U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer recently answered several questions about the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which is set to go into effect July 1. Lawmakers voiced several USMCA concerns during a…
More Targeted COVID-19 Relief Sought by Agricultural Industry
Multiple agricultural groups have sent letters to lawmakers seeking additional COVID-19 relief as the industry continues to struggle with the challenges created by the tumultuous condition of the food supply…
Week in Review: Preparing for Triple-Digit Heat and Remote Auditing Leafy Greens
Triple-digit temperatures have arrived in California, highlighting the importance of agricultural operations having their heat illness prevention protocols implemented. Lawmakers and industry members have voiced concerns related to the Farmers…
Lawmakers Raise Questions About Food Box Program Administration
The Farmers to Families Food Box Program that was recently initiated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is facing scrutiny from a group of lawmakers. Several questions regarding the…
HEROES Act Bill Moves Forward to the Senate
…now moves to the Senate, significant changes are expected as several lawmakers have indicated the legislation would not pass as-is. “While I like some of the policy proposals contained in…
Call to Examine Market Concentration in the Meatpacking Industry
…Several lawmakers have weighed in on the need for an investigation into how meatpacking companies are operating within the sector. U.S. Senators Josh Hawley and Tammy Baldwin have asked the…
Including Water Investments in Infrastructure Package Challenging
Agricultural groups have been working for years to get federal support for important water investments in California. Several California lawmakers have also made the point for federal funding to support…
Disaster Loan Program Needs ‘Several Changes’
…while paying their own bills. As lawmakers consider replenishing the disaster loan program, it’s crucial that they ensure agriculture is given equal access to assistance.” The letter also calls on…
‘More Meaningful Consultation’ Needed for New Regulations
…cash because of this crisis,” Puglia noted. “We haven’t had any success getting them to focus on that yet.” Multiple state lawmakers have also voiced concern about increasing regulatory burdens,…
Pushing for the Removal of Payment Caps Under CFAP
Lawmakers and industry groups are encouraging the elimination of the payment caps under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). The $19 billion program includes $16 billion in direct payments for…
Valley Democrats Call for Cooperation in Water Administration
Another group of lawmakers are encouraging Governor Gavin Newsom to take a more cooperative approach to water administration in California. Senator Dianne Feinstein along with Representatives Jim Costa, Josh Harder,…
Lawmakers Propose “California Farmworker COVID-19 Relief Package”
Farmworkers hoeing potatoes on large Central California farm. Credit: Richard Thornton / Shutterstock.com California Assemblymember Robert Rivas introduced a bill that will aid farmworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic titled “California…
Week in Review: Appealing for Regulatory Relief and $5 Billion Sought for Produce Industry
…new regulations. The citrus industry is working to navigate a tumultuous marketing year and lawmakers take issue with Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach to water policy. The most notable agricultural news…
Lawmakers Urge Governor Newsom to Reconsider Incidental Take Permit
…Kevin McCarthy, Devin Nunes, Ken Calvert, Tom McClintock, Doug LaMalfa, and Paul Cook. The lawmakers point out that the ITP undercuts the efforts to ensure that communities are confident that…