The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking partners for wetland ecosystem restoration on agricultural land. A total of $17 million is being invested through the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership …
Improving Rural Broadband Access with Interagency Agreement
Multiple federal agencies will be improving broadband access through a new interagency agreement. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and the National Telecommunications and Information …
Made in the USA Standards Strengthened with Federal Announcements
A recent announcement from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will strengthen enforcement of the Made in the USA standard. FTC Commissioner Rohit Chopra described the action as “long-overdue.” Under the …
Agriculture Funding Bill Adds Nearly $3 Billion in Support
The House Appropriations Committee recently approved an agriculture funding bill that includes a significant allocation increase. The Fiscal Year 2022 funding bill for the Agriculture Department, Food and Drug Administration, …
Senate Approval of Growing Climate Solutions Act an ‘Important Step’
The Senate approval of the Growing Climate Solutions Act is being described as an “important step” for helping farmers and ranchers navigate carbon markets. The Growing Climate Solutions Act is …
Wildfire Insurance Legislation Continues Forward Momentum
Wildfire insurance legislation is moving through the legislative process, taking another step toward Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. Senate Bill 11 (SB-11) seeks to improve wildfire insurance coverage options for California …
Intrepid Section 18 is Approved for Armyworm Control in 2021
Intrepid 2F has again been approved for Section 18 use in California rice fields. The product is an insect growth regulator with methoxyfenozide as its active ingredient. Rice producers have …
High Priority Areas Identified for NRCS California Drought Assistance
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has identified six high-priority areas for drought assistance. The assistance is obtainable through NRCS’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) along with the pilot program, …
Latest Developments with Proposition 1 Grant Programs
Several developments have taken place in relation to Proposition 1 grant programs. Nearly $40 million in funding has been awarded under various Proposition 1 grant program opportunities. The State Water …
Growers Struggle to Find and Keep Farm Insurance
It is becoming tougher and tougher to acquire farm insurance in areas at risk of wildfire. With wildfires already popping up across California, producers are becoming more anxious as insurance …
NEED Water Act to Provide Drought Relief to San Joaquin Valley
New legislation has been introduced in Congress aimed at addressing drought conditions in the San Joaquin Valley. The Necessary to Ensure Expeditious Delivery of Water Act, known as the NEED …
Growers Affected by Recent Wildfires Struggle With New Drought Challenges
Grape growers in Sonoma County are still working through some of the issues created by recent wildfires. Compounding the challenges, the current drought conditions have added another layer of difficult …
VofV: Global Agricultural Issues Require Global Solutions
This episode of the Voices of the Valley podcast is brought to you today by the Western Growers Association. Supporting producers that grow the best medicine in the world. Find …
MSOB: Biological Protection for Grapevine Trunk Disease
Researchers have found that biological protection against grapevine trunk disease has tremendous potential. Cooperative Extension Specialist and Plant Pathologist in the Department of Plant Pathology at UC Davis, Akif Eskalen …