AgNet News Hour

Inside Today’s Wine Market: A Deep-Dive Conversation with Veteran Winemaker Nick Karavidas

The Friday edition of the AgNet News Hour opened with hosts Nick Papagni—the Ag Meter—and Lorrie Boyer welcoming listeners to another episode filled with agricultural insight, industry analysis, and expert voices. This week’s feature was a compelling interview with one of California’s most respected winemakers: Nicholas Karavidas, whose four-decade career spans cellar floors, tasting rooms, distillation, consulting, and global wine policy.
What followed was an in-depth, candid, and far-reaching conversation covering the evolution of California wine, today’s unprecedented industry slump, the future of global markets, and why automation is now essential for survival.
A Winemaking Journey That Began at 18
Karavidas’s entry into the wine world started by chance. After his family moved from Glendale to the historic Cucamonga Valley, he found himself surrounded by a vibrant —though now largely forgotten—grape-growing region.
At just 18 years old, he took a position as a union cellar man at an old Gallo facility owned by Brookside, a major direct-to-consumer winery producing 600,000 cases a year across 38 tasting rooms. The work hooked him instantly.
He loved:
The intellectual side of winemaking
The hands-on craft
The lifestyle—surfing in the mornings, working swing shift, and still being a teenager
His career ascended quickly:
Senior lab technician
Associate winemaker
Full winemaking responsibility by age 21
He later joined the fourth-generation Filippi family winery, producing 3,000–4,000 tons per year. For 16 years, he managed everything “from the still to the bottle,” often running the distillery late at night before receiving fruit at sunrise.
Forty Years of Change: From Jug Wine to Napa Prestige
When asked how the industry has changed since those early days, Karavidas didn’t hesitate: “Dramatically.”
The 1970s–1980s:
U.S. shelves were dominated by semi-generic wines like Chablis and Burgundy
Four-liter jugs were standard
Zinfandel was largely a blending grape
Cabernet Sauvignon was not yet king
The 1990s–2000s Shift:
Varietal wines became mainstream
Bottles got smaller and more premium
Napa Valley transformed the American palate
This evolution reshaped California wine into the global powerhouse it is today.
Today’s Wine Slump: “Unlike Any Cycle We’ve Seen Before”
Following a commercial break, the Ag Meter steered the conversation toward the most pressing topic: the current wine downturn, especially pronounced in regions like Lodi, where Karavidas resides.
He explained that while the industry has always cycled between under-supply and over-supply, the current slump is fundamentally different.
How We Got Here
From 1990 to 2000:
U.S. wine consumption surged
Vineyard plantings increased rapidly
But all those vines reached full production at the same time. By 2005, California hit a 3-million-ton harvest, outpacing domestic demand.
Back then, wine imports represented just 10–18% of the U.S. retail market.
Today: A New Reality
Imports now exceed 40%
U.S. consumption is flat
Production costs are rising
Exporting wine is harder and less profitable
International sales face steep:
Duties
VATs
Fees
Regulatory costs
Shipping
Hidden logistical expenses
Some countries—India among the most extreme—can add up to 300% of the wine’s value in export-related costs, making competition nearly impossible.
Vineyard Removals: A Potential Over-Correction
The most visible impact of today’s imbalance is on the land itself.
Karavidas estimates:
Lodi has removed up to 30% of its vineyards in just 24 months
Removals continue weekly
Thousands of acres are gone, with risk of pulling out too much too quickly
Making matters worse: European producers stockpiled massive volumes of wine in the U.S. just before tariffs hit. This “pre-load” flooded the market and pushed the 2025 California crop “into the weeds,” creating a backlog that could take years to unwind.
Global Wine Vision 2035: A Call for Worldwide Alignment
Karavidas also discussed his major initiative, Global Wine Vision 2035—a project he launched over a year ago after publishing digital essays that caught international attention.
