Latest News From California

Tajín-dipped California strawberries trending for Valentine's Day
Tajín-dipped California strawberries trending for Valentine's Day

Tajín and California Strawberries are highlighting how Tajín-dipped strawberries are a growing trend for Valentine's Day.

Sipcam Agro expands availability of tool for disease control in grapes
Sipcam Agro expands availability of tool for disease control in grapes

The company’s new biofungicide, Mevalone, is now available to treat bunch rot and powdery mildew in California.

Emergency declared as atmospheric rivers ravage Southern California
Emergency declared as atmospheric rivers ravage Southern California

Gov. Gavin Newsom proclaimed a state of emergency for eight counties as a series of winter storms began impacting much of the state with high winds, damaging rain and heavy snowfall.

Sunkist offers abundant winter citrus options
Sunkist offers abundant winter citrus options

Sunkist Growers offers an ample supply of its year-round conventional and organic citrus in the winter months, but there is more.

Winter artichoke season is here with promotable volumes, says Ocean Mist Farms
Winter artichoke season is here with promotable volumes, says Ocean Mist Farms

Castroville, Calif.-based Ocean Mist Farms says its winter artichoke season in Coachella, Calif., is well underway, peaking with harvests of its Gold Standard (green globe) artichokes.

Boots on the ground: How conservation steward Javier Zamora supports new farmers
Boots on the ground: How conservation steward Javier Zamora supports new farmers

Specialty crop growers, farm advocates and America's Conservation Ag Movement gathered at JSM Organics Farm in California in September 2023 for a bilingual field day to learn from conservation steward, Javier Zamora.

California Avocado Commission selects Curious Plot as agency of record
California Avocado Commission selects Curious Plot as agency of record

The commission said it had searched for a new consumer marketing agency that could conduct both consumer advertising and consumer public relations activities.

Limoneira Co. notes seasonally increased lemon pricing in results
Limoneira Co. notes seasonally increased lemon pricing in results

Santa Paula, Calif.-based Limoneira Co. reported financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full year ended Oct. 31 that reflected improved lemon pricing compared with a year ago.

Sunrise Fresh CEO wins California Farm Bureau award
Sunrise Fresh CEO wins California Farm Bureau award

Jacob "Jake" Samuel has helped build the premium dried fruit business into one of the leading suppliers of unsweetened, all-natural fruits for ingredient use.

Bee Sweet Citrus ramping up holiday citrus promotions
Bee Sweet Citrus ramping up holiday citrus promotions

“While the season got off to a late start, the overall quality and flavor of our fruit has been nothing short of excellent," said Bee Sweet Citrus sales representative Jason Sadoian.

How the winter crop is shaping up for California vegetable growers
How the winter crop is shaping up for California vegetable growers

When snow blankets much of the country’s farmland and temperatures drop to single digits, growers in California’s desert regions shift into high gear with their winter vegetable crops.

California Fresh Fruit Association names new president
California Fresh Fruit Association names new president

Daniel Hartwig will succeed Ian LeMay, who has held the position since 2019 and will depart CFFA to become president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission.

USDA expands and establishes Asian citrus psyllid quarantine areas in California
USDA expands and establishes Asian citrus psyllid quarantine areas in California

The USDA, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, expanded the areas quarantined for Asian citrus psyllid in California on Nov. 6.

California Avocado Commission introduces revamped marketing approach
California Avocado Commission introduces revamped marketing approach

The commission says the new direction is "focused on the California brand with an emphasis on targeting and investment efficiencies,” which also included the hiring of an in-house marketing manager.

Prima Wawona files for bankruptcy
Prima Wawona files for bankruptcy

The Fresno, Calif.-based stone fruit producer has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, seeking a third-party sale or conversion of existing debt into equity ownership.

California strawberry growers track sustainability strides
California strawberry growers track sustainability strides

A recently published white paper has outlined the economic impact, environmental stewardship, research and community investments by strawberry growers across California.

Bee Sweet Citrus offers expanded mandarin output
Bee Sweet Citrus offers expanded mandarin output

California citrus harvest will be down slightly this year, says Randy Stucky, director of harvesting and grower relations for Bee Sweet Citrus, Fowler, Calif.

