Mating disruption and pheromone use are examples of biochemicals that fall under the category of biopesticides. Most growers are familiar with at least one way those products are applied, but …
Organic Certification Assistance Changes for 2020
Federal assistance for organic certification is open, but there is a decrease in funding caps for this season. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the application period for its Organic Certification Cost …
CFAP Deadline Extended; More Commodities Added
Another group of commodities has been added to those covered under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) also announced that the CFAP deadline has …
Pandemic Aid Concerns Raised by Lawmakers and Industry Members
Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue has been receiving pandemic aid input from lawmakers and agricultural industry members alike. Various lawmakers have pointed out specific shortfalls of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program …
Soil Health Case Studies Provide Growers with Valuable Insight
A series of soil health case studies have been produced through a partnership between American Farmland Trust (AFT) and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Through a Conservation Innovation Grant, the …
USDA Offers Extensions and Deferrals Due to Coronavirus Hardships
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering assistance to the industry for those experiencing coronavirus hardships. USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) is authorizing extended deadlines for payments. The Farm …
Officials to Review Phase One Trade Agreement with China
Multiple reports have indicated that officials from the United States and China will be meeting soon to review the phase one trade agreement’s progress. The terms of the trade deal …
New Winery Wastewater Regulations: ‘Untenable for Small Wineries’
The State Water Resources Control Board is working on new winery wastewater regulations which present significant challenges for the industry. The permitting process for the updated winery general order appears …
2020 Water Resilience Portfolio Released by Governor Newsom
Governor Gavin Newsom recently released the final version of the 2020 Water Resilience Portfolio to help guide California water policy moving forward. The initial draft proposal of the portfolio was …
New Proposed Organic Rule Available for Public Comment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published a new proposed organic rule in the Federal Register aimed at providing better oversight within the sector. The Strengthening Organic Enforcement proposed …
Keeping the Water Flowing in Your Garden Year-Round
The best way to keep the water flowing in your garden throughout the seasons. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Keeping plants hydrated is the best way to …
More People at Home Has Meant More Farming Complaints
COVID-19 safety guidelines that are keeping more people at home more often has resulted in an increase in the number of farming complaints being made. While farming operations may not …
New Multifaceted Farmworker Safety Campaign Launched
The California Farmworker Foundation (CFF) has launched a new farmworker safety campaign to help workers and their families stay safe through the pandemic. The campaign, La Seguridad Empieza con Usted, …
AB 2959 Raises Concern for Industry Members and Air Quality Specialists
Assembly Bill 2959 (AB 2959), initially introduced back in February, would allow limitations to be put on the types of facilities that can supply farmers and ranchers with food byproducts. …