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Forbes
6 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
How California Olive Oil Producers Are Adopting Regenerative Agriculture
In the Sacramento Valley, rows of olive trees are punctuated not by bare earth but by a thick carpet of green cover crops—vetch, clover, and rye. These olives are destined for a bottle of California Olive Ranch's Extra Virgin Olive Oil. A few hours south, in the Central San Joaquin Valley, at Enzo Olive Oil's family estate, olive trees are surrounded by almond wood mulch that has been scattered by hand. Though miles apart, these two producers, amongst others, share a singular vision: to grow olives in ways that improve the land rather than exhaust it. For much of California's agricultural history, the focus has been on extraction and short-term yield. But amid a changing climate—marked by relentless droughts, intense heat waves, and unpredictable rains—farmers like those at California Olive Ranch and Enzo Olive Oil, among others, are looking more closely at how to make their groves more resilient for the changes ahead. California Olive Ranch's approach involves several interlocking practices: planting diverse winter cover crops to feed the soil, using sheep to graze beneath trees without herbicides or heavy machinery, spreading composted prunings as mulch, and employing high-tech drip irrigation systems calibrated to match the tree's needs. 'These things improve moisture retention, build organic matter, and foster soil biology,' she explains. 'They help the trees withstand drought, pests, and diseases better.' Just last year, California Olive Ranch became the first company in North America to receive formal regenerative certification from A Greener World for over 4,600 acres on their own ranches. While the brand works with more than 50 growers across the Central Valley, who have yet to all get certified, they're starting with their own properties -- particularly as the term 'regenerative' still needs some defining. California Olive Ranch opted for A Greener World because it is flexible enough to cover all their fields -- including non-organic ones -- and is focused on data and soil health. This, she says, was seen as more realistic for them, as they fine tune what works and doesn't work. Plus, it's more appealing to those who may be open to transitioning and improving their practices but are not entirely organic. 'It's more geared on data, and improving our practices, than asking for rigid perfection from the get-go," says Mary Mori, VP of Quality and Product. Plus, there are nuances between row crops and tree crops, she adds. For olive trees, the issue is less about tilling (which is generally frowned upon in regenerative agriculture), but more so pest control management -- and what kinds of applications can be used around the trees. For instance, she says that last year, they added a cover crop between the trees that attracted a few too many crickets. To get rid of the crickets, they had to do an application of pest control in a limited area. Farming is about responding to the needs of that season, and that particular issue, rather than following a rigid checklist, she says. That also led to a learning: 'We decided we actually need to trim our cover crop sooner so that it doesn't get so tall that the crickets have access to the trees.' These small tweaks, she explains, are essential; while there may be learning costs upfront, with time, she argues it'll improve their farming practices (and thus, ideally reduce costs). One of their groves has been producing some eye-opening data, she notes. Planted nearly 30 years ago, it was converted to organic about 7 years ago. 'Since then we've seen a dramatic increase in the soil organic matter and the bulk density of the soil, which we were not expecting." In addition, one of their partner farms in the Sacramento area is actually seeing higher yields with organic farming. 'He had been doing regenerative practices, without any certifications and has been organic for years. He's not only producing more, but the quality of his olives is, well, really good, and often at the top.' California Olive Ranch hopes to collect more data like this – which makes a business argument for regenerative and organic farming. It's not merely done because of the values involved, but because it requires fewer inputs, is less costly, and in the end fetches the grower a fair price and a decent livelihood. A few hours south, Enzo Olive Oil's story echoes similar themes. Founded by the Ricchiuti family, now in its fourth generation of California farming, Enzo is certified organic – and has been adopting regenerative practices. 