The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is continuing to fill other key staff appointments within the department. Sandra Eskin has been named Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety after serving …
Renewal Applications for CSP Being Extended
UPDATE: Deadline Extended to April 7 The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will continue accepting renewal applications for the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) through the end of the month. Those …
MSOB: Beneficial Fungus Could Both Positively and Negatively Impact Tomato Genotypes
Modern-day tomatoes may have lost their ability to benefit from a beneficial fungus called Trichoderma harzianum. A study out of Purdue University looked at the impact of the fungus on …
USDA Seeks Comment on Climate-Smart Agriculture Approach
Stakeholders are being asked to comment on federal strategies for climate-smart agriculture and forestry initiatives. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published a Federal Register Notice seeking feedback from …
New Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Bill Goes into Effect March 29
Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed Senate Bill 95 (SB 95), the COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave bill, after it was passed by the California Legislature last week. The new mandate …
SGMA Video Series Now Available in Three Languages
The Water and Land Use Series of videos is now available in Hmong as well as English and Spanish. The videos provide insight on how the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act …
DWR Issues Allocation Reduction for State Water Project
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has announced an allocation reduction for the State Water Project (SWP). Initially, the allocation announced in December was for 10 percent of requested supplies …
USDA to Provide $75 Million for Alternative Practices for Conservation
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be supporting unique projects that offer alternative practices for conservation. Up to $75 million will be made available for new projects through the …
DWR Releases Groundwater Document Seeking Public Comment
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 …