Category Archives: Uncategorized

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has designated 55 counties in California as primary natural disaster areas due to damages and losses caused by a recent drought. The counties are: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, El Dorado, … Continue reading →

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) have announced a partnership through the Agricultural Marketing Service Technical Assistance (AMSTA) Project to conduct workshops that will help potential grant applicants … Continue reading →

By Katie Orr California’s urban water conservation rate reached 22 percent in December, exceeding the 20 percent conservation goal set by Governor Jerry Brown. Heavy rain led to reduced outdoor watering. But the State Water Board’s Katheryn Landau says nature isn’t the … Continue reading →

                  On Monday, February 2, US Trade Representative Michael Froman spoke to the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture at its Winter Policy Conference.  Link to speech Excerpts of speech: …”American … Continue reading →

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden (USDA) has announced more than $18 million in grants to educate, mentor, and enhance the sustainability of the next generation of farmers. The grants are available through the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development … Continue reading →

The California State Fair is expanding its commercial competitions for 2015 to include a competition for extra virgin olive oil. Of all the olive oil produced in the United States, California produces 99 percent of it. Extra virgin olive oils … Continue reading →

By Mike Hornick An effort to double California grower contributions to food banks is underway. The California Association of Food Banks and the California State Board of Food and Agriculture have set a goal to increase annual contributions from 100 … Continue reading →

California’s Strategic Growth Council has approved final guidelines for a new program that will integrate conservation of agricultural land into the state’s efforts to mitigate climate change and prevent urban sprawl. The Sustainable Agricultural Land Conservation (SALC) Program will use … Continue reading →

By Edward Ortiz A NASA satellite being launched into space Friday will measure moisture in the top layer of soil, including soil on California farm fields far below. The Soil Moisture Active Passive project is expected to provide crucial information … Continue reading →

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) just kicked off the Organic Survey to gather detailed data on U.S. organic agriculture production. The survey is a complete inventory of all known organic producers that are certified, exempt from certification, and transitioning … Continue reading →