West

Beckstoffer Vineyards in California donates $100,000 for COVID-19 relief

Andy Beckstoffer of Beckstoffer Vineyard, based in Rutherford, California, announced March 30 that the company will be donating $100,000 directly to individuals, not organizations, most in need in Napa, Mendocino and Lake Counties. Beckstoffer Vineyards... more »

COVID-19 not a current threat to the food system, but California farmers still feel the pinch

COVID-19 does not currently pose major threats to overall global food security because adequate stores of staples – like wheat and rice – remain available. But the sustainability of California specialty crops may face greater hurdles, reported Laura... more »

Stay-at-home order in Colorado recognizes agriculture as ‘Critical Business’

On March 25, 2020, Colorado Gov. Jared Governor Polis issued a statewide Stay-At-Home Order and CDPHE issued the amended Public Health Order (PHO) 20-24 to implement the Governor’s EO. The order began today, March 26, 2020... more »

Bobalu Berries heralds in spring donating berries to local schools

Like many family businesses, Oxnard, California-based Bobalu Berries is navigating through the global issue occurring, but as a farming company, is also navigating through normal spring weather patterns as demand increases for its fresh strawberries.... more »

Feinstein calls on State Department to expedite H-2A visas

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-California, called on the State Department to protect the nation’s food supply chain by ensuring agriculture workers are able to receive H-2A visas during the COVID-19 pandemic. “The ability to harvest food is... more »

Colorado keeps workers home; agriculture exempt as ‘critical business.’

Kate Greenberg, Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture, issued the following statement on March 23: "Customers & Colleagues, Governor Polis issued an order late yesterday directing all Colorado employers to reduce in-person work that takes place outside a... more »

Dedicated website targeted to California food, ag interests

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA’s) COVID-19 dedicated webpage is constantly updated with resources for those in the Food and Agriculture sector, which is regarded as critical infrastructure in this crisis as well as all... more »

Monterey County, ag groups back advisory for agricultural worker protection during COVID-19

On March 20, the Monterey County (Calfornia) Agriculture Commissioner’s Office and Supervisors Luis Alejo and Chris Lopez along with Grower-Shipper Association of Central California, Monterey County Farm Bureau, Monterey County Vintners and Growers Association, Coastal... more »