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Growing California video series – Farm Academy

Posted on April 16, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs

The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Farm Academy,” a story about a training program for new farmers at the Center for Land Based Learning in Winters.

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Shanghai – an Excellent Market for California Agriculture

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda
Governor Brown and Secretary Ross in Shanghai.

Governor Brown and Secretary Ross in Shanghai.

Our trade mission through China with Governor Brown continues with a stop in the exciting city of Shanghai – home of more than 23 million people and one of the largest cities in the world. It is the commercial and financial center of mainland China. In short, it is an excellent market for California exports, including, of course, agriculture.

Governor Brown has opened the California-China Office of Trade and Investment – a resource for California and Chinese companies to expand cooperation and business ties. As the first official presence for California in China for several years, this office demonstrates the long-term commitment California has to this growing market.

For the agricultural sector in particular, we have seen dramatic growth and continuing success. Ag exports to China are increasing impressively – up 25 percent last year in reaching a value of more than $1.7 billion. Almonds increased 41 percent; pistachios were up 27 percent; wine was up 52 percent; walnuts were up 10 percent; citrus increased 17 percent; table grapes were up 20 percent; dairy products were up 54 percent; and raisins were up 65 percent. These are very encouraging gains and an indicator of the importance of working closely with our Chinese partners to understand what consumers are looking for, and to ensure market access.

During our time in Shanghai, we had the opportunity to meet with some of the top agricultural importers in the area to discuss opportunities for greater collaboration and trade growth. E-commerce was a key topic in the meeting and we were very pleased to have Governor Brown join us for a part of our discussion.

Traveling with representatives from the almond, beef, citrus, dairy, raisin, rice, organic products, pistachio, and wine sectors only reinforces California’s commitment to China. I look forward to working throughout this trip and beyond to leverage our agricultural trade opportunities here in Shanghai and throughout China.

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Organic Producers Encouraged to Follow Their Conservation Dreams—Quickly

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Anita Brown USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Sign reading ORGANIC FARM DO NOT APPLY PESTICIDESMany organic farmers have dreams of a conservation project they would love to tackle: a multi-purpose hedgerow; an efficient, water-saving irrigation system; a comprehensive plan to build organic matter; a hoop house to extend the local growing season. But the day-to-day demands of farming can leave those dreams stuck on a back burner.  However, help is available to help organic and transitioning farmers get cooking on those projects, utilizing technical and financial assistance from USDA’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). Over 200 Californians are already participating. The deadline to apply this year is April 19, 2013.

“I simply didn’t know about EQIP or NRCS,” says Bill Jessup who grows organic citrus in Thermal, CA. NRCS is Natural Resources Conservation Service, the branch of USDA that runs EQIP and helps farmers develop and sometimes fund conservation plans to enhance their farms or ranches.  “I was interested in using hedgerows and windbreaks but I wasn’t able to tackle it,” says Jessup. “My buyer suggested I contact NRCS.  The process was painless. Sam, the local conservationist, came to my farm and gave me ideas, but it’s your choice.  I ended up including not only the hedgerow in my conservation plan but also nutrient and residue management—and NRCS helped me plan and fund it.”

Currently California has $3.5 million available for 2013 for organic and transitioning farmers who apply for EQIP, says Alan Forkey, NRCS Assistant State Conservationist for Farm Bill Programs in California. Organic producers can receive up to $20,000 per year or $80,000 over six years through the special EQIP funding available only for organic producers and those transitioning to organic. The assistance targets over two dozen core conservation practices, including conservation crop rotation, cover crops, nutrient management, pest management, prescribed grazing and more.

Forkey says that there may be some confusion this year because some 2008 Farm Bill provisions, such as the cost share assistance for organic certification, expired at the end of 2012 and are not available this year.  The conservation programs, however, remain in effect—but the window for funding is closing quickly. Assistance is available and applications are taken at all 55 NRCS offices throughout California. To find the office nearest you go to http://www.ca.nrcs.usda.gov/contact/.

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News Release – Horse Owners Urged to Check West Nile Virus Vaccine Status

Posted on April 12, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs

http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/egov/Press_Releases/Press_Release.asp?PRnum=13-011

As the weather warms up and mosquitoes become more prevalent, California horse owners are advised to consult their veterinarian to ensure their horse’s vaccination status is current for maximum protection against West Nile Virus (WNV).

Even though the disease peaked in California a number of years ago, it remains a risk. In 2012, WNV infection was confirmed in 22 California horses, eight of which died or were euthanized. The number of detections was the highest since 2008. In addition, WNV infection was confirmed in 479 people in California, also a significant spike over recent years.

“Outbreaks of West Nile virus are still a risk for horses,” said California State Veterinarian Annette Jones. “Horse owners should contact their veterinarians as soon as possible to make sure their animals’ vaccination status is current. Vaccination will provide optimal protection against the disease.”

