Western flower thrips can be a big issue for certain growers, especially lettuce producers. There are a few biological tools available to growers but they require some planning. “Definitely, we …
Over $2.3 Million Invested in Small Business Innovation Research
Significant investment was recently made through the Small Business Innovation Research Program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is investing more …
Food Safety Message Heard ‘Loud and Clear’ by Leafy Greens Producers
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently conducted a food safety investigation related to multiple outbreaks of E. coli. FDA’s report details areas within leafy greens production that need …
Farmers Have Rights to Refuse Property Access in Certain Instances
In light of recent developments, farmers are being encouraged to understand their rights when it comes to refusing property access. Secretary for the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, Julie …
Agriculture Facing More Transportation Issues with Trucking Challenges
Agricultural producers are facing more transportation issues as it relates to trucking challenges. The cost of shipping has been steadily increasing over the past year. Additionally, there are reports of …
Week in Review: More Counties in Drought Emergency, Port Conditions Improving
Governor Gavin Newsom made a drought declaration on May 10 covering an additional 39 California counties. Challenging conditions in the Los Angeles port are slowly improving, but there is still …
Another Record Almond Crop Forecasted by USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is forecasting another record almond crop for California. The 2021 California Almond Subjective Forecast estimates a three percent increase …
Another Record Year for Agrifood Tech Investment Expected for 2021
Investment in agrifood technology reached a record high in 2020 with expectations for that trend to continue. According to the 2020 AgriFood Tech Investment Review from Finistere Ventures, overall investment in …
Three Easy Methods for Growing Gourmet Potatoes
How to grow gourmet potatoes. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are literally thousands of varieties of potatoes, some the size of a foot and others barely bigger …
Pre-Harvest Testing Guidance to Bolster Leafy Greens Food Safety
California Leafy Greens Marketing Association (LGMA) recently endorsed new Pre-Harvest Testing guidance to help improve food safety. Recurring E. coli outbreaks linked to leafy greens have increased industry efforts to …
USDA Partnership Looks at Hemp Seed Oil Potential for Personal Care Products
A partnership between the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service and the Midwest Bioprocessing Center is looking at the value of hemp as it relates to personal care products. The new cooperative research …
Deadline Approaching for Organic Training Grants from CCOF
The deadline is quickly approaching for grant opportunities from California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF). Future Organic Farmers grants of $5,000 dollars are available for eligible students. Up to 20 vocational and …
Beating and Treating Common Grape Pests and Diseases
How to beat and treat some common grape pests and diseases. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. There are quite a few pests who like to munch on …
California Rice Acreage to Decline by One-Fifth Due to Drought
Dry conditions are taking their toll on California, with rice acreage being significantly impacted by the lack of water. Last year, a total of 514,000 acres of rice were harvested …