Industry groups and lawmakers are calling for the reinstatement of the organic animal welfare rule. The Organic Livestock and Poultry Practices Final Rule establishes new animal welfare standards for the …
Conservation Innovation Grant Proposals Being Accepted by NRCS
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting proposals for Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). Applications for CIG are due by April 23. The competitive grants are …
Water Futures Market May Not Have the Ag Solutions Proponents Suggest
The California water futures market may not be the economic tool that supporters are suggesting. No actual water changes hands through the futures market, but it offers an economic opportunity …
Industry Groups Support Reintroduction of HAULS Act
The Haulers of Agriculture and Livestock Safety Act of 2021, known as the HAULS Act has been reintroduced in Congress. A bipartisan group of senators reintroduced the legislation aimed at …
Report Highlights Concerns About Food System Concentration
Food system concentration was highlighted early-on in the COVID-19 pandemic. Breakdowns in the food supply chain exposed areas that can be improved and emphasized the effects of consolidation within the …
Farm Groups Push for Swift Action on Agriculture Labor from The Senate
The Agriculture Workforce Coalition is calling for action on behalf of the U.S. Senate in regard to agriculture labor. In a letter sent to Senate leadership, the coalition highlights the …
New Report Shows Need for Agricultural Research Investment
A new report details the critical importance of investing in agricultural research. The “Benefits of Increased U.S. Public Investment in Agricultural Research” report shows that public spending has been relatively …
California Farmers Adjusting to Dramatic Increase to H-2A Wage Rate
California farm employers with H-2A workers are now paying the third-highest wage rate in the country. The Adverse Effect Wage Rate was increased nine percent to a total of $16.05 …
MSOB: RNA-Based Fungicide On The Horizon?
Recent research may have discovered the key to delivering an RNA-based fungicide successfully to detrimental fungi. A few years ago, scientists found that designed RNAs could silence the mechanism in …
Ag Groups Concerned About Mexico’s Trade Actions
A coalition of agricultural groups has expressed concerns related to Mexico’s trade actions. A letter recently sent to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai details challenges …
Bond Legislation Introduced to Improve California Food System
Bond legislation intended to improve California’s food system was recently announced by Assemblymembers Robert Rivas and Ash Kalra. Assembly Bill 125 is a $3.122 billion bond measure aimed at economic …
Nursery Demand Ramping Up After A Slow End to 2020
After a slower than average 2020, it appears that demand is ramping back up for nursery stock. President and CEO of Duarte Nursery, John Duarte said that sales are “hitting …
USDA Will Be Engaging Producers About New Hemp Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to engage with stakeholders about the final hemp production rule that recently went into effect. The Final Rule establishing the U.S. Domestic Hemp …
Pandemic Assistance for Producers Initiative to Provide More COVID-19 Relief
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled the Pandemic Assistance for Producers program to further support farmers and ranchers. After a review of previous relief programs, USDA identified areas …