Two of the wine sectors biggest industry groups are calling for an elimination of wine tariffs between the United States and the European Union (EU). The Wine Institute and Comité …
New Joint Employer Liability Guidelines Effective in March
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recently issued an update to the definition of what constitutes joint employer liability. While the new ‘four-factor balancing test’ updates the regulation officially, …
Voices Of The Valley Podcast: Using Technology To Make Healthier Cows
This episode of the Voices of the Valley podcast is made possible by HarvestPort, an innovation hub and marketplace for better agricultural products, practices, and ideas. Find out more at …
APHIS Moving Forward with Funding Farm Bill Initiatives
The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will be moving forward with funding several farm bill initiatives. The agency recently announced that it …
Third Tranche of MFP Payments ‘Will Be Imminent’
There have been some misconceptions surrounding the 2019 Market Facilitation Program (MFP) and when the third tranche of MFP payments would be dispersed to farmers impacted by trade tensions and …
Significant Changes to Organic Import Guidelines on The Way
Substantial changes are on the way for the National Organic Program. The Office of Management and Budget is currently reviewing the “Strengthening Enforcement Rule,” which will support ‘a broader strategy …
‘It’s a Process’ to Develop Chlorpyrifos Alternatives
Multiple state agencies are working to develop chlorpyrifos alternatives, as the product is scheduled to be phased out entirely at the end of 2020. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation …
Ag Groups Respond to Senate Passage of USMCA
Yesterday we were talking about how many agricultural groups were pleased with the signing of the phase-one trade agreement between the U.S. and China. Well, the trade news continues, as …
Legislation Introduced to Allow CBD in Dietary Supplements
Products containing cannabidiol (CBD) are proving difficult to regulate. A new bill seeks to provide regulatory clarity for allowing CBD in dietary supplements. House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson recently …
Chlorpyrifos Alternatives Workgroup Roundtables a ‘Complete Travesty’
The first public roundtable discussion for the chlorpyrifos alternatives workgroup was held at the Mosqueda Community Center in Fresno, with a stated goal of presenting the preliminary recommendations to the …
FSA Encourages Producers to Enroll Soon in ARC and PLC Programs
Producers, Beat the Rush – Call Today to Make an Appointment (USDA/FSA) — USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) encourages agricultural producers to enroll now in the Agriculture Risk Loss (ARC) …
Ag Groups Respond to Phase One Trade Deal Signing
Secretary Perdue: China Phase I Deal is a Bonanza for American Agriculture U.S. Secretary Perdue issued the following statement after President Donald J. Trump signed the historic Phase One Trade …
Phase One Trade Deal Signing: ‘Momentous Day for U.S. Agriculture’
President Donald Trump and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He signed the phase one trade deal between the two countries in the East Room of the White House on Wednesday morning. …
California Budget is ‘A Strong Step Forward’
Governor Gavin Newsom recently submitted the California budget for 2020-21 to the Legislature which contains significant funding support for a variety of programs aimed at the agricultural industry and rural …