…maintains a BRC Double A Plus rating, one of the highest global food safety certifications, but achieving and maintaining that standard is extremely expensive. In addition to regulatory costs, rising…
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…
Pistachios, Water & Trade: Kreps on Farming’s Future
…to agriculture and energy discussions. Tariffs and Global Trade International trade has been another critical issue for pistachio growers. Kreps credited President Trump’s tariff policies with leveling the playing field…
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
…across the state feed the nation and the world. Yet the pressures facing California agriculture are unlike those anywhere else—regulatory hurdles, global competition, labor shortages, and water scarcity test the…
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
…In theory, noncompliant trucks could be denied entry. But as Nunez pointed out, such strict enforcement would cripple California itself—cutting off fuel, food, and other vital shipments. This tension underscores…
Lorenzo Rios: Valley Strong Vision for California
…Flat and Sites Reservoir, streamlining reviews by the Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation, and re-examining outdated Endangered Species Act interpretations. “Our farmers are contributing to national security…
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…
Lisa Kerr Warns of Policy Threats and Fights for California Farmers
…to defend agriculture and bring tools from AI and national security into farm operations. For Papagni and McGill, Kerr’s story was both a warning and a rallying cry. “If you…