…from Costly Policies “There is a direct correlation between bad policy and the cost of living.” — David Tangipa A former Fresno State Bulldog tight end and Fresno County Hall…
Agricultural Prices Rise 1.7% in May Amid Climbing Farm Costs
…commodity prices, farmers faced a 4% increase in production-related costs, including expenses tied to equipment, fuel, fertilizers, labor, and maintenance. As a result, many producers saw profit margins remain tight,…
AgNet News Hour Friday, 07-04-25
…which kept U.S. ag production strong during labor shortages. From history to fireworks, civic pride, and a powerful reminder to thank a farmer—this episode is both inspiring and timely. Whether…
USDA Launches Support Program for Specialty Crop Growers
…growers are contending with rising labor costs, global supply chain disruptions, unpredictable market conditions, and persistent threats from pests and diseases. In response, the USDA program offers flexible funding to…
H-2A Guestworker Program Burdening California Farmers
…transportation, and food. California’s $16.50 state minimum wage sets a high baseline, which significantly increases the total cost of compliance. “It’s a very costly program,” Cunha noted. “It’s not workable…
AgNet News Hour Thursday, 07-03-25
…heavily on seasonal and skilled immigrant labor. As delays in the H-2A program continue to cost farmers millions in lost crops, the potential for reform is welcome news. Nick and…
Water, Land, and Policy: Farmer Andrew Leimgruber Speaks Out
…to support ag labor with overtime tax relief. Instead, local leaders continue chasing geothermal, solar, and now lithium extraction as the next economic boom—overlooking the century-long foundation agriculture has provided….
Cunha: Immigration Failure Hurts America’s Farmworkers
…Nisei Farmers League, spoke candidly about the broken state of America’s labor immigration system—particularly its impact on the people who have worked in U.S. agriculture for decades. Cunha: Immigration Failure…
Manuel Cunha: Work Permits Key for Ag Workforce
Nisei Farmers League President Pushes for Legal Pathway for Farm Labor In a conversation with Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter,” Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, weighed in…
Joel Allen Talks Farm Labor, Immigration, and Pistachio Production Costs
…challenges of labor contracting and immigration policy. “We actually use three different labor contractors, especially for the pistachios,” said Allen. “It’s pretty labor-intensive the first three or four years. Then…
Advocating for Growers and Farmworkers in California Ag
…about how the organization is helping California growers navigate a complicated labor and regulatory landscape. Manuel Cunha Advocates for Growers Through Nisei Farmers League Support Programs “The immigration labor issue…
Jeff Bitter Warns: Wine Grape Growers Face Tough Road Ahead
…Falling domestic wine consumption, especially among younger consumers Excess inventory and vineyard removals Labor and input costs Tariff unpredictability Bitter noted that growers with contracts are holding steady, while those…
Wine Grape Market Struggles: Jeff Bitter Shares Tough Outlook
…rising input costs, and limited sales opportunities. Wine Grape Market Struggles: Jeff Bitter Shares Tough Outlook “We’ve had situations where growers have been unable to find a home for their…
Fixing Farm Labor: Manuel Cunha Calls for Urgent Immigration Reform
Nisei Farmers League President Urges Immediate Action on Immigration as Harvest Pressures Mount Fixing Farm Labor: Manuel Cunha Calls for Urgent Immigration Reform Nick Papagni, “The Ag Meter”, for AgNet…