From California Berry Fields to Global Leadership If you’ve ever purchased strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries at your local grocery store, chances are you’ve seen the iconic Driscoll’s label. What …
California Walnuts Poised for Growth as Global Markets Align
California walnuts are entering a pivotal moment—one defined by strong production, expanding global demand, and renewed optimism across the industry. In a wide-ranging conversation on Ag Meter, Robert Verloop, CEO …
Why California Agriculture Is Losing Ground Despite Feeding the World
A National Agriculture Voice Weighs In On Ag Meter, host Nick sat down with Diamian Mason—nationally recognized keynote speaker, podcaster, businessman, and working farmer—to tackle one of the most pressing …
Application Window Closing Soon for Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is offering grants for the 2025 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP). The grants range from $100,000 to $500,000 for projects that …
USDA Report Highlights Slowing Specialty Crop Trade with China
A recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that American specialty crop trade with China has been on the decline over the past several years. In 2023, the …
Bringing Growers Together to Advocate for Crop Protection Solutions
California growers are looking to the IR-4 Project to help with addressing pest and disease management concerns. VP of Environmental Science and Resources at Braga Fresh, Eric Morgan spoke about …
Insurance Options for Specialty and Organic Growers Expanded
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is expanding crop insurance options for specialty and organic growers starting in 2025. The Risk Management Agency (RMA) will offer new coverage options, including …
Funding for Projects Under New Assisting Specialty Crop Exports Initiative
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the availability of funding for the first five projects under the new Assisting Specialty Crop Exports initiative. The program aims to address non-tariff …
Bill Seeks to Bolster the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program
Legislation has been introduced to help better support the specialty crop industry. The Specialty Crops Security Act of 2024 seeks to bolster the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP), increasing …
Lawmakers Pushing for Mechanization Funding for Specialty Crops
A coalition of 30 U.S. House members is encouraging the House Agriculture Committee to prioritize federal support for specialty crop mechanization research in the 2024 Farm Bill. The bipartisan effort …
Specialty CROP Act Seeks to Bolster Ag Export Opportunities
The Specialty Crops Reporting on Opportunities and Promotion Act (Specialty CROP Act) was recently introduced in Congress. It seeks to address challenges faced by U.S. specialty crop exporters, such as …
ERP 2022 Providing More Than $3 Billion to Producers
In a significant move to aid farmers impacted by natural disasters in 2022, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has unveiled a relief program worth over $3 billion. Eligible producers …
New and Improved Crop Insurance Options for Specialty Crop and Organic Producers
Crop insurance options for specialty crop and organic producers are being bolstered by recent actions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Responding to feedback from agricultural producers across the …
Coordination of Specialty Crop Industry Key to Having Needs Addressed
Keeping the U.S. specialty crop industry competitive in a global market is one of the key priorities for the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance. While not advocating for protectionist policies, …