California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • Dress right for work – New UC IPM online course on PPE

    Spring is in full swing and summer is right around the corner. If you work in agricultural, turf, landscape, or structural settings, you are probably at your busiest. If you handle pesticides as part of your work, you most likely wear some sort of personal protective equipment (PPE). However, do you know if you are wearing the right type for the job that you do? Wearing the appropriate PPE, taking it off the right way, and correctly cleaning it prevents unnecessary pesticide exposure to yourself and others. Learn the steps so you don’t expose your family members or those around you to pesticide residues by viewing a brand new online course on Proper Selection, Use, and Removal of Personal Protective Equipment from the UC Statewide IPM Program (UC IPM).

    The course is approved by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) for 1.5 hours in the Laws and Regulations category. This course is designed for all pesticide handlers with the goal to provide them with information on pesticide labels and the California Code of Regulations (CCR) to help them select, wear, remove, and dispose of or store PPE.

    In California, all pesticide handlers (applicators, mixers, loaders, those who transport pesticides, or those who fix application equipment) are legally required to wear PPE. However, in order to get the most protection from PPE, it must be used correctly. Violations involving the incorrect use of PPE were the second most commonly reported type of agricultural-use violation in 2017 as reported by DPR(PDF).

    The new PPE online course opens with a scenario describing a real example of an accident reported to DPR that led to an incident of pesticide exposure because the correct eye protection was not worn. The content that follows is divided into six instructional modules, highlighting types of PPE, how to select it, and when certain items should be worn. Answer short questions about the different types of PPE. Open pesticide labels to learn how to select the right PPE and learn when certain items should be worn. Short how-to videos and animated sequences demonstrate the proper way to put on or remove items such as gloves, coveralls, respirators, and eyewear. You must pass a final test with 70% or higher to receive your certificate of completion and continuing education hours.

    If this is the year to renew your license with DPR, get a jumpstart on it. Take this new course and all the other UC IPM online courses to refresh your knowledge and get the CEUs you need. There is a $30 fee for taking Proper Selection, Use, and Removal of Personal Protective Equipment. You are welcome to view the content for free on YouTube, but without the