Industry groups are celebrating the release of the new organic rules from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Development of the Strengthening Organic Enforcement Rule (SOE) has been a lengthy …
WOTUS Lawsuit Challenges ‘Vague and Unpredictable Standards’
A legal challenge to the new Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule has been filed by a coalition of agricultural and other business organizations. The WOTUS lawsuit has been …
The Start of The New Year Sees New WOTUS Rule
A final rule to define the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act was issued to end out 2022. The final WOTUS rule was announced by …
Workforce Modernization Act Could Save Billions in Labor Costs
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act awaits Senate action during the lame-duck session, and it’s the closest meaningful immigration reform has come to the finish line in years. Research by David …
DPR Seeking Input on Mill Assessment Alternatives
Industry members are being asked to provide comments on potential mill assessment alternatives for the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). As the department’s primary funding source, the mill assessment …
House Acts to Prevent Rail Strike
The House of Representatives Wednesday took action to avert a pending rail strike. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, on the house floor Wednesday, stated, “A shutdown would grind our economy to …
Final Food Traceability Rule Released by FDA
The final food traceability rule has been released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Requirements for Additional Traceability Records for Certain Foods establishes additional requirements under the …
Farm Groups Urge Congress to Better Enforce FIFRA Labeling Parameters
More than 300 agricultural, environmental, and other stakeholder groups are encouraging Congress to reaffirm federal authority over pesticide products. The coalition notes that the statute governing pesticides, the Federal Insecticide, …
DPR Updating Rules Related to 1,3-D Exposure
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has introduced proposed regulations related to 1,3- dichloropropene (1,3-D). DPR Director, Julie Henderson said that the action is meant to lower the risk …
Further Increases to Water Fees ‘Reprehensible’
The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) has moved forward with a proposal to further increase water fees for several programs. President and CEO of the Western Agricultural Processors Association …
Farmers, Ag Organizations Against EPA Proposal
More than 16,000 farmers and agricultural organizations recently united against EPA’s proposed revision to its 2020 atrazine registration review decision. The farmers and agricultural organizations representing corn, citrus, grain sorghum, …
‘Bad Precedent’ in Allowing Bumblebee Species to be Considered Fish
The California Supreme Court has denied a petition to prevent four bumblebee species from being classified as fish under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA). President and CEO of the …
Oral Arguments in Prop 12 Case Underway in Supreme Court
The U.S. Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments this week on a case centered on California’s Prop 12. In the case NPPC v. Ross, the National Pork Producers Council (NPPC) …
DLSE Reviewing FLC Exam Results After Discovery of Discrepancies
Some Farm Labor Contractors (FLCs) that failed the state licensing exam, may have actually passed. Last month, the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE) realized that mistakes were made when …