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 …
‘More Meaningful Consultation’ Needed for New Regulations
Multiple groups representing a broad array of industries have taken issue with the continued rollout of new regulations, despite much of the state being shut down in relation to COVID-19. …
DPR Lists Acceptable PPE Alternatives for Handling Pesticides
In response to the increased demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) created by COVID-19, the Department of Pesticide Regulations (DPR) has issued a list of Acceptable PPE Alternatives for Handling …
HLB Quarantine Regulation Change to Further Protect California Citrus
A slight change in California Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) quarantine rules should further help fight against the spread of the huanglongbing (HLB) disease. In 2018, the California Department of Food …
Permanent Smoke Regulation Imminent as Timeline Shortens
A permanent smoke regulation from the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) is moving forward and industry members have until May 21 to provide comments. The Cal/OSHA Standards Board …
Still Time to Apply for Dairy Methane Reduction Programs
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is still accepting applications for dairy methane reduction programs after having extended the initial deadline by 30 days. In light of the …
Spring Cattle Work Calls for COVID-19 Precautions
The COVID-19 pandemic has much of the California population staying home in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus. Across the state, many grocery stores have had shelves …
Dozens of Ag Groups Ask for Regulatory Pause During Pandemic
Nearly 40 industry groups representing various agricultural commodities are asking for a regulatory pause as California addresses issues related to COVID-19. In a letter addressed to Governor Gavin Newsom, the …
FDA Temporarily Suspends Routine Facility Inspections
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended routine facility inspections on a temporary basis to limit unnecessary exposure during heightened coronavirus concerns in the U.S. The announcement came …
Webinars Remain Available for Continuing Education Units
Online training courses and webinars remain available from the UC Statewide IPM Program, with 16 online courses currently being offered for California Department of Pesticide Regulation credit. Many of the …
FDA Allows for Telemedicine to Meet Animal Health Needs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is continuing to make administrative changes to provide greater flexibility as the country addresses the coronavirus pandemic. As part of the effort to …
EPA Looks to Reduce Time Required for Pesticide Registration
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced a revision to the methods dictating pesticide registration. The new protocol updates how biological evaluations are conducted under the Endangered Species Act …