…Expected harvest: 86.8 million acres (up 5%) 94% of corn acreage is biotech, unchanged from 2024 Soybean Highlights: Expected harvest: 82.5 million acres (down 4%) 96% planted with herbicide-resistant varieties…
CDFA Promotes Water Rule Compliance for California Tree Nut Growers
…state, focusing on pre-harvest agricultural water requirements in the FSMA Produce Safety Rule (PSR). One major outreach effort included participation in the Western Food Safety Conference held in Salinas, where…
California Farm Bureau Responds to Immigration Enforcement Concerns
…that support farming and ranching operations across the state. He noted that continued aggressive enforcement could jeopardize the food supply chain—from harvest to grocery shelves. “Without these employees, crops would…
Joel Allen Talks Farm Labor, Immigration, and Pistachio Production Costs
…all is good on the Allen Ranch.” With harvest season approaching—particularly cantaloupes coming off in late August—the Allens will soon have time to cheer on a familiar face on the…
Jeff Bitter on Challenges and Cycles in the Grape Industry
Allied Grape Growers President Sees Signs of Long-Term Correction Amid Struggles In a recent interview, Jeff Bitter, President of the Allied Grape Growers Association, discussed the tough realities facing California’s…
Jeff Bitter Warns: Wine Grape Growers Face Tough Road Ahead
Allied Grape Growers President Speaks Candidly on Wine Sales, Tariffs, and Industry Struggles At the 49th Annual Allied Grape Growers Luncheon in Fresno, California, Jeff Bitter, President of the Allied…
Wine Grape Market Struggles: Jeff Bitter Shares Tough Outlook
Allied Grape Growers President Warns of Continued Economic Pressures for Non-Contracted Vineyards In a candid discussion with AgNet West’s Nick Papagni, Jeff Bitter, president of the Allied Grape Growers Association,…
Fixing Farm Labor: Manuel Cunha Calls for Urgent Immigration Reform
Nisei Farmers League President Urges Immediate Action on Immigration as Harvest Pressures Mount Fixing Farm Labor: Manuel Cunha Calls for Urgent Immigration Reform Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, for AgNet…
California Eggplant Harvest Begins with Strong Quality Reports
Eggplant production is now underway in California’s Central Valley, with growers noting encouraging early results. The first harvests are producing a strong showing of number-one quality eggplant, particularly in the…
CARB to Develop Biomass Incentives in 2029 Climate Strategy
…necessary space to fully evaluate the life cycle emissions of biomass products—from harvest and processing to energy production and end-use. Understanding the net carbon footprint of biomass is vital to…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 06-27-25
…threat of deportation for long-time community members who have worked in California’s fields for decades. As harvest season hits full swing with tree fruit, grapes, garlic, and almonds, farmers are…
Cunha on Immigration, Labor, Regulatory Reform
…areas.” 2. Peak Harvest Season and Labor Disruptions Cunha described the current agricultural boom, including stone fruit, table grapes, onions, and tomatoes. But despite a strong season, workforce disruptions—particularly Border…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 06-26-25
…Interview: Jeff Bitter on the Wine Grape Crisis Nick sits down with Jeff Bitter, President of Allied Grape Growers, at the Fresno Allied luncheon. Bitter delivers a sobering update on…
Grape Industry Faces Wine Sales Challenges
At the 49th Annual Allied Grape Growers Luncheon in Fresno, key challenges facing the grape and wine industry were front and center. With U.S. wine sales off to a slow…