Inspection Services Blog
  1. CDFA Home
  2. Inspection Services Division
  3. Inspection Services Blog

CDFA-funded research project examines estimating nitrogen removal from harvested portion of Central Coast crops

Posted on January 13, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) Grant Program annually funds research projects related to the environmentally safe and agronomically sound use and handling of fertilizing materials in California.

The following project was recently completed and added to the FREP Research and Project Database.

Nitrogen Content of the Harvested Portion of Specialty Crops to Estimate Crop Nitrogen Removal and Improve Nitrogen Management in Crops

Project Locations: Commercial fields in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Clara and Ventura counties

Project Overview: Through the state’s Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program (ILRP), the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board (CCRWQCB) requires farmers to calculate the nitrogen (N) left in the field after harvest to estimate N that is at risk for leaching into groundwater. ILRP recordkeeping requires a calculation of both the N applied through different types of fertilizers, crop amendments, and irrigation water, as well as N removed through crop harvest, incorporation into woody plant tissue, and other methods such as water treatment. N removal coefficients are an important tool for this calculation because they provide growers and Certified Crop Advisors with a simple, affordable method for estimating the N removed in the harvested portion of the crop. However, N removal coefficients can vary due to soil properties and management practices. Thus, it is important that these coefficients accurately reflect the range of growing conditions and production practices used by growers on the Central Coast.

Project Impact: The N removal coefficients developed in this project were shared with the CCRWQCB and Central Coast Water Quality Preservation Inc. (Preservation Inc.), which is a third-party group assisting growers to meet water quality regulations in the region. The values were incorporated into the dropdown menu used for filling out the Irrigation and Nutrient Management Plan (INMP) Summary Reports by Preservation Inc. and shared with growers and consultants. As a result, the new N removal coefficients were first used in the March 2024 INMP reporting to the CCRWQCB.

Click here to view a FREP Research Update blog for more details and the project’s final report.

Posted in CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

CDFA awards $1.15M for research and education projects to improve nutrient and irrigation management

Posted on January 7, 2025 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) has announced $1.15 million in awards to five new projects. The projects will advance California growers’ understanding and implementation of improved nutrient and irrigation management practices.

This funding is a result of the 2024 competitive FREP Grant Program.

Summary of Funded Projects:

Monitoring and Assessing Variability of Nutrient Status in Almond Orchards with Hyperspectral Satellite Imagery Empowered by Artificial Intelligence
Yufang Jin, Patrick Brown and Alireza Pourreza, University of California (UC), Davis
FREP Grant funding: $249,999
This Central Valley-based project will develop practical and cost-effective remote sensing approaches to mapping leaf tissue nutrient status that will help almond growers optimize nutrient management. The researchers will create models that analyze leaf samples using hyperspectral satellite imagery to understand the spectral response of almond leaves at different nutritional contents. The project aims to lay the groundwork for developing aerial and remote strategies that can supplement traditional leaf sampling to provide faster, more predictive and spatially accurate nutrient mapping.

Development of Three Citrus Modules in the Decision Support Tool CropManage for Orange, Mandarin, and Lemon
Ken Miller, Formation Environmental; Donald Ikemiya, Kaweah Basin Water Quality Association; and Michael Cahn and Manpreet Singh, UC Cooperative Extension
FREP Grant funding: $224,127
This project will refine three preliminary citrus modules for CropManage, a UC Cooperative Extension free, online support tool that provides nitrogen and irrigation recommendations to growers. The project will use nitrogen, water, satellite and drone-based imagery data collected from orange, mandarin and lemon orchards. Field data, as well as data-driven modeling, will be used to calibrate and test the modules before releasing them to the public. Once developed, outreach to citrus growers will be provided through CropManage workshops and field days.

Determination of Crop N-Removal Coefficient Values for the Imperial and Coachella Valleys Cropping Systems
Ali Montazar and Richard Smith, UC Cooperative Extension; and Daniel Geisseler, UC Davis
FREP Grant funding: $225,000
This project will develop crop nitrogen removal coefficient values for 10 major annual and perennial commodities In the Imperial and Coachella valleys that account for more than 70 percent of regional crop acreage. In addition to documenting seasonal nitrogen applied and assessing plant uptake and nitrogen removal in the harvested product, the project will gather similar information on phosphorus and potassium for the 10 commodities. Results will be disseminated to growers through workshops and at meetings of a local coalition, the Farm Bureau and a grower association.

