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 …
California Avocado Commission Referendum Currently Underway
Avocado growers are once again being asked to weigh-in with their thoughts about the California Avocado Commission (CAC). The state-mandated referendum vote is held every five years by the California Department of …
Coachella Becomes First to Implement ‘Hero Pay’ Increase for Farmworkers
The Coachella City Council has voted to become the first in the nation to offer something called “hero pay” to farmworkers and other essential employees. The unanimous vote now requires …
Farm Mechanization Key to Addressing Labor Issues Moving Forward
With labor a constant concern for California producers, farm mechanization research and investment present a viable mitigation approach. Mechanized farming equipment cannot address all the issues related to the continually …
MSOB: Beneficial Fungi Showing More Benefits Than Pest Control
Beneficial fungi may do more than just help producers combat pests. Entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) are often thought of as arthropod control in the biologics world. However, the beneficial fungi may …
RENEW WIIN Act Introduced in Congress by Central Valley Lawmaker
Legislation introduced by Representative David Valadao seeks to enhance certain aspects of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act. The Responsible, No-Cost Extension of Western Water Infrastructure Improvements …