…automation, with the hosts noting that California growers are desperate for innovation, yet policies like Cal/OSHA restrictions make it harder to adopt technologies like autonomous tractors. Mason said California’s energy…
The Future of California Agriculture: Water, Utilities, and Advocacy Insights from Roger Isom
…year, while sustainable pest management plans increase paperwork for growers without necessarily improving results. Isom also highlighted restrictions on automation, such as driverless tractors, which OSHA prohibits even though autonomous…
Regulations, Water Challenges, and the 2026 Outlook: Roger Isom on the AgNet News Hour
…and crop protection. Sustainable pest management: Phase-out of priority pesticides by 2050 raises concerns about balanced advisory representation. Automation hurdles: Driverless tractors face restrictions under OSHA rules, despite driverless cars…
Navigating California’s Agricultural Regulations: Insights from Bryan Little of the California Farm Bureau
…Little highlights the restrictions on autonomous tractors and other automated agricultural equipment, which are largely governed by Cal OSHA regulations dating back to 1977. “These regulations effectively preclude the use…
California Agriculture News: Labor, Automation, and Policy Updates – AgNet News Hour
…OSHA restrictions prevent deployment of autonomous machinery, creating regulatory inconsistency compared to autonomous vehicles in other sectors. Supporting Farmers and Looking Ahead The AgNet News Hour concluded with a reminder…
Cal/OSHA Staggered Schedules, Mask Rules Proposal Opposed
…mask use—rules that would apply exclusively to agricultural workers. Cal/OSHA Staggered Schedules, Mask Rules Proposal Opposed Staggered Scheduling Model Under Fire In a detailed letter to the Cal/OSHA Standards Board,…
Advocating for Growers and Farmworkers in California Ag
…“We have an in-house counsel, a former judge, that deals with legal issues—OSHA, water, Department of Labor, state wage and hour,” Cunha said. “And we go out to the fields…
Cunha on Immigration, Labor, Regulatory Reform
…Nisei Farmers League provides growers with: Legal counsel (including former judges) OSHA and labor law compliance assistance Support with tractor replacement incentives and air quality upgrades “We’re not just advocacy—we…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 05-15-25
…increases the federal premium cost share from 65% to 80%. It also includes provisions for trade promotion programs and conservation funding. Additionally, CAL/OSHA issued its first citation under the new…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 02-14-25
…focus on a recent AgAlert article by Caleb Hampton that outlines this regulation and updates from Cal OSHA. The conversation also touches on how such technology could transform agricultural labor…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 12-11-24
…autonomous vehicles on farms. They discuss the ongoing conversations and concerns surrounding Cal OSHA’s role in regulating these technologies, focusing on safety, liability, and operational protocols. They highlight the broader…
Almond Update: Ag Business Approaches to Overcome Challenges
…that while almond harvest fortunately does not require as much labor as other crops, there is still risk related to increasing wages and OSHA standards. Diversification has helped Athwal mitigate…
Wildfire Smoke a Risk to Crews in the Field
…to a different field or ending shifts early if feasible for production. Cal/OSHA offers fact sheets and FAQs on its website to support agriculture employers during seasons with heavy wildfire…
Water, Rest, and Shade are Key to Heat Illness Prevention Plans
…by Cal/OSHA is not having plans or lacking effective communication of those plans. Heat illness prevention plans should be printed in English and in any languages spoken by employees. It…