'We take what others might see as waste—like wood chips from retired almond orchards—and spread it as mulch in our olive groves,' says Vincent Ricchiuti, the company's chief operating officer. This mulch suppresses weeds, locks in soil moisture, and feeds microbial life beneath the trees. By avoiding burning, they avert air pollution and bring nutrients back into the ground. It doesn't stop there. They've found a creative way to use the waste in olive oil production. 'We recently started an olive pomace project,' Ricchiuti explains, 'where we take the waste from the olive crush (i.e. the left-over pits and pulp), put it out in the field to dry and then once it's dry, we spread the pomace back into the field as supplemental soil amendment or fertilizer. This is an eco-friendly waste mitigation project and helps the olives because the pomace contains carbon, which helps feed microbial activity in the soil.' The farm also runs partly on solar power and processes olives entirely onsite, emphasizing freshness and control. Enzo's irrigation system uses precision logic to deliver water and nutrients exactly where needed, cutting waste and energy use. Plus, they too try to keep the ground covered with grasses in between the rows of trees. Vincent notes that these practices do more than nurture trees; they transform olive oil quality. 'Healthy soils produce healthier fruit,' he says. 'That translates into oil with richer flavor and more antioxidants.' The regenerative turn is not without hurdles. Investments in machinery, training, and new systems can be costly. Certification remains a moving target, with a multitude of certifications, each offering slightly different criteria, leaving producers navigating an uncertain landscape. Moreover, regenerative agriculture demands patience. The benefits of cover cropping or microbial renewal often take years to yield visible results, and market pressures from global competitors drive cost concerns. McEvoy Ranch, located near Petaluma, California, in Sonoma County, has been an organic olive orchard for 25 years. Samantha Dorsey, President of McEvoy Ranches, notes that the proof is in the soil, and that long-term evolution. 'Over the course of three decades, we have increased soil organic matter at McEvoy Ranch by over 4% in some areas. Even some of our tightest soils have loosed up over the years, giving more space for the olive tree roots to breathe.' It's also helpful in absorbing more water – given that fertile, loose soils can store more rainwater rather than leading to runoff in a heavy storm. McEvoy Ranch has six catchment ponds to hold rainwater and runoff for irrigation use, Dorsey adds. 'But the largest water reservoir on the property is our soil profile. The soil holds more water than our six ponds could ever dream of! The essential key to keeping the ponds healthy and the soil acting as the biggest sponge is reducing the potential for erosion – this means that we are very serious about our no-till farming practices. Throughout the past three winters when the region has been pummeled with intense winter storms that deliver incredible amounts of water all at once, our ranch has been steady and resilient and has emerged from these 'atmospheric rivers' refreshed, recharged, and unscathed.' While not certified regen, she notes that the property has been managed with these practices in mind: no-tilling, have little barren soil, having plant diversity, composting their waste and using only organic inputs. When asked if they saw value in a regenerative certification in the future, she responded: 'Yes, as long as the certification does not cost the farmer too much because our margins are already so slim. Agriculture is like playing poker, but if you win, it just means you can stay at the table for another hand next year.' Ricchiuti is in the same boat. 'Yes, [regenerative certification] is certainly something we'd be open to in the future,' he acknowledges. 'However, it is a time and resource intensive process that we haven't yet had the bandwidth to pursue.' Thus, getting more properties certified regenerative may take time – but the farmers and brands note that they're already doing 'regen,' not merely because it's a marketing fad, but because it has tangible impact on their soils.
CBS News
23-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
Northern California's mild July continues. When will the triple-digit heat return?
