…Duarte said her mission is generational: “We want to hand the farm down to our children. All food grown in America is safe to eat, and American-grown food is the…
California Raisin Leaders on Trade, Water & Future
…A Different Playing Field While California growers face strict labor, environmental, and food safety regulations, conditions in Turkey are very different. Cardoza described a system where most of Turkey’s 46,000…
Raisin Industry Legends Warn of Challenges and Chart a Path Forward
…grocery chains. He described the challenge of competing with subsidized Turkish raisins, produced under much lower safety and labor standards, while California growers face some of the strictest regulations in…
Plymouth Colony Crops: Corn, Tobacco, and Early Trade
…or maize. Corn was not only more adaptable to New England’s soil and climate but also provided a dependable food source critical for survival. Plymouth Colony Crops: Corn, Tobacco, and…
Kevin Kester on Ranching, Trade, and Ag’s Next Generation
…Wolves, as large as Great Danes, are intelligent, aggressive, and capable of killing for both food and sport. California’s stricter protections for wolves exceed federal standards, leaving ranchers with few…
John Duarte on Central Valley Agriculture: Water, Prop 50, and the Future of Avocados
…beyond farms. California’s trade deficit now exceeds $32 billion, meaning more food is imported than exported. Duarte argued this hurts working families most of all. “Wage-earning families are being crushed,”…
John Duarte Shares Bold Nursery Innovations and Warns of Prop 50 Threat
…loses its voice in Washington,” he said, urging farmers and listeners to mobilize against it. Duarte also tied California’s farm challenges to the larger issue of food security. With a…
Shannon Douglas: Leading California Agriculture Through Opportunity and Challenge
…deeper appreciation for where food comes from. Advocating for Farmers in Washington, D.C. As president of CFBF, Douglas spends much of her time in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento. Her focus…
California Farm Bureau’s Shannon Douglas Tackles Prop 50, Farm Bill, and the Future of Farming
…depend on international markets. The Farm Bill – Current versions overlook specialty crops and need to better support healthy food programs. She also raised alarm over Proposition 50, which she…
Illinois River History: Gateway to Agriculture and Trade
…American tribes, the Illinois River served as a vital travel route, a source of food, and a natural connection between communities. When French traders arrived in North America, they quickly…
California Trucking: Costs, Rules & Roadblocks
…environment where trucking companies are left vulnerable regardless of fault. Safety Technology and Monitoring Drivers To protect themselves, Wildwood Express has invested in safety technology. Each truck is outfitted with…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
…by ensuring that we have quality food grown here in the United States,” Rios said. “We cannot afford to rely on imports. We need to complement the work already being…
Mike Harvey: Farming, Faith & Leading California’s Youth
…food comes from other than the grocery store,” Harvey reflected. Nick Papagni, host of the interview, praised FFA students as some of the best individuals he’s ever met. Harvey agreed,…
Mike Harvey and Lorenzo Rios Share Powerful Stories on AgNet News Hour
…Valley as the heart of America’s food security. Listen to the full episode featuring Mike Harvey and Lorenzo Rios on the AgNet News Hour by clicking below, or on your…



















