West
Delegation asks USDA for direct relief for winegrape growers
California’s congressional delegation wants winegrape growers to receive financial relief through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP). Beginning May 26, CFAP intended to provide up to $16 billion in direct... more »
USDA-NASS projects California almond crop up 18%
The California Almond Objective Measurement Report, published July 7 by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimates that the 2020 crop will be 3.00 billion meat pounds, up 18%... more »
Annual Santa Maria Strawberry Field Day in virtual format July 28
The University of California Cooperative Extension’s Entomology and Biologicals Advisor, Surendra Dara is hosting the Annual Santa Maria Strawberry Field Day virtually on Tuesday, July 28, from 8 a.m. to 11:40 a.m. Pacific. Agenda is in... more »
Climate Change Consortium for Specialty Crops Report released in California
The California Department of Food and Agriculture, in partnership with the Climate Science Alliance, has released the 2020 Climate Change Consortium for Specialty Crops Report for the Southern California Region, which covers three distinct growing regions:... more »
USDA offers web seminar on proposed rule on organic enforcement
A U.S. Department of Agriculture web seminar will provide an overview of proposed changes to enforcement regulations of organic agriculture. The web seminar is set for 1 p.m. Eastern on July 8 and will review... more »
COVID-19 webinar series offered to agriculture by Western Growers
As California enters peak summer harvest season, there is increasing concern over the potential impact of COVID-19 on the agricultural workforce. To minimize the risks of disruption to our farms and food supply, the CDC... more »
Wearable tech reduces risks of workplace injuries in agriculture
The injury rate for agricultural workers is more than 40% higher than employees in other industries, which is why Western Growers Insurance Services designed the Connected Worker Program to help prevent injuries before they occur.... more »
New Cal/OSHA regulation for outdoor ag operations during hours of darkness
On Wednesday, July 1, 2020 new Cal/OSHA requirements regarding the operation of agricultural equipment between sunset and sunrise will go into effect. The regulation stipulates: All tractors, self-propelled farm equipment and trucks used during these... more »
