Bill Smittcamp

The High Desert Food Trail, a culinary and agritourism guide, is opening up applications for new business listings. This program, run by HDFFA, and one of the ten Oregon Food Trails promoted by Travel Oregon and Visit Central Oregon. Eligible businesses include: - Farms/ranches with on-farm experiences - Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries that source local products - Breweries, vineyards, and distilleries that produce locally - Specialty grocers, processors, or food retailers that source locally - Lodging that source and sell local products - Events that highlight local food Member benefits involve inclusion on the print brochure (25k copies distributed statewide), an online listing (hdffa.org/hdft), and promotional efforts through Travel Oregon and HDFFA. To apply: https://lnkd.in/gdUiijBu To renew as an existing business: https://lnkd.in/gpuGfENs Applications and renewals must be submitted by June 10th for consideration. New for this year: we are offering sponsorships for increased visibility in the Trail. Contact [email protected] for details.

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A local emergency has been issued in San Joaquin County, California in an effort to fight Beet curly top virus (BCTV) in tomato production. Approximately 21,000 acres of tomatoes are grown in San Joaquin County every year. Beet curly top virus (BCTV) is known to infect more than 300 species of plants in no fewer than 44 families and can cause significant economic losses. Symptoms of BCTV infection include: - yellowing - crumpling - leaf curling - vein swelling and distortion - stunted and distorted plant growth - necrosis and hyperplasia of the phloem - decreased fruit set and premature ripening #plantpathology #planthealth2024 #tomatoes

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In a significant rebound from the 2022 crop year, the 2023 Kern County Crop Report from the Agricultural Commissioner’s office highlights a 12% increase in crop value. The total gross value of all agricultural commodities produced in Kern County reached $8.626 billion in 2023, surpassing Fresno County’s 2023 report of $8.59 billion, and Tulare County’s record-breaking 2022 value of $8.612 billion. The top five commodities for 2023 were grapes, citrus, pistachios, almonds, and carrots, which made up over $5 billion — 66% — of the total value. The top 20 commodities make up 96% of the overall value. ... In 2022, harsh weather conditions and water scarcity resulted in a 7% reduction in crop revenue, and the prolonged drought resulted in extreme revenue losses with 1.3 million acres left unplanted. The 2023 crop year, however, experienced wetter conditions and higher water allotments for Central Valley farmers, indicative of the significant rebound in total crop value. Carrots, made of roughly 87% water, returned to the top 5 commodity list in 2023 with a total value of $858,901,000. Kern County carrots have not ranked among the top 5 commodities since the 2011 crop year. Crop reports are intended to represent gross values without consideration of the costs of production, marketing, transportation, or other ancillary costs. Kern County Agriculture Commissioner Glenn Fankhauser will present the 2023 crop report to the Kern County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 24 at 2 p.m. . . https://lnkd.in/g9Hfnugv

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The Washington State Department of Ecology denied Chelan and Douglas counties’ exemption requests from the 2025 Business Organics Management Areas (BOMAs). https://lnkd.in/gZchQUBU

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🐝 2024 CSBA Convention 🐝 This past year, Farmers Communication Exchange has been proud to support the California State Beekeepers Association (CSBA) in their mission to protect the future of commercial beekeeping. Through strategic communication efforts, we’re helping CSBA bring members together, amplify their voices, and mobilize to defend the vital role beekeepers play in producing food. On behalf of CSBA, we’ve: ✅ Crafted compelling messaging ✅ Developed a new website ✅ Managed social media ✅ Created targeted email campaigns for membership recruitment and convention promotion This work culminated last week with CSBA’s annual convention at the Grand Sierra Resort in Reno, where industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of commercial beekeeping. One of the convention’s highlights was a town hall meeting, moderated by our own Marilyn Freeman, where CSBA board members shared their plans to drive future activities. This followed a compelling presentation by Dr. Elina L. Niño, who delivered a white paper offering insights to guide CSBA’s efforts moving forward. We’re thrilled with the convention’s success and look forward to continuing our work with CSBA to strengthen the beekeeping industry. To learn more about their work and explore the new website we’re building for them, visit: https://lnkd.in/dFZt-uDv #AgriculturalCommunications #SocialMediaMarketing #WebsiteCreation #Branding #AssociationGrowth #TheExchange #FarmerStories #ProtectBees #SupportBeekeepers #CaliforniaStateBeekeepersAssociation #Beekeeper

