Locally driven efforts are critical for helping to guide national conservation assistance initiatives. Several leaders of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently heard from industry members about water quantity …
Industry Groups Push Back on Emergency Safety Standards
A group of industry organizations is pushing back against the emergency safety standards that have been put in place in response to COVID-19. The coalition of agricultural and business groups …
Outgoing Administration, 2020 Brought Ag Innovation Progress
Several issues were addressed by the Trump administration that spread up innovation and eases restrictions. The American Seed Association (ASTA) is always at the forefront of innovation in agriculture. One …
FSA Helped Farmers and Ranchers Address 2020 Challenges
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) helped producers address a variety of 2020 challenges. The unprecedented pandemic created turmoil throughout the entire food supply chain. COVID-19 challenges …
AB 1788 Guidance for New SGAR Restrictions
2021 brings new rules regarding some rodenticide use in urban settings. Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1788 (AB-1788) into law back in September. Riverside Agricultural Commissioner Ruben Arroyo said …
Making Preparations for Expiration of Ag Milage Extension of ARB Truck Rule
Many farmers are making preparations for the expiration of the ag mileage extension for the California Air Resources Board’s (ARB) truck rule. The ag milage extension currently allows trucks that are …
FAS Ensures Strength of American Ag Exports in A Challenging Year
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 …