USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service — The initial 2021-22 California Navel orange forecast is 70.0 million cartons, down 14% from the previous year. Of the total Navel orange forecast, 67.0 million cartons are estimated to be in the Central Valley. Cara Cara variety Navel orange production in the Central Valley is forecast at 6.0 million cartons. These forecasts are based on the …

– SPONSORED CONTENT – With California facing an ongoing drought that is squeezing already limited surface water supplies, farmers are extracting groundwater to continue growing food as usual. Unfortunately, ground water can contain high levels of sodium from soil leaching. Water with a high salt (NaCl) content can be a big issue for growers once it is deposited into the …

The COVID pandemic continues to have rippling effects worldwide. For the California citrus industry, COVID and now a devastating drought, have resulted in staggering increases in farming and production costs for growers and minimal price correction in the market. An internal industry survey of California citrus growers conducted by California Citrus Mutual (CCM) found that, on average, farming costs for …

In response to California State Senator Melissa Hurtado being forced to pull SB 559 after the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee removed all funding provisions, a coalition of leading California fresh produce organizations issued the following statement: “With nearly 90 percent of the state in extreme or exceptional drought, including virtually all the 3.25 million acres of farmland dependent on irrigation from …

Today, POM Wonderful® is excited to launch a social media cocktail contest dedicated to supporting local bars that were impacted by pandemic closures. The competition will put bartenders’ mixology skills to the test as they create cocktails using POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice. Five winners will each designate a deserving bar to receive a $10,000 cash prize and year’s supply …

The California Avocado Commission has launched a webpage to showcase the sustainability practices of California avocado growers. The information illustrates how California avocado growers are good stewards of the land as well as contributing members of their communities. The Commission’s consumer website, CaliforniaAvocado.com, now includes a section called “California Avocado Sustainability” where website visitors can learn about the four pillars …

Americans are growing old and, sadly, the aging process for many means more than simply turning gray or thinning hair. According to the United States Census, in about a dozen years the number of Americans over 65 will outnumber children. Further, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention project the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) to nearly triple by …

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that Japan has granted market access for California plums. Eliminating the phytosanitary barriers keeping California plums out of the Japanese market required multiple rounds of technical negotiations that were somewhat hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) would like to extend its appreciation to the USDA Animal Plant …

Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program — A significant number of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) detections in Kern County – more than 115 since this time last year – is a stark reminder to remain vigilant against the pest and the deadly disease it can spread, Huanglongbing (HLB). Last week, an adult ACP was confirmed from a commercial citrus trap in the …

The 2021 California table olive forecast is 55,000 tons, up considerably from last year’s crop of 23,200 tons, according to a survey conducted by the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Pacific Regional Office. Bearing acreage is estimated at 12,800, which results in a yield of 4.30 tons per acre. The Manzanillo production forecast is 53,800 tons, Sevillano production forecast is …