Its aim:Establish a more balanced, cooperative, and sustainable global wine economy.
His framework focuses on:
Regulatory consistency
Fair trade policies
Countering anti-alcohol and neo-prohibitionist movements
Industry sustainability
Representation for small & mid-sized producers
Interest in the initiative is growing among academics in Canada, UK regulators, EU stakeholders, and others worldwide. A Global Wine Advisory Board is now in development, representing the 99% of producers who are not multinational giants.
Karavidas shares ongoing insights via his Purple Happy Wine Inside Out Newsletter on LinkedIn.
Why Younger Consumers Drink Less Wine
The conversation turned to a key demographic shift. According to Karavidas, younger adults face multiple barriers:
Health consciousness
Rising interest in organic lifestyles
Competition from cannabis & ready-to-drink beverages
Too many choices and little guidance
High prices
Intimidating wine environments
“You walk into a store with hundreds of bottles,” he said. “Where do you even start?”
The Future Is Accessible: Cans, Single Serves & Less Intimidation
Karavidas believes the current oversupply will help break down barriers and usher in a more modern, approachable wine culture.
Expect more:
Single-serve options
Canned wines
Affordable ready-to-drink portions
Lower price points
Less pressure and more fun
He remains optimistic:
“I’m bullish on the wine industry—not because it will return to the boomer boom, but because we’re getting better at understanding our markets and our customers.”
Advice to New Wine Drinkers: Keep It Fun
His guidance for young couples or new consumers?
Visit accessible regions like Lodi
Talk to small producers
Try new things—no rules
Mix a spritzer if you want
Chill reds if it tastes good
Dive into technical knowledge only if it sparks curiosity
Wine, he emphasized, should never be intimidating.
Imports Are Winning—And Why California Must Automate Fast
The Ag Meter raised the growing presence of low-price French, Italian, and other imported wines on U.S. shelves.
Why are they so cheap?
Foreign subsidies
Lower labor costs
Lower production costs
Easier global export models
California, meanwhile, pays:
Higher wages
Higher regulatory costs
More expensive production inputs
Karavidas’s solution:Rapid mechanization and automation over the next 3–5 years.
Automation: The Next Great Wine Revolution
Karavidas predicts sweeping changes, including:
Robotics in vineyards
Mechanical pruning & pre-pruning
Unmanned tractors
Advanced mechanical harvesting
Automated pump-overs
Rotary screen systems for tank emptying
Robotics in bottling & barrel cellars
Smart-power systems like VinWizard
Reduced water & energy use
Alternatives to oak barrels
This isn’t about eliminating jobs, he stressed—it’s about creating new ones for technicians, mechanics, and automation specialists.
Automation will help California:
Lower costs
Improve consistency
Compete internationally
Maintain quality
Connect with Nicholas Karavidas
For consulting, winery guidance, or conversation:
Email: nick@consultingwine.com
Office: 209-625-6339
Websites: thewinefirm.com | design2wine.com
He welcomes calls, texts, and messages.
Industry Reflections from the Hosts
After the interview, Papagni and Boyer reflected on:
The complex challenges facing the wine industry
Declining consumption
An aging population
Stockpiled EU wine
Tariffs, duties, and labor constraints
The rise in organic preferences
The importance of modernization
They also promoted Monday’s upcoming interview with Tim Hanni, focusing on why younger demographics are drinking less wine.
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A Wine Industry in Transition—And Opportunity
The full conversation with Nicholas Karavidas offered a rare insiders’ look at an industry undergoing profound change. From global trade pressures and shifting consumer behavior to automation, vineyard redevelopment, and new packaging innovations, wine is at a defining moment.
Yet Karavidas is clear:The future is promising for those who innovate.
Adaptation, technology, and a renewed focus on accessibility will shape the next era of California and global wine—and the industry is already moving.