Equity in Nutrient Management Education on the Central Coast of CA
Nathan Harkleroad, Agriculture and Land-Based Training Association (ALBA)
FREP Grant funding: $225,000
In the Central Coast counties of Monterey and San Benito, Nathan Harkleroad will lead an outreach project that focuses on educating primarily Spanish-speaking, socially disadvantaged organic growers about soil fertility, plant nutrition and irrigation management techniques through ALBA’s farmer incubation program. Additionally, ALBA will work with Monterey and San Benito resource conservation districts to provide technical assistance to ALBA graduates to implement these practices in their farming operations. ALBA will also work with FREP to translate into Spanish FREP’s California Crop Fertilization Guidelines used in ALBA’s curriculum.

A Science-Based and Interactive Website for Nutrient Management in Organic Crop Production
Daniel Geisseler, UC Davis
FREP Grant funding: $225,001
Daniel Geisseler will create a website that summarizes California-based research on nutrient availability in organic annual cropping systems. The site will include an online, interactive nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium calculator for major annual crops. This project will build on an available calculator that allows users to estimate the mineralization rates of certain organic amendments by conducting replicated field trials on commercial organic fields in the Sacramento Valley and on the Central Coast. Results from the trials will be used to validate the calculator and address existing knowledge gaps. Once completed, the website and online calculator will be publicized at grower meetings and workshops, conferences that draw organic growers and consultants, and on the FREP website.

Since 1991, FREP has awarded $31 million to 276 research, outreach and demonstration projects focused on nutrient and irrigation management in many of California’s important and environmentally sensitive cropping systems. Click here to view the FREP Research & Project Database. See the Crop Fertilization Guidelines for tips on how to improve nutrient management, based on information gleaned from research.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP), CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA announces vacancies on Standardization Advisory Committee

Posted on December 20, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the Standardization Advisory Committee. 

The committee advises the CDFA secretary on all matters pertaining to the Standardization Program, as well as reviewing proposed regulations and making recommendations concerning the annual budget, assessment rates, and fees to provide adequate inspection services. 

The committee is composed of individuals who have a financial interest, either personal or through their employment, in a represented commodity. Current vacancies include two Fresh Fruit positions representing oranges; four Fresh Vegetable positions representing broccoli, tomatoes or lettuce; and two Other Fresh Vegetable positions representing a vegetable commodity group.

The term of office for committee members is two years. Members receive no compensation but are entitled to payment of necessary travel expenses in accordance with the rules of the California Department of Human Resources.

Individuals interested in being considered for an appointment should complete the Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ) available at https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/i_&_c/pdfs/STDZ_PMAQ.pdf and obtain a letter of recommendation from an industry member. Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. 

Applications should be sent to Kristi Garcia, CDFA Inspection and Compliance Branch, 1220 N Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or via e-mail to Kristi.Garcia@cdfa.ca.gov. 

For further information on the Standardization Program and committee vacancies, contact Stacey Hughes at (559) 977-5416.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

The Standardization Program is part of the Inspection and Compliance Branch in CDFA’s Inspection Services Division.

Posted in CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, CDFA Standardization Program | Tagged , | Leave a comment

A First for California — CDFA employee recognized by national fertilizer organization for work on advancements in fertilizer

Posted on December 17, 2024 by Joshua Bingham
Nick Young, left, receives his award from the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO).

CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program Manager Nick Young was recently awarded the Presidential Distinguished Service Award by the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) — the first person from California to receive the award in the organization’s 77-year history.

Young received the award for providing outstanding service to the association over the past 12 years, including a stint as president in 2019. During this time, Young was instrumental in influencing perceptions about biostimulants, materials that improve nutrition profiles for plants. An example is seaweed extract derived from algae, which can stimulate root growth, enhance stress tolerance, and improve nutrient uptake. Young’s commitment to a uniform understanding of biostimulants among state regulators led to an AAPFCO initiative to formally recognize them, which is part of a process now underway to establish a productive regulatory framework nationally.

“For the benefit of the fertilizing industry selling plant biostimulant products, consumers purchasing them and inspectors regulating them, Nick’s determination helped all involved have a shared definition of what the term means,” said Inspection Services Division Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg. “This award signifies CDFA’s efforts toward innovation, national uniformity and standardization for the benefit of a shared understanding, as well as Nick’s professionalism and perseverance in helping achieve that.”

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog post.

Posted in CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizing Materials Inspection Program, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Helping for the Holidays — CDFA staff volunteer at Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Posted on December 12, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

CDFA staff members recently took part in the 2024 California State Employees Food Drive by volunteering at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services.

The CDFA team separated bulk elbow macaroni into one-pound bags, vacuum-sealed them, then applied stickers to the packages and boxed them. In total, the team prepared 1,456 bags of macaroni. 

