The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing approximately $138 million from the Inflation Reduction Act into 138 new climate-smart conservation easements. These easements, as part of the Agricultural Conservation …
Water Allocation Doubles for the State Water Project
The water allocation for the State Water Project (SWP) has doubled as a result of the storm systems that came through California in February. The forecasted allocation has been increased …
Voices of the Valley: Katie Chiapuzio from Braga Fresh on How Bees Benefit Produce
In this episode of Voices of the Valley, Katie Chiapuzio, Director of Environmental Science and Resources at Braga Fresh, joins Western Growers Jeana Cadby, Environment and Climate Director, and Kara …
Vilsack Urges Toning Down Anti-China Rhetoric, Citing Farm Exports
USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack suggests the U.S. needs to tone down its anti-China rhetoric or else billions in U.S. farm exports to China could be on the chopping block… From …
Reclamation Releases Interim Plan for Colorado River System
As part of the efforts to address the ongoing drought impacts on the Colorado River System, the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Reclamation has unveiled a final plan outlined …
International Complications for U.S. Exports
Agricultural exports a heading down from a post-pandemic peak as experts deal with international complications that can stunt export growth or, sometimes, stop exports altogether. According to USDA, the value …
Westlands Water District Surpasses Groundwater Recharge Goal
Westlands Water District has surpassed its goal for groundwater recharge over the last 12 months. The District has successfully recharged 380,000 acre-feet of surface water into its aquifers since March …
Global Direct-to-Consumer Food Market Growing
The direct-to-consumer food market is becoming more popular. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The global direct-to-consumer (DTC) food market is growing fast, according to a new report …
Lawmakers Pushing for Mechanization Funding for Specialty Crops
A coalition of 30 U.S. House members is encouraging the House Agriculture Committee to prioritize federal support for specialty crop mechanization research in the 2024 Farm Bill. The bipartisan effort …
Rep. Duarte Doesn’t Expect 2024 Farm Bill
Congress couldn’t pass a farm bill in 2023, but will it happen this year? Congressman John Duarte, a Republican from California, is unsure if we will see it pass in …
Incentive Programs Helping Cover Crops Thrive in Central Valley
Incentive programs are a vital component to enable farmers to implement new production approaches in their operations. Vice President of Matoian Brothers, LLC., Richard Matoian explained they have been having …
Trade Mission Offers New Opportunities in South Korea
Finding new trade opportunities in South Korea. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Representatives from 49 U.S. companies and organizations are heading to Seoul, South Korea this month …
Additional $205 Million in Funding for Sites Reservoir
Congress has given the green light for a significant boost to the Sites Reservoir Project, based on a recommendation from the Bureau of Reclamation. A total of $205.6 million in …
Ag and Rural Funding in the President’s Budget Request
The Biden-Harris Administration has released the President’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2025. It includes significant investments in agriculture and sustainability initiatives, along with substantial investment in climate resilience. Climate-related …