House Speaker Nancy Pelosi warned her party about the need to trim back the $3.5 trillion Build Back Better Act, the budget reconciliation bill. Pelosi told reporters, “I’m very disappointed …
Lawmakers Alert USTR of Chinese Influence in Latin America
A group of 12 lawmakers recently penned a letter to the U.S. Trade Representative about the growing influence of the Chinese Communist Party in Latin America and Caribbean trade and …
Finalists Selected for 2021 California Leopold Conservation Award
Three finalists have been selected for the 2021 California Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication …
Soil Carbon Monitoring Enhanced for Conservation Reserve Program
With an investment of $10 million, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be bolstering monitoring efforts as part of the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Acreage enrolled as part of …
California Agriculture Falling Behind in Legislative Spending
Legislative spending can be one of the most effective ways to bring about positive change, particularly when it comes to specific sectors of the economy. President and CEO of California …
USTR Tai Meets with Chinese Counterpart
U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai met with her Chinese counterpart last week before meetings this week with Italy and a European Commission official. Tai held a virtual meeting with China’s …
Coverage Limits Increased Under California FAIR Plan
The California Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) Plan is being adjusted to provide more adequate coverage for farmers and ranchers. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara issued an order to …
Nearly $2 Million Invested To Help Support Organic Industry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is making nearly $2 million in investments to help support the organic industry. A total of $1.73 million in funding is being made available to …
Oil Prices Reach 7 Year High, Gas Prices Surge
Oil prices reached a seven-year high last week, pushing fuel prices higher. The national average price of gas jumped 5.2 cents to $3.25 a gallon, and the price of diesel …
USDA Commits $25 Million for Programs reaching Underserved Communities
The Department of Agriculture announced a trio of awards totaling nearly $25 million in grants and cooperative agreements. The funding seeks to ensure broader access and participation in USDA programs …
Specialty Crops Program Deploys New Network for Inspection and Audit Services
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) will begin issuing inspection certificates and audit reports in multiple different formats. Over the next year, AMS will be developing …
VofV: Tackling Food Waste – Tech as the Watchdog of Quality Control
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 …
California Enters Domestic Mutual Reliance Agreement with FDA
Several states have entered into a domestic mutual reliance agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). California, Florida, Utah, and Wisconsin have all entered similar agreements with FDA. …
Vaccine Requirement Won’t Close FSA Offices
The Biden Administration’s requirement that all federal employees, including the employees of the Farm Service Agency, be vaccinated against COVID-19 will not cause FSA offices to close or farmers to …