People and Awards Archives - Page 36 of 40 - California Agriculture News Today

Tips for the 12th International Conference on Precision Agriculture

The 12^th International Conference on Precision Agriculture will take place on July 20 – 23, at the Hyatt Regency in Sacramento. Here are a few details to help you get you prepared for the conference.

12th ICPA Awards Nomination Deadline April 18th

Nominations for several awards in different categories are now open. Deadline Friday, April 18^th, 2014 for awards nomination applications. Brief descriptions of the awards in different categories are listed below. If you have questions, please email awards@ispag.org.

Papers due April 30, 2014

All abstracts have been reviewed and acceptance and rejection emails have been sent to the corresponding authors. If you have a question about the status of your abstract please login to check your abstract status.

The tentative conference program is online. Please review the program and confirm the date of your presentation. If you have conflicts or need to change the date, we will try to accommodate these requests. If you have any questions, please email info@ispag.org.

Below are links to the author instructions for full papers and summary papers for the proceedings. These papers are due April 30, 2014.

Author Instructions

Oral Presentations – Full Paper

Poster Presentations – 2-Page Summary

Registration Online

Please register for the conference. Online registration is available. A pdf registration form is availabe if you need to pay by check or wire transfer. If you need any help with registration please contact registration@ispag.org.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:03-07:00April 11th, 2014|

Bio Illumination Technology is Targeting Listeria Now and Poised to Take on E. Coli and Salmonella

Source: Laurel Maloy, contributing author, Food Online

Currently, the only way to diagnose Listeria is to grow cellular cultures, a time-consuming, cumbersome, and expensive process. The testing procedure requires the collection of random samples from the food, as well as from food contact surfaces. In the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) guidelines, the list of possible food contact surfaces is extensive.

FSIS also does not personally collect these samples, but relies on the farms and facilities to collect these random samples and forward them for testing.

In the event of illness or death, the hunt begins for the Listeria-contaminated food, a tracking process that the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) is designed to improve upon.

The fact, however, remains; this testing is done after the fact. Illness or death was the precursor for the processor. But, what if there was a quick, efficient process by which Listeria could be identified before it ever reached the consumer?

According to Sample6, a Boston-based company, its Bio Illumination Platform is the answer. Professor Tim Lu and Dr. Michael Koeris, the developers of this pathogen diagnostic system, say it can detect a single cell in just a few hours.

The innovative process utilizes bacteriophages, or phages, to inject pathogenic bacteria with an enzyme. The enzyme, when introduced to pathogenic bacteria, reprograms it to illuminate intensely, even when only a small sampling of cells is present.

The current assay is for Listeria detection only, though Lu has stated it can easily be modified for targeting other pathogens. The bacteriophage for Listeria will not, for example, attack E. coli, and can discriminate between pathogenic bacteria and the possible multitudes of harmless bacteria in the same sample. Lu says, “Phages are the most abundant biological particle on Earth. Since they have coevolved with bacteria for eons, nature provides a rich database of phages which target desired bacteria. Thus, by sourcing from nature, we can adapt the platform to other pathogens and applications.”

The process is almost ridiculously easy. Workers swab the food and then use a specialized machine to detect any light coming from the sample. Easy and quick, this test can be done in the field, in the plant, or in the warehouse, preventing contaminated food from making its way to consumers’ tables.

For the past six months several of Sample6’s clients have been field-testing the Bio Illumination Platform. Upon its certification, this technology will be available to all food processors, eventually being expanded to include assays for the detection of E. coli and Salmonella.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:03-07:00April 9th, 2014|

California State Fair Announces 2014 Agriculturalist of the Year

For over 160 years, the California State Fair has showcased the progress and advancements of the State’s agricultural industry. The extraordinary contributions of many individuals and businesses committed to advancing our robust agricultural industry has resulted in growing public interest. In celebration of these accomplishments, the California State Fair annually presents a series of prestigious awards.

The California Exposition and State Fair Board of Directors unanimously approved the nomination of Craig McNamara as the 2014 Agriculturalist of the Year.

“The State Fair has been recognizing California’s best for over 160 years, and honoring Craig is in keeping with this tradition of excellence,” said Rick K. Pickering, Chief Executive Officer of the California State Fair. “His leadership on critical policy issues facing California’s farmers, his passion to inspire the next generation of farmers, and his tireless dedication to responsible land stewardship, are samples of how he has positively impacted our great State for generations to come. California is a better place because of leaders like Craig McNamara.”