Participating CDFA staff members were from the Executive Office and the Inspection Services Division’s Center for Analytical Chemistry, as well as the division’s Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch and Inspection and Compliance Branch.

CDFA leads the annual employees food drive, raising food, funds, and awareness about hunger issues in California. Everybody is encouraged to visit https://www.fooddrive.ca.gov/donate/ to find a food bank in your county to donate food or volunteer hours.

Click here to view this original CDFA Planting Seeds blog.

Posted in CDFA Center for Analytical Chemistry, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Food Recovery, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division, Inspection Services Division Administration Unit | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

State Organic Program, UC Organic Ag Institute offer organic agriculture networking in San Joaquin Valley

Posted on December 10, 2024 by Joshua Bingham
In farm tours organized by the UC Organic Agriculture Institute, (top left) Jimmy Nichols of Nichols Farms speaks about his family’s organic pistachio operations, (top right) Steven Cardoza of Cardoza & Cardoza Farming Co. discusses organic grape production and (bottom left) Bryce Loewen of Blossom Bluff Orchards showcases his farm’s organic dried fruit production. (Bottom right) A California Organic Products Advisory Committee meeting is held at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) State Organic Program (SOP) and UC Organic Agriculture Institute (OAI) partnered Sept. 17-18 to offer organic agriculture networking opportunities in the Fresno area. The goal was to foster community, build meaningful connections among producers and professionals working in organic agriculture, and exchange information about local opportunities and needs as they relate to organic production in the San Joaquin Valley.

On Sept. 17, OAI organized tours of organic farms Nichols Farms, Cardoza & Cardoza Farming Co. and Blossom Bluff Orchards. OAI has a contract with SOP to develop such outreach and educational activities to experience firsthand what’s involved in the organic farming process.

The farm tours also offered attending SOP staff and members of the California Organic Products Advisory Committee (COPAC) a chance to share information and resources with these organic farmers, while providing information and receiving direct feedback on issues, challenges and successes for organic farming.

On Sept. 17, a networking dinner took place in Clovis. OAI invited local organic farmers, agricultural professionals and technical assistance/resource providers to network with SOP and COPAC members. It was a great opportunity for SOP to describe the work the program does and the role of COPAC.

On Sept. 18, a COPAC meeting was held at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Parlier. Agenda items included SOP updates, regenerative agriculture and more.

Click here to learn more about CDFA’s State Organic Program, click here to learn more about COPAC and click here for more information about the UC Organic Agriculture Institute.

Posted in California Organic Products Advisory Committee, CDFA California State Organic Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

CDFA announces 3 commercial feed industry representative vacancies on Feed Inspection Advisory Board

Posted on December 9, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announces three vacancies on the Feed Inspection Advisory Board (FIAB). This board makes regulatory and enforcement recommendations to CDFA to help ensure that commercial feed inspections contribute to a clean and wholesome supply of milk, meat and eggs.

The FIAB vacancies are for three commercial feed industry representatives. Board member applicants must hold a current California Commercial Feed License. The term of office for board members is up to three years. Board members do not receive compensation, but they are entitled to necessary travel expenses.

Individuals interested in a board appointment must submit a resume and a completed Prospective Member Appointment Questionnaire (PMAQ). The PMAQ is available on the CDFA website at: http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/is/ffldrs/pdfs/PMAQ_Feed_IAB.pdf. Both the resume and PMAQ are due by February 7, 2025.

Send resume and PMAQ via email to Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov or by mail to:
CDFA
Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Service Branch
Attn: Brittnie Williams
1220 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

For further information, please contact Brittnie Williams at (916) 862-4014 or Brittnie.Williams@cdfa.ca.gov.

Click here to view this original CDFA news release.

Posted in CDFA Commercial Feed Regulatory Program, CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , | Leave a comment

CDFA California Citrus Program offers Navel Orange Maturity Field Day in Kern County

Posted on December 5, 2024 by Joshua Bingham
Events at Navel Orange Maturity Field Day in Kern County included (top left) a titration demonstration to determine if navels meet the California standard, (top right) a display with examples of oranges meeting and failing the color requirement, and (bottom photos) county inspectors performing courtesy color checks.

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) California Citrus Program partnered with Kern County recently to host a Navel Orange Maturity Field Day at the Kern County Agricultural Commissioner’s office.

The educational event was proposed by CDFA’s California Citrus Advisory Committee after last season’s weather-related maturity challenges. It showcased navel orange minimum maturity standards with a focus on “orange color (A)” requirement and the California Standard Scale, an indicator of taste that measures the balance between brix (sugar content/sweetness) and acidity. 

