learn more about the safety of fruits and vegetables.

Volunteer Day set Aug. 30 at UC Davis Bee Haven

The UC Davis Bee Haven is the place to “bee.”

If you love bees and other pollinators, love plants, love nature, and love to volunteer, you’ll want to head over to The Haven–a pollinator paradise–on Saturday, Aug. 30. It’s the last Volunteer Day of the summer, and will take place from 8 to 11:30 a.m.

The Haven is located at 1 Bee Biology Road, next to the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research facility, UC Davis campus. Both are under the umbrella of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology, part of the UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CA&ES).

“Help us care for a vibrant pollinator garden that inspires, educates, and supports the bees, butterflies, and birds we all depend on,” invites Samantha Murray, education and garden coordinator of The Haven.

Director of the UC Davis Bee Haven is bee scientist and professor Elina Niño,  part of UC Cooperative Extension and on the faculty of theUC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology (ENT). She is the founder and director of the UC Davis-based California Master Beekeeper Program.

On a recent group tour of the Haven, Niño pointed out that “We have more 200 native plants in the garden. It’s the home of honey bees, native bees, butterflies, native bees–and a few ground squirrels.”   UC Davis Distinguished Professor Emeritus Robbin Thorp (1933-2019) detected and identified more than 80 native bees in the garden. California alone is home to 1600 species of native bees.

The Bee Haven, installed in the fall of 2009 under the direction of ENT chair Lynn Kimsey, now professor emerita, showcases numerous art projects headed by the UC Davis Art/Science Fusion Program, founded and directed by entomologist/artist Diane Ullman, professor and former ENT department chair (and now emerita), and artist Donna Billick. Billick’s six-foot-long sculpture of a worker bee, “Miss Bee Haven,” anchors the garden, and a mural of native bees graces the garden shed. The art in The Haven is the work of students in Ullman’s Entomology 1 class and community residents. Eagle Scout Derek Tully planned, organized and built a state-of-the-art fence around the garden. (See history of the garden).

The Bee Haven is open from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. Parking? On weekends, parking is free. On weekdays, the first hour of parking is free, according to the UC Davis Transportation Services.

Join Volunteer Day:
To join Samantha Murray and The Haven team on Volunteer Day, email beehaven@ucdavis.edu. “Whether you love gardening, want to support the environment, or just enjoy spending time outdoors, your help makes a difference!” she said. “Please bring a water bottle, a hat, and anything else you need to stay comfortable outdoors.”

Subscribe to The Haven Newsletter:
Email beehaven@ucdavis.edu.

Group Tours:
Contact the team at beehaven@ucdavis.edu for more information, or access its website at https://beehaven.ucdavis.edu/tours

Donate:
To donate to the UC Davis Bee Haven, access https://beehaven.ucdavis.edu/donate. Further informatoin is available from Cari DuBois-Wright, director of development, CA&ES, at caduboiswright@ucdavis.edu or 530-752-6971.

Honey bee and bumble bee sharing a purple coneflower at the UC Davis Bee Haven, UC Davis, campus. Apis mellifera and Bombus vosnesenskii,

The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (District) will temporarily suspend the acceptance of new applications for the Agricultural Equipment Replacement Program effective 5 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. Applications submitted via U.S. Mail must be postmarked by this deadline to be considered eligible. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. All applications submitted prior to the above deadline will remain active and will continue to be processed as funding becomes available.

This action is necessary due to the significant volume of existing applications currently in the District’s funding queue, which far exceeds projected available funding for the foreseeable future. At this time, the State budget for the new 2025-26 Fiscal Year does not include funding in support of this critical program. The District remains fully committed to working in close collaboration with the Governor’s Office, the State Legislature, and Valley stakeholders to underscore the ongoing importance of this program in supporting clean air efforts in the San Joaquin Valley.

A Message from your Agricultural Organizations:

The Agricultural Equipment Replacement Program is one of the most cost-effective strategies in reducing NOx emissions statewide. Please communicate with your elected members of the state legislature on the importance of the FARMER Program, requesting both general and cap-and-trade funds.

More details will be forthcoming.

The California Cantaloupe Advisory Board has launched a new social media campaign targeting Gen Z consumers with a colorful new logo, a refreshed website, a TikTok channel and a brand ambassador – all focused on positioning cantaloupe in a fresh and fun way that appeals to a younger audience.

“Traditionally, the largest consumer demographic group purchasing cantaloupe has been people 60 years and older,” explains Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce and Chairman of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board (CCAB).  “That age group is purchasing 43 percent of our cantaloupe, while just 15 percent of our customers are aged 18 to 29.  It doesn’t take a marketing expert to know those numbers are not sustainable for increasing cantaloupe sales in the long-term.”

To address the issue, this past winter a group of California cantaloupe growers – both young and old – came together to create a new marketing strategy and direct its marketing agency, Farmers Communication Exchange, to make some big changes.

Patricio notes the kind of cantaloupe grown in California has also experienced some big changes in recent years. The old Western-shipper type cantaloupes have been replaced by new Long-Shelf-Life varieties that have a much different flavor and texture profile.

