On December 15, the California Avocado Commission’s Marketing Committee, which is comprised of California avocado grower and handler members, hosted its first meeting of the 2022-23 fiscal year. The virtual meeting, which was presided over by CAC Marketing Committee Chair Gary Caloroso, provided the Commission with an opportunity to discuss the upcoming California avocado season and share the top retail …

In December 2022, the California Avocado Commission surveyed industry handlers to develop the following 2023 California Avocado Pre-Season Crop Estimate*: Hass: 243 million pounds Lamb-Hass: 7 million pounds GEM: 6 million pounds Other: 1 million pounds Total: 257 million pounds *Please note the California Avocado Commission’s crop year is aligned with the calendar year (January 1st through December 31st) and therefore information provided is for …

The Peterson family is pleased to announce the addition of Fresh Innovations California, LLC, to the Peterson Farms FAMILY OF COMPANIES. Fresh Innovations California, located in Stockton, California, specializes in organic and conventional fresh-cut apple slices, under the brand Prize Slice, supplying schools and retail throughout the United States. The addition of Fresh Innovations California, LLC to the Peterson Farms …

The Fresno Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Fresno County Farm Bureau, is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 Ag Awards, a long-standing tradition that honors and celebrates our region’s agricultural industry leaders. The honorees were recognized at the Ag Awards Celebration on November 3rd at PR Farms. The 2022 Ag Awards Honorees include: Moss Adams Agribusiness of …

USDA-NIFA’s Emergency Citrus Disease Research & Extension (ECDRE) program brings the nation’s top scientists together with citrus industry representatives to find scientifically sound solutions that combat and prevent citrus greening (HLB)​ at the farm-level. For the first time in the program’s history, NIFA is supporting an HLB-focused Coordination Network (CN) Project led by an interdisciplinary team of scientists representing all three major citrus producing …

To ensure California citrus growers are well prepared in the event of a potential commercial grove detection of Huanglongbing (HLB), the deadly citrus plant disease that can be spread by the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program (CPDPP) has developed a response guide for growers to utilize and educate themselves on the California Department of Food and …

Ken Melban, who joined the California Avocado Commission (CAC) in 2011 as director, issues management, has been promoted to vice president of industry affairs and operations. He has served as CAC’s vice president, industry affairs since 2015. In his new role, he will continue to lead the Commission’s industry affairs programs and take on the financial and administrative operations of …

A foul-smelling, voracious, wide-spread pest of fresh fruits and tree nuts could become even more ubiquitous with climate change. A recent modelling study found that changing weather could increase suitable habitat for the brown marmorated stink bug in the United States by 70%. The study, published in Pest Management Science, draws on data from a three-year stink bug monitoring effort in …

The UC Cooperative Extension is hosting an in-person Organic Agriculture Workshop on December 8 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The workshop is designed for growers, CCAs, PCAs and other agricultural professionals interested in organic agriculture. The session will cover regulations, assistance programs, fertilization, irrigation, and managing pests, diseases and weeds. The workshop will discuss the specifics of organic production as …

The U.S. Blueberry Council (USHBC) has released its 2021 Impact Report that details last year’s efforts across all program areas in working toward the USHBC’s vision to make blueberries the world’s favorite fruit. Guided by the 2021-2025 strategic plan, USHBC recaps 2021 progress and achievements in consumer promotions, health research, foodservice, industry relations, export and food manufacturing, and annual meetings …