Signs of West Nile virus include stumbling, staggering, wobbling, weakness, muscle twitching and inability to stand. Horses contract the disease from carrier mosquitoes and are not contagious to other horses or people. Over the past 10 years, approximately 40% of horses infected with WNV died or were euthanized.

The best way to minimize the threat of West Nile Virus is to control mosquito populations and prevent exposure to them:
• Reduce or eliminate sources of stagnant or standing water that can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, including old tires, buckets, wading pools and other containers.
• Stall horses during peak mosquito periods (i.e., dawn and dusk);
• Use equine-approved mosquito repellants and/or protective horse gear such as fly sheets, masks, and leg wraps;
• Place fans inside barns and stalls to maintain air movement, as mosquitoes cannot fly well in wind.

CDFA is cooperating with the California Department of Public Health to detect and respond to the disease in California. Horses provide an additional sentinel for WNV disease detection. For more information, click on http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/ahfss/Animal_Health/WNV_Info.html

 

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California and China: Growing Together

Posted on April 11, 2013 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda
China signing ceremony 2013

Governor Brown signs an agreement on trade with Chinese government officials. Secretary Ross is behind the governor.

As we leave Beijing for Shanghai on China’s high speed rail, traveling at approximately at 180mph through vibrant countryside, it’s exciting to envision California’s future. Governor Brown is embracing that future with an agreement with six local Chinese governments to expand trade and investment opportunities, with agriculture as one of the seven priority sectors of the agreement. As the world’s ninth largest economy – California’s expanding relationship with China is all the more critical.

Our time in Beijing was exciting – showing great promise for California’s potential in the market. The agriculture delegation had opportunities to meet with several government agencies concerning market access for California’s specialty crop industry, and organic certification applications for U.S. producers. These meetings reinforced the need for the greater cooperation to expand mutually beneficial trade between our two nations. Market access for agricultural products is a very complex process. I applaud the U.S. Embassy and the USDA for their dedication, representation, and advocacy on behalf of U.S. farmers and ranchers.

We also met with representatives of the online division of one of the largest state-owned enterprises within the agricultural sector – COFCO. This online platform is China’s fastest growing business-to-consumer (B2C) e-commerce website and is doubling sales every year. This division focuses on selling grocery products to consumers and providing same day delivery in several cities. The dynamics of buying and selling food in Asia is changing and California needs to be part of the process. China, with its growing consumer class and younger consumer demographic, is a great place to start.

This trip is providing a fascinating look at China in several economic sectors. The similarities in issues – climate change, market access, and investment – link us more than they separate us.

China has a very prominent role in California’s future and I look forward to expanding our trade relationships in agriculture.

Posted in AG Vision, Agricultural Education, Agricultural Marketing, Trade, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Video – The never-ending work to stop invasive species

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs

In our ongoing recognition of April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month, we have posted a video of Mark Hoddle of UC Riverside and his work to stop the goldspotted oak borer, a pest that threatens California’s oak groves. The UC is an essential and valuable partner for CDFA in the drive to protect California from invasive species.

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China Welcomes California!

Posted on April 9, 2013 by Karen Ross, California Agriculture Secretary, and Linda
CDFA Secretary Karen Ross in Beijing with members of the California agriculture delegation on Governor Brown's trade mission to China

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross (center) in Beijing with members of the California agriculture delegation on Governor Brown’s trade mission to China.  From left to right – Michael Gallo, Joseph Gallo Farms and member of California State Board of Food and Agriculture; Cathy Calfo, California Certified Organic Farmers; Sean Martin, Driscoll’s; Michael Rue, California Rice Commission; Chris Rosander, California Raisin Administrative Committee; Don Peracchi, DJ Farms; Melissa Poole, Paramount Farms; Julie Adams, California Almond Board; Jay Behmke, Yao Family Wines.    

Pleasant weather and clear skies welcomed Governor Brown’s delegation to Beijing – the first stop on our three-city tour of this dynamic country.

As part of the trade delegation, I am here to promote California as a place for business and to build trade relationships that expand exports of California’s food and agricultural products.

Several agricultural companies have joined me on this mission – representing the strength of California’s agricultural industry. As such, we have taken the opportunity to develop side meetings for participating delegates with business and government entities.

Our first meeting with the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service provided an in-depth perspective on China as a market for California products. U.S. agricultural exports have increased 37 percent over the last year. For the last seven consecutive years, agricultural exports have reached record highs. Currently, Ag exports represent 20 percent of total U.S. exports to China – one in five products exported to this market is agriculturally based. So there is great potential for California on this mission and far into the future.

We also had the opportunity to meet with the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Foodstuffs, Native Produce and Animal By-Products (CFNA). This organization represents more than 5,500 businesses in the agricultural sector and is looking for ways to build stronger relationships with California companies. I invited CFNA to visit California to meet with California exporters and to expand trade between our two countries. It is organizations like this that can help California expand its presence in China.