“Interestingly, what we’ve found is that younger consumers, especially children, have taken a liking to these new cantaloupe varieties,” continues Patricio. “These younger shoppers aren’t familiar with how cantaloupes used to taste and they like these new crisper varieties.  This presents an opportunity for cantaloupe growers to capitalize on reaching a brand new audience.”

Cantaloupe growers are pushing this message out through their new website at californiacantaloupes.com which has this to say about modern cantaloupe, “Today’s cantaloupe is not like it once was. The soft, mushy flesh and musky taste of older cantaloupe varieties have been updated to a cleaner, crisper, brighter, more refreshing sweetness with vibes of honey, cucumber and a splash of citrus. California cantaloupe is literally bursting with sunshine!”

“But where we plan to push this message even harder is through social media, where we’re targeting a younger audience with light-hearted content designed to make cantaloupe cool again,” said Marilyn Freeman, owner of Farmers Communications Exchange. “We’ve created a new TikTok channel to specifically target younger consumers along with our existing channels on Instgram, Facebook, X, Pinterest,  YouTube and LinkedIn.

“We’re also involving cantaloupe farmers in our social media program,” says Freeman.  “And they are really having some fun with the latest TikTok video trends. It’s not uncommon to find them singing to their cantaloupe, dancing and even suntanning in the field – all with the goal of getting younger consumers to buy more cantaloupe.”

Freeman explains that the organization has also introduced a new “brand ambassador” to further help build a following of younger shoppers. 

“Tara Monreal is a young woman who works as a marketer for the cantaloupe industry, “ says Freeman. “She’s a passionate advocate for cantaloupe, so the Board is partnering with her to help reach more consumers through her TikTok and Instagram channels where she’s known as “GotMelonGirl.” If you’re on social media, you’ll be seeing more of GotMelonGirl in the coming weeks and much, much more about California cantaloupe.”

“It’s been fun – if not a bit embarrassing – for us growers to give this social media thing a try,” says Patricio.  “What’s become clear is this is the way to reach consumers directly with your message. There are so many farmers and farming organizations who are successfully using social media to educate people about farming, all that goes into growing safe, healthy food and, hopefully, bringing more consumers to the store looking for our products.”  

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will discuss current economic conditions for farmers and ranchers at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The Board will hear updates on financial lending, land transitions, agricultural labor and costs associated with water management. Agricultural organizations will also provide perspective.

The meeting will be held from 10:00am to 2:00pm at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, 1220 N Street – Main Auditorium, Sacramento, CA 95814.

The meeting is also available via Zoom at: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82760954965 

Webinar ID: 827 6095 4965

Passcode: Board2025!

(Phone Access Passcode: 8297037430)

(Simultaneous Spanish interpretation is available via the Zoom application)

“Increasing costs continue to impact California farmers, ranchers and consumers alike,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “What we are observing in the agricultural sector is a multilayered situation compounded by inflation, trade disruptions, commodity pricing and so much more. California agriculture is known for its quality, environmental sustainability and commitment to the ag workforce and local communities. Current and trending economic conditions are a challenge as farmers look at future growing seasons.”

Invited speakers include: Les Crutcher, Ag Lenders Society of California; Erik Porse, California Institute of Water Resources; Eddie Ocampo, Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley; Alexandra Hill, University of California, Berkeley; Alexi Rodriguez, Almond Alliance; Mona Shulman, Pacific Coast Producers/California League of Food Processors; Michael Silva, J.S. West and Companies; a representative from the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and other invited speakers.

“California’s agricultural landscape continues to change,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “As a farmer in the Central Valley, we are seeing abandoned fields and more-and-more agricultural land for sale. Agriculture is hurting, as everyone does in tough economic times. We need to look at opportunities for California agriculture as well as in the communities where they are based.”

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials; agricultural representatives; and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 California Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In California the $10,000 award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may apply themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The application deadline date is July 18, 2025. Nominations must be emailed to CaliforniaLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org.

Nominations are reviewed by an independent panel of California agricultural and conservation leaders. Last year’s recipient was Bowles Farming Company of Los Banos. To view profiles of all past recipients, click here.

The 2025 California Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in December.

“Healthy working land benefits the water that flows through it, the food that grows out of it, and the people that depend on it,” said Ashley Boren, CEO of Sustainable Conservation, award co-sponsor since its California launch more than a decade ago. “California’s farmers, ranchers, and foresters are at the heart of our efforts to build climate resilience while nourishing communities across the nation. The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes the stewardship of these land managers who are helping pursue a future where thriving ecosystems and sustainable agriculture go hand in hand.”

“The Leopold Conservation Award provides outstanding recognition of farmers and ranchers who take steps every day to realize significant gains in managing their farms in a sustainable and profitable manner,” said Shannon Douglass, California Farm Bureau Federation President. “The awarded families are great examples of the generational appreciation farmers and ranchers have for their land. The stewardship they employ at their farms and ranches is reflective of California farmers’ and ranchers’ commitment to the environment.”

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

The Leopold Conservation Award in California is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Sustainable Conservation, California Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, The Harvey L. & Maud C. Sorensen Foundation, Farm Credit, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and California Leopold Conservation Award recipient alumni.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.