Many segments of the citrus industry attended the event, including citrus growers and handlers, labor contractors, industry associations and juice processors. Over 20 citrus packinghouses located throughout the state were represented.

The event kicked off with remarks from the industry and CDFA’s county partners. An overview of maturity requirements was presented and attendees took part in interactive exhibits previewing “orange color (A)” displays with examples of oranges meeting and failing the color requirement. Titration demonstrations highlighted the process used to measure the sugar-to-acid ratio that determines if a navel orange lot meets the California Standard maturity requirement. Kern County inspection staff offered courtesy color checks for industry members who brought navel orange samples. Courtesy color checks are performed early in the season at industry request to assist with the determining fruit readiness relative to the color requirement.

“Overall, the field day was a success,” CDFA California Citrus Program Supervisor Karrie Batchelor said. “It was a great opportunity for state and county staff to interact with citrus industry members in an informal setting to gain a better understanding of the navel maturity requirements and work through concerns that surfaced during last year’s harvest season. Many thanks to our collaborating partners at California Citrus Mutual for advertising the event and to Kern County staff for hosting and supporting the fruitful affair.”

The California Citrus Program is part of the Inspection & Compliance Branch of CDFA’s Division of Inspection Services.

Posted in California Citrus Advisory Committee, CDFA California Citrus Program, CDFA Inspection & Compliance Branch, CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

ISD Staff Spotlight: Brittnie Williams enjoys serving as branch liaison for advisory boards, personnel and more

Posted on November 22, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

NAME: Brittnie Williams
TIME AT CDFA: 9 years
BRANCH: Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services
POSITION TITLE: Branch Analyst

USUAL DAILY ACTIVITIES ON THE JOB? I am responsible for personnel appointments and ensuring a smooth and timely new hire onboarding. I serve as primary contact for the feed and fertilizer inspection advisory boards where I plan/organize meetings, ensure board materials are formatted in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, and monitor/track board appointments and term expirations and required filings/trainings. I prepare procurement activity for the branch’s fleet and assist with fleet-related matters. I help coordinate draft regulations pertaining to branch programs by preparing and submitting rulemaking packages to the Office of Administrative Law and prepare out-of-state travel for field inspection staff for Travel and Governor’s Office approval, among other program administrative duties.

HOW DO YOU WORK FOR THE CALIFORNIA FOOD SUPPLY? I support, coordinate and facilitate activities necessary to carry out the sensitive nature of each of the branch’s programs that assure the safety of fertilizer, feed and food products for people and the environment by regulating sales, labeling and distribution of fertilizing materials, livestock feed and livestock drug products.

THOUGHTS OF WORKING AT INSPECTION SERVICES? I enjoy my time working for Inspection Services because of the diverse tasks that come with my role. Whether it involves personnel, advisory boards, regulations, fleet or travel, I continuously learn and develop new skills while performing my day-to-day work. I am proud to be part of a team that has great leadership and support and provides opportunities for growth and a positive work environment.

MEMORABLE MOMENT ON THE JOB? Planning and preparing my first advisory board meeting and observing conversations where the board advises and makes recommendations concerning topics such as assessment fees, enforcement and legal services, the program’s annual budgets, and the adoption of new or amended laws and regulations.

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE? Self-care comes first. Before you can take care of your family and friends, you need to take care of yourself.

SOMETHING UNIQUE ABOUT YOU? My favorite hobby is interior decorating. I also enjoy dance and yoga in my free time.

Posted in CDFA Feed Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Feed, Fertilizer and Livestock Drugs Regulatory Services Branch, CDFA Fertilizer Inspection Advisory Board, CDFA Inspection Services Division, ISD Staff Spotlight | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Inspection Services Strategic Direction sets goals of Workforce Development, Communication, Innovation

Posted on November 21, 2024 by Joshua Bingham

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Inspection Services Division announces the release of its Strategic Direction.

“As we continue our public service, Inspection Services sets this Strategic Direction as our guiding document,” Division Director Natalie Krout-Greenberg states in the publication. “For ourselves and our stakeholders, this document lays out our intention.”

Strategic Direction goals include:

Workforce Development

  • Support individual professional development and personal wellbeing
  • Invigorate employee onboarding

Communication

  • Agricultural systems literacy

Innovation

  • Leverage technology to discover new ways of doing business

Click here to view the Inspection Services Strategic Direction.

Posted in CDFA Inspection Services Division | Tagged | Leave a comment