The Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently released the draft California’s Groundwater report and has opened the public comment period. The document details the condition of the state’s groundwater supplies. Technical information …
Ag Groups Challenge Additional $4 an Hour ‘Hero Pay’
A group of agricultural organizations is challenging the “hero pay” ordinance that was recently passed by the Coachella City Council. Western Growers, the California Fresh Fruit Association, and Growing Coachella …
Final Rule for Domestic Hemp Production Goes into Effect Today
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has completed its review of the Final Rule establishing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The rule has moved forward in the Federal Register …
‘Critically Important’ Farm Workforce Bill Receives House Approval
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act has been approved by the U.S. House of Representatives through a vote of 247-174. Advocates of the bill are hopeful that the Senate will begin …
Lawmakers Support Push to Address Container Shortages
A group of bipartisan lawmakers is pushing for more to be done about the continued container shortages at American ports. The group expressed its concern in a letter to Michael …
Vaccinating the CA Farm Labor Population Has Been ‘Hit or Miss’
Under California’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, the state has opened up Phase 1B. Individuals 65 and older, as well as three sector populations including education and childcare, emergency services, and …
Secretary Vilsack Declares Drought Conditions in California
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has designated 50 counties in California as being primary natural disaster areas because of recent drought conditions. In a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary …
USDA Makes Additional Funding Available for Value-Added Produce Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that additional funding will be made available for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program this year. The additional funding is being made possible through the Consolidated …
Comment Period for Regulating Animal Biotech Reopened by USDA
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reopened the comment period for shifting regulatory authority pertaining to animal biotech. Initially, the comment period expired on February 26. USDA will now …
Understanding the California Water Futures Market
California has recently established a water futures market that has brought with it some criticism as well as confusion. As the first of its kind in the country, it will …
Katherine Tai Confirmed as New U.S. Trade Representative
The U.S. Senate has officially confirmed Katherine Tai as the next U.S. Trade Representative. It marks the first time that a woman of color will take the position as the …
Senate Hearing Highlights Role of Ag in Mitigating Climate Change
Agricultural industry members recently testified at a Senate hearing about the value that farming can provide in addressing climate concerns. Members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and …
UC Wolfskill Not Changing Walnut Improvement Program Focus
Walnut breeders are bullish about their most recent variety release but it isn’t changing their research focus. UC Davis’s Walnut Improvement Program released UC Wolfskill earlier this year. The variety matures …
Safe Line Speeds During COVID-19 Act Reintroduced
The Safe Line Speeds During COVID-19 Act has been reintroduced by U.S. Senator Cory Booker and Representatives Rosa DeLauro and Bennie Thompson. Primarily, the legislation will eliminate line speed waivers …