Smoke exposure has become even more of an issue for producers in recent years, with record-setting wildfires occurring more frequently. A recent report details some of the contract issues in …
Week in Review: More Drought Declarations & New Pest Found in Commercial Production
Nine more counties were added to California’s drought emergency declaration at a press conference near San Luis Obispo. Black fig fly has now officially been found in a commercial growing …
Emergency Procedures Authorized to Provide Crop Insurance Flexibilities
Federal officials are working to assist producers affected by drought conditions by providing greater crop insurance flexibilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is authorizing emergency procedures to allow farmers …
New Online Course on Vertebrate Pest Management Available
An online course on managing invertebrate pests is available from the UC Statewide IPM Program. The course was developed for pest management professionals and growers. It consists of video presentations …
Livestock Producers Suffering Pandemic Losses Have New Assistance Program
Livestock producers who suffered losses during the pandemic now have another avenue for assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The Pandemic Livestock Indemnity Program (PLIP) will be available …
Organic Fraud Prevention Program Gaining Industry Support
An organic fraud prevention initiative established by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is gaining supporters. Fraudulent organic products have created a significant amount of concern within the industry. Initially launched …
First Commercial Find of Black Fig Fly Puts Grower’s Season on Hold
Black fig fly has now officially been found in a commercial growing operation in Ventura County. The discovery was made after a tip was received through the California Department of …
New Disease Resistant Winegrapes Proving Popular with Growers
The five new winegrape varieties proven to be resistant to Pierce’s disease appear to be popular with growers. After becoming available for purchase, nearly 20,000 vines of the new resistant selections were …
Positive Expectations for U.S. Pistachios Going Forward
Analysts are expecting good things for U.S. pistachios in the years ahead. As production continues to increase, projections indicate that demand will largely be able to keep pace. Senior Analyst …
Week in Review: Wildfire Insurance Hard to Come by & Almond Shipments Stay Strong
With wildfires already popping up across California, producers are becoming more anxious as insurance companies are canceling or declining policies. There is an optimistic outlook for almonds with demand keeping …
Executive Order Addresses Right to Repair and Market Competition
President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Friday addressing market competition and the right to repair. The order is reported to include 72 initiatives impacting 12 federal agencies. A …
Determination Finally Issued for QIP Referendum After Close Vote
Results from the referendum vote related to the Quota Implementation Plan (QIP) have been released by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. The QIP referendum pertained to a sunset …
Annual Santa Maria Strawberry Field Day to be Virtual Again This Year
The 12th annual Santa Maria Strawberry Field Day will be held virtually once again this year. The online event will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, July 14. The virtual event …
Dealing with Aggressive, Destructive, Japanese Beetles
Some ways to deal with Japanese Beetles. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Japanese beetles are aggressive, destructive pests in the summer garden. They are known for ruining our …