The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is going to become more actively engaged when comes to the right to repair. After a recent vote of 5-0, the FTC will be enhancing …
Challenges Hurdling Guest Worker Programs
This week lawmakers addressed border security, immigration reform and and challenges with securing a reliable farm workforce. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talked about the current farm guest workers program challenges …
California Ports Break Records While Congestion Remains an Issue
California ports are experiencing significant increases in volume in 2021, with some new records being set. The Port of Los Angles reported a 27 percent year-over-year increase in June, with …
Transitioning from Ag Burning Will Be an Expensive Process
Industry members are working to prepare for the banning of ag burning in the San Joaquin Valley by 2025, which is expected to be an expensive process. A demonstration event …
Push for Renewable Natural Gas Usage in California Will Be Costly
The push towards renewable natural gas usage could be a costly move for many agricultural businesses in California. Executive Director of the Agricultural Energy Consumers Association, Michael Boccadoro said that …
Passage of Energy Infrastructure Act Celebrated by Ag and Water Groups
The Energy Infrastructure Act was recently passed by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee by a vote of 13-7. The legislation includes several provisions that will assist with some …
Potential For Year-Round H-2A Access on The Horizon
A bipartisan amendment that was approved by the U.S. House Appropriations Committee will allow for year-round H-2A access. While the year-round availability would be temporary, it would help address critical …
New Action Plan for Cyclospora Released by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a new strategy guideline for addressing foodborne illness. Similar to what was done to address E. coli outbreaks related to leafy …
Emergency Procedures Authorized to Provide Crop Insurance Flexibilities
Federal officials are working to assist producers affected by drought conditions by providing greater crop insurance flexibilities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is authorizing emergency procedures to allow farmers …
Task Force Seeks More Favorable Gene Editing Regulations
A recent report highlights the need for a more favorable regulatory environment for gene editing in agricultural animals. Recommendations have been compiled by a group of experts assembled by the …
Appropriations Bill Includes Additional Funding for Smoke Exposure Research
Funding may be on the way to provide additional support for federal research looking into the issue of smoke exposure in winegrapes. The Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bill by the …
Big Changes to Coachella Agriculture Over the Past 30 Years
The agricultural landscape of the Coachella Valley has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Managing Partner of Prime Time International, Mike Way said that is has been disappointing to …
Mixed Response to Reintroduction of Farm System Reform Act
The Farm System Reform Act has been reintroduced by Senator Cory Booker, with similar legislation also introduced by Representative Ro Khanna. The legislation had originally been introduced in January 2020. …
Organic Fraud Prevention Program Gaining Industry Support
An organic fraud prevention initiative established by the Organic Trade Association (OTA) is gaining supporters. Fraudulent organic products have created a significant amount of concern within the industry. Initially launched …