This July has been too good to be true. Northern California has been one of the coolest spots in the country with fall-like temperatures in what's typically our hottest time of the year. Since mid-July, there hasn't been a hint of a major heatwave. Daytime highs across the Sacramento Valley have hovered consistently in the 80s, and just this Tuesday, many spots didn't even reach the upper 80s, a rarity for a typical summer. So when will the heat return, and could we be looking at late summer? It's possible. The driver for our mild weather lately has been a consistent weather pattern. Northern California has been sandwiched between two areas of high pressure, one to the north in the Gulf of Alaska and one to the southeast over the Four Corners region. This setup has created just enough space for troughs of low pressure to dip in, enhancing the coastal marine layer and fueling a strong Delta Breeze. This Delta Breeze acts like nature's air conditioner, a steady, onshore flow of cool air that not only brings relief in the mornings and evenings, but has been strong enough lately to keep even our afternoons mild. Keeping us out of any summertime heat. Patterns like this are stubborn, and current trends suggest it may hold through early August. So if you've been enjoying this cool-down, there's a good chance it will stick around a bit longer. Typically, July is one of the hottest months of the year in Northern California, often bringing multiple heatwaves and triple-digit temperatures across the Valley. But this year? Not the same. In 2024, Sacramento saw 16 days of highs at or above 100 degrees in July alone. Meanwhile, this July has so far brought only one day of 100-degree temperatures to Sacramento, on July 11. During July, Sacramento averages a high of 93 degrees. Looking at this July, we've only seen eight days at or above that number, with more than half the month below average. Historically, Sacramento's hottest stretch of the year runs from July 9 through August 5, when average highs peak at 93 degrees. So yes, we're technically in our summer prime, but it certainly hasn't felt like it. If we keep our stretch of mild highs through the end of the month with no other triple digits, we could tie a three-decade record. As the last time Sacramento saw only one 100° day in July was back in 1993. Expect highs in the low 80s to continue across the Valley through the rest of the week and into the weekend. In the Sierra and foothills, temperatures will stay comfortably in the 70s and 80s over the next seven days. Starting Wednesday afternoon through Saturday, daily thunderstorms are likely across the Sierra thanks to growing atmospheric instability. The best chances will be along the Sierra crest and eastern slopes. With best chances along the Sierra crest and eastern slopes. These storms will not be big rain-producers, yet storm threats will mainly be dry lightning, small hail, gusty winds and brief heavy rain. The dry lightning risk will keep fire danger elevated through the weekend. If you have any outdoor plans in the mountains, Sunday looks to be the best day with fewer storms expected. Temperatures begin to climb again toward the end of the month, with highs returning to the low and mid-90s by July 28–29. But even as we warm up, the overall pattern through the end of July and early August keeps California among the coolest regions in the country. According to the latest outlook from the Climate Prediction Center, below-average temperatures are likely to continue over the next 6–10 days. Make sure to stay with the CBS Sacramento First Alert weather team for updates to our mild summer pattern.
Phone Arena
18-07-2025
- Business
- Phone Arena
Dispute over a 129-foot-high cell tower, disguised as a pine, lands Verizon in court
Soon, a 129-foot-high pine tree might pop up near Grass Valley – and it's not the kind of tree that grows naturally (it takes between 25 and 100 years for a pine tree to grow that high, the internet just told me). Instead, this very special tree might connect people with other people, but this high-tech pine might be erected only after a legal battle has taken Sacramento Valley subsidiary has taken legal action against Nevada County, filing a federal lawsuit that accuses local officials of improperly blocking a proposed cell tower in Grass Valley. According to court documents, Sacramento Valley Limited Partnership (that's a Verizon -owned entity which operates as Verizon Wireless), filed the complaint on July 10 in Sacramento and has requested an expedited review of the case. The dispute centers on Verizon 's plan to install a 129-foot tower designed to look like a pine tree. The tower would be located on a hillside property along Dog Bar Road and camouflaged with artificial leaves and branches. Verizon argues that the tower is necessary to address a significant coverage gap in the region, noting that better service is crucial for customers, particularly in emergencies. Image by Verizon The company said the site chosen is a 14-acre parcel, and the tower would stand several hundred feet from the nearest residence. County planning officials