SACRAMENTO (CDFA-September 23, 2019) — The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is now accepting proposals for the 2020 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). Each year, CDFA conducts …
Programs Help Producers Reach Dust Reduction Goals
Assistance programs are helping nut producers around the state reach their dust reduction goals. Kern County producer Bret Sill with Sill Properties said taking advantage of programs that help growers …
Registration Open for Annual Nutrient Management Conference
Registration is open for the annual nutrient management conference hosted by CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program and the Western Plant Health Association. The 27th annual conference is being held October 27-30 at …
Industry Sees What Damage Stink Bug Can Do
(UC ANR) — Last May, a Turlock almond grower noticed nearly all the nuts on a row of trees in his orchard had fallen to the ground. “It looked like …
Research Finds One-Third of Food Grown Goes Unharvested
According to a recent report looking at food waste in the U.S., a significant amount of waste actually begins out in the fields of production. An estimated 40 percent of …
Inbound Trade Mission to Bolster California Fruit and Nut Export Markets
A group of pre-qualified buyers from Latin America and Southeast Asia is coming to California to cultivate trade relationships with California producers. These types of trade missions have been successful …
Celebrating Value of Farmers Markets During National Farmers Market Week
We are nearing the end of National Farmers Market Week, which serves as an opportunity to celebrate the many benefits that farmers markets bring to local communities. There are currently …
Gallo Deal Uncertainty Delaying Grape Purchases
The sale between two major winemakers is keeping some grapes from being purchased. The $1.7 billion deal in which E&J Gallo Winery would buy 34 wine and spirit labels from Constellation Brands remains …
Winegrape Assessment Rate Reduced by a Third for 2019
The annual winegrape assessment rate is officially being reduced after being approved by California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross. At the last meeting held on June 17 …
Growers Needed for Powdery Mildew Research in Vineyards
UC Cooperative Extension is looking for grape growers statewide to help with a study looking at the powdery mildew population to help better understand how and where resistance is developing. …
Concern Raised by Increased Botrytis Presence
California’s abnormal spring weather has resulted in an increase in botrytis presence, particularly in the San Joaquin Valley where severe incidences have been reported in vineyards. There are some cultural …
Spotted Lantern Fly Sparking California Concern
University of California, Riverside (www.ucr.edu) UC Riverside is testing whether a sesame seed-sized wasp can control a pest that could seriously damage California crops including wine, walnuts, and avocados. The …
Another Step Closer to Understanding Smoke Exposure in Winegrapes
With the House Appropriations Committee’s approval of a bill that includes $1.5 million in funding for issues related to smoke exposure in winegrapes, researchers will have a better opportunity to …
Delay in E&J Gallo Acquisition of Constellation Brands
It looks like there has been a delay in the E&J Gallo-Constellation deal. After Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulators reviewed the $1.7 billion deal between Constellation Brands and E&J Gallo …