The next segment in the Growing California video series, a partnership with California Grown, is “Farmers Markets.”

Guangzhou, China

Guangzhou was the perfect end to our trade mission to China. This vibrant city of 12.5 million in the Pearl River Delta exhibits a unique character that is full of energy and committed to business and economic development.

We visited the Jiangnan Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market , which is the largest wholesale market for produce in not only China, but all of Southeast Asia – 80 percent of all imported fruits and vegetables pass through this market. Thailand and Chile are the top foreign importers, followed closely by U.S. products. During our visit we had a great opportunity to see California crops from the Central Valley and a diversity of products from the around the globe.

We also had the opportunity to visit with a number of media outlets that focus on food and lifestyle stories. California cuisine is of great interest to our media friends because of the flavors, high-quality ingredients, and culture that the Golden State represents. Working with local representatives of California agricultural boards and commissions, we were able to bring a “Taste of California” to Guangzhou and it was truly experience that the media enjoyed.

As we left China, we heard some thoughts and impressions from some of participants traveling with us on Governor Brown’s trade mission:

John Weisz, Driscoll’s, “The meeting with the State Forestry Administration stood out as the example of the importance of this type of mission – providing access to national officials and support in moving the needle on key issues.”

Chris Rosander, Raisin Administrative Committee, “The speed of development and growth of the middle class really stood out for me- an incredible opportunity to sell raisins”

Melissa Poole, Paramount Farming/Roll Global, “This was a fascinating experience – the difference in between regions, the aesthetics and culture. I learned about the challenges and opportunities within this market.”

Michael Rue, Rue & Forsman “I was surprised by the amount of infrastructure on one hand and the lack of infrastructure on the other. When you see this 300 million-person middle class – you see what this really means for the agricultural sector.”

David Ahlem, Hilmar Cheese Company, “Every time I come to Asia the opportunity strikes me – the vastness, the size of this opportunity. The brand equity we have in California products and lifestyle, the ability to leverage this along with our strength and reputation in food safety is critical. The importance of knowing your customers and the differences between the regional markets also stood out.”

John Harris, Harris Farms, “The enormity of wealth and new construction – dedication to high end growth. We have problems with some products like beef, but for others there seems to be strong and genuine consumer demand. American/California food is a brand and desired by Chinese consumers. Encouraging market.”

This trip showed us once again the promise and the possibilities of the China market. As I told the trade delegation during our trip, working in this market requires patience and a long term strategy for building relationships. In China it is called “guanxi.” The Governor’s mission was an important step in the process

Agricultural trade is vital to California. I look forward to working with California’s farmers and ranchers to expand our exports and introduce new products to foreign markets.

Many 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/.

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

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.