How ‘green teams’ help 3 California farms reduce waste by 2025
How ‘green teams’ help 3 California farms reduce waste by 2025

In this "Tip of the Iceberg" podcast episode, learn about an innovative approach to sustainability on farms from special guest Lilian Autler, Equitable Food Initiative's organizational and workforce development manager.

Seen and heard at IFPA show, part 2
Seen and heard at IFPA show, part 2

From the proliferation of compostable packaging options to a snack-sized supernova, fresh produce purveyors unveiled the most exciting updates and products at the 2023 Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif.

California navel crop to see more choice fruit
California navel crop to see more choice fruit

While greater amounts of rain were welcome in California citrus-growing regions in the past year, the downside has been exterior fruit damage caused by increased thrip populations.

Sunkist set with citrus portfolio, tools to help boost retail sales
Sunkist set with citrus portfolio, tools to help boost retail sales

Sunkist has a robust portfolio and steady supply extending to 40 varieties of both conventional and organic citrus, says Cassie Howard of Sunkist Growers Inc.

Fruit World ushers in California citrus season — and a sustainability milestone
Fruit World ushers in California citrus season — and a sustainability milestone

The company is celebrating the recent Equitable Food Initiative certification of its facility in Reedley, Calif., as its winter citrus program gets underway.

Meet Driscoll’s new CEO
Meet Driscoll’s new CEO

Soren Bjorn has been appointed as the next CEO of Driscoll’s, bringing with him 17 years leading programs and initiatives at the California-based global berry marketer.

Fresh Produce & Floral Council president steps down
Fresh Produce & Floral Council president steps down

After years of leadership, Don Gann is leaving the California-based fresh produce and floral advocacy organization positioned for its next chapter with a new president at the helm.

Igniting innovation: IFPA leaders reveal 2023 show highlights
Igniting innovation: IFPA leaders reveal 2023 show highlights

International Fresh Produce Association CEO Cathy Burns and current and incoming board of directors chairs say technology and innovation will be a constant drumbeat throughout the 2023 Global Produce & Floral Show.

California dominates the U.S. fall grape supply
California dominates the U.S. fall grape supply

August through November represent a prime time for California grapes.

Citrus thrips decreasing California estimates
Citrus thrips decreasing California estimates

California citrus growers faced significant pest challenges this season due to unprecedented rainfall and an explosion of citrus thrips in groves, according to an industry group.

California's Monterey County issues annual crop report   
California's Monterey County issues annual crop report   

In 2022, the value of agricultural commodities grown in Monterey County reached more than $4.6 billion, which is an increase of 13% over 2021, said county Agricultural Commissioner Juan Hidalgo.

Western Growers' data sharing platform seeks to empower industry-level insights
Western Growers' data sharing platform seeks to empower industry-level insights

The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement has recently adopted Western Growers' GreenLink platform to collect and analyze food safety data from its member companies.

Sunview Marketing International revs up for the balance of California grape season
Sunview Marketing International revs up for the balance of California grape season

Sunview Marketing International is headed into a time of the year when the marketer will be going strong on several of its proprietary brands, says Mitch Wetzel, vice president of sales.

Rains create mixed results for Bari Produce grapes
Rains create mixed results for Bari Produce grapes

Rains from Hurricane Hilary caused variable damage to the fresh grape vineyards of Bari Produce LLC, says Justin Bedwell, president of the Fresno, Calif.-based marketer.

California Table Grape Commission reflects on a century of plant breeding
California Table Grape Commission reflects on a century of plant breeding

“It is not an overstatement to say that this program changed the table grape industry and the world of table grape breeding,” said Ross Jones, California Table Grape Commission senior vice president.

Candy Snaps season extended with new variety
Candy Snaps season extended with new variety

The newly patented table grape varietal, known as IFG Forty-one, is expected to extend Candy Snaps' availability in retail stores for several more weeks during the early-to-midsummer season.

High quality, good sizing and healthy yields forecast for California pomegranates
High quality, good sizing and healthy yields forecast for California pomegranates

If the largely favorable 2023 growing season and recent sales figures are any indication, this should be another good year for the coral-red fruit with leathery skin and jewel-like arils.

