…encourages the USDA to implement greater flexibility for timelines of conservation programs, particularly with regard to natural disaster recovery projects. NASDA members also passed a policy amendment supporting improvements to…
Groundwater Management Grants Awarded to More Than 100 Projects
…distinct projects aimed at improving various aspects of groundwater management. These initiatives will focus on enhancing groundwater monitoring, boosting water use efficiency, facilitating groundwater recharge, promoting the use of recycled…
One Week Left to Apply for New Organic Transition Pilot Program
…organic certification applications. Eligible organizations include non-profits, resource conservation districts, and universities within the University of California network. Entities associated with the University of California Cooperative Extension, California State Universities,…
Applications for Innovation Grants Due October 30
…Funding is being made available through the Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program from USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “This year’s Conservation Innovation Grants competition is unique in that we’re…
Increased Contracted Production Forecasted for Processing Tomato Industry
…but with favorable factors such as record-high tomato prices and ample water availability, contracted acreage experienced substantial growth. Harvest activities got off to a slower start than usual, commencing in…
New Grapevine Insurance Program Available
…12 months. The program’s coverage encompasses freeze, fire, hail, flood, and the failure of irrigation water supply resulting from unavoidable, naturally occurring incidents. Producers using recognized Freeze Protection methods can…
Dairy Checkoff Smoothie Program Expands
…than energy drinks, flavored water, juices and soft drinks with Gen Z consumers. Dairy Management Inc. partnered with Chartwells K12, a food management company that serves more than two million…
Disappointment with EPA’s Latest WOTUS Rule
A revised Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule has been released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of the Army. The action comes after the U.S….
EPA Amends WOTUS Rule; NCBA Responds
…amending the 2023 definition of “Waters of the United States”(WOTUS) rule (.pdf). EPA Administrator Michael Regan says while he’s “disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision in the Sackett case, EPA…
California Avocado Industry Remains Resilient Through Storm
…and rewards. An abundance of rainfall helped replenish the state’s water supplies and provided ample moisture to support tree health. At the same time, difficult market conditions created some issues…
California to Fund 46 Specialty Crop Projects Through 2023 SCBGP
…conservation within specialty crop production are also receiving grant support. Some of the projects include studying water and heat stress in chili peppers, irrigation practices in pistachio orchards, and evapotranspiration…
Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act Seeks to Bolster NRCS Program
…Merkley have introduced the Healthy Watersheds, Healthy Communities Act. The legislation seeks to make adjustments to the NRCS Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program known as “PL-566.” The proposed legislation…
Positive Outlook for the California Walnut Industry, After Years of Challenges
…temperatures. Ample water supply from an extensive snowpack also supported healthy tree growth across all regions. Adequate chilling hours promoted winter dormancy, and mild spring temperatures facilitated vibrant tree canopies,…
EPA Denies CAFO Petitions from Environmental Groups
…ranchers are committed to ensuring clean water and investing in a sustainable future,” said NCBA Chief Counsel Mary-Thomas Hart. “By rejecting these two petitions that sought to directly attack animal…