House Appropriations Committee Chair Rosa DeLauro introduced the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act. The Connecticut Democrat says the legislation will increase and improve the Department of Agriculture’s procurement of fresh…
‘No’ to Immigration Reform – Ag Labor in Limbo?
…without GOP support, there are strict requirements regarding what can and can’t be included in the legislation. Democrats initially said they would keep trying to sway the Senate’s “referee” until…
Ag Groups Frustrated by Assembly Action on SB 559
…Appropriations Committee effectively rendered the legislation useless, according to several ag groups. As a result, California State Senator Melissa Hurtado was forced to pull the bill. The legislation would have…
Ag Industry Gathers to Encourage Governor Newsom to Veto AB 616
…California state Capitol to voice opposition to the card check legislation. Farm employees held signs that said things like ‘save my secret ballot, veto AB 616’ and ‘don’t force me…
Water Provisions of Infrastructure Bill Come After Years of Advocacy
Friant-Kern Canal Agriculture Landscape The $1 trillion infrastructure bill making its way through Congress contains several provisions important to agricultural production. The legislation includes significant investment in water infrastructure in…
EATS Act Introduced to Block California Animal Confinement Rules
The animal confinement rules established in Proposition 12 are now being challenged through Congressional action. Legislation was recently introduced in the U.S. Senate aimed at preventing states and local governments…
AB 616 Passes California Senate, Disappointing Ag Groups
…legislation. Several agricultural groups including the California Farm Bureau Federation (CFBF), Western Growers, and the California Fresh Fruit Association have voiced opposition to the bill. “The fact is that there…
New Emergency Program to Help Rescue Animals During Disasters
…The state will be providing $3 million a year for the program through legislation that was included in the state budget. Funding support for the CVET program will reportedly provide…
Ocean Shipping Reform Act Receives Praise from Agriculture
…legislation seeks to address issues of maritime shipping that have been creating challenges for agricultural exporters. Among other things, the bill seeks to end the practice of shipping companies declining…
Infrastructure Bill to Improve Broadband Access with $65 Billion in Support
…Representatives where it is expected to be taken up sometime in the Fall. The legislation specifically allocates $2 billion for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to build out broadband…
Senate Passes $1 Trillion Infrastructure Investment Package
…Investment and Jobs Act will provide support for the repair and refurbishment of dams and canals. Investments in new water storage and conveyance will also be made under the legislation….
Industry Groups Urge Congressional Support for Climate-Smart Agriculture
…continuing to work with you on infrastructure legislation. We are enthusiastic for the unique opportunity to help farmers and ranchers augment their ongoing environmental stewardship and sustainability efforts.” Other signatories…
Agricultural Overtime: ‘Nail in the Coffin’ for Sheep Industry
The agricultural overtime bill AB 1066 that was passed back in 2016 spells trouble for the sheep industry. The legislation is continuing to be phased in for large employers with…
Secretary Vilsack Talks Drought, Trade, and Labor at Fresno County Farm
…for agricultural workers and their families. Secretary Vilsack highlighted the legislation as a positive example of Congressional cooperation and hopes the U.S. Senate will take action quickly. About the Author…