Jeana Cadby
Western Growers, Environment and Climate Director
Posts By: Jeana Cadby
- All
- June, 2026
- May, 2026
- April, 2026
- March, 2026
- February, 2026
- November, 2025
- October, 2025
- September, 2025
- August, 2025
- July, 2025
- May, 2025
- April, 2025
- March, 2025
- February, 2025
- December, 2024
- October, 2024
- September, 2024
- May, 2024
- March, 2024
- February, 2024
- January, 2024
- December, 2023
- November, 2023
- September, 2023
- August, 2023
- July, 2023
- May, 2023
Pesticide Resistance in Diamondback Moth, WG Science Webinar
Diamondback moth (DBM) remains one of the most persistent and economically damaging pests in brassica production. Pesticide resistance to multiple modes of action continues to challenge effective control, making resistance management a top priority for growers and advisors. This webinar on July 9 at 1pm PT is focused on pesticide resistance, the biology of DBM, and emerging tools in cotton…
Navigating EPR in California: Source Reduction Plans & SB 54 Reporting Requirements (June 30 Town Hall)
California’s SB 54 (Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act) continues to introduce critical compliance milestones for producers, with Source Reduction Plans due August 1 rapidly approaching. Join us for a webinar designed to help producers understand and prepare for this key requirement. This session will provide a practical…
Are You Prepared for Upcoming Packaging Fees and Reporting?
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Fresh Produce Packaging For more information about EPR and fresh produce, register for the Town Hall: Navigating EPR in California: Source Reduction Plans & SB 54 Reporting Requirements What is EPR? Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is a policy approach that shifts the financial and operational responsibility of packaging waste…
SB 54: Estimated Fees for California Packaging Regulation
Under SB 54, producers of single-use packaging and plastic single-use food service ware must participate in a statewide extended producer responsibility (EPR) system. Fees for packaging materials must be sufficient to meet SB 54 requirements and fully fund the program plan budget and SB 54 requires the Circular Action Alliance (CAA) to establish and charge fees to…
CAPCA Expands Support and Resources for Rodent Management
Severe rodent infestations in the California’s Central Valley have caused damage and agricultural loss to a growing number of crops. CDFA and CAPCA have developed resources for growers to navigate control tools and better understand the scope of the challenge. New Crop Steward Rodent Monitoring Feature Using anonymized county-level data streams, CAPCA has developed a…
100 Years of Conservation
“This is the most beautiful place on earth.” There are many such places, however, our unique Western landscapes, steeped in ruggedness and history, have long inspired writers, outdoorsmen, farmers and stewards of the land, alike. As Edward Abbey said, “I stand for what I stand on.” The frontiersman of 100 years ago who journeyed to the West saw an infinite expanse, a chaotic force…
USDA-Backed AMP Program Offers New Opportunities for Growers
Elevated Foods is a grower-first food and agriculture platform based in California that administers a USDA-backed grant program called the Advancing Markets for Producers (AMP) grant. The program is designed to get real resources directly into growers' hands with minimal reporting burden. Enrolled specialty crop growers receive $10,000 at contract signing plus $250/acre in the first year, in…
What You Need to Know About PFAS and Pesticides in California
The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) conducts one of the nation’s most comprehensive produce residue monitoring programs, collecting and testing thousands of domestic and imported fruits and vegetables each year. The term PFAS can vary widely and DPR independently evaluates each chemical individually to evaluate the impact of that chemical on human health and the environment. Read…
New Report: Guidelines for Biopesticide Validation and Adoption
Western Growers and the Bioeconomy Science Institute have published Guidelines for commercial field trials, grower assessment and industry adoption. Through a global collaborative effort involving industry and research experts, this framework was drafted at the International Biopesticides Research Workshop, sponsored by Western Growers, held in June 2025 at the University of California,…
New Report: Guidelines for Biopesticide Validation and Adoption
Western Growers and the Bioeconomy Science Institute have published Guidelines for commercial field trials, grower assessment and industry adoption. Through a global collaborative effort involving industry and research experts, this framework was drafted at the International Biopesticides Research Workshop, sponsored by Western Growers, held in June 2025 at the University of California,…
