…the last decade.” He makes clear that California’s growers aren’t asking for special treatment—just a level playing field. The episode also tackles key federal and state battles. Proposition 12, California’s…
Labor Crisis Still Looms Over California’s Fresh Fruit Industry
…of the most pressing issues in California agriculture: the ongoing farm labor shortage and its ties to immigration policy. Labor Crisis Still Looms Over California’s Fresh Fruit Industry Hopeful—but Realistic—Outlook…
Bianco Slams Solar Panels on Farmland
…from farmers and industry advocates concerned about the long-term impact on California’s food production. Bianco Slams Solar Panels on Farmland “A Rude Awakening” for Sacramento “If I win this election,…
USDA Unveils 7-Point National Farm Security Action Plan
…and domestic vulnerabilities. 1. Protecting American Farmland Ownership At the forefront of the plan is a push to prohibit foreign adversaries from purchasing U.S. farmland. Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance…
Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin Revolutionized American Agriculture
In the late 18th century, a young Massachusetts farm boy named Eli Whitney unknowingly set the stage for a major turning point in American agriculture. At just 12 years old,…
Chad Bianco: “California Is in Crisis—And Agriculture Is Paying the Price”
…AB-1156, a bill allowing solar panel development on farmland in Central California. “You’ve got to be a moron to combine solar panels and farming and think that’s okay,” he said….
California Fresh Fruit Industry Faces Crisis
A Voice for California’s Fruit Growers Daniel Hartwig, President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, joined AgNet West’s “The Ag Meter” to discuss the state of agriculture in California. Representing…
Hilton Slams Solar on Farmland, Pledges Support for California Ag
…leadership and a promise of change. Steve Hilton Slams Solar on Farmland, Pledges Support for California Ag The Crisis in California Ag “The situation keeps getting worse,” Hilton said. “Whatever…
Chad Bianco: “Somebody’s Got to Fix California”
…its agricultural communities. Chad Bianco: “Somebody’s Got to Fix California” California’s farming sector has long struggled under what many consider burdensome regulations and misguided priorities. Papagni opened the conversation by…
San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint Pushes for Bold Water Reforms
The San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint, a diverse coalition of agricultural, municipal, and community stakeholders, is stepping up efforts to improve water supply reliability in California’s Central Valley. At the…
AgNet News Hour: Citrus Expo Preview, USDA Snap Crackdown, and Chad Bianco’s Bold Vision for California Ag
…interview with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who’s running for Governor of California. Sheriff Bianco lays out his farmer-first agenda, takes on misguided solar development on farmland, and calls out…
California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers
…Hartwig noted, has become increasingly complex, placing California producers at a serious disadvantage. Global Disadvantage for California Growers Hartwig also pointed out the uneven playing field California growers face compared…
Tariffs and Oversupply Strain California Walnut Growers
Robert Verloop, Executive Director and CEO of both the California Walnut Board (CWB) and the California Walnut Commission (CWC), is sounding the alarm over the mounting challenges facing California’s walnut…
Mexico Remains Top Market for U.S. Ag Exports in 2024
…Census Bureau Trade Data via FAS/GATS – inclusive of annual statistical correction released June 2025. Young Demographics and Urbanization Drive Demand Mexico’s expanding population—over 132 million strong—is dominated by younger…