…availability for granted, unaware of increasing costs and shrinking family farms. He critiques state agencies, such as the Department of Pesticide Regulation, for prioritizing process over practical outcomes and failing…
Inside California’s Organic Farming Boom: Technology, Labor, and the Fight for Farmland
…turkeys, stuffing, and side dishes across the country. The Continued Growth of Organic Agriculture Looking ahead, Jacobs believes organic demand will keep rising as consumers become more aware of pesticide…
Organic Growers Summit 2025 in Monterey: Technology, Education, and Sustainable Farming Innovations
…from experienced professionals. Jungman emphasized the importance of introducing young people to organic and general agriculture early, noting ongoing support from organizations like FFA and community colleges. Navigating Pesticides and…
California Table Grapes: A Strong, High-Quality Season
…many competing regions. California leads the nation with: One of the highest minimum wages A 40-hour agricultural work week A fully developed Department of Pesticide Regulation These safeguards differentiate California…
Ian LeMay Shares California Table Grape Success Story Amid Global Competition
…regulated environment. “Yes, the costs are higher — from labor to pesticide regulation — but that’s also our badge of honor,” he said. “When buyers purchase California grapes, they can…
AI and Automation Drive Florida’s AgTech Revolution
…in the state that’ll pay a significant portion of the cost,” Boyd said. “They recognize the benefits of reducing pesticide use.” At FIRA, Boyd expressed particular interest in new targeted…
CAPCA 2025: PCAs, Innovation, and Leadership Take Center Stage
…that balances education, networking, and real-world problem-solving. Anderson also discussed major issues facing PCAs, from rat infestations damaging drip systems to changing pesticide regulations, and expressed optimism that collaboration between…
Tariffs, Trade, and Table Grapes: Richard Matoian Shares Insights on California Farming Challenges
…thousand cuts.” New rules, from water restrictions to pesticide reporting mandates, add layers of difficulty for growers already facing razor-thin margins. He warned that transparency rules like public “spray day”…
From Olives to Almonds: Melissa Oberti Shares Her Family’s Farming Legacy and the Struggles Facing California Growers
…pesticide bans that fuel rodent infestations, she argued that Sacramento lawmakers lack both “skin in the game” and basic understanding of agriculture. “They make rules and policies without knowing what…
Melissa Oberti on Grapes, Almonds, and Water Challenges
…grape production. Almond orchards face rodent infestations, with limited pesticide options. Rising costs for labor, utilities, and materials challenge profitability. “Farming is one of the hardest businesses,” Melissa notes. “You’re…
California Ag at a Crossroads: Syngenta’s Dale Nicol
…to protect local industries. Regulatory Pressures and Political Climate One of the central themes of the interview was the mounting regulatory burden on California farmers. From pesticide restrictions to environmental…
Hilton Eyes Regulatory Overhaul for California Ag
…the State Water Resources Control Board, California Air Resources Board (CARB), and various pesticide regulatory bodies. He criticized what he described as “madness” from CARB, including mandates that push Tier…
CDFA Opens Grant Program for Invasive Pest Management
…Grant Program for Invasive Pest Management Supporting Fast-Response and Research-Based Pest Control Administered by the Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis within the Office of Agricultural Resilience and Sustainability, the…
California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers
…skyrocket—12 to 14 times higher than in years past. These costs span everything from worker safety requirements to administrative paperwork and recordkeeping for water and pesticide use. The regulatory landscape,…



















