…increased safety protocol comes after romaine lettuce contaminated with E. coli sickened nearly 300 people last year. Investigations conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration found that the outbreaks…
CARB and CDFA Develop New Climate-Smart Agriculture Initiative
A new program to advance climate-smart agriculture was recently announced by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The new effort will…
Deadline Extended for Producers to Certify 2018 Crop Production for MFP Payments
…said FSA Administrator Richard Fordyce. “The MFP payments provide short-term relief from retaliatory tariffs to supplement the traditional farm safety net, helping agricultural producers through these difficult times. Weather conditions…
Attract Ladybugs to Your Garden
…include a proper source of food and water. Ladybugs eat two things: pesky insects, and pollen. Get started by making your garden more appealing to them by planting, Bronze fennel,…
California Almond Acreage Increases in 2018
…the International Association for Food Protection, in recognition of the Board’s “preeminence in and contributions to the field of food safety.” “The California almond industry continues to prove itself as…
CFBF: New Nighttime Lighting Requirements ‘Unrealistic’
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) Standards Board recently held a public hearing on the proposed nighttime lighting requirements for agricultural operations. Several ag industry groups expressed concern…
USDA Opens Application Portal for New ReConnect Rural Broadband Infrastructure Program
…create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas….
Legislation to Bring Cell-Cultured Meat Products Under USDA Jurisdiction
…Poultry Regulation Act of 2019 would codify the responsibilities of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over food products that are…
Reminder: Systems Approach to Moving Bulk Citrus
Communication is key to staying compliant while moving citrus. The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is reminding the citrus industry that since Asian citrus psyllid quarantine zones were…
Why Create Your Own Homemade Potting Mix
…actually a blend composed of: peat moss or coconut coir, vermiculite, perlite, sand, and shredded bark or compost. Remember safety first when working with potting mixes and soils. Always wear…
State Trade Expansion Program Deadline Approaches
…Business Administration as a means to increase export activities within the small business sector. The program is administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and those looking…
Identify and Stop Tomato Pests
…ready. For example, a mixture of two cups of water mixed with food grade mineral oil, three drops of dish detergent, and three drops of peppermint oil. Mix the ingredients…
New California Cattle Council Set to Take Shape
…showed that 68 percent of those eligible to participate were in favor of the council being created. The new agency has officially been declared operative by the Secretary of Food…
USDA Update on Farm Bill Implementation Progress
…Food Aid Procurement: On March 26, 2019, FAS announced up to $15 million funding opportunity for Local and Regional Food Aid Procurement. Cochran Fellowship Program 2019: On March 26, 2019, FAS announced…