California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross also praised McNamara, “I wish to offer my congratulations to my colleague and friend Craig McNamara for being named Agriculturalist of the Year by the California State Fair. Craig is a uniquely visionary leader – someone who is highly deserving of this prestigious award. Beyond his deep commitment as a farmer and as president of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, Craig has a passion to bring disparate parties together to focus on the big challenges of our time. He has demonstrated his understanding of the need to reach our next generation through the great work of his groundbreaking Center for Land Based Learning in Winters, which connects students to nature and agriculture and, in the process, helps to groom our future farmers and leaders. Again, my heartfelt congratulations to Craig. He’s an agriculturist for all-time.”

The Agriculturalist of the Year award is presented to an individual who has contributed extensively, in a professional capacity, to California’s agricultural industry. Award criteria stipulates this individual must have demonstrated leadership and clearly represented the industry over a number of years in one or more of the following areas: finance, government, production agriculture, education, labor, research, communications, trade and public service.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” said honoree Craig McNamara, President of the State Food and Agriculture Board. “Todays farmers face daunting challenges but the opportunities available to us have never been more robust or promising. Our state is fortunate to have visionary leaders and informed citizens who care deeply about the future of our farms and our food.”

The Agriculturalist of the Year Award will be presented to Craig McNamara at the annual State Fair Gala held on Friday, June 27th, 2014. To learn more about ticket and sponsorship opportunities, contact Linda Hunt at lhunt@calexpo.com.

To learn more about Craig McNamara, please click here to see his biography.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:03-07:00April 9th, 2014|

Farm Bureau Scholarship  Deadline – April 11

Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County will award $66,500 in scholarships this year to deserving students studying agriculture or an agricultural-related field at a four year college, junior college or vocational school. The Farm Bureau Foundation’s mission is to encourage – and financially assist – young people for rewarding careers in agriculture or a closely related agricultural field including the farm-to-table culinary arts.

The scholarships are listed below.

Scholarships were awarded last year to 27 students chosen among more than 40 applications received from Sonoma and Marin Counties. All of the scholarship winners were top students, excelling in academic, leadership and community service achievements.

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 is required for all scholarship applicants. Farm Bureau Foundation Scholarships are only available to undergraduate students.

Scholarship applications are available online or by contacting Sonoma County Farm Bureau at (707) 544-5575 or visiting the office at 970 Piner Road, Santa Rosa.

Applications must be typed, printed, signed and delivered or postmarked with other required documents by the deadline of 5 p.m. April 11, 2014.

Download: 2014 Scholarship Application.pdf

Donate a Scholarship

Your tax deductible donation provides for local agricultural education activities including such programs as Ag Days, scholarships, 4-H & FFA programs, Agriculture Ambassadors, Farm Bureau Awards Program, Agriculture in the Classroom activities, local youth awards and much more.

If you would like to start a named scholarship, by donating $1,000 or more, please note the name of your scholarship at the bottom of the form. Download: Farm Bureau Foundation Donation Form.pdf

List of 2014 Scholarships

Bob & Leslie Kunde Memorial Scholarship $10,000
Jess Stonestreet Jackson Memorial Scholarship $ 10,000
Saralee McClelland Kunde Farm-to-Table Culinary Scholarship $ 5,000
John Jordan Foundation Scholarship – $ 2,500
Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards Scholarship $ 2,500
Tamara Lewis Benson Memorial Scholarship $ 2,500
American AgCredit Scholarship $ 3,000
End-of-the-Road Gang $ 2,000
Charles Bacigalupi – Russian River Valley Winegrowers Scholarship $ 1,000
Mark Furusho Memorial Scholarship $ 1,000
Royal Petroleum “Flying A” Scholarship $ 2,000
Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group $2,000
Sonoma County Vineyard Technical Group $1,000
Al Nissen Sunrise Farm Scholarship $ 1,000 x3
Roy King Dairymens Feed Scholarship $ 1,000 x3
Art Weyers Memorial Scholarship $ 1,000
Chris Maloney Crop Insurance Scholarship $ 1,000
Clover – Stornetta Farms Scholarship $ 1,000
Dick Weber Sunrise Farms Scholarships $ 1,000 x3
Friedman’s Home Improvement Scholarship $1,000
Herbert Burbank Jr. Memorial Scholarship $ 1,000
Holtz Family Scholarship $ 1,000
Isolena Maestretti and Bernice Beretta Memorial Scholarship $ 1,000
Jerry and Don’s Yaeger Pump & Well Scholarship $ 1,000
Keith Michael Phillips Memorial Scholarship $ 1,000
Lee Dolcini Dairymens Feed Scholarship $1,000
Art Lafranchi Memorial Scholarship $1,000
North Bay Petroleum Scholarship $1,000
Pete and Judy Barbieri Scholarship in memory of Italo Barbieri $1,000
Sonoma Marin Cattlewomen & Cattlemen Mona Chisholm Memorial Scholarship $ 1,000
Supervisor Efren Carrillo Scholarship $ 1,000
Marin County Farm Bureau Scholarship $ 500
North Coast/California Association of Pest Control Advisors $ 500

