Inspection Services Blog

2022 FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference Recap

The 30th Annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH) Nutrient Management Conference was held in Visalia, CA, October 26-27, 2022. The conference had over 160 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, check …


CDFA Accepting Pre-proposals for 2023 Fertilizer Research and Education Program Grant Cycle

The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) is now accepting pre-proposals for the 2023 grant cycle. FREP’s competitive grant program funds proposals that advance fertilization and irrigation practices and minimize environmental impacts of fertilizing materials. The 2023 Request for Proposals (RFP) includes several initiatives put forth by the department to help effectively manage irrigation …


Registration and Call for Posters Open for 30th Annual FREP/WPH Nutrient Management Conference

Registration is now open for the 30th 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 Wyndham Visalia, in Visalia, CA, October 26-27, 2022, and includes a tour of the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center in …


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 three 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, …


Research Update: Nitrogen Management for Container Plant Production

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: A System Nitrogen Balance for Container Plant Production Project Leaders:  Lorence R. Oki and Bruno J.L. Pitton (University of California, Davis) Project Status: Complete Overview: This FREP-funded …


UC Nursery and Floriculture Alliance Host Virtual Q&A Session March 2 about Nitrogen Management in Commercial Greenhouse and Nursery Operations

The University of California Nursery and Floriculture Alliance (UCNFA) is holding an online Q&A session March 2 focused on nitrogen management in commercial greenhouse and nursery operations. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions of Don Merhaut, Bruno Pitton, and Gerry Spinelli, specialists in nursery and floriculture production. Who Should Attend? Greenhouse and nursery growers with questions about nitrogen …