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Innovative Kale Processing Line by Turatti North America – Ratto Bros., Inc., a renowned agricultural facility in Modesto, CA, recently garnered attention on CBS News GoodDay Sacramento for its state-of-the-art kale processing line. This innovative system, custom-designed by Turatti North America Inc. to enhance efficiency and ensure food safety, has redefined industry benchmarks. The process begins with kale being dropped onto a multi-belt conveyor system, where it is meticulously sorted. Non-ideal products are removed before the kale moves through a slicer and into the Venezia model washer. Here, fine particulates and debris are filtered out, preparing the kale for a thorough cleaning. Next, the kale is fully submerged in the Camel model washing system. This advanced system ensures the product is decontaminated and fully cleaned while being chilled through custom heat exchangers integrated into both wash systems. Following the washing stage, the kale is conveyed to a fully automated weigh system before being fed into dual Vortex model dryers. After a precise spin in Turatti's iconic centrifuge, the kale is delivered to a vibratory shaker. This evens out the product before it lands on bi-directional scale feeding inclines, ultimately being placed into bags and packaged for consumers. This cutting-edge processing line manufactured and installed by Turatti North America Inc. not only streamlines operations at Ratto Bros., Inc. but also guarantees that consumers receive the highest quality, safely processed kale. The feature on CBS News GoodDay Sacramento highlights both company's commitment to innovation and excellence in food safety. #EngineeringExcellence #CustomizedInnovation #Kale #ProduceProcessing #BehindTheScenes #CustomerSatisfaction #FoodIndustry #FoodProcessor #Produce #Manufacturer #FoodSafety #NaturalInnovation #Turatti #TurattiNorthAmerica #Salinas #TurattiGroup #Italy #RattoBros #Modesto

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OAN Past President Amanda Staehely advocates for a louder voice for specialty crop growers and other small, family-run operations in the Farm Bill in an op-ed piece published December 12 in the Portland Tribune newspaper, and other Carpenter News Group newspapers in Oregon. “… In order to accomplish that, we need to leave partisan politics at the door,” Staehely said. “The last Farm Bill was passed in 2018 — nearly seven years ago — and since then, much in agriculture has changed. For example, the cost of inputs today far out-matches agriculture’s ability to compete on a national and international level. Oregon also needs more research funding to tackle water, labor and environmental challenges that are specific to our state. Congresswoman Salinas and I agree that a bipartisan Farm Bill must provide a strong roadmap to success for specialty crop production, including funding for university research, which is vital to getting and staying ahead of the game on disease and pest issues. We also need funding to advance research and development on innovative machinery used within our industry. When it comes to carbon sequestration, reducing carbon emissions and advancing sustainable agriculture, other countries have taken the lead, and America must act swiftly to catch up if it aims to be at the forefront of these issues. Finally, we need to work together with our state and federal partners to develop an effective crop disaster relief policy.” Read Staehely’s op-ed piece: https://lnkd.in/gsjFc-2y

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Monterey County news dives into the hard work of organic farming - including shadowing a CCOF inspection: https://lnkd.in/gJXxesnZ "Those [producers] who want the [organic] label must adhere to a process, which is more time, money, and recordkeeping – challenges that become even harder during years when inflation drives up operational costs, making it difficult just to reach harvest...Yet, the long-term benefits have the potential to outweigh the initial costs for many farmers. Organic produce can command higher prices – and also build healthier soils that absorb more water, and improve long-term productivity." #organicfarming #MontereyCounty #organicfarmers #organicfood #organic

