States

California senator hopes to extend pear harvest bill

Senator Mike McGuire has introduced SB702, the Lake County Teen Employment and Training Act, which would extend state legislation allowing 16 and 17 year olds in Lake County, California to work at local pear packing... more »

Severe winters damage Michigan fruit trees

Two severe winters in a row – 2013-14 and 2014-15 – tested the resilience of Michigan’s tree fruit crops. The full extent of the long-term damage remains to be seen, but some lessons have been learned.... more »

Warm winter puts Georgia crops at risk

Georgia growers fear losses for the pecan harvest and early blooms for blueberries and peaches if temperatures don’t drop soon. Heavy rains in December drowned pecan orchards, and the warm winter weather is shortening the... more »

Study: Drought costs Washington state agriculture $335 million

A recent study by the Washington State Department of Agriculture estimates farm losses from the 2015 drought to be in the millions. While all the numbers aren’t in yet, the study estimates more than $335... more »

Oregon State gets federal grant for food safety center

Oregon State University will administer a new $1.2 million center that aims to help small and midsized farms and food processors in 13 western states prevent foodborne illnesses. The initiative was announced today by the... more »