…taking a closer look at issues at U.S. ports, including those related to container shortages. Agricultural groups have been working to achieve some kind of positive development on the port…
USDA Makes Additional Funding Available for Value-Added Produce Grant Program
…May 4. Grants can be used for the development of new products from raw agricultural products or to help promote new markets for established products. Those interested in the program…
The Western View: It’s Railfest Weekend in Reedley!
…a newspaper and has written for agricultural publications since the 1980s. He was a regular contributor to California Farmer Magazine. His commentary “The Western View” is a regular feature on…
Proper Lighting for Houseplants Crucial for Livelihood
…has bright indirect light to medium light. Eastern exposure will have direct morning sunlight to bright indirect light. And, Western exposure will have bright indirect light to direct afternoon sunlight. Also,…
Understanding the California Water Futures Market
…a financial buffer for water risk. Kammeyer wrote an in-depth article detailing how the agricultural community can participate in the water futures market. “The idea is that by trading in…
Katherine Tai Confirmed as New U.S. Trade Representative
…when she was first selected by President Joe Biden for the position. Groups including the California Fresh Fruit Association, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Western Growers, and National…
Senate Hearing Highlights Role of Ag in Mitigating Climate Change
Agricultural industry members recently testified at a Senate hearing about the value that farming can provide in addressing climate concerns. Members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and…
Industry Groups Call for Funding to Support Ag Export Markets
…promotional programs for agricultural products in the European Union. As markets begin to reopen globally, the coalition asserts that support is needed to ensure the viability of ag export markets…
U.S. Dairy Groups Call for Reform of Canada’s Administration of TRQ
…International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) issued a joint letter detailing their concern. The groups assert that Canada is not fulfilling its obligation for fair market access under the U.S.-Canada-Mexico Agreement…
‘First Receiver’ Sticking Point for New Food Safety Rule
The new proposed rule regarding food safety is a step in the right direction, however, a definition for a ‘First Receiver’ seems like an issue. The Produce Marketing Association submitted…
Food Traceability Proposed Rule Raises Concerns from Industry Members
…Foods, establishes enhanced recordkeeping standards for foods on the Food Traceability List. Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Vice President of Supply Chain and Sustainability, Ed Treacy said the proposal is a…
Legislation Introduced to Repeal Federal Estate Tax
…Smith recently introduced the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2021. The bipartisan legislation has the support of nearly 150 lawmakers in both houses of Congress. Multiple agricultural groups have also…
New EPA Administrator Michael Regan Confirmed by Senate
…received significant support from the agricultural industry throughout the confirmation process. Ag groups had expressed enthusiasm for working with Regan in finding practical solutions to environmental issues. COURTESY: N.C. Department…
USDA Seeking Comments on Coronavirus Response Grants
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking the public for feedback about coronavirus response grants and the food purchase program. USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is seeking comment on…