Patrick Cavanaugh2021-05-12T11:06:01-07:00April 7th, 2014|

California Grown Branding Becomes Available to Farm Bureau Members

Through a new strategic partnership between the California Farm Bureau Federation and the Buy California Marketing Agreement, Farm Bureau members in California now have access to a 50 percent discount on California Grown branding and licensing for their agricultural commodities.

CFBF, a member of the marketing agreement, will help to promote and strengthen its California Grown brand, popularized through use of a blue-and-gold “CA Grown” license plate logo affixed to agricultural products. The joint venture provides a discounted channel for Farm Bureau members to connect with shoppers who enjoy and seek out California-grown foods and farm products.

“Farm Bureau and California Grown each recognize that people are eager to learn more about where their food comes from and how it is produced,” CFBF President Paul Wenger said. “California Grown is a powerful brand that resonates with shoppers, and we look forward to helping widen its reach.”

The purpose of the California Grown brand is to increase awareness and consumption of the state’s agricultural products among California consumers. Established 12 years ago, the California Grown program has been successful in maintaining the integrity behind the California Grown brand.

The California Grown service mark is designed to be used in advertisements, collateral materials, in-store materials and other places to indicate support of the California Grown campaign. Farm Bureau members interested in the program and seeking more information about California Grown branding may visit the California Grown website at www.californiagrown.org or phone 916-441-5302.

The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 78,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 6.2 million Farm Bureau members.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-10-24T16:51:09-07:00April 4th, 2014|

FDA Issues Final Rule on Record Access Requirements for Food Firms and Announces Guidance for Industry

What You Need to Know About Establishment and Maintenance of Records; Small Entity Compliance Guide

This guidance was created to inform domestic persons in the U.S. who manufacture, process, pack, transport, distribute, receive, hold, or import food for humans or animals, and foreign persons who transport food in the U.S., about final regulations that establish requirements regarding the establishment and maintenance of records.

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/FoodDefense/ucm391329.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

FDA Records Access Authority Under Sections 414 and 704 of the Federal Food, Drug, & Cosmetic Act

This guidance document provides updated information pertaining to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authority to access and copy records under sections 414 and 704 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act).

http://www.fda.gov/Food/GuidanceRegulation/GuidanceDocumentsRegulatoryInformation/FoodDefense/ucm292745.htm?source=govdelivery&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Record Availability Requirements: Establishment, Maintenance, and Availability of Records

More information can be found on this link: https://s3.amazonaws.com/public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2014-07550.pdf

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:04-07:00April 3rd, 2014|

USDA Provides Farm Bill Funding for Pest and Disease Management Programs

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today the allocation of $48.1 million, provided by the Agricultural Act of 2014 (the 2014 Farm Bill), to projects across the country that will help to prevent the introduction or spread of plant pests and diseases that threaten America’s agriculture economy and the environment.

The economic stakes for stopping invasive species are high, with scientists estimating the total economic cost of all invasive species to be approximately $120 billion annually.

“Invasive pests cause billions of dollars in damage each year and endanger our nation’s food security,” said Vilsack. “The funds USDA is making available today will help partners and stakeholders develop strategies, products and treatments to safeguard our farms and natural resources from invasive threats.”

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) sought project suggestions from states and U.S. territories, universities, federal agencies, nongovernmental organizations, private companies and tribal organizations that would provide a direct impact in managing pests and diseases, as well as disaster prevention.

A list of selected projects and the FY 2014 funding plan are posted at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2014/04/pdf/fy14_farm_bill_spending_plan.pdf

Funded initiatives include $2 million for protection against exotic fruit flies in California.

Prospective projects were evaluated by teams comprised of USDA experts and industry representatives and were selected based on criteria that supported six goals:

enhancing plant pest/disease analysis and survey
targeting domestic inspection activities at vulnerable points in the safeguarding continuum
enhancing and strengthening pest identification and technology
safeguarding nursery production; enhancing mitigation capabilities
conducting outreach and education about these issues.

The teams also evaluated submissions based on expected impacts of the project, the technical approach, and how submissions would complement ongoing USDA programs and other previously funded projects funded under the 2008 Farm Bill (Section 10201).