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Learn about the potential of urban agriculture to transform local food systems! Our latest report “Grow Local Tempe” features Tempe growers, examples of best practices, and recommendations for the City of Tempe to implement. Read the entire report with the link: https://buff.ly/4cAjOTU #ASU #swettecenter #tempe #urbanag #sustainablefood #foodpolicy

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Today is California Association of Food Banks’ (CAFB) Capitol Action Day. This is an annual advocacy event brings state’s food bankers and clients together to demand an end to hunger. On the agenda is the CalFood Budget. CAFB is requesting to appropriate $60M General Fund for CalFood in 2025-2026 & ongoing to sustain current & ongoing demand at food banks. #CalFood funds: 🍊 Enable food banks to purchase CA-grown foods to meet their communities’ diverse needs. 💵 Are incredibly efficient: each $1 enables CA food banks to provide approximately five meals. 🧑🏾‍🌾 Provide a significant return on investment: even a 1% drop in hunger saves CA $600 million in prevented healthcare costs, as well as supporting our hard-hit farmers & food producers in our food economy. We need your continued support #CAleg Scott Wiener @asmJesseGabriel. Please fulfill our request for critical ongoing #CalFood funds, a lifeline for communities facing hunger! h/t Senator John Laird and Asm. BuffyWicks

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Today, as we respond to the Presidential election and changes in Senate leadership, Oregon Food Bank is here to support our communities. We will continue to ensure that food is available for those experiencing hunger. The doors of our network of 21 regional food banks and 1,400+ free food markets, pantries and meal sites are open to all. Our doors are open for anyone who needs food — no documentation or proof of gender identity or immigration status is necessary. However, we know we cannot end hunger with food alone. The system is working exactly as intended. Some of us are much more likely to experience hunger because of our race, gender identity, being a single parent or where we were born. Find free food near you — no documentation or proof of gender identity or immigration status is necessary. OregonFoodFinder.org Read our statement on how we're Rising for All to end hunger and its root causes: https://lnkd.in/gVEgm5JG

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Worth a listen if you want to learn more about “Water, Cattle, and Idaho Culture” with Lieutenant Governor Bedke, who is also a past president of the Idaho Cattle Association! https://lnkd.in/g8bTtTxu

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There are approximately 1.68 million #cows in the Golden State that produce over 41 billion pounds of milk each year, but how #sustainable is the industry given California's stringent air regulations? Dr. Frank Mitloehner joins AirTalk with Larry Mantle to discuss the future of #dairy farming. 🐄 Read the recap: https://lnkd.in/gF4zu9Dg

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FARE Idaho is excited to launch a new Request for Proposal (RFP) initiative aimed at connecting Idaho restaurants with local producers. This new service simplifies the process of sourcing fresh, high-quality ingredients from local farmers, ranchers, and artisans committed to sustainability and community. How It Works: Restaurants submit their ingredient needs—whether it’s produce, meats, or specialty items—and FARE Idaho shares the request with a network of local producers. Producers then respond with tailored proposals, including product details, pricing, and delivery options. This initiative saves time for busy restaurants, offering a streamlined way to find the best local ingredients without compromising on quality. Whether you’re looking to enhance your menu or support local agriculture, this initiative helps bridge the gap between field and fork. Ready to source locally? Get started today! https://lnkd.in/g2x95BGc

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📢 Attention California #FoodRetail, industrial process, and #ColdStorage sectors: the #FRIP application period is officially open!   The California Air Resources Board’s F-gas Reduction Incentive Program (FRIP) has $38.5 million available for climate-friendly #refrigeration system upgrades. FRIP is a fantastic opportunity for California businesses feeling the pressure of climate change and of state and federal HFC regulations to get ahead of the transition.   Don’t miss your chance to secure funding to transition to ultra-low global warming potential #refrigerants and future-proof your systems. Funds are awarded on a first come, first served basis, so apply early. The application deadline is January 31, 2025.   Read the full announcement: https://lnkd.in/gGtQEntF #CommercialRefrigeration #IndustrialRefrigeration #CAClimateInvestments #supermarkets #GoNatRefs

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This is especially important to consider when moving soil around, even in areas where this issue is not as wide spread.

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