Inspection Services Blog

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 …


Registration Open for 2024 California Plant and Soil Conference

The 2024 California Plant and Soil Conference will be held on February 6-7 at the DoubleTree Hotel in Fresno, California. The conference is organized by the California Chapter of the American Society of Agronomy (CA ASA), which launched the annual event in 1972. Registration is now open. The annual conference provides a forum where students, professionals, and other attendees can …


2023 FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference Recap

The 31st Annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH) Nutrient Management Conference was held in Modesto, CA, on November 8-9, 2023. The conference had over 120 attendees including crop consultants, growers, industry representatives, researchers, and government personnel. This blog provides a quick recap of the event. For more detailed information, including summaries from presented FREP projects, …


Registration and Call for Posters Open for 31st Annual FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference

Registration is now open for the 31st Annual Nutrient Management Conference, hosted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH). This year’s conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Modesto, California, November 8-9, 2023, and includes a pre-conference tour of Duarte Nursery in Hughson, CA …


Research Update: Next Generation Nitrogen Management Training for Certified Crop Advisors Online Course Open for Enrollment

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.   The online Nitrogen (N) Management Training for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) is open for enrollment between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024. The self-paced course covers N …


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

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is announcing four vacancies on the Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board’s (FIAB) Technical Advisory Subcommittee (TASC).  This subcommittee serves as an expert scientific panel on matters concerning efficient use of fertilizing materials and irrigation water. TASC members assist in setting research priorities for the FREP Grant Program, …