…Labor Costs Through Innovation Bernstein explained that The Reservoir is focused on developing, and deploying, technologies to address two of agriculture’s biggest challenges: labor and input costs. “Roughly two-thirds of…
AgNet News Hour Wednesday, 07-09-25
…at the innovation table. They also tackle major challenges like labor shortages, automation bans, and California’s regulatory hurdles, with Bernstein emphasizing the need for inclusive, scalable solutions. Spider mites and…
Fixing Ag Labor: Cunha Pushes for Legal Guest Worker Program
Guest Worker Program Could Ease Labor and Border Strains As California agriculture continues to grapple with persistent labor shortages and mounting immigration challenges, Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers…
Farming Isn’t Easy—But It’s a Story Worth Telling
…the farm and think food comes from shelves. If they could see the hardship and labor we put in, they’d understand.” Through programs like AgNet West and platforms like YouTube,…
Immigration Plan Proposed to Keep Undocumented Farm Workers
…the future of farm labor and rural economies. With labor shortages persisting and food supply chains under pressure, this shift may signal a broader policy evolution heading into 2025. Sponsored…
Cal/OSHA Staggered Schedules, Mask Rules Proposal Opposed
…labor. “Employers would be forced to pay for labor they cannot fully use,” the coalition argued, “while scrambling to cover gaps in essential operations in a strained labor market.” Mask…
Del Monte Foods Chapter 11 Signals Shift in Food Industry
…now filled by private-label competitors. Changing Consumer Habits and Cost Pressures With a growing number of families opting for healthier, fresher foods, the old model of “cans in the cupboard”…
Assemblyman Warns of $8 Gas and Regulatory Strain on Farmers
…much bad policy from the Capitol is driving up the cost of living and harming the ag economy. “There’s a direct correlation between bad policy and the cost of living,”…
USDA Rolls Out New Round of Blueberry Grower Support
…production costs continue to climb and market volatility challenges grower profitability. The funding is aimed at helping producers stay afloat and reinvest in vital on-farm infrastructure, labor, and crop quality…
California Walnuts Battle Global Price Pressure
…exporters face in international markets. California Walnuts Battle Global Price Pressure “India currently imposes a 100% tariff on all California walnuts,” Jameson explained. “That doubles the cost of entry, making…
Southern Border Action Could Protect Farms
Manuel Cunha, President of the Nisei Farmers League, is calling for immediate action at the southern border to address the growing crisis of human smuggling and labor exploitation in agriculture….
Ag Economy Barometer Dips in June, Signals Mixed Outlook
…increasing cost pressures are being felt across operations—even if financial conditions aren’t yet dire. Investment Outlook: A Cautious Optimism In contrast to declining sentiment elsewhere, the Farm Capital Investment Index…
Assemblyman Slams Hollywood Tax Breaks, Defends Farmers
…industry preference. He pointed out the contradiction in lawmakers admitting that overregulation and labor laws were pushing the film industry out—while continuing to burden agriculture with the same issues. “If…
Solar Push Sparks Water, Ethics Concerns in California
AgNet West’s Josh McGill Questions the Cost of Solar “Green” Energy on Ag Land As California continues its push toward clean energy, the agricultural community is raising red flags over…