…become California’s top priority under her leadership. The Cost-of-Living Crisis Culotti also addresses the everyday realities facing Californians: Rising gas prices Increasing taxes and fees Crumbling infrastructure Expensive housing and…
Cherry Industry Faces Rising Costs, Market Pressure, and Earlier Harvest Window in 2026
…time, production costs continue to climb. Labor remains a major expense, even as technology and automation improve efficiency in packing facilities. Jameson noted that even with advanced optical sorting systems,…
California Cherries 2026: Bigger Crop, Earlier Season, New Challenges
…cargo) Strong U.S. dollar impacting exports Higher input costs like fertilizer and labor At the same time, produce departments have exploded from about 100 items decades ago to nearly 500…
California Cherry Crop Rebounds in 2026 as Growers Navigate Weather and Market Pressures
…cracking and loss of marketability. “If cherries are at the wrong stage, they’ll absorb that water and split,” Jameson noted. Beyond weather, growers are also facing rising production costs. Labor…
California Citrus Outlook Strong Despite Weather Challenges and Rising Costs
…pressures, including rising input costs and supply chain challenges. Packaging, fuel, and labor all continue to impact profitability, often without corresponding increases in retail pricing. “Those costs are hard to…
Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture
…slow due to cost and environmental complexity. Compounding the issue is climate change. Snowpack—once California’s most reliable and affordable water storage—is becoming less dependable due to rising temperatures and shifting…
Smart Water, Stronger Farms: Aqua4D’s Impact on Agriculture
…before it impacts yield. These advancements reduce labor demands while increasing precision and profitability. As Nunes put it, the goal is clear: help farmers spend less time reacting to problems…
From Hand-Husking to Horse Power: The Evolution of Corn Harvesting
The Labor of Early Corn Harvesting Coming up on This Land of Ours, it’s the daily Ag History Minute. Mark Oppold brings us a glimpse into the demanding realities of…
California Ag Faces Rising Costs and Political Crossroads as Governor Race Heats Up
…costs, the discussion also touched on broader concerns about government spending and regulatory complexity in California. Both hosts pointed to large-scale projects and programs that have faced delays or cost…
Steve Hilton Calls for “Abundance and Growth” in California Agriculture
…agricultural sector has been “starved of water,” burdened with high energy costs, and constrained by excessive labor and regulatory pressures. These challenges, he said, have made it increasingly difficult for…
California Governor Debate Highlights Sharp Divide on Energy, Water, and Farm Regulations
…costs and ongoing challenges facing California agriculture. Energy costs emerged as a major concern, with candidates offering competing solutions. Some pushed for expanded domestic oil and gas production and reducing…
Fire Ants Pose Risks to Workers and Equipment in Almond Orchards
…from a small number of bites. This variability makes it difficult for growers to manage labor effectively. Employers cannot always predict how individuals will react, which can complicate decisions about…
California Farming, Water & Pistachios: Inside The Ag Meter Interview
…storage Improve infrastructure Deliver water efficiently across the state According to him, these steps would benefit not just farmers, but fish populations, consumers, and the environment alike. The Rising Cost…
Walnut Orchards to Washington: Jenny Moffitt’s Mission to Save American Farming
…the interview, she addresses the mounting pressures facing California agriculture: Overregulation Water scarcity Labor shortages Rising transportation and freight costs But the solution, she explains, goes beyond policy—it requires supporting…