…parties last month and a general public announcement is expected by March. Domestic agricultural support in China is primarily provided by price support and government procurement. The Chinese government buys…
Western View: Can’t Farm Enough? Here’s your App
…Len Wilcox is a retired scientist who also ran a newspaper and has written for agricultural publications since the 1980s. He was a regular contributor to California Farmer Magazine. His…
Federal Government Reopens for Now
After a month-long shutdown, the federal government reopens officially for three weeks following an announcement from President Donald Trump. The 800,000 federal workers who have been on furlough will be…
Sustainability Concerns More Than Just the Environment
The concept of sustainability in agricultural production goes beyond strictly environmental concerns. While sustainable ag practices often result in better overall conditions for the surrounding environment, those practices also help…
Groups Urge Administration To Lift Metals Tariffs
…Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, the business and agricultural organizations urged the administration to lift the metals tariffs so that Canada and Mexico will rescind their…
Disaster Recovery Bill on Hold Until Government Shutdown Is Resolved
…agricultural disaster package will ultimately be approved, there are still immediate challenges to overcome. “Unfortunately, that bill is not likely to advance in the Senate because it’s going to be…
Meat Inspectors, Price Reporting Staff Still On The Job
…been deemed essential – and been furloughed – U.S. packing plants and the 500,000 workers they employee would have been idled, causing significant disruptions throughout the meat supply chain, from…
EU Won’t Include Agriculture In Trade Talks With U.S.
…is one of the most protected markets in the world for a lot of agricultural products, including pork. We are pleased that the Trump administration has been resolute in its…
Small Farms Negatively Impacted by Agricultural Water Use Misconceptions
Water continues to be an emotional topic in California, with those outside of the agricultural industry often misunderstanding how farmers and ranchers are using water. Even those who outwardly want…
California Lawmakers Introduce New Immigration Legislation for Ag Workers
Three Democratic lawmakers from California have just presented new immigration legislation that would create an opportunity for undocumented agricultural workers to apply for legal status. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Congressman Jimmy…
Longest Recorded Government Shutdown Impacting Key Ag Programs
…the agricultural industry. A total of 25 percent of federal government funding is impacted by the shutdown, including several functions of US Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Environmental Protection Agency…
FSA Offices Reopen for Three Days While Government Shutdown Continues
…form that he will sign, we are doing our best to minimize the impact of the partial federal funding lapse on America’s agricultural producers,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue…
Food Safety Inspections Resuming Amid Government Shutdown
…While approximately 150 workers who have been furloughed during the shutdown will be returning to the food sector, inspections of low-risk foods will remain suspended. In a series of Tweets,…
How Ag is Affected by Governor Newsom’s Budget
…$21.4 billion-dollar surplus, the largest projected surplus since at least 2000, the budget contains some significant investments in agricultural programs. The budget calls for nearly $566 million in funding for…