The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has completed its review of the Final Rule establishing the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. The rule has moved forward in the Federal Register …
Vaccinating the CA Farm Labor Population Has Been ‘Hit or Miss’
Under California’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan, the state has opened up Phase 1B. Individuals 65 and older, as well as three sector populations including education and childcare, emergency services, and …
Secretary Vilsack Declares Drought Conditions in California
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack has designated 50 counties in California as being primary natural disaster areas because of recent drought conditions. In a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom, Secretary …
USDA Makes Additional Funding Available for Value-Added Produce Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced that additional funding will be made available for the Value-Added Producer Grant Program this year. The additional funding is being made possible through the Consolidated …
Almond Update: Mexico, A Surprisingly Primed Market for Almond Growth
Mexico isn’t viewed as a major market for California almonds but the region is primed for exponential growth according to the Almond Board of California. North American Marketing Manager Becky …
UC Wolfskill Not Changing Walnut Improvement Program Focus
Walnut breeders are bullish about their most recent variety release but it isn’t changing their research focus. UC Davis’s Walnut Improvement Program released UC Wolfskill earlier this year. The variety matures …
Golden State Dairy Management Webinars Coming Up March 25
The 2021 Golden State Dairy Management Webinars are coming up next week. Beginning at 1:00 p.m., the conference will take place online on Thursday, March 25. The Zoom webinar will feature UC …
‘First Receiver’ Sticking Point for New Food Safety Rule
The new proposed rule regarding food safety is a step in the right direction, however, a definition for a ‘First Receiver’ seems like an issue. The Produce Marketing Association submitted …
COVID Lockdown Proved Reaching Climate Neutrality Maybe a ‘Daunting Task’
About year ago, the Coronavirus pandemic nearly shut down the entire world and a large percentage of people were forced to stay home. Professor and Air Quality Specialist for the …
California Avocado Marketing Ramping Up with COVID Impacts Remaining
Pandemic trends are still affecting consumers as peak California avocado marketing ramps up. California Avocado Commission Jan DeLyser said despite improvements, they are still seeing consumers cooking at home more …
USDA Seeking Comments on Coronavirus Response Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking the public for feedback about coronavirus response grants and the food purchase program. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comment on …
Citrus Harvest Looking ‘Pretty Good’ Overall
Citrus harvest has been moving along nicely for a favorable market. California Citrus Mutual President Casey Cramer earlier this month said the harvest was going pretty well so far this …
Public Comment Sought for Revised Conservation Practice Standards
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is looking for public comment on a series of proposed revisions. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will be accepting feedback through April 8 on the proposed …
Almond Update: Domestic Marketing Targets Millennial Snacking, Eyes Oat Milk
The Almond Board of California believes there’s room for growth domestically for almonds with a specific generation. Research has shown that millennial-led households snack on almonds less than any other by a …