Regulations, Water Challenges, and the 2026 Outlook: Roger Isom on the AgNet News Hour

Regulations, Water Challenges, and the 2026 Outlook: Roger Isom on the AgNet News Hour
In this Thursday edition of the AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer sit down with Roger Isom, a leading voice in California agriculture. The conversation covers critical challenges and opportunities for growers, including regulatory pressures, water scarcity, rising energy costs, and strategies for advocacy heading into 2026.
Advocacy and Grassroots Engagement
Active participation in agriculture advocacy is essential.
Growers and farm suppliers are encouraged to engage with legislators and county supervisors.
Joining industry organizations strengthens collective influence:
Western Tree Nut Association (WTNA): wtna.org
California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association (CCGGA): ccgga.org
2026 is an election year—growers need to be heard in policy and voting decisions.
Regulatory Challenges
Rodenticide restrictions: Proposed DPR rules may limit usage, affecting food safety and crop protection.
Sustainable pest management: Phase-out of priority pesticides by 2050 raises concerns about balanced advisory representation.
Automation hurdles: Driverless tractors face restrictions under OSHA rules, despite driverless cars operating freely.
Increasing paperwork burdens take time away from actual farming.
Water, Energy, and Affordability Pressures
Groundwater restrictions are enforced ahead of SGMA 2040 benchmarks.
Funding gaps prevent critical infrastructure development for water conveyance and storage.
Rising PG&E rates threaten farm operations:
Proposed 27% electricity hike
California agricultural rates up to 3x higher than Texas
Solar payback periods under NEM 3.0 now nearly 20 years.
The Future of California Agriculture
Population loss and migration of growers to states like Texas and Idaho.
Regulatory and energy burdens threaten long-term agricultural viability.
Advocacy, voter engagement, and unified industry action are critical to protecting California agriculture.
Wine Industry Insights
Younger generations are drinking less wine due to cost, health, lifestyle, and cannabis alternatives.
Wine marketing must emphasize storytelling, tasting experiences, and approachable options.
Sampling and education about varietals, winemakers, and history can grow consumer appreciation.
In today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni (The Ag Meter) and co-host Lorrie Boyer wrapped up a lively discussion on the changing landscape of wine consumption and what the wine industry can do to engage new generations of drinkers.
Younger Consumers: Price, Health, and Lifestyle Drive Decisions
Lorrie explained that younger adults are drinking less wine for several reasons—cost being a major factor. Many prioritize health, career, or school, while others prefer non-alcoholic beverages now trending in breweries and restaurants. She noted that wineries may need to expand into non-alcoholic options, just as beer companies have.
Experience Over Alcohol: What Today’s Drinkers Want
Nick and Lorrie agreed that modern consumers focus more on experiences than alcohol volume. Craft cocktails, tasting-room visits, and curated beverage moments continue to capture interest. At the same time, the overwhelming number of wine choices can intimidate new drinkers, especially when bottle prices are high.
The Value of Tasting and Storytelling
Lorrie shared her personal love for wine tasting—trying small pours, exploring Cabernet and Zinfandel, and discovering new favorites based on food, mood, and weather. She emphasized that winery visits are about more than wine:
Meeting the winemaker
Learning the history
Hearing the story behind each bottle
Nick added that “every bottle has a story,” underscoring why wine remains a unique and powerful part of agriculture.
Wrapping Up
Nick and Lorrie closed the episode with excitement for upcoming holiday-themed content and encouraged listeners to return tomorrow for more ag news, insights, and seasonal fun.
Listeners can find additional information, connect on social media, and subscribe to podcasts through AgNetWest.com.

