…Effect Wage Rate (AEWR). Introduced by Congressman John Moolenaar, the proposed legislation would freeze the AEWR for H-2A nonimmigrant workers for two years. Wages established in 2023 would be maintained…
Questions and Concerns with California Budget Proposal
…billion from the Legislative Analyst’s Office in December. The proposed plan includes cuts to sustainable agriculture and climate initiatives, increased funding for fruit fly mitigation and to the Department of…
MAP Funding to Support Global Organic Promotion
…exports over the last five years, with Canada and Mexico as primary destinations and emerging markets in Asia, the Middle East, and Vietnam entering the top 10. The USDA estimates…
Almond Update: Increasing Problems with Plant Bug Infestations
…The Almond Conference back in December. Machado noted that damage from the pest has been on an upward trend. “It started to become a significant proportion of the damage,…
California Snowpack Grows Significantly Since Beginning the New Year
While still behind the overall average, the California snowpack has made significant gains since the beginning of the year. On December 31, the snowpack was measured at just 26 percent…
Almond Matters: Getting Ready for the Growing Season
…Burkdoll emphasized the importance of orchard preparations and weed management. “If guys didn’t get an herbicide on in the fall – November and December – right now is a really…
Congressional Effort Seeks to Address H-2A Wage Concerns for U.S. Farmers
…freeze the H-2A wage rates at January 2023 levels,” the lawmakers state in the letter. In their letter, the representatives emphasize the financial strain imposed on farm operations by the…
AgNet Weekly: What’s Ahead for Ag in 2024
2023 was an active year for agricultural issues, so what can we expect for 2024? Host Sabrina Halvorson talks with Brian Kuehl, Director of Government and Public Affairs with the…
California Chill Report: Solutions for Growers Facing Chill Shortages
…that as of December 26, the Shafter CIMIS station has logged 23.9 portions under the dynamic model, with 440 hours below 45°F. The station in Five Points has registered 25.4…
CDFA Puts a Pause on SWEEP Solicitation
…this time. An announcement was made last week that CDFA is “pausing” SWEEP solicitation. The request for grant applications had just opened on December 5. However, “budget uncertainties” have put…
STOP QIP Petition Disqualified
A STOP QIP petition has officially been disqualified by California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross. An announcement was made on December 16. The petition sought a…
Clean Truck Check Deadline Quickly Approaching
…in Phase 2. It requires that vehicles be entered into the CARB database by December 31 and an annual fee of $30 per vehicle be paid. The rule applies to…
California Chill Report: The Crucial Role of Winter Chill in Fruit and Nut Trees
…Davis Chill Calculator shows that as of December 19, the Durham CIMIS station has logged 26.9 portions under the dynamic model, with 470 hours below 45°F. The station in Manteca…
December 31 Deadline for USDA Loan Assistance Applications
…“There’s a due date that’s coming up on December 31st. So, folks can apply to let us know if they did take out those extraordinary measures or if they’re worried…
