The recent trade forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) indicates high expectations for agricultural exports. Fiscal Year 2021 is projected to see an export value of $173.5 billion, …
Organic and Specialty Crop Insurance Purchases Increase Substantially
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has noted that interest in crop insurance has been steadily increasing among producers. Organic and specialty crop growers have been purchasing insurance coverage at …
Biomass Collaborative to Flesh Out Ag Burning Alternatives
The California Clean Biomass Collaborative is looking into viable alternatives to agricultural burning. Requirements adopted by the California Air Resources Board will eliminate the practice in the San Joaquin Valley. …
Specialty Crop Multi-State Program to Award $10 Million in Funding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that a total of $10 million in grant funding will be available for the 2021 Specialty Crop Multi-State Program. Grants are awarded …
National Awareness Increases on Ag’s Role in Mitigating Effects of Climate Change
The damage caused by recent ecological disasters has helped highlight agriculture’s role in mitigating the effects of climate change. California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross pointed out …
Hopes That Dry Year Will Prompt Action on Water Management and Storage
There is hope that the unfortunate conditions of California’s water supply this year will prompt decisive action on water management and storage. President and CEO of Western Growers, Dave Puglia …
AB 616 Passes California Senate, Disappointing Ag Groups
The California State Senate has approved AB 616, much to the dismay of several agricultural organizations. AB 616 would overhaul the voting process for unionization, allowing for a type of …
Industry Members Meet to Discuss the Future of Skilled Labor in Ag
A recent event in Reedley brought industry members together to go over the need for skilled labor in the agricultural sector. Hosted by the Western Growers Center for Innovation & …
Grassley Wants Administration to Fill Ag Trade Positions
Senator Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, called on President Biden to fill a couple of key USDA positions that deal with agricultural trade. He wants qualified officials appointed to the …
MSOB: Using A ‘Fear Effect’ to Combat Aphid Populations
Researchers are looking at a method of using the scent of lady beetles to control aphid populations. The concept is similar to releasing predatory insects as a form of biological …
Contract Producers Eligible for Assistance Under Recent CFAP 2 Update
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) is being updated to provide support for contract producers left out of previous relief efforts. Livestock and poultry producers along with producers …
EPA Announces Resources to Better Address Nutrient Pollution Affecting Waters
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released new resources to address adverse effects of nutrient pollution in waters, including algae blooms. The three new resources will help EPA’s co-regulators and partners …
CALAMP Assistance Available to California Farmers and Ranchers
The California Agricultural Mediation Program (CALAMP) is a free service aimed at addressing a variety of issues for farmers and ranchers. CALAMP assistance covers a multitude of areas including issues …
Trade Commission Finds That Fertilizer Imports Are Harming U.S. Industry
A recent finding from the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has determined that certain fertilizer imports are causing harm to American industries. The decision comes after an investigation into imports …