Inspection Services Blog

New Pistachio, Processing Tomato, and Almond Videos Summarize Latest 4R Research and Provide Grower Continuing Education Units

As part of its Crop Nutrient Minute video series, the Coalition for Urban Rural Environmental Stewardship (CURES) has recently released videos in English and Spanish for pistachio, processing tomato, and almond production that provide the latest crop-specific information on efficient nitrogen fertilizer applications and irrigation practices that minimize movement of nitrate to groundwater. This video series was funded by a …


CDFA ANNOUNCES VACANCIES ON FERTILIZER INSPECTION ADVISORY BOARD’S TECHNICAL ADVISORY SUBCOMMITTEE

CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing four vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee.  This subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. Members assist in setting research priorities for the FREP Grant Program and review and recommend research and outreach proposals for funding.  FREP is …


Save the date for the 32nd Annual Nutrient Management Conference, October 29-30

Save the date! October 29-30, 2024, is when the annual Nutrient Management Conference will be hosted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) in collaboration with Western Plant Health (WPH). The conference agenda will focus on the latest FREP-funded research findings and best irrigation and nutrient management practices in California. This year’s …


Research Update: Nitrogen and Irrigation Managements for Onions

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Assessing Drip Irrigation and Nitrogen Management of Fresh Onions Produced in California Low Desert Project Leader: Jairo Diaz, Director, University of California – Desert Research and Extension Center Project Status: Complete Project …


Research Update: Adoption of CropManage to Optimize Nitrogen and Irrigation Applications

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Promoting the adoption of CropManage to optimize nitrogen and irrigation use through technical assistance with data loggers and cellular modems for Spanish-speaking growers in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties Project …


Join the FREP Team for a Discussion of our Informational Products and Services on Irrigation and Nutrient Management

What: The Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is evaluating how we can better support the work done by crop consultants and advisors across California. We will be holding a series of focus group sessions to gather feedback and suggestions on irrigation and nutrient management informational products and services provided by FREP and partnering organizations. Specifically, we will be asking …


Nitrogen Demand and Seasonal Uptake Patterns for California Cherries

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Development of Nutrient Budget and Nutrient Demand Model for Nitrogen Management in Cherry Project Leader(s): Project Status: Completed 2023 Project Location: San Joaquin County Overview Often the last …


Nitrogen Fertilizer Management Tools for California Wheat Growers Increase Yield, Decrease Fertilizer Costs

Note: This is part of a Research Update series that highlights projects funded by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) annual grant program. Project Title: Achieving Efficient Nitrogen Fertilizer Management in California Wheat Project Leader: Mark Lundy, Assistant Cooperative Extension Specialist, University of California, Davis Project Status: Completed 2023 Project Locations: The project …


New FIAB TASC Members

The Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC) is welcoming three new members this year. The subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. TASC members assist in setting project priorities for the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) grant program, review and recommend research and outreach proposals …


CDFA AWARDS $1.4 MILLION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION PROJECTS TO IMPROVE IRRIGATION AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing $1.4 million in grant funding for six projects to advance California growers’ understanding and implementation of improved nitrogen (N) and irrigation management practices. This funding is a result of the 2023 cycle of the competitive FREP Grant Program. Summary of Funded Projects:  Optimizing Potassium Fertilization Management …