Our day closed with a visit to the State Forestry Administration (SFA) to discuss market access issues related to the nursery sector as well as intellectual property protection for plant products. The SFA was pleased to welcome the California delegation and we had a very positive discussion on the issues.

Again, great trade potential exists here in China, and I look forward to assisting California’s businesses in developing new trade relationships.

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USDA proclaims April as Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs
The Asian citrus psyllid, an invasive species that threatens California.

The Asian citrus psyllid, an invasive species that threatens California.

http://www.aphis.usda.gov/newsroom/2013/04/pest_awareness_month.shtml

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) today proclaimed April as “Invasive Plant Pest and Disease Awareness Month.” All month, APHIS will highlight how invasive species can enter the United States and spread, and how the general public can take simple, specific actions to leave these hungry pests behind. Invasive pests and diseases are non-native species that cause – or are likely to cause – harm to the economy, the environment or human health.

“At its core, APHIS’ mission is protecting animal and plant health in the United States,” said Acting APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea. “This includes programs to address the invasive pests and diseases that have cost the United States billions of dollars in lost agricultural jobs, closed export markets and damaged ecosystems. It’s a huge job, and APHIS needs the help of the public to be successful.”

Devastating invasive pests and diseases – insects, disease-causing microorganisms, snails, slugs, mites, microscopic worms, weed seeds and fungal spores – often hitch rides on things people move and pack. These common pathways include passenger baggage; plants and plant parts like fruit, vegetables and bud wood; Internet-purchased plants and plant products; firewood; and outdoor gear, among many others. Fortunately, once people are aware of these risks, they can easily prevent the spread of hungry pests.

Visit the Hungry Pests website, which is available in English and Spanish, at www.HungryPests.com to view an interactive map and learn about invasive pests and diseases that are affecting or could affect individual states, and how to report them. The website’s “What You Can Do” section offers the public “Seven Ways to Leave Hungry Pests Behind.” Also, by using Facebook and Twitter links, visitors can engage on the invasive pest issue on social media.

APHIS safeguards U.S. agricultural and natural resources from risks associated with the entry, establishment or spread of agricultural pests and diseases, as well as invasive and harmful weeds. In this battle, the agency works very closely with its many partners at the federal, state, county and local levels, and at universities and nongovernmental organizations. APHIS has had many successes combatting invasive plant pests and diseases, including the eradication of the Asian longhorned beetle in Illinois, New Jersey and Islip, New York; numerous exotic fruit fly outbreaks in Florida, Texas and California; the wheat disease Karnal bunt in Texas and California; plum pox virus in Pennsylvania and Michigan; the boll weevil from all 17 cotton-producing states with the exception of Texas’ Lower Rio Grande Valley; and Khapra beetle infestations in a number of states. APHIS is also closing in on the eradication of the European grapevine moth in California.

With Agriculture Secretary Vilsack’s leadership, APHIS works tirelessly to create and sustain opportunities for America’s farmers, ranchers and producers. Each day, APHIS promotes U.S. agricultural health, regulates genetically engineered organisms, administers the Animal Welfare Act, and carries out wildlife damage management activities, all to help safeguard the nation’s agriculture, fishing and forestry industries. In the event that a pest or disease of concern is detected, APHIS implements emergency protocols and partners with affected states and other countries to quickly manage or eradicate the outbreak. To promote the health of U.S. agriculture in the international trade arena, APHIS develops and advances science-based standards with trading partners to ensure America’s agricultural exports, valued at more than $137 billion annually, are protected from unjustified restrictions.

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Governor Brown Visits CDFA

Posted on April 3, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs
Governor Brown speaks at the California State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting at CDFA headquarters, as board president Craig McNamara and CDFA secretary Karen Ross look on.

Governor Brown speaks at the California State Board of Food and Agriculture meeting at CDFA headquarters, as board president Craig McNamara and CDFA secretary Karen Ross look on.

Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. stopped by this week at the monthly meeting of the California State Board of Agriculture, at CDFA headquarters. The board is comprised of gubernatorial appointees. The governor pointed out that he last attended a state board meeting during his first time in office roughly 35 years ago. He also expressed his appreciation for the work carried out by the board and stated his optimism about agriculture. “It’s obvious that agriculture is a big part of California’s future,” he said.

Governor Brown was introduced by former CDFA director Richard Rominger, who served during the governor’s previous terms, and current State Board president Craig McNamara, who thanked the governor for being a strong supporter of agriculture for many years.

CDFA secretary Karen Ross is accompanying Governor Brown next week on a trade mission to China. “We are the gateway to the whole Pacific,” the governor said. “And that’s the message I’ll take to China.”

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Growing California video series – “Urban Farmer”

Posted on April 2, 2013 by Office of Public Affairs

The latest segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Urban Farmer,” a story about a community organization working to produce food and educate young people.

 

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