AgNet News Hour: Midweek Agriculture Insights & Industry Headlines

The latest midweek edition of the AgNet News Hour delivered a fast-paced blend of California agriculture updates, community conversations, and industry innovations. Hosted by Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer, the episode covered everything from winter health habits to major ag policy issues, commodity challenges, and new breakthroughs shaping U.S. farming.
Seasonal Trends, Food Costs & Community Life
Nick and Lorrie opened the show discussing winter colds, flu season, and staying healthy in public spaces. Their lighthearted talk about potlucks and restaurant cleanliness led to a more serious point: fast food isn’t the cheapest option anymore, and local restaurants continue to struggle with inflation and freight costs.
Nick also announced plans to bring holiday spirit into the AgNet West studio and encouraged listeners to share local Christmas light displays for on-air features.
California Christmas Tree Farms Under Pressure
The hosts explored the challenges facing Christmas tree growers across California and the U.S. Rising production costs, increasing demand for artificial trees, and regulatory hurdles continue to pressure the traditional tree market. A California tree grower is expected to join the show soon for deeper insight.
Winter Meeting Season: Key Agriculture Events
The episode highlighted several major December events:
California Farm Bureau Annual Meeting – Anaheim
Almond Board of California Conference – Sacramento
Organic Grower Summit – Monterey
These conferences offer growers education, networking, and a break from fieldwork during the slower winter season.
National Association of Farm Broadcasting: Industry Takeaways
Lorrie shared updates from the NAFB Annual Meeting in Kansas City, including:
Continued push for year-round E15 availability
Reports from major commodity groups, including the Pork Board and NCBA
Farm Credit’s economic outlook pointing to high input costs, a tight farm economy, and the need for financial discipline, especially for younger producers
Her takeaway: agriculture is cyclical—prepare during the good years to withstand the hard ones.
Butte County Focus: Interview with Colleen Cecil
A major highlight was an in-depth conversation with Colleen Cecil, Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau.
Key Themes:
Importance of 4-H and FFA in developing leadership and communication skills
Workforce challenges and the value of hiring people with agricultural backgrounds
Farmland loss due to housing development
Water policy and SGMA concerns
Wolf reintroduction impacts
The need for more farmers in public office
Cecil emphasized that policymakers don’t need all the answers—they just need reliable agricultural partners to ask.
Butte County Commodities: A Diverse, Surprising Mix
Butte County produces far more than almonds and walnuts. The region’s commodities include:
Citrus
Nursery stock
Prunes
Olives & olive oil
Kiwis
Nick also announced plans to bring premium olive oil producer Vincent Ricchiuti onto a future episode.
Innovation Spotlight: Avocados, Organics & New Crop Research
The episode highlighted several exciting developments:
Heat-tolerant avocado trees from Duarte Nurseries could expand production deeper into the Central Valley.
Organic growers continue advancing automation, soil health, and certification practices.
Researchers are working on self-fertilizing wheat, disease-resistant crops, and tools to combat threats like citrus greening.
Nick reminded listeners that farmers are among the country’s top environmental stewards—despite often being misunderstood.
Efficiency Across Livestock & Dairy
From pork to dairy, U.S. producers continue proving they can do more with less. Better nutrition, management, and automation are driving higher output even as herd sizes decline.
Looking Ahead
Nick and Lorrie plan to bring more Farm Bureau leaders, California growers, and industry innovators on future episodes. For full interviews, daily ag news, and podcast episodes, visit AgNetWest.com and follow AgNet West on social media.

AgNet News Hour: Butte County Agriculture, Regulations & Almond Outlook

In this episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer share post-Thanksgiving reflections before diving into key issues shaping California agriculture. The show features Part One of Nick’s interview with Colleen Cecil, Executive Director of the Butte County Farm Bureau, following the county’s 21st Annual Agribee™ for 4th and 5th graders.
Cecil highlights Butte County’s strong agricultural foundation—almonds, walnuts, rice, citrus, olives, cattle, and a major pollination sector—and emphasizes the region’s dependable water, quality soils, and active grower involvement in groundwater sustainability planning. She also discusses challenges facing farmers statewide, including rising regulation costs, wildfire impacts, and increasing wolf depredation in nearby grazing regions.
The show touches on trade tensions ahead of the USMCA review, updates on global almond production (expected to climb nearly 10%), and the strong performance of California’s tree nut industries following a near-perfect growing season.
Cecil previews Grower Day on December 3 in Chico, a free, one-day farm show offering education, networking, and industry speakers. Nick and Lorrie close with light holiday banter and reminders to follow AgNet West online for ongoing coverage.

