The California walnut industry is poised for a turnaround in 2023. Industry optimism follows a string of challenging years marked by drought, poor returns for growers, COVID-related market disruptions, supply …
Proposals for CDFA’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program Being Accepted
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting proposals for the 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The program is designed to help support the competitiveness of …
Tropical Storm Impacts ‘Not as Significant’ As Initially Projected for Fresno Ag
A tropical storm that made landfall in California for the first time in more than 80 years brought significant wind and rain to the state. Southern California was hit the …
USDA Proposal to Strengthen Horse Protection Act
A proposed rule to strengthen horse protection. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) seeks public input on a proposed rule …
Comment Deadline Approaching for USDA’s Handling of ToBRFV
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is still accepting feedback on how the agency should address Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) …
EPA Denies CAFO Petitions from Environmental Groups
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rejected petitions that sought stricter regulations for confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs). Environmental groups had initially sent the CAFO petitions back in 2017 …
Week in Review: Deadline Approaches for FARMER Program & Concerns with EPA’s Vulnerable Species Pilot Program
The California Air Resources Board is accepting applications for the Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a draft white paper …
Study Shows Positive Economic Impact of Soil Health
A new study links soil health and farm profitability. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. The Soil Health Institute (SHI) and the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) …
Week in Review: New Tomato Cost Study Available & New Canadian Import Requirements for Lettuce
A new study from the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics and UC Cooperative Extension highlights production cost increases for processing tomatoes. Canada will once again be implementing …
Conservation Project Supported by USDA Grant of $90 Million
Another project made possible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities will be making funding available to farmers. USDA is investing a total of $3.1 billion in …
Funding Available for Rural Broadband
An unprecedented amount of federal funding is available to expand broadband connectivity across rural America. That’s coming up on This Land of Ours. Rick Cimerman is vice president of state …
Blue Diamond USDA Climate-Smart Grant Program Launches
Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is expanding their sustainability efforts with support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The funding is being made available through USDA’s Partnership for Climate-Smart Commodities …
Executive Order Expedites Levee Repair and Prepares for the Next Wet Season
An executive order was recently signed by Governor Gavin Newsom to help California better prepare for the next wet season. The order is specifically aimed at expediting critical measures including …
Clean Air Act Does Not Impede the Right to Repair
The Clean Air Act (CCA) does not prevent farmers and independent businesses from making repairs to farming equipment. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan made that clear in a …