The 2008 Farm Bill has provided funding for more than 1500 projects over the last five years and has played a significant role in protecting American agriculture and educating the public about the threat of invasive species.

Visit www.Hungrypests.com during April, which APHIS has proclaimed Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, to learn more about invasive plant pest and diseases impacting your area and how you can help. And, join the discussion about invasive plant pests via the HungryPests Facebook page.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:04-07:00April 3rd, 2014|

California Drought Hurts More Than the Ag Industry

Source: Shan Li; Los Angeles Times

The California drought could dampen employment growth in coming years and have a ripple effect on several industries in the state, according to a UCLA report released Wednesday.

Economists said in the quarterly forecast that arid conditions in 2013, the driest year on record for the Golden State, could diminish the fishing and manufacturing sectors in the state. However, the effect depends on whether the drought is “normal” or the beginning of “a long arid period.”

California’s employment could be suppressed about 0.2% during the next few years because of the drought, the report concluded.

“If the drought is like the ones we had before, which are plentiful in California, then the data suggests it’s not a big deal economically,” said Edward Leamer, director of the UCLA forecast. “If this is really a climate change, that is a different story.”

Even without the weather factor, Los Angeles, among other cities, is grappling with major problems with its job market.

Among problems plaguing cities: the high cost of housing, congestion, lack of skilled workers and an unfriendly environment for businesses, said William Yu, an economist at the UCLA Anderson Forecast.

“It should not be surprising that a business is less likely to start up, relocate or expand its business in a city who is business unfriendly, especially when there are many other business-friendly cities from which to choose,” Yu wrote in the report.

Over the next year, however, UCLA economists do expect the state’s economy to continue growing.

The current drought in California not only affects the agriculture industry, but California as a whole. Individuals should take the initiative to conserve water during this tumultuous time.

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:05-07:00April 2nd, 2014|

Common Threads Award Recognizes Women in Agriculture

Last Thursday, California State University, Fresno hosted The Common Threads Awards Luncheon. Created to honor women in agriculture, this year’s honorees included Juliet Campos, Lorraine Machado, Alice Saviez, RoseAnn Serrano and Helen Sullivan.

“These women don’t expect any kind of recognition, yet they spend countless hours behind the scenes sharing their time, talents and treasures,” said Ag One Assistant Director of Development, Sadie Hemsath. “This type of event encourages younger generations to give back to their community and appreciate the effort that has been portrayed by those before them.”

The Common Threads Award was created in 1997 as a collaboration between Fresno State’s Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation and the Ag One Foundation. Nominees of the award demonstrate strong involvement in the agriculture industry and have made a difference in their community based on their volunteer work and philanthropic contributions.

Proceeds of the event support the Ag One Foundation, the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, Fresno State’s Jordan College of Ag and charities of the honoree’s choice. This year, Catholic Charities, Children’s Hospital Central California, the Ag One Foundation, Hinds Hospice and Burris Park Foundation will receive donations from Common Threads.

Every year, individuals can nominate women from the Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced and Tulare counties for the Common Threads award. In a time where agriculture literacy is amongst the utmost importance, the work of women in agriculture is imperative and appreciated.

“These five women, and the past honorees, have spent a lifetime giving back to their communities and concerning themselves with the welfare of everyone else,” said Hemsath. “It is such a joy to take a moment and recognize them and their hard work.”

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:05-07:00April 1st, 2014|

House Members Seek to Update Endangered Species Act

House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Doc Hastings (WA-04), Rep. Cynthia Lummis (WY), Rep. Randy Neugebauer (TX-19), and Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-02) this week introduced four limited bills to improve and update the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

The bills are supported by all of the Members of the ESA Congressional Working Group, representing districts across the nation, and are based on the recommendations and findings of their report and input from a broad array of stakeholders, including the Western Governors‘ Association.

California Ag’s interest is on how the revised ESA would affect the Biological opinion on Delta Smelt and Salmon that has drastically cut contractual water supplies issued through the pumps.

The four bills focus on transparency and species recovery. The House Natural Resources Committee will hold a Full Committee legislative hearing on these bills on Tuesday, April 8.

“These are very simple, straightforward, and common sense bills and provide a good starting point as we begin the legislative process for improving the Endangered Species Act,” said Chairman Hastings.

“The bills are, by design, narrowly focused and something that both Republicans and Democrats can support. Increasing transparency; posting data online; enhancing state, local, and tribal participation; and reducing taxpayer-financed attorney’s fees to help direct taxpayer dollars towards recovery efforts are small, but important steps in making smart and sensible updates to the ESA.”

Patrick Cavanaugh2016-05-31T19:38:05-07:00March 31st, 2014|