This week lawmakers addressed border security, immigration reform and and challenges with securing a reliable farm workforce. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack talked about the current farm guest workers program challenges …
Organic Dairy Farmers Struggle to Navigate ‘Terrible Year’ of Drought
Producers throughout the state are struggling to make it through the ongoing drought conditions, and dairy farmers are no exception. The lack of water has left many dairy producers having …
Fruit and Vegetable Trade Increases in First Part of 2021
Trade statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) paint an interesting picture for American fruits and vegetables. USDA data shows that between January and May of this year, imports …
Almond Update: Multiple Benefits of Keeping Orchard Floors Clean
With harvest time here, the Almond Board of California (ABC) is reminding growers about the multiple benefits associated with keeping orchard floors clean. The fundamental advantage is helping to reduce …
Almond Matters: Final Preparations with Harvest on The Way
In today’s Almond Matters, brought to you by Valent, growers are making their final preparations for the coming harvest. Water availability has been a constant struggle this year and growers …
Push for Renewable Natural Gas Usage in California Will Be Costly
The push towards renewable natural gas usage could be a costly move for many agricultural businesses in California. Executive Director of the Agricultural Energy Consumers Association, Michael Boccadoro said that …
New Action Plan for Cyclospora Released by FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released a new strategy guideline for addressing foodborne illness. Similar to what was done to address E. coli outbreaks related to leafy …
Appropriations Bill Includes Additional Funding for Smoke Exposure Research
Funding may be on the way to provide additional support for federal research looking into the issue of smoke exposure in winegrapes. The Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations bill by the …
Big Changes to Coachella Agriculture Over the Past 30 Years
The agricultural landscape of the Coachella Valley has changed dramatically over the past 30 years. Managing Partner of Prime Time International, Mike Way said that is has been disappointing to …
New Online Course on Vertebrate Pest Management Available
An online course on managing invertebrate pests is available from the UC Statewide IPM Program. The course was developed for pest management professionals and growers. It consists of video presentations …
Almond Update: Smaller Objective Forecast, But Demand Remains Strong
The objective forecast for California almonds has come down by 13 percent from the subjective forecast that was released in May. Estimates for the 2021 crop have been adjusted to …
Almond Matters: Heatwave Exacerbating Pest Problems
In today’s Almond Matters, brought to you by Valent, the heatwave that California has been experiencing is prompting more pest activity. Field Market Development Specialist for Valent U.S.A., Todd Burkdoll …
New Disease Resistant Winegrapes Proving Popular with Growers
The five new winegrape varieties proven to be resistant to Pierce’s disease appear to be popular with growers. After becoming available for purchase, nearly 20,000 vines of the new resistant selections were …
Agriculture Foreign Exchange Program Opens Again for 2022
The International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) is once again offering an opportunity to participate in their foreign exchange program. After taking a year off due to COVID restrictions limiting travel, IFYE’s …