West

IFG adds cherry focus to influence industry progression

International Fruit Genetics (IFG) breeding programs could change the cherry growing industry and help it adapt to a changing climate. The fruit breeding company’s new low-chill cherries could change how growers grow cherries and drive... more »

Naturipe’s California strawberry supply hits peak production

California strawberries are in peak production with the high-quality and flavorful berries consumers expect from Naturipe. Peak volumes are starting now and expected to last through June. This season, Naturipe Farms is set to have... more »

UC ANR to recruit 16 new UC Cooperative Extension specialists

University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources will be recruiting 16 new UC Cooperative Extension Specialists over the next 12 months. This is in addition to the five UCCE Specialist positions released for recruitment last... more »

Madera County, California, farmers feel the pain of groundwater rules

The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act is not a new topic, but it is new territory for some. In Madera County, California, the harsh consequences of this new California regulation have been reality for the last... more »

Insurance issues persist as California farmers still losing coverage

Terry Rudkin farms avocados in the Ventura County town of Bardsdale, across the Santa Clara River from Fillmore, on a ranch his family has owned since 1912. In December 2017, he watched from his deck... more »

Apples among California crops to feel squeeze from Ukraine war

As Russia's invasion of Ukraine drives up prices of grains, sunflower oil and other commodities, several California crops may begin to feel ripple effects from the war, underscoring their link to global markets. Todd Sanders,... more »

Grower-Shipper Association of Central California appoints new board

The Grower-Shipper Association of Central California (GSA) recently appointed Victor Ramirez of NorCal Harvesting as its new vice-chair and Greg Beach of Steinbeck Country Produce as its secretary. In addition, Chad Amaral, vice president at... more »

Fresh fruit growers in California identify top 10 issues

Challenges are common and expected, especially in our industry where so many factors play a part in fresh ag. In a recent “Top Issues Survey” for 2022 of California Fresh Fruit Association members, the association... more »