Agricultural Commissioner Offices have been busy with both conventional and organic complaints about agricultural applications. When those complaints are about drift or a pesticide in general, county offices are required to take …
New Winery Wastewater Regulations: ‘Untenable for Small Wineries’
The State Water Resources Control Board is working on new winery wastewater regulations which present significant challenges for the industry. The permitting process for the updated winery general order appears …
New Proposed Organic Rule Available for Public Comment
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has published a new proposed organic rule in the Federal Register aimed at providing better oversight within the sector. The Strengthening Organic Enforcement proposed …
NEPA Revisions Look to Expedite Projects and Reduce Litigation
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) received its first comprehensive update in more than 40 years. The NEPA revisions were issued by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). The final …
Facility Inspections Resume for Produce Safety Rule
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 …