The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards Board recently held a public hearing on the proposed nighttime lighting requirements for agricultural operations. Several ag industry groups expressed concern …
Sacramento Lawmakers Hear Concerns from California Grape Industry
Several industry members recently went to Sacramento to meet with legislators and regulators to discuss the challenges that California grape producers are facing. President and CEO for Allied Grape Growers, …
Senate Environmental Quality Committee to Review SB458 Amendment to The Statewide Ban of Chlorpyrifos
Senate Bill 458 which was introduced by Maria Durazo, (D, Los Angeles), is a bill which will prohibit the statewide use of chlorpyrifos. Since its introduction, the California Farm Bureau …
Water Allocations Updated for CVP South-of-Delta Contractors
Last week the Bureau of Reclamation issued the updated allocations for Central Valley Project (CVP) South-of-Delta contractors for the 2019 contract year. South-of-Delta agricultural water service contractors will now be …
EU Trade Negotiations Progress Despite Reluctance to Include Agriculture
The European Union (EU) remains adamant in excluding agriculture from any type of free trade agreement while President Donald Trump continues to voice support for EU trade negotiations to incorporate …
Legislation to Bring Cell-Cultured Meat Products Under USDA Jurisdiction
U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith recently introduced legislation that would give the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) the responsibility of regulating, inspecting, and labeling cell-cultured meat products. The Cell-Cultured Meat and …
Farm Groups Ask President, Congress for Disaster Relief
A group of 135 farm organizations and banks that supply seasonal loans to farms and ranches today called on the President and Congress to put aside political differences and supply …
2018 Had the Lowest Wine Export Value in Six Years
The U.S. wine export value declined by nearly five percent last year as trade relations with important wine markets continue to be strained. The $1.47 billion in wine exports was …
Ag Census Looks at Data Differently
The release of the National Agriculture Statistic Service’s Census of Agriculture showed there are more women and younger farmers who are making decisions on farms nationwide. The service found this …
US Wins Another Dispute Over Chinese Trade Practices
A World Trade Organization (WTO) dispute settlement panel found that certain Chinese trade practices were inconsistent with WTO commitments. U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue …
State Trade Expansion Program Deadline Approaches
California officials are currently accepting proposals for the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). The program is a federally funded grant opportunity that is made possible through the U.S. Small …
Effort to Repair Friant-Kern Canal Passes First Hurdle
A bill moving through the state legislature looks to make repairs and enhancements to the Friant-Kern Canal. Senate Bill 559 was authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado, representing the 14th Senate …
NRCS Invites Proposals for 2019 Conservation Innovation Grants
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in California is now accepting proposals for its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program. Up to $500,000 is available for one- to three-year grants. The maximum …
Conservation Stewardship Program Applications Due by May 10
Those looking to enroll in USDA’s Conservation Stewardship Program will have until Friday, May 10 to apply for funding this year. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be investing …