The latest snow survey highlighted the disparity in California snow levels between regions. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) performed the third manual snow survey at Phillips Station. Readings indicated …
FACA Expands Membership and Narrows Its Focus
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) is working to narrow its focus on specific policy recommendations. Initially, the group established more than 40 policy recommendations back in November. As …
Partnership Looks to Enhance Organic Conservation Practices
A new three-year partnership is aimed at helping expand the implementation of organic conservation practices. An agreement was recently made between the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service …
USDA Leadership Continues Taking Shape with Recent Appointments
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has been announcing new personnel to key positions within the department. Notable USDA leadership appointments include Gloria Montaño Greene as Deputy Under Secretary for …
Lawmakers Ask Biden for Rural Broadband Infrastructure Improvements
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is encouraging President Joe Biden to make rural broadband infrastructure a priority moving forward. Members of the Congressional Rural Broadband Caucus sent a letter detailing …
MSOB: FRAC Group History and Increasing Importance in Biological Industry
FRAC group concerns could be an increasing issue in the biological fungicide industry as more products and knowledge is developed. A Fungicide Resistance Action Committee (FRAC) group is a model …
American Rescue Plan Legislation Moving Through Congress
Congressional committees continue moving through the process of getting the $1.9 trillion COVID relief package passed. The relief package proposed by the Biden Administration, known as the American Rescue Plan, …
American Farm Bureau Seeking CFAP Application Extension
The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) is seeking additional time for producers to apply for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Friday, February 26 is the current deadline to apply …
Senate Confirms Tom Vilsack as Agriculture Secretary for the Second Time
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Tom Vilsack to once again lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). By a vote of 92-7, Vilsack will assume the position of being the …
Low Initial CVP Allocations Met with Disappointment
The Bureau of Reclamation has released the initial water allocations for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors for 2021. Low CVP allocations reflect drier than average winter conditions combined with lower …
New AEWR from Department of Labor Brings California Up To $16.05
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has finally revealed what the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) will be for 2021. Employers of H-2A workers will now know what wage expectations …
State of Organic Produce 2020 Report Released by OPN
The Organic Produce Network (OPN) recently released its inaugural State of Organic Produce 2020 report. The comprehensive report provides insight into the overall performance of the organic sector in 2020. …
New Form Required for Certain NRCS Customers
Producers and landowners involved in certain programs from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation being advised of changes in some paperwork requirements. The Farm Service …
On-Farm Readiness Reviews Still Available for Ag Operations
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering On-Farm Readiness Reviews (OFRRs) for small and very small farms. OFRRs are meant to help producers better understand the requirements …