California’s pesticide regulators have linked the weed killer paraquat to potential thyroid disease and birth defects, though no direct link to Parkinson’s disease has been established. This preliminary report review …
DHS Updates the H-2A and H-2B Visa Programs
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has updated the H-2A and H-2B visa programs, effective January 17, to enhance program integrity and worker protections. Key changes include prohibiting employers, recruiters, …
Report Warns Losing Glyphosate Could Reshape Farm Bill Costs and Policies
A recent report released by The Directions Group, formerly known as Aimpoint Research, outlines potential ripple effects across several key areas of U.S. agriculture policy if farmers lose access to …
COP29 Wraps Up with Mixed Outcomes and Lingering Disputes
The Baku Climate Change Conference, or COP29, concluded early Sunday morning, November 24, after an intense session marked by both progress and unresolved tensions. Delegates worked into the early hours …
CDPR to Begin Reevaluation of Paraquat Dichloride
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (CDPR) is set to begin a reevaluation of paraquat dichloride, a powerful herbicide, in response to new state law AB 1963. The law, which …
CDC Urges Increased Testing for H5N1 in Dairy Farm Workers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is calling for expanded testing of dairy farm employees after a recent study showed possible H5N1 bird flu infections among workers who …
Expansion of MedFly Quarantine Boundary in Alameda and Santa Clara Counties
Effective October 17, 2024, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has expanded the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (MedFly) quarantine boundary to include additional areas in Alameda and Santa Clara …
CAAA: Advocating for Agricultural Pilots Amid Increasing Challenges
The California Agricultural Aircraft Association (CAAA) serves as a critical advocate for agricultural pilots and operators throughout the state. The association works to protect the interests of those in agricultural …
New California Law Limits Non-Agricultural Use of Neonicotinoid Pesticides
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is preparing to implement a new law, effective January 1, 2024, that limits the retail sale and non-agricultural use of neonicotinoid pesticides to …
EPA Finalizes Rule to Reinstate Pesticide Safety Zones
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to restore the 2015 Application Exclusion Zone (AEZ) requirements under the Agricultural Worker Protection Standard (WPS). This rule strengthens protections …
School Nutrition Topic of Senate Ag Hearing
Student nutrition and school meals were front and center at a hearing of the U.S. Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Food and Nutrition, Specialty Crops, Organics, and Research. Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary …
Farm Struggles Similar to Those Seen in 1980’s Continue to Impact Growers
There’s hope that ongoing farm challenges will begin to ease in the near future. Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobson said that it’s been a tough couple years for …
Another Increase to California’s Minimum Wage is On the Way
California’s minimum wage is set to increase once again starting January 1, 2025. The increase applies to all employers, regardless of size. The increase is based on inflation, specifically a …
Restraining Order Against the State Water Resources Control Board Extended
Legal efforts to challenge probationary status under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act continue moving forward. Kings County Superior Court Judge Kathy Ciuffini extended a temporary restraining order (TRO) preventing the …