The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has announced the launch of its eLearning certificate course Essentials of Produce Safety, an entirely online, affordable and in-depth program covering the key challenges and best practices in produce safety. The course is the first certificate program in PMA’s new educational platform offering, FreshEd Academy. The course was developed in partnership with Intertek Alchemy, the …

A new study, published in the scientific journal Neurology found that a higher intake of plant compounds known as flavonols, is associated with a 48% decreased risk of developing Alzheimer dementia. Flavonols are a type of bioactive compound found in grapes, as well as other fruits and vegetables. Flavonols are known for promoting beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Grapes of …

Fresno State Winery business and marketing manager Kevin Smith knows student-produced products have a special place in the hearts of Central Valley consumers, and he is finding ways to continue to serve the community during the national economic downturn. Since the COVID-19 pandemic’s changes to restaurant and store access, Smith sensed consumer needs were quickly changing so he created a …

Registration is open for WAVEx, a condensed version of the research seminar Washington Advancements in Viticulture and Enology (WAVE). The free webinar, to be held on July 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., is sponsored by the Washington State Wine Commission and Washington State University. The webinar will feature results of two recent research projects: Improvements in Phenolic Analysis – …

New Mexicans have been growing wine grapes since 1629, when Spanish monks planted vines in the Rio Grande valley near present day Socorro. Through the centuries, viticulturists have demonstrated that the state’s semi-arid climate and plentiful sunshine can be ideal for vineyards.   Wine consumption and the wine industry are thriving, adding approximately $50 million annually in tax revenue to …

Today, the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced an investment of $4.8 million to support 12 projects that will offer workforce training by community colleges. These awards are made possible through the Agricultural and Food Research Initiative’s (AFRI) Agricultural Workforce Training program priority area. This is the first time that the NIFA has specifically targeted community colleges to …

Frost injury this spring has created a situation where grapes have a few primary shoots, some secondary shoots, and many non-count basal and latent shoots. This puts shoots at various stages of development and creates problems for growers. Regardless, some varieties are are at or nearing bloom on surviving primary shoots, which is a key time to control important diseases …

Today, June 5, 2020 Japanese beetles were reported in Central Northeast Missouri, specifically Boone County. The Japanese beetles were reported on the University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management website. The trapping network has eleven sites around Missouri trapping for Japanese beetles. The Japanese beetles were caught in a pheromone trap. On the IPM website you can sign up to receive …

The spotted lanternfly (SLF) is an invasive insect from Asia that was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. The spotted lanternfly can decimate entire grape vineyards and damage fruit orchards, hops, walnuts, hardwoods, and landscape trees. While the SLF has not yet reached California, officials at CDFA are already engaged and the Pierce’s Disease and Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board has designated …

The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) Foundation has awarded $30,000 in college scholarships to six students. The scholarships are awarded annually to students whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. “All of the amazing scholarship recipients are inspirational because of their unwavering dedication to learning, volunteering and leading,” said Davindar Mahil, chair of the …