While legislatures claim to be working to address the impacts of California’s energy affordability crisis. Assembly Bill 942 is a major step in the wrong direction, according to the Western …
Bill to Ease Waste Reporting Rules for Nut Processors Advances
A bill aimed at easing state waste reporting requirements for certain agricultural businesses has cleared its first hurdle in the California Legislature. Assembly Bill 1046, introduced by Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet …
Tree Nut Growers Prepare for New Water Rules Ahead of 2025 Deadline
The Western Tree Nut Association (WTNA), along with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UCANR), held the first in …
California Wine Grape Crush for 2024
The Preliminary California Wine Grape Crush Report for 2024, recently issued by the U. S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA/NASS), was 2,843,646 tons, a decrease of 22.8% …
Walnuts Declared “Healthy” Under New FDA Definition
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that walnuts meet its updated criteria for foods that can be labeled or identified as “healthy.” This change is designed to …
California Walnut Commission Receives $7 Million to Boost Global Exports
The California Walnut Commission (CWC) announced it has been awarded $7 million in funding from the Regional Agricultural Promotion Program’s (RAPP) second round of grants. The funding aims to expand …
VINE Connect Program Open to Applications
UC/ANR Innovate, the innovation arm of the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, has opened applications for its Vine Connect program. California farmers are at the heart of global …
Sustainable Vineyards Expand in California
Twelve vineyards in California have joined the Sustainability in Practice (SIP) Certified® program, bringing over 2,500 acres of environmentally responsible, socially equitable, and economically viable farmland into the fold. These …
Wine Industry Faces Challenges Over Tariffs and Distribution Rules
The U.S. wine industry is grappling with challenges stemming from international tariffs and complex distribution laws, both of which impact the market for domestic and imported wines. Ben Aneff, President …
Global Demand for Tree Nuts Shifts as Top Markets Drive Trade
Tree nut shipments, including almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, have grown steadily over the last decade, with trade concentrated among a few key markets. In 2023/24, the European Union led global …
Vineyard Team Announces 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo Program Lineup
The Vineyard Team has unveiled the program lineup for the 2024 Sustainable Ag Expo, scheduled for November 11-13 in Atascadero, California. The event promises a comprehensive educational experience, offering attendees …
Study: Wildfire Smoke Cuts Nut Production in California Orchards
Long-term exposure to smoke from wildfires can significantly reduce the energy reserves of orchard trees and slash nut production by up to 50%, according to researchers at the University of …
UC ANR Releases First Manual on Olive Oil Production
California olive growers now have access to the state’s first comprehensive guide on producing high-quality olive oil. Published by University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR), the “Olive …
California Wine Industry Facing Several Challenges
Jeff Bitter of Allied Grape Growers was on a panel at a recent California Department of Food and Agriculture meeting highlighting some of the challenges for growers in the state. …