…longer granting the exemptions will present challenges for farmers. But DPR Director Brian Leahy said the department “believes in being very protective when it comes to fumigants.” “We continuously evaluate…
Growing Pains for National Organic Program
The USDA says 18,513 farms and businesses are now certified under the National Organic Program which is an increase of 763 from the year before. The figure is up nearly…
Medfly Infestation Triggers Quarantine in Central Los Angeles Area
…Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) are working collaboratively on this project. The 88-square mile quarantine is…
Drought Could Affect Food Prices This Year and Next
By Ching Lee, assistant editor of Ag Alert With hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland expected to be left unplanted this year due to water shortages, market analysts and…
Americans Eating More Foreign Produce Than Ever Before
…area farmer and President of San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Carlos Castaneda says the need for ag labor is a major factor in why U.S. farmers are not able…
NASS Releases 2012 Census of Agriculture Preliminary Results
How is California agriculture changing? Early data released from the 2012 Census of Agriculture shows the ups and downs of farming in this state. NASS Releases 2012 Census of Agriculture…
Working to Provide Aid for Hog Producers
We’ve mentioned before how many hog producers are being hurt by the Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus and that USDA says it has little current authority and money for disaster aid…
Farm and Nutrition Day Hosts Thousands of Kids
The Fresno County Farm Bureau, Big Fresno Fair and many other sponsors partnered again to bring hundreds of third graders from around the valley to their Farm and Nutrition Day….
Sheep Dog Puts on Show for Kids
Kids get to see a sheep dog work at the Fresno County Farm Bureau’s Farm and Nutrition Day…
This Week @ USDA March 21, 2014
A weekly look at some of the events and activities at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For more information: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/u… http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/u……
USDA Announces Funds to Improve SNAP Employment and Training Programs
…Concannon. “USDA looks forward to using new resources provided through the Farm Bill to connect even more SNAP participants with better work opportunities.” State agencies or private nonprofit groups such…
USDA Announces Growth of U.S. Organic Industry
USDA Announces Growth of U.S. Organic Industry and Additional USDA Support Available with New Farm Bill WASHINGTON, March 20, 2014 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced new figures…
USDA FY2015 Budget Proposal Impacts
…provides examples of benefits to citizens through USDA’s proposed FY 15 budget and breaks down how USDA’s FY2015 budget proposal will support job creation and economic development through rural development…
Pilot Programs Could Reduce SNAP Enrollment Numbers
Employment related pilot programs under the new Farm Bill could reduce Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program enrollment figures. Rod Bain and Secretary Vilsack explain. Pilot Programs Could Reduce SNAP Enrollment Numbers…