California Agriculture News: Labor, Automation, and Policy Updates – AgNet News Hour

The AgNet News Hour opened with host Nick Papagni and co-host Lorrie Boyer, sharing the latest updates from California and nationwide agriculture. They discussed weekend highlights and emphasized the abundance of California-grown produce for consumers, even during holiday seasons.
Tyson Foods Cattle Packing Closure and Industry Impact
A major story covered was the closure of Tyson Foods’ cattle packing plant in Lexington, Nebraska, which is projected to reduce slaughter capacity by 7,000 to 8,000 head per day, a 7.5% to 9% decrease in total U.S. capacity. Tyson’s Amarillo, Texas plant is also reducing operations by eliminating a shift.
Nick and Lorrie noted that with cattle herds at historically low levels, rebuilding will take years, extending beyond the previously projected 2026–2027 timeline. This disruption, however, may create opportunities for local, grass-fed, or direct-to-consumer beef producers, reducing reliance on the four major beef corporations.
Positive Developments in Dairy and School Nutrition
In positive news, the hosts highlighted a Senate bill supporting milk in schools, benefiting the dairy industry. Milk remains a vital source of vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, and the show emphasized the importance of encouraging physical activity in children rather than blaming milk for obesity.
Modern Parenting and Convenience Challenges
Nick and Lorrie discussed modern parenting and reliance on technology and convenience, noting that children need structured physical activity. This led into a discussion about the critical support farmers require, particularly in navigating California’s complex regulatory and labor environment.
Interview with Bryan Little – Supporting California Farmers
Bryan Little, representing the California Farm Bureau, shared insights on his dual role: advocating for farm employers in legislation and regulation, and managing the Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) to assist with compliance on wages, hours, safety, training, and human resources. He highlighted the constant changes in California labor regulations, emphasizing the need for ongoing guidance for farmers.
Regulatory Growth and Automation Challenges
California’s regulatory landscape has expanded dramatically. Bryan noted that compliance posters for agricultural workplaces have increased from two to five since 2008. While some regulations may seem redundant, they are legally required, adding complexity for farm operators.
Bryan emphasized outdated rules, such as 1977 regulations preventing autonomous tractors, despite California being a leader in ag tech. These restrictions limit productivity and innovation, even when autonomous equipment could operate safely in scenarios like mowing orchard rows or applying pesticides.
Labor and Immigration in California Agriculture
The discussion addressed labor challenges, including immigration policies affecting farm workers. California agriculture relies on a stable workforce for food production, environmental protection, and rural community sustainability.
Bryan Little stressed the importance of maintaining dialogue with policymakers to ensure farmers can meet regulatory standards while sustaining operations. Rising minimum wages and labor shortages are driving increased automation, yet outdated regulations hinder its deployment.
Proposition 50 and Political Representation
Bryan explained the Farm Bureau’s opposition to Proposition 50, noting that legislators from urban areas often lack understanding of rural agricultural issues. Both hosts highlighted that policymakers with real-world business or farming experience are rare, making informed decision-making for agriculture challenging.
Nick suggested initiatives like “Ag 101” boot camps for legislators to ensure policymakers understand the complexities of California farming.
Resource Management and Sustainability
The discussion expanded to water management, wildfire prevention, and sustainable land use. Bryan noted that sheep and goat grazing could reduce wildfire fuel loads and that better local resource utilization could decrease dependence on pesticides and fossil fuels. He stressed the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and proactive environmental stewardship.
Educating the Public and Bridging Knowledge Gaps
Bryan highlighted the need to educate the public and policymakers about agriculture’s impact on local economies, food production, and job creation. By providing guidance to farm employers, FELS helps bridge the knowledge gap, ensuring that communities understand the value of a thriving agricultural sector.
Automation, Labor Costs, and California Policy Challenges
Bryan discussed the economic pressures on farms, including high labor costs, regulatory burdens, and freight expenses. Automation could reduce costs and provide tech-oriented jobs, but Cal OSHA restrictions prevent deployment of autonomous machinery, creating regulatory inconsistency compared to autonomous vehicles in other sectors.
Supporting Farmers and Looking Ahead
The AgNet News Hour concluded with a reminder to support small farmers and engage with organizations like the California Farm Bureau. Bryan Little was praised for his advocacy, and listeners were encouraged to visit FELS.net and the California Farm Bureau website for resources.
Future episodes will focus on wine industry insights with expert interviews, continuing the conversation on sustainable agriculture, labor, and innovation in California.
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California Agave Farming: Stuart Woolf’s Vision for Sustainable Agriculture

