At the second annual Salinas Biological Summit on June 25-26, industry leaders are making headway on biological inputs as a tool for improving sustainability in agriculture. Biologicals are based on …
Governor Signs Private Attorneys General Act Reform
Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senate Bill 92 and Assembly Bill 2288 to reform the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). These reforms aim to help workers get fair compensation while …
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 …
FIRA USA Proves to Be ‘Bigger and Better’ in Salinas
The first inaugural FIRA USA event took place in Fresno last year, with a tremendous response from industry members. Senior Vice President of Innovation for Western Growers, Walt Duflock said …
Funding Questionable for New Specialty Crop Farm Bill Programs
by Sabrina Halvorson The specialty crop industry wants farm bill funding for research and new programs, but lawmakers ask, where’s that money coming from? Dave Puglia, president and CEO of …
Significant FDA Structural Changes on the Horizon
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced its intention to make significant changes to its food safety and nutrition division. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf describes the FDA structural …
Grocery Merger Raises Red Flags for Produce Groups
Multiple organizations representing the fresh produce industry are raising concerns about a potential retail grocery merger. The groups assert that a merger between Kroger and Albertsons would have substantial consequences …
Ag Groups Encouraged by Affordable and Secure Food Act Introduction
Senator Michael Bennet has introduced legislation in the U.S. Senate in an attempt to address farm labor challenges. The Affordable and Secure Food Act seeks to reform the H-2A Temporary …
California Could Lose Ground in Autonomous Farming Equipment Development
As the development of autonomous farming equipment moves forward, California could be at a disadvantage. The state has largely been a pioneer in terms of agtech development, particularly for specialty …
Ag Robotics and Technology Conference Highlights Challenges and Potential
An ag robotics and technology forum taking place in Fresno this week has brought together a wide array of those interested in seeing the sector continue to develop. The inaugural …
Ag Groups Express Concern Over Future of Pesticide Labeling
A total of 54 agricultural organizations have voiced concern regarding the possibility of a detrimental precedent being set. A letter was sent to President Joe Biden outlining concerns related to …
Industry Collaboration Helps End Surveillance Sampling of Leafy Greens
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is discontinuing surveillance sampling of leafy greens grown in Salinas Valley. California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) CEO Tim York described the decision …
Inaugural Global Harvest Automation Report Details Interest and Investment
The Global Harvest Automation Report has officially been released highlighting progress and challenges in the sector. Commissioned by Western Growers, the report is the first of its kind and will …
Regenerative Farming: Nothing New to Producers
The concepts of regenerative farming and sustainability were the topic of discussion during one of the sessions at the recent Organic Grower Summit. Moderated by Walt Duflock, Vice President of …