Josh Allen Featured on Wonderful Pistachios Packaging

Firebaugh native and NFL MVP Josh Allen is bringing more attention to one of California’s biggest specialty crops.

Allen is featured on new limited-edition Wonderful Pistachios packaging rolling out at select retailers. The Buffalo Bills quarterback has a personal connection to the industry as a fourth-generation pistachio farmer.

This marks the second year of Allen’s partnership with Wonderful Pistachios and also brings back the Josh Allen Scholarship program. The program supports first-generation students from Firebaugh pursuing higher education, providing recipients with up to $12,000 over four years of college.

Nearly 40 high school seniors were accepted into the scholarship program during its first year.

Blueberry Industry Votes to Continue U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

The U.S. blueberry industry has voted in favor of continuing the work of the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service announced that a majority of eligible blueberry producers and importers supported continuing the council.

Created by the industry 26 years ago, USHBC works to increase consumer demand for blueberries, expand opportunities in global markets and provide resources to support the blueberry industry.

FDA Authorizes Tool to Help Prevent New World Screwworm

Cattle producers have another tool available as concerns surrounding New World screwworm continue.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Bimectin, an ivermectin injection, to help prevent New World screwworm infestations in certain cattle.

Under the authorization, the product can be administered within 24 hours of birth, at the time of castration or when a wound appears.

Bimectin is not authorized for this use in lactating dairy cows or calves intended to be processed for veal.

The FDA said available evidence indicates it is reasonable to believe the product may be effective when used as authorized and that its known and potential benefits outweigh its known and potential risks.

UC ANR Connect Seeks New Technology for California Agriculture

UC Agriculture and Natural Resources is looking for agricultural technology that could benefit California growers.

Applications are open for UC ANR Connect, a grower-informed commercialization program operated by UC ANR Innovate in partnership with Farmhand Ventures.

Selected companies will receive commercialization support, feedback directly from California growers and agricultural professionals, industry connections and an opportunity to demonstrate their technology during a field day.

The current application cycle is focused on commercially available technology for permanent and specialty crops, including fresh fruit, table grapes, pistachios, desert vegetables, berries, citrus and avocados.

Applications will be accepted through Sept. 18.

Mike Forbes Named President and CEO of American Pistachio Growers

American Pistachio Growers has announced new leadership.

Mike Forbes officially takes over as the organization’s president and CEO on Sept. 1, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience across the food, consumer products and wellness industries.

Forbes also has agricultural roots. A Wisconsin native, he grew up participating in 4-H and comes from a family of farmers. His career has included positions with McKinsey & Company, Jim Beam, Procter & Gamble and General Mills.

As president and CEO, Forbes will lead American Pistachio Growers’ efforts to represent American pistachio growers and processors, strengthen domestic and international demand and promote the benefits of American-grown pistachios.

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