Many growers have concerns about adding cover crops for bee foraging, but the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) wants them to know there are other alternatives. Cover Crops Just One…
Defining ‘Sustainable Groundwater Management’
When the state announced groundwater management protocols in 2014, they coined the phrase “sustainable groundwater management”. Kings River Conservation District General Manager David Orth said a lot of people are…
Some Extra Conservation Help for Drought-Stricken Producers
Shasta Lake Producers in the driest areas of eight drought states are being targeted for some extra conservation help from the Agriculture Department. Gary Crawford reports. Some Extra Conservation Help…
Editorial: Country of Origin Labeling
…The USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, which enforces COOL, has repeatedly said COOL is not a food safety program, but rather a marketing program. However, as a marketing program it is…
Legislation Introduced in House to Repeal COOL
…labeling efforts, efforts that give consumers the information they are looking for and reward producers all along the supply chain for meeting specifications,” said Ellis. “Programs like Born and Raised…
CDFA Announces 2015 Funding For The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP)
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) begins accepting applications today, May 18, 2015, for the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP), authorized by emergency drought legislation (Assembly…
Vilsack: New Investments in Water Conservation, Resilience Across Drought-Stricken States
…partner investments through the new Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) to put further resources toward projects that foster water conservation and resilience. In the first round of RCPP funding last…
Asian Citrus Psyllid Detected in City of Bakersfield, Kern County
…and the United States Department of Agriculture has begun an extensive survey and treatment program in response to the detection of an Asian citrus psyllid in the city of Bakersfield…
CDFA Announces Vacancies On The Fertilizer Research and Education Program’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee
The California Department of Food and Agriculture is announcing three vacancies on the Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP)’s Technical Advisory Subcommittee. This subcommittee reviews and recommends fertilizer research and…
Governor’s May Revise Budget Doubles-Down on CDFA Drought and Climate Change Programs
…substantial assistance to farmers to increase their water efficiency, reduce greenhouse gases, build dairy digesters and increase soil resilience. The State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program (SWEEP) would receive $40…
Almond Leaching Programs Starting Too Late
Almond growers waiting for rains before starting dormant season leaching programs could be hurting their trees. Programs Starting Too Late Less rains during the season means more water with varying…
USDA Announces Funding to Assist with Organic Certification Costs
…provided on a cost share basis and certification assistance is distributed by two programs. Through the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program, $11 million is available to organic farms and…
CDFA’s Drought Resources Web Page; a Useful Tool for Farmers, Ranchers and Farmworkers
CDFA’s Drought Resources web page stands as a valuable tool for farmers, ranchers and farmworkers seeking information about the drought in California and assistance programs. The page features links to…
Healthy Soils Initiative: A Foundation for Agricultural Sustainability and Climate Change Resilience
…including CalEPA, CalRecycle, the Water Boards, the Air Resources Board, the Resources Agency, the Department of Conservation, the Department of Water Resources and others to take stock of current programs…