UCANR Publication Reflects on INSV and Thrips in 2025 Lettuce Season
An article by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR) identifies important weeds that can host Impatiens Necrotic Spot Virus (INSV), particularly broadleaf weeds growing upwind of farming operations. Old and unmanaged weeds have the highest risk for INSV infection but there is still opportunity to manage and reduce the risk of INSV. USDA and UCANR have been monitoring…
California and Biopesticides: Registration, Efficacy and Entering the Fresh Produce Market — March 12 Webinar
The California fresh produce market is one of the most diverse and productive in the world, thanks to a favorable climate, fertile soil and advanced agricultural infrastructure. California leads in the U.S. in the production of fruits, vegetables and nuts—supplying over half of the country's vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts and is the primary producer of key crops like…
CDFA Reports Increasing Costs and Challenges to Control Diamondback Moth for Brassica Crops in California
The California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) and the University of California, Davis recently released a report, “Impacts on Pest Management Costs of Resistant Diamondback Moth Outbreaks in Central Coast Brassicas.” The CDFA-OPCA report described substantial county- and crop-level variation in changes in pest management…
Canada Federal Court Reinstates Designation of Plastic as “Toxic”
The Federal Court of Appeal (FCA) released its decision January 30, 2026, reinstating the federal government's designation of Plastic Manufactured Items (PMI) as "toxic" under Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA). Canada’s “Pollution Prevention Plan for Primary Food Packaging”, P2 Notice, published by ECCC in August 2023 laid out expectations for reusable,…
EPA Approves Pest Control Measure to Fight Diamondback Moth
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the residue tolerances for Isocycloseram, a novel insecticidal active ingredient (IRAC Group 30), to include brassica crops, including cabbage, broccoli and kale. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) registration is still pending. California is a major producer of brassicas and other specialty vegetables, and…
Diamondback Moth Impact to Brassica Crops in California
The diamondback moth (DBM, Plutella xylostella) is the most damaging pest for brassica crops in California. Western Growers is collaborating with members and industry partners to demonstrate the urgent need for immediate solutions for DBM for brassica growers. Information from growers that describes the urgency and impacts is needed to support discussions to articulate the challenge. If…
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Packaging
EPR is a policy approach that assigns producers responsibility for the end-of-life of products. This can include both financial responsibility and operational responsibility, though the amount and type may differ. Producers are required to provide funding and/or services that assist in managing covered products after the use phase. Currently, seven states have EPR programs for packaging, with 15…
Citrus Virus Quarantine Boundaries Established for Los Angeles and Tulare County Regions in October 2025
Citrus yellow vein clearing virus (CYVCV) is an emerging disease of citrus that can cause serious damage to most citrus species and can dramatically diminish fruit marketability. CYVCV is transmitted by aphids including Aphis spiraecola Patch, Aphis craccivora Koch, and a whitefly Dialeurodes citri. All three of these insects are present and widespread in California. The most prominent…
Biologicals Breakout Session at CAPCA: Advancing Adoption and Case Studies
Western Growers is hosting a breakout session at the upcoming CPACA conference in Grand Sierra Resort, 2500 E 2nd St, Reno, NV 89595. This session will explore the growing role of biological products in sustainable agriculture and highlight case studies for novel biopesticide products. Biological products, especially biopesticides, are gaining traction among California growers—with over 60%…
Pesticide MRL Quick Reference Sheets for 60 Specialty Crop Commodities are Now Available
Pesticide MRL Quick Reference Sheets for 60 specialty crop commodities are now available and are provided by USDA/FAS through Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE). Access these Quick Reference Sheets online on the MRL Quick Reference Sheets website, which cover the top export markets for each commodity and will be updated twice annually. Additionally, the USDA/FAS-funded Starter Plan…