West

California cherries to miss Memorial Day promo push

As the first one out of the gate, cherries typically kick off the stone-fruit season with peak volumes heading into the Memorial Day holiday. But longer periods of cool weather this spring have slowed development... more »

Commentary: Golden State growers want solutions for flood-control issues

The destruction to agricultural properties and crops from January and March flooding in Monterey County is considerable. There is frustration about a failure to address known dangers that caused or worsened the flood toll in... more »

Technology revolutionizes cherry, small fruit grading, packing

Technology upgrades have swept through West Coast fruit packinghouses, with everything from stone fruit, apples and citrus processed on more sophisticated equipment than a generation ago. That includes cherries, which present several special handling needs:... more »

CFFA’s LeMay to succeed Nave at California grape commission

Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, will become president and CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025, succeeding longtime commission head Kathleen Nave. Nave joined the commission... more »

Smoke in the vineyard: Oregon State studies wildfire smoke

Oregon State University (OSU) researchers have discovered a new class of compounds that contributes to the ashy or smoky flavors in wine made with grapes exposed to wildfire smoke. The development is significant for winemakers... more »

California water board weighs aquifer plans

Local agencies for six San Joaquin Valley subbasins, facing possible state intervention after their groundwater sustainability plans were deemed inadequate, learned more about next steps last week from California water officials. During a board meeting... more »

California pesticide report shows declining use

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has released its annual Pesticide Use Report for 2021 which confirmed preliminary data that showed a more than 10% statewide decline in pesticide use compared to the prior... more »

Conserving water: Group defines Farm Bill irrigation needs

Conservation programs have long been a key part of farm bills over the years, and the 2023 Farm Bill will be no different. The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) has established five core principles... more »