The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) worked to ensure the viability of American ag exports amidst a challenging year. Adjustments to normal operation, particularly in foreign …
Snowpack at 93 Percent of Average in First 2021 Snow Survey
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) performed the first 2021 snow survey at Phillips Station Wednesday morning. Measurements highlight an optimistic outlook for the water year despite a dry …
Critical Habitat Definition and Exclusions Finalized Under ESA Rules
A new habitat definition has been finalized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service. The final rule dictating how a habitat is determined …
Federal Judge Rejects USDA Changes to H-2A Program
An update to the H-2A program has been put on hold by a California federal court. The Department of Labor’s decision to freeze farm workers’ wages for those using the …
Appropriations Bill Includes Support for Friant-Kern Canal Improvements
The Fiscal Year 2021 appropriations and COVID-relief package includes funding support for making Friant-Kern Canal improvements. A total of $206 million will be used to repair areas of the water …
FDA Extends Comment Period for FSMA Food Traceability Rule
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has extended the deadline for commenting on the Food Safety Modernization Act’s traceability rule. The original comment period was set to close on …
Significant Investment in Rural Communities Seen in 2020
Throughout 2020 there was considerable investment made in rural communities to help bolster their local economies. Investments were made in areas of water infrastructure, high-speed broadband, and business development. The …
Highways Prove Critical to American Agriculture in USDA Reports
American agriculture relies heavily on the country’s highway system, according to information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). A recent report shows that the agricultural sector is the single …
Wounded Warrior Project Partners with Farmer Veteran Coalition
The Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) will now be partnering with the Farmer Veteran Coalition (FVC) to provide funding support for veteran farming operations. FVC is one of the 12 new …
Michael Regan Nominated as The Next Leader of EPA
President-elect Joe Biden has announced the nomination of Michael Regan to serve as the next administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Regan has been serving as Secretary of the …
Significant Conservation Work Continued Despite the Challenges of 2020
Conservation work in California continued in 2020 despite the variety of challenges that were presented throughout the year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has …
USDA Announces New Regulatory Framework for Animal Biotechnology
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is taking a step toward refining the regulatory framework that dictates the genetic engineering of animals. USDA is seeking public feedback as the agency …
Making Sense of Biologicals: Biopesticides Not Immune to Resistance Issues
Biopesticides are not free from resistance concerns. Like any other product, using too much or relying on one mode of action will always increase the chances of pests developing resistance. …
California Citrus Mutual Encourages Participation in H-2A Survey
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) is encouraging industry participation in their brief labor survey. The data that is collected through the survey will be used in advocacy efforts on the state …