After a temporary postponement of facility inspections under the Produce Safety Rule (PSR), the practice has resumed. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) began routine PSR inspections last …
Regulation Development A Lot Like ‘Sausage Making’
Typically, the process for regulation development involves a significant amount of time and compromise between varying interests. Stakeholders of all kinds do their best to communicate with regulatory agencies in …
USDA Misses Deadline on Origin of Livestock Rule
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP) has missed the deadline that was given by Congress to finalize the Origin of Livestock Rule. A coalition of industry groups …
Looking Ahead to Potential Ag Order 4.0 Impact
Agricultural industry members remain concerned about the Ag Order 4.0 impact as the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board considers the next step in the process. The draft order …
How to Avoid COVID-19 Paid Sick Leave Penalties
It is important for employers to fully understand what is required under the Emergency Paid Sick Leave Act (EPSLA) provisions of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA). A farming …
Riparian Setbacks Other Big Issue with Ag Order 4.0
The Ag Order 4.0 that is aiming to protect water sources along the Central Coast, just closed its public comment period. Aside from fertilizer limitations that AgNet West reported earlier this week, what …
Efforts Continue to Block Implementation of California’s Proposition 12
An effort to address California’s Proposition 12 that was initiated by two U.S. agricultural groups continues. Last week the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) and the American Farm Bureau Federation …
Ag Order 4.0: Fertilizer Limitations Remain a Major Concern
Central Coast counties are facing a potential operation-changing new regulation in the Ag Order 4.0. Although the proposed rules are only for that region, it could be precedent-setting for the …
Permanent Wildfire Smoke Standard Moving Forward Despite Industry Concerns
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is continuing to advance a permanent wildfire smoke standard. A temporary rule has been in effect since July of last year …
Ag Order 4.0: Farm Impact Stories Needed
Industry members still have time to voice concerns about Ag Order 4.0 before the comment period ends. The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board will continue accepting feedback until …
Reminder: New Nighttime Lighting Requirements Take Effect July 1
The updated parameters for nighttime lighting requirements established by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) are set to take effect on July 1. The ‘Outdoor Agricultural Operations …
Food Supply Chain Protections Strengthened with Memorandum of Understanding
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have been working to enhance food supply chain protections in response to COVID-19. The agencies have …
California Farmers Already ‘Bleeding Cash’ Dealing With Quick Policy Decisions
Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, agriculture leaders are urging policymakers to take more time when implementing changes. Two recent new regulations rolled out on California employers with seemingly little consultation …
New SECURE Rule Updates Biotech Regulations
The Sustainable, Ecological, Consistent, Uniform, Responsible, Efficient rule, known as the SECURE rule, provides updated guidelines for biotechnology regulated under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Plant Protection Act. The new …