recommended approval of the project, but the plan drew opposition from some residents who expressed concerns about the tower obstructing scenic views and fears over possible health risks linked to radio frequency emissions. In its lawsuit, Verizon disputed those objections, stating that the tower would not be visible from the homes of those who complained and that its emissions would remain well within limits established by federal law. The law is clear. If the tower meets the limits, it stands. Towns can't say no because of fear of the airwaves. That is all. Nevada County Counsel Kit Elliott confirmed that supervisors heard testimony from residents worried about radio frequencies during public hearings. However, she maintained that those concerns did not form the basis of the board's decision. She cited language from the resolution adopted by the Board of Supervisors, which acknowledged that evidence regarding potential health effects was presented but added that the decision was not based on that the board focused on other factors when it rejected Verizon 's application last year. The resolution pointed to concerns that the tower's appearance would negatively affect the area's rural character and referenced residents' fears about potential impacts on property values. The dispute will now move to court, with a scheduling conference set for November.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire in Shasta-Trinity forest near Lake Shasta
Fire officials working the Green Fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest northeast of Redding announced they are using two "Super Scooper" planes to drop water and help extinguish flames. The U.S. Forest Service also said a firefighter suffered from heat-related illness and was taken by a firefighting boat, which has a medic onboard, to a waiting ambulance so they could receive more medical care. As of Sunday, the growing fire's size was mapped at 10,334 acres from 9,563 on Saturday, fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions this time of year in the region. A heat advisory remained in effect through 11 p.m. Monday due to temperature highs that would range from 95 degrees to 110 degrees in parts of the Sacramento Valley. The Super Scoopers was expected to draw water from various arms of Lake Shasta, but they need a mile of open space to refill their tanks. Boaters should move toward the shore so as to not impede the firefighting operations and keep air crews safe, the forest service said in a statement. For the first time since lightning sparked the fire on July 1, the forest service reported firefighters built containment lines around 5% of the Green Fire. That's because to the south, the flames reached the Pit River. Watercraft, including the one that carried the ill firefighter to medical treatment, were in that area and secured defense lines along a portion of the river, the forest service said. Those boats were expected to continue suppression efforts along the river. Nearly 1,200 fire personnel are assigned to the fire. In addition to the two airships, nine helicopters, 26 bulldozers, 56 engines, 16 hotshot crews and 10 other crews are fighting the fire. The forest service also has 15 ambulances staged throughout the area to respond to and support firefighters. Note to readers: We've made this story free as an important public service to our North State communities. If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Your support goes a long way in supporting coverage that matters to you. On the north side of the fire, or the area of Alder Springs, flames backed down toward the burn scar of the Shoe Fire, which burned more than 5,000 acres before it was contained Nov. 9, 2024. On the east side, the fire crossed Flat Creek and to the southwest, the fire moved across the Brock Mountain Road. The forest service said firefighters limited the fire's growth on the east side and secured the remainder of Brock Mountain Road to the north and northwest. An evacuation order was still in place for a swath of land identified as zone LKH-1448-A, north of Kennedy Memorial Road and south of Wheeler Nursery Road, according to zone maps. People evacuating west can go to a collection point at the Gilman Road and Interstate 5 intersection, the county announced. People evacuating east toward Highway 299 can do to a collection point at Halcumb Cemetery, 29943 Highway 299 in Montgomery Creek, according to the county. Zone LKH-1448-B to the north of the Green Fire area was under an evacuation warning, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office issued. That area is north of Wheeler Nursery Road. Other people who should be prepared to leave the area in case of a mandatory order were in zones: Zone LKH-1200 to the west of the Green Fire area — from north of Ski Island, south of Dekkas Creek, east of the McCloud River and west of Bully Hill. Zone LKH-1190 to the northwest — from north of Hirz Creek, south of the McCloud Bridge and east of Matquaw Flat. To find your zone, type your address into the search window at If you're away from home and not sure of your address, users can find their location on the site's map. The forest service also closed trails and campgrounds near the fire, including the Hirz Recreation Complex, Chirpchatter Campground and picnic area, Potem Falls Trail and Madrone Campground and picnic area. The fire started on July 1 north of the Pit River arm of Lake Shasta, and south of the Chirpchatter Campground, according to the forest service. That area is about 8 miles west of Round Mountain, according to Cal Fire maps. (This story will be updated as new information becomes available.) This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire as it grows north of Redding
