Several members of Congress are asking President Biden to declare a drought disaster in the western United States as record temperatures and wildfires hit several states hard. Democrats Joe Neguse …
Groups Disappointed in Neonicotinoid Evaluation
Grower organizations representing a variety of crops are disappointed with the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft biological evaluation for several neonicotinoid products. The groups representing farmers across the country say that …
USDA Announces Proposed Framework for Advancing Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2
The Department of Agriculture is dedicating $300 million in American Rescue Plan Act funding to conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and other emerging and zoonotic diseases. The effort aimed at susceptible …
First Giant Hornet Nest of 2021 Found in Washington State
Agriculture officials found the first giant hornet nest of 2021 last week in Washington state. The nest, located near Blaine, Washington, is about a quarter-mile away from the first reported …
USDA Reports on Farm Computer Usage and Ownership
The Department of Agriculture released the 2021 Farm Computer Usage and Ownership report. The report is conducted every other year and presents data on farm computer usage, including computer access, …
USDA Announces Improvements to the Dairy Safety Net and New Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the details of the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program as part of meetings with farmers and a tour of farms with Senator Leahy. …
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
Organic producers and handlers can now apply for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. Applications for the Organic Certification Cost Share Program (OCCSP) are due Nov. 1, 2021. “USDA …
New Directors of Almond Board of California Begin Their Terms
The new Board of Directors of the Almond Board of California (ABC) took their seats on Wednesday with five voting members – three of them new to the board – …
July 4th Cookout Cost Stable Compared to Year Ago
U.S. consumers will pay just a few cents less for their favorite Independence Day cookout foods compared to last year, including cheeseburgers, pork chops, chicken breasts, homemade potato salad, strawberries …
Fruits and Vegetable Purchases Incentivized with American Rescue Plan
Participants in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) may soon see a temporary increase to their benefits for the purchase …
Grower Liaison Positions Across the State Now Accepting Proposals
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is currently accepting proposals for eight contractors to serve as grower liaisons for several regions or counties throughout the state. As an integral partner in the …
California Almond Acreage Increases in 2020
The Almond Board of California (ABC) is releasing two California almond industry acreage reports: USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) 2020 California Almond Acreage Report including the 2021 preliminary bearing …
E.M. Tharp, WAE Announce Scholarship Winners
World Ag Expo® and E.M. Tharp, Inc. have teamed up again for the 14th annual “We Believe in Growing” scholarship, which supports local high school students who will be attending …
Western Growers Names Next Class for Future Volunteer Leaders Program
Western Growers (WG) recently inaugurated the sixth class of its Future Volunteer Leaders Program (FVLP). The FVLP helps to prepare the next generation of agriculturalists to take up leadership roles within the …