California walnut industry crop estimate up 5% from a year ago
California walnut industry crop estimate up 5% from a year ago

While official final shipment, inventory and closeout figures for the 2022 crop year will be released within the month, preliminary figures indicate last year’s crop is virtually sold out, according to a news release.

25M boxes lost to Hurricane Hilary, California table grape growers report
25M boxes lost to Hurricane Hilary, California table grape growers report

“The revised estimate for the California crop is 71.9 million 19-pound boxes,” said California Table Grape Commission President Kathleen Nave. “The last time the crop was under 75 million boxes was 1994.”

California strawberry industry applauds executive order to address historical flooding
California strawberry industry applauds executive order to address historical flooding

The work includes levee repairs and debris removal to help protect and prepare local communities in anticipation of another possible wet season

Charity run through California vineyard benefits ag conservation
Charity run through California vineyard benefits ag conservation

The third annual Race to Slow the Pace 5K and 10K fundraiser will give trail runners and community advocates a chance to help preserve farmland — and get a nice glass of wine and a bowl of paella at the same time.

Yam equals sweetpotato, new campaign tells consumers
Yam equals sweetpotato, new campaign tells consumers

California sweetpotato farmers are on a mission to end consumer confusion, entice younger buyers and increase retail sales of this superfood.

Research to stop the spread of INSV gets a nearly $200K boost
Research to stop the spread of INSV gets a nearly $200K boost

Impatiens necrotic spot virus (INSV) poses challenges to California farmers; new grant and matching funding seeks to stop the spread of the contagious disease.

California Giant Berry Farms' barbecue benefit raises $19K
California Giant Berry Farms' barbecue benefit raises $19K

The annual event hosted by the Watsonville, Calif.-based grower brings together the local community and raises donations for area nonprofits.

California Farm Bureau praises passage of insurance expansion bill
California Farm Bureau praises passage of insurance expansion bill

“Our farmers and ranchers want to focus on producing America’s food supply, not on trying to become experts in procuring what was once routine insurance coverage,” said California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson.

Plenty adds Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets to roster of California stores
Plenty adds Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets to roster of California stores

The vertical, controlled environment agriculture greens grower says it’s doubling its retail footprint by expanding to Whole Foods Market and Gelson’s Markets California stores.

How Tropical Storm Hilary impacted one California grower
How Tropical Storm Hilary impacted one California grower

When Tropical Storm Hilary hit Southern California, Palm Springs received nearly 50% of its yearly rainfall in a matter of hours. While the deluge caused flooding, one area farmer is cautiously optimistic.

California still leads the pack in peaches despite steady decline
California still leads the pack in peaches despite steady decline

While the Golden State is producing almost two-thirds of peaches grown in the U.S., it’s harvest yields have been steadily declining for two decades, according to a USDA report.

As wildfire threat grows, California Farm Bureau urges congressional action
As wildfire threat grows, California Farm Bureau urges congressional action

“The reality is we are playing catch-up with a situation that has been worsening for decades exacerbated by drought, disease and even climate change,” farmer, rancher and firefighter Johnnie White testified to Congress.

Tanimura & Antle names new director of sales
Tanimura & Antle names new director of sales

Produce veteran Cody Ramsey is bringing his expertise to develop and expand sales at the Salinas, Calif.-based grower.

How the FARMS program helps cultivate California ag’s next generation
How the FARMS program helps cultivate California ag’s next generation

The FARMS program has introduced careers in ag and environmental sciences to tens of thousands of high school youth, most with no previous access to these opportunities.

Growers optimistic about 2023 California walnut outlook
Growers optimistic about 2023 California walnut outlook

The California walnut industry is gearing up for a stellar 2023 crop, industry leaders report.

Despite challenges, almond crop anticipated to weigh in above 2022
Despite challenges, almond crop anticipated to weigh in above 2022

Almond crop production has kicked off this August with improved expectations that a heftier almond will offset the lowest almonds-per-acre-yield since 2009, according to a recent USDA report.