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire in Shasta-Trinity forest near Lake Shasta
Fire officials working the Green Fire burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest northeast of Redding announced they are using two "Super Scooper" planes to drop water and help extinguish flames. The U.S. Forest Service also said a firefighter suffered from heat-related illness and was taken by a firefighting boat, which has a medic onboard, to a waiting ambulance so they could receive more medical care. As of Sunday, the growing fire's size was mapped at 10,334 acres from 9,563 on Saturday, fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions this time of year in the region. A heat advisory remained in effect through 11 p.m. Monday due to temperature highs that would range from 95 degrees to 110 degrees in parts of the Sacramento Valley. The Super Scoopers was expected to draw water from various arms of Lake Shasta, but they need a mile of open space to refill their tanks. Boaters should move toward the shore so as to not impede the firefighting operations and keep air crews safe, the forest service said in a statement. For the first time since lightning sparked the fire on July 1, the forest service reported firefighters built containment lines around 5% of the Green Fire. That's because to the south, the flames reached the Pit River. Watercraft, including the one that carried the ill firefighter to medical treatment, were in that area and secured defense lines along a portion of the river, the forest service said. Those boats were expected to continue suppression efforts along the river. Nearly 1,200 fire personnel are assigned to the fire. In addition to the two airships, nine helicopters, 26 bulldozers, 56 engines, 16 hotshot crews and 10 other crews are fighting the fire. The forest service also has 15 ambulances staged throughout the area to respond to and support firefighters. Note to readers: We've made this story free as an important public service to our North State communities. If you appreciate the work we do here at the Redding Record Searchlight, please consider subscribing yourself or giving the gift of a subscription to someone you know. Your support goes a long way in supporting coverage that matters to you. On the north side of the fire, or the area of Alder Springs, flames backed down toward the burn scar of the Shoe Fire, which burned more than 5,000 acres before it was contained Nov. 9, 2024. On the east side, the fire crossed Flat Creek and to the southwest, the fire moved across the Brock Mountain Road. The forest service said firefighters limited the fire's growth on the east side and secured the remainder of Brock Mountain Road to the north and northwest. An evacuation order was still in place for a swath of land identified as zone LKH-1448-A, north of Kennedy Memorial Road and south of Wheeler Nursery Road, according to zone maps. People evacuating west can go to a collection point at the Gilman Road and Interstate 5 intersection, the county announced. People evacuating east toward Highway 299 can do to a collection point at Halcumb Cemetery, 29943 Highway 299 in Montgomery Creek, according to the county. Zone LKH-1448-B to the north of the Green Fire area was under an evacuation warning, the Shasta County Sheriff's Office issued. That area is north of Wheeler Nursery Road. Other people who should be prepared to leave the area in case of a mandatory order were in zones: Zone LKH-1200 to the west of the Green Fire area — from north of Ski Island, south of Dekkas Creek, east of the McCloud River and west of Bully Hill. Zone LKH-1190 to the northwest — from north of Hirz Creek, south of the McCloud Bridge and east of Matquaw Flat. To find your zone, type your address into the search window at If you're away from home and not sure of your address, users can find their location on the site's map. The forest service also closed trails and campgrounds near the fire, including the Hirz Recreation Complex, Chirpchatter Campground and picnic area, Potem Falls Trail and Madrone Campground and picnic area. The fire started on July 1 north of the Pit River arm of Lake Shasta, and south of the Chirpchatter Campground, according to the forest service. That area is about 8 miles west of Round Mountain, according to Cal Fire maps. (This story will be updated as new information becomes available.) This article originally appeared on Redding Record Searchlight: Super Scooper planes to fight Green Fire as it grows north of Redding