California agriculture is facing unprecedented challenges, from water scarcity to rising production costs. Yet innovators like Stuart Woolf of Woolf Farms and Processing are finding ways to adapt and thrive. In a recent AgNet News Hour interview with host Nick Papagni and Ag Meter Lorrie Boyer, Woolf shared insights into family farming, water management, policy advocacy, and his pioneering work with agave cultivation.
A Family Farming Legacy in Fresno County
Stuart Woolf’s family farming journey began in 1974 when his father purchased farmland on the west side of Fresno County at age 57. The family prioritized vertical integration from the start, particularly in tomato processing. They co-founded Los Gatos Tomato Products, which continues to operate today.
Approximately 30 years ago, the Woolf’s expanded into almonds with Harris Woolf California Almonds, moving from brown skin almonds to value-added products like almond paste, oil, and de-fatted flour. Woolf Farms combines both farming and processing, creating a diverse agricultural operation that has spanned multiple generations.
Water Challenges and Political Engagement
Woolf recalls arriving in the business in 1986, when water availability was more reliable. Over time, securing cost-effective water has become a central concern, requiring ongoing political advocacy.
He explains that a large portion of California water has been diverted for environmental purposes, raising costs for farmers and complicating operations. Despite these obstacles, Woolf emphasizes that farmers continue to act as stewards of the land, producing substantial crops while managing limited resources.
Regulatory Pressures and Rising Costs
California’s regulatory environment has significantly increased the cost of farming. Woolf cites a Cal Poly study showing that production costs have risen by around $1,600 per acre over the past decade—a 25% increase. While California offers fertile soil and a favorable climate, political and regulatory pressures threaten the state’s natural agricultural advantages.
As chairman of Western Growers, Woolf notes that some farmers are relocating to other states or countries due to high costs and regulatory challenges, putting multi-generational family farms at risk. Labor restrictions, trucking regulations, and rising operational expenses further complicate farming in California.
Public Understanding and Agricultural Metrics
Woolf stresses that the public often underestimates the pressures on modern farmers. Many consumers take grocery availability for granted, unaware of increasing costs and shrinking family farms. He critiques state agencies, such as the Department of Pesticide Regulation, for prioritizing process over practical outcomes and failing to include farmers’ perspectives in decision-making.
He argues that removing essential tools like pesticides can increase costs and reduce efficiency without measurable environmental benefits, highlighting the need for metrics that reflect the realities of agriculture.
Innovating with Agave: A Sustainable Crop for California
Woolf has turned to agave cultivation as a low-water solution for farmland with limited irrigation. Agave requires only 5–10% of the water compared to traditional crops. Inspired by Mexico’s dry-farming practices, Woolf began experimenting with 12 agave varieties, eventually expanding to 450 acres over three years.
His vision is to create a California agave industry akin to Napa Valley’s wine culture, supporting small distilleries and building a local supply chain.
Marketing, Distribution, and Crop Management
California is the largest consumer market for agave-based spirits, making it ideal for local production. Woolf emphasizes:
Partnering with craft distillers and larger distillation companies
Raising awareness through highway visibility and marketing campaigns
Carefully managing supply and demand to avoid overproduction
Agave matures over 5–7 years in California, shorter than Mexico’s typical 7–9 years due to hotter summers and drip irrigation. Woolf plans a rotational planting and harvesting schedule to maintain continuous production.
Water Management and Land Optimization
Agave cultivation is part of a larger strategy to optimize water-limited farmland:
Installing solar panels on non-irrigated land
Creating water banks to recharge aquifers during rainfall
Adjusting crop profiles to maximize efficiency with available water
This approach preserves family farmland while adapting to California’s ongoing water scarcity.
Policy, Advocacy, and the Future of California Agriculture
Woolf underscores the importance of political engagement to improve water infrastructure and maintain a sustainable agricultural sector. He calls for:
Reinvestment in state water systems
Policies that balance environmental goals with productive agriculture
Proactive solutions rather than relying solely on regulatory changes
Woolf’s long-term vision includes expanding agave production and continuing innovative strategies that combine environmental stewardship, economic viability, and community-focused farming.
Conclusion
Stuart Woolf’s work exemplifies how innovation, adaptability, and policy advocacy can address California agriculture’s modern challenges. From almonds and tomatoes to low-water crops like agave, Woolf Farms is pioneering sustainable solutions while preserving family farming traditions.
For more insights on California agriculture, visit AgNet West, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X, and subscribe to the AgNet West podcast.

