Concurrent efforts to address the needs of Central Valley canals are moving forward. The Canal Conveyance Capacity Restoration Act aims to restore the capacity of here San Joaquin Valley canals. …
A Number of Factors in Declaring Drought in California
There are a number of factors to consider when declaring a state of emergency. After a dry water year, little to zero water allocations, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack declaring drought …
Budget Action Brings Assistance to Small and Underserved Farmers
Last week California lawmakers enacted a budget action that will provide much-needed support for small and underserved producers. Senate Bill 85 contains significant support for wildfire suppression efforts as well …
Central Coast Water Board Approves Ag Order 4.0
General Waste Discharge Requirements for Discharges from Irrigated Lands, simply known as Ag Order 4.0, will officially begin to be implemented. Just prior to the deadline, the Central Coast Regional …
Farmers to Families Food Box Program to End in May
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farmers to Families Food Box program will soon be coming to an end. Launched by the Trump administration law year, the program has since …
Still Time to Submit Comment on Farmer-and Rancher-Led Climate Solutions
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is seeking public comment on a recent draft report on Farmer and Rancher Led Climate Solutions. CDFA held multiple stakeholder meetings back …
USDA Investing More Than $330 Million in Pandemic Assistance
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is moving forward with the implementation of the Pandemic Assistance for Producers program. USDA has made more than $330 million available to food supply …
Drought Emergency? Newsom Disagrees with Valley Lawmakers
Governor Gavin Newsom has indicated there is no intention of declaring a drought emergency despite a request from lawmakers. Nearly a dozen legislators sent a letter to Governor Newsom detailing …
Ag Day At the Capitol Chance to Talk Funding for UC Cooperative Extension
Held annually at the California Capitol, Capitol Ag Day is a chance to celebrate the state’s diverse agriculture industry and speak to the challenges farmer’s across the state face. The …
Industry Groups Welcome Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021
Multiple agricultural groups have announced their support of the bipartisan Preserving Family Farms Act of 2021. Sponsored by Representatives Jimmy Panetta and Jackie Walorski, the legislation seeks to ease some …
Down to the Wire: Ag Order 4.0 Adoption Deadline This Friday
A final decision on the pending Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program known as Ag Order 4.0 is expected by Friday, April 16. Producers have anxiously been monitoring the development of the …
Concerns Over Mexico’s Trade Policies Heightened
Producers and lawmakers have been questioning the strength of the U.S.-Mexico trade relationship in recent months. There has been increasing concern about Mexican trade policies and their impact on U.S. …
Biden’s Proposed Budget Brings Added Support to USDA
President Joe Biden’s proposed budget places an emphasis on rural infrastructure, nutrition, and climate change mitigation. The fiscal year 2022 discretionary funding request includes a notable funding increase for the …
Officials Confident in Water Supply Management Without Drought Declaration
Despite a dry water year, state officials do not feel that a drought declaration is necessary. During a recent meeting of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, Director …