Category Archives: Agriculture News

Water Deliveries Soon End For Fresno Irrigation District

Fresno Irrigation District says the FID Board of Directors made the decision at their regular meeting earlier this month to end deliveries to agricultural customers on August 31st. FID provided a 5-month water season starting on April 1st because of strong March storms. The FID announcement also points out that deliveries continued despite a rapid…MORE

Petition to Clarify Labels on Farm Products

A coalition of attorney generals is urging the Environmental Protection Agency to implement a new rule that would create uniform labeling requirements on pesticide products across the country. The coalition believes by streamlining the process and preempting what they say is misbranding in states like California, the rule would lift the burdens currently placed on…MORE

USDA Updates Farm Loan Programs

The USDA is making changes to the Farm Service Agency’s Farm Loan Programs that take effect on September 25th. The changes are intended to increase opportunities for farmers and ranchers to be financially viable. These improvements are part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule. “USDA recognizes that Farm Service Agency’s…MORE

New Help For Farmland Transfer

American Farmland Trust released a new resource that’s available in English and Spanish to build the skills and knowledge of beginning farmers and ranchers participating in a transfer. The “Transitioning Land to a New Generation: Land Transfer Training” curriculum helps to face a pressing need as millions of acres of American agricultural lands are expected…MORE

CBO Says House Farm Bill Cost Will Raise Deficit

The Congressional Budget Office released an official cost estimate of the House Ag Committee’s farm bill and says it’s $33 billion over budget and fails to pay for a large increase in crop subsidies. House Ag Chair GT Thompson says if the CBO doesn’t change its mind, he’ll rely instead on the House Budget Committee…MORE

FTC to Study High Food Prices

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will look into why grocery prices are still high despite falling costs for retailers. FTC Chair Lina Khan made the announcement during a public meeting with officials from the Justice Department on pricing practices. When the FTC votes to authorize the study, major U.S. grocery chains would be required to…MORE

USDA Helping to Combat Western Drought

California is among 12 western states sharing $400 million to address drought through investments at the irrigation district level. “Family farmers, water users, and communities across the American West are facing the effects of a historic 1,200-year drought and a changing climate,” says Senator Michael Bennet (D-CO).”With the investment, they answered our call to bring…MORE

West Nile Virus Found In California Horses

The California Department of Food and Agriculture says so far, two horses in Placer and Yuba Counties tested positive for West Nile virus. As a result, one of the horses was euthanized. Horse owners are urged to have their animals vaccinated to make sure they are protected as much as possible against the disease. To help prevent…MORE

Enhanced Coverage Option Insurance Program

The USDA is making changes to the Enhanced Coverage Option Policy Program beginning with the 2025 crop year. The Risk Management Agency is expanding coverage options to additional crops and increasing premium support to make the policy more affordable for U.S. producers. “RMA is continually responding to needs and adapting our insurance coverage options to…MORE

USDA Trade Mission to Colombia

Alexis Taylor, USDA Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs will lead 24 agribusinesses and organizations, including several from California, on a trade mission to Bogota, Colombia, August 13-15. The mission’s goal is to boost American agricultural exports and build upon the successes of the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. “Colombia is a significant growth…MORE