…plant range of 170 species includes many valuable fruit, nut, vegetable and ornamental crops. In August and September of 2015, BMSB was found feeding on citrus, persimmons and apples in…
Leap Year and Ag
…is stored in a small circle of soft starch in each kernel. As the kernel is heated, the water heats, the droplet of moisture turns to steam and the steam…
USDA Invests $25 Million in High-Priority Watersheds to Improve Water Quality
…may want to improve and practices they may want to implement to get them there. Known as a resource stewardship evaluation, this new tool integrates many of NRCS’ planning tools,…
Drought Beer
…important. The flower buds of the hops plant are added to the brew to impart bitterness, unique flavors, and aroma to the finished product. And when it comes to where…
Western View: Riding the Blossom Trail
For Valley people, It’s a special time of year, that time between the cold fog and the amazing heat of summer. It’s suddenly spring with blue skies and wild floral…
Nigiri Project Mixes Salmon and Rice Fields
…annual experiment to “plant” salmon in Yolo County rice fields aims to better explain how floodplains support strong salmon populations. Dubbed the “Nigiri Project” for its sushi-like marriage of fish…
Crop Insurance Organic
…New Coverage Lowers Risk for Producers and Strengthens Farm Safety Net Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new step to support farmers transitioning to certified organic production, by expanding…
DWR Draft Regulations for Managing Groundwater Basins Sustainably
…help local agencies develop their plans. According to Section 10727 (b) of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act, the three options for developing a Groundwater Sustainability Plan include the following: •…
Almond Board: More on AIM
…frog” toward the sustainable farmof the future. It will consider each component of almond farming, from land preparation and varietal development, to equipment and processing. – See more at: http://www.almonds.com/blog/about-almond-board/almond-industry-launches-strategic-plan-accelerate-innovation-and#sthash.GlUZDmUB.dpuf…
California Ag Secretary Lauds Food Safety Program Ready to Implement FSMA Now
Late last year the FDA published the final Produce Rule, which is a key component of new federal food safety laws under the Food Safety Modernization Act, or FSMA. Now…
USDA Expands Insurance Options for Farmers Transitioning to Certified Organic Agriculture
New Coverage Lowers Risk for Producers and Strengthens Farm Safety Net Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a new step to support farmers transitioning to certified organic production, by expanding…
Agri View: GMO Foods Ruling
…bioengineered,” or “not genetically modified through the use of modern biotechnology.” Foods derived from genetically engineered plants must meet the same safety, labeling, and other regulatory requirements that apply to…
TPP Report on Impacts to Agriculture
…Food Safety. U.S. food safety laws will not change at all under the agreement, as the deal affirms that American agencies can regulate food safety. TPP, however, does work to…
USDA Initiative Restores Forests, Reduces Wildfire Threats through Local Partnerships
…unveiled 11 new Joint Chiefs projects totaling $7 million for 2016 and committed additional investments totaling nearly $33 million in 28 projects launched in 2014 and 2015. Local partners plan…