John Duarte on California’s Future: Agriculture, Leadership & Change

California’s Crossroads: John Duarte Talks Leadership, Agriculture, and the Future of the Golden State
On a special Thanksgiving edition of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” sat down with John Duarte—farmer, nursery leader, and former congressman—for a candid discussion about California’s political climate, agricultural innovation, and the future of farming families across the state. The conversation, replayed as a “best of” segment, highlighted Duarte’s belief that California is on the verge of a major shift—one driven by common sense, economic revitalization, and a renewed respect for the agricultural backbone of the state.
A Call for Common Sense Leadership in California
When asked whether California can “switch and get back to common sense,” Duarte didn’t hesitate. Yes, it can. He emphasized that meaningful change is on the horizon, largely driven by everyday Californians who are tired of policies that push families, businesses, and young people out of the state.
Duarte voiced strong support for candidates like Chad Blanco and Steve Hilton, stressing that whoever emerges from the primary will have his full backing. He believes the 2026 gubernatorial race will center around one theme: California is being left behind, even as the rest of the country surges ahead economically and environmentally.
According to Duarte, America is already showing signs of powerful economic growth. Environmental progress and economic success don’t have to be mutually exclusive, he argues. In his view, California’s current policies have unnecessarily sacrificed jobs, infrastructure, and quality of life in the name of environmentalism—often without meaningful environmental gains to show for it.
Meanwhile, families across the state are watching their children move to places like Tennessee, Georgia, and Oklahoma for opportunities California can no longer offer. Duarte believes that this exodus will eventually create enough pressure to push California toward more practical, future-focused leadership.
Infrastructure, Water, and the High-Speed Rail Debate
Duarte didn’t hold back when discussing the state’s long-criticized bullet train project—calling it the “bullet to the head train.” He contrasted the billions invested into the rail line with the massive impact that same funding could have had on drinking water systems, treatment facilities, and rural infrastructure.
During his time in Congress, he said, the federal government poured $4 billion into the project. At even modest estimates, that money could have built dozens—if not hundreds—of essential water projects across California’s farm-dependent regions.
For Duarte, this is the clearest example of a state government that prioritizes symbolism over solutions. An “abundance-oriented society,” he argues, invests in the infrastructure that improves real lives: water storage, treatment, delivery, and the systems that keep agriculture thriving.
He draws a distinction between what he calls the “lords of scarcity”—coastal elites who push restrictive policies—and the “champions of abundance”—farmers, energy producers, and working people who generate the food, power, and materials society depends on. And Duarte is clear: the champions of abundance are about to kick butt in California.
A Conversation Between Colleagues and Friends
After wrapping the interview, Papagni and co-host Lorrie Boyer reflected on their conversation with Duarte. Boyer praised him for his clarity and willingness to elaborate on complex issues—something listeners appreciate. Papagni agreed, adding that the Duarte family itself is remarkable. John’s wife, Alexandra Duarte, is now running for office, continuing the family’s commitment to public service and agricultural advocacy.
Papagni highlighted John Duarte’s accomplishments in the nursery industry, where he helped refine varieties of almond trees, table grapes, and trellis systems. Boyer wondered how someone even gets started in such an industry; Papagni explained that Duarte entered the nursery world in the 1990s and has spent decades experimenting, innovating, and anticipating the needs of future growers.
One example: Duarte’s ambition to bring avocado production to California’s Central Valley—a bold move that could extend the state's avocado season and reshape a key market dominated by Southern California growers.
Both hosts emphasized that agriculture is one of the most technologically advanced, forward-thinking industries in the world. Duarte’s continual experimentation—sometimes successful, sometimes not—is part of what makes him and his nursery widely respected.
Thanksgiving Reflections and the Farming Lifestyle
As the show transitioned into its Thanksgiving morning segment, Papagni and Boyer shifted into a warm, lighthearted conversation about holiday traditions, cooking turkey, and the simple joys of family time. Papagni pictured farmers out checking their orchards and fields early in the day before heading home to celebrate—a familiar rhythm for agricultural families.
Their playful banter ranged from turkey recipes to brisket, to the famous Santa Maria tri-tip, to the challenge of feeding large groups with slow-cooked meats. It provided a relatable, personal counterbalance to the more serious political discussions earlier in the program.
The hosts closed by previewing an upcoming “best of” interview with Stuart Woolf, a well-known Westside Fresno grower who is experimenting with agave as a low-water crop that could transform the region into an agave—and potentially tequila—hub.

