A final rule updating the Adverse Effect Wage Rates for the H-2A program has been published in the Federal Register. The amended H-2A wage rules from the U.S. Department of …
AgNet Weekly: Specialty Crops in the Farm Bill
Sabrina Halvorson talks with Robert Guenther, chief public policy officer of the International Fresh Produce Association and secretary of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. Guenther discusses priorities for the …
Current Snowpack Rivals Largest on Record in California
Thanks to several storm systems to begin the calendar year, California’s current snowpack is now on pace to match a historic record. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) reported on …
Six GSPs Approved and Another Six Deemed ‘Inadequate’ by DWR
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) has issued decisions for groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs) for a dozen critically overdrafted groundwater basins. DWR has now provided determinations for 24 of the …
Budget Constraints Threaten Important Ag Incentive Programs
California budget constraints are coming at a time when farmers are working to meet ambitious climate goals. President and CEO of the Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA), Roger Isom said …
First 2023 House Agriculture Committee Hearing Focuses on Challenges
The House Agriculture Committee held its first hearing of the new congressional year, titled “Uncertainty, Inflation, Regulations: Challenges for American Agriculture”. Opening statements from the committee leaders were partisan and …
Western Water Supply Issues to be Addressed in New USDA Strategy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is continuing efforts to address western water supplies through new approaches. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be working to mitigate challenges through …
Biggest U.S. Farms Obtaining More Land
The big are getting bigger. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA’s annual Farms and Land in Farms Report shows the country’s largest farms with sales of $1 …
LandFlex Grants of $25 Million Awarded to Three GSAs
LandFlex grants are being issued to three Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) by the Department of Water Resources (DWR). A total of $25 million has been awarded by DWR and the …
Water Board Suspends Flow Restrictions to Improve Water Storage Opportunity
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has decided to improve water storage levels after an Executive Order from Governor Gavin Newsom. Pumping requirements in the Delta have been suspended, …
Disappointment in FDA’s Proposal for Plant-Based Milk Alternatives
Dairy industry groups have expressed concern about the latest proposal for labeling plant-based milk alternatives. A draft guidance was recently issued by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The …
FACA Farm Bill Priorities Heralded by Industry Members
The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance (FACA) has released its 2023 Farm Bill Policy Recommendations. Developed by a 23-member steering committee, the FACA farm bill priorities are divided into several …
Initial CVP Allocations Announced and SWP Allocation Increased
Initial 2023 water allocations for Central Valley Project (CVP) contractors are larger than in 2022. CVP allocations at this time last year were zero for both north and south-of-Delta contractors. …
FMI Encourages FDA to Refine Healthy Definition
The Food Industry Association (FMI) recently submitted comments to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the agency’s proposed rule to update the definition of the term “healthy.” The FDA …