A project looking at using sterilizing methods to control navel orangeworm populations is seeing some uplifting improvements after a few tweaks. Research is testing the sterilization of male NOW moths to help …
Despite Kincade Fire, Winegrowers Push Through Harvest
Some Sonoma winegrowers were resilient in their commitment to finish the season, working to get the remainder of vineyards harvested even after the Kincade Fire broke out last week. Cal …
Winegrapes Came Back Strong in San Luis Obispo County
Winegrapes made a significant comeback in the 2018 crop report for San Luis Obispo County, once again reaching number-one status for sales. Winegrape growers experienced an eight percent increase in …
Prior Catastrophes Helped Prepare Napa Wineries for Power Outage
Nearly 800,000 PG&E customers in northern California were without electricity for a number of days last week, including many Napa wineries. Many winemakers in the Napa region have gone to …
Highlighting the Value of Pistachios Through Community Engagement
Participating in community events such as farmers’ markets offer an opportunity to engage with consumers on a more personal basis. The American Pistachio Growers (APG) recently met with community members …
USDA Invests $11M In Research That Will Support Specialty Crop Farmers
WASHINGTON (USDA-Oct. 3, 2019) — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Deputy Under Secretary Scott Hutchins announced that the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has invested $11 million in …
Almond Update: Sanitation a Must as Harvest Wraps Up
California is on the home stretch of the 2019 almond harvest with later varieties like Fritz and Monterey now coming off the trees. UC Cooperative Extension Entomology Farm Advisor David …
Off-Year Pistachio Crop Lighter Than Expected; Size and Quality Strong
California’s pistachio crop may end up a little lighter than initially anticipated, even with the understanding that it is an ‘off’ year. Coming off a record crop last year growers …
Specialty Crop Block Grant Applications Open for 2020
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 …