Organic Farming, Regulation & Innovation in California

Thanksgiving Week Opens with Weather Shifts and Industry Updates
The AgNet News Hour begins with hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer catching up on Thanksgiving plans, recent health challenges, and California’s quick-changing weather patterns. Nick offers a detailed look at the pistachio sector, noting the industry’s record-breaking 2025 harvest. He explains how growers are paid and how storage cycles work during heavy production years, all while acknowledging the ongoing strain of California’s consistently elevated fuel prices.
Inside the World of Larry Jacobs: Early Organic Leadership
The program shifts into a full interview with Larry Jacobs of Jacobs Farm, one of California’s most respected organic growers. Jacobs reflects on his early decision to distance himself from chemical pesticides and the growth of his farm across several coastal counties. Today, his operation produces a wide variety of herbs, vegetables, and specialty crops, benefitting from California’s ideal climate while wrestling with the realities of farming in one of the most regulated states in the nation.
Jacobs describes the constant balancing act: exceptional weather and yield potential on one side, and soaring labor costs, complex regulations, and operational challenges on the other.
Labor Regulations, Cost Pressures, and the California Challenge
A major theme throughout the conversation is the increasing difficulty of farming in California. Jacobs and the hosts discuss:
Rising labor costs and shifting labor laws
Regulatory obstacles that complicate planting, harvesting, and processing
Water restrictions and the loss of high-quality farmland to development
Reliance on consumer and retailer understanding of the cost and risk behind premium-quality produce
Jacobs emphasizes that organic growers are navigating a system where they must comply with higher standards without always receiving higher margins, especially as the price gap between organic and conventional crops continues to narrow.
Automation and Precision Tools: Innovation Meets Old Rules
Jacobs highlights how automation, robotics, and precision agriculture tools are reshaping organic production. These technologies help reduce labor burdens, improve consistency, and lower long-term costs—making them essential for the next generation of farming.
But outdated regulations remain a bottleneck. The hosts note the contradiction: California allows fully autonomous cars on public roads yet restricts autonomous tractors in empty fields. This mismatch, Jacobs argues, slows progress and places California growers at a competitive disadvantage.
Sustainability: Soil Health, Organics, and the Future of Packaging
Sustainability is another major pillar of Jacobs Farm. Jacobs discusses long-term investments in:
Building soil health and organic matter
Reducing reliance on plastics
Testing new sustainable packaging materials
Improving water use efficiency
Expanding year-round herb production
These practices align with increasing consumer interest in organic, healthy, environmentally responsible food — a trend Jacobs sees accelerating, particularly among younger families.
USDA Citrus Purchase & Broader Industry Pressures
The hosts also highlight the USDA’s recent announcement of a $30 million citrus purchase, designed to stabilize markets and supply food banks nationwide. While it remains unclear how much of the buy will include California fruit, the program offers meaningful support to growers facing rising production costs and regulatory burdens.
A Nationwide Equine Herpes Virus Outbreak Raises Alarms
Toward the end of the show, Lorrie Boyer reports on a rapidly spreading equine herpes virus (EHV) outbreak traced back to events in Texas. Horses have since returned home to dozens of states, leading to nationwide biosecurity alerts. The virus causes severe neurological symptoms, often fatal, and states are now tightening protocols for cross-border movement.
Closing Thoughts and Holiday Reflections
The AgNet News Hour wraps with Thanksgiving plans, reminders about safe holiday travel, and excitement for upcoming recipes and family gatherings. The hosts thank listeners and encourage them to stay connected through AgNet West’s digital platforms.