California lettuce growers have seen a 63.7% increase in compliance costs over seven years. Despite this, farm gate values for lettuce have risen by less than 1% from 2017 to …
Census of Horticulture Being Conducted by USDA
The USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS) is conducting the 2024 Census of Horticulture in California, targeting over 2,000 horticulture producers. This survey, conducted every five years, is crucial for …
San Joaquin Valley Olive Oil Competition Now Accepting Entries
The 10th annual San Joaquin Valley olive oil competition is now accepting entries from California commercial producers for both extra virgin and flavored olive oils, made from their most recent …
California Avocado Growers Preparing for Largest Crop Since 2020
California avocado growers are preparing for their largest crop since 2020, with promotable volumes expected in late March and early May, and a comprehensive supply through the summer. This outlook …
Outlook for the U.S. Fresh Potato Market in 2025
Dr. David Magana, a Senior Analyst at Rabobank, discussed the outlook for the U.S. fresh potato market in 2025. He expects a marginal decline in acreage due to unattractive prices, …
USDA Reminds Producers to Apply for Assistance to Cover Food Safety Certification Expenses
The USDA reminds specialty crop producers to apply for assistance to cover food safety certification expenses by January 31, 2024. The program aids in costs related to developing, maintaining, or …
Blueberry Supply and Demand Fluctuations
Despite fluctuations in supply and demand, consumers are willing to pay a premium for blueberries, even during high-cost periods. This was evident at the end of 2023, showing resilience in …
Specialty Crop Growers Experiencing Varying Wage Changes
Specialty crop growers in the US are experiencing varying wage changes for temporary agricultural workers. Wages are rising across the board, with the Southeast and some regions seeing significant increases, …
China Approves More GM Crops to Boost Food Security
China approved five gene-edited crop varieties and 12 types of genetically modified soybeans, corn, and cotton. Reuters says the expanded approvals are intended to boost high-yielding crops, reduce the need …
Risk Analysis on the Importation of Fresh Pineapples from Indonesia
The USDA has completed a risk analysis on the importation of fresh pineapples from Indonesia, assessing potential pests. The analysis concludes that with proper phytosanitary measures, the risk of introducing …
Free Plant-Cutting Sharing Event Coming Up
The South Orange County Chapter of California Rare Fruit Growers is hosting a free plant-cutting sharing event on February 8 at the Irvine Great Park, asking attendees to bring cuttings …
EPA Updates Spanish Transition Guide for Pesticide Labeling
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has updated its Spanish Transition Guide for pesticide labeling, effective December 26, to improve accessibility and communication for Spanish-speaking workers. Key updates include sections on …
Plenty Ag is Closing its Compton, California Facility
Less than two years after it opened, San Francisco-based vertical farm Plenty Ag is closing its Compton, California facility. The company said in a LinkedIn post it is undergoing a …
U. S. Fresh Pear Production at the Lowest Level since 1967-68
According to a report from USDA, the U .S. fresh pear industry is set to face a historic downturn in the 2024-25 season, with production and exports forecast to reach …