…of the most pressing issues in California agriculture: the ongoing farm labor shortage and its ties to immigration policy. Labor Crisis Still Looms Over California’s Fresh Fruit Industry Hopeful—but Realistic—Outlook…
Bianco Slams Solar Panels on Farmland
…Solar on Farmland Bianco offered blunt criticism of AB-1156, questioning the wisdom of converting productive farmland into solar infrastructure. “Throwing in solar panels and farming in the same conversation—you’ve got…
U.S. Citrus Tariff Threatens South African Agriculture
…Association, the new tariff could jeopardize up to 35,000 jobs, disproportionately affecting rural communities that rely on citrus farming for employment and local economic activity. Such job losses could fuel…
USDA Unveils 7-Point National Farm Security Action Plan
…and domestic vulnerabilities. 1. Protecting American Farmland Ownership At the forefront of the plan is a push to prohibit foreign adversaries from purchasing U.S. farmland. Secretary Rollins emphasized the importance…
Eli Whitney’s Cotton Gin Revolutionized American Agriculture
In the late 18th century, a young Massachusetts farm boy named Eli Whitney unknowingly set the stage for a major turning point in American agriculture. At just 12 years old,…
Chad Bianco: “California Is in Crisis—And Agriculture Is Paying the Price”
…AB-1156, a bill allowing solar panel development on farmland in Central California. “You’ve got to be a moron to combine solar panels and farming and think that’s okay,” he said….
California Fresh Fruit Industry Faces Crisis
…frustration over farmland being converted to solar fields due to lack of water. “Farmers don’t want to put solar on prime land—they’re forced to,” he said. He stressed that the…
Hilton Slams Solar on Farmland, Pledges Support for California Ag
…of “Democrat extremism and incompetence.” Farmers, he argues, are not just battling market forces—they’re battling Sacramento. Slamming AB 1156: “Solar Farms Are a Scam” Hilton took aim at Assembly Bill…
San Joaquin Valley Water Blueprint Pushes for Bold Water Reforms
…Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, and California Governor Gavin Newsom—urging them to coordinate on water policy reforms. Their goal: to align regulatory frameworks and accelerate infrastructure improvements that could…
AgNet News Hour: Citrus Expo Preview, USDA Snap Crackdown, and Chad Bianco’s Bold Vision for California Ag
…interview with Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who’s running for Governor of California. Sheriff Bianco lays out his farmer-first agenda, takes on misguided solar development on farmland, and calls out…
California Fruit Leader Calls Out Regulations Hurting Growers
…California’s agricultural leaders: that well-intentioned but disconnected policymaking is making it harder for farmers to succeed. Hartwig emphasized the need for greater awareness among lawmakers of the real-world impacts their…
Tariffs and Oversupply Strain California Walnut Growers
…2015 and 2016, strong international demand and high prices spurred growers to dramatically increase acreage. Countries like China and India looked like high-growth markets, prompting many farmers to plant new…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-10-25
…most vocal candidates in California’s upcoming gubernatorial race, Steve Hilton. It’s a high-energy episode packed with policy critiques, hard-hitting interviews, and a call to action for California’s farming communities. Hilton,…
Farming Innovation and Rural Sustainability: Inside The Reservoir
…on innovation and sustainability. The conversation spotlighted how this venture is working to reshape farming for long-term viability—both economically and environmentally. Farming Innovation and Rural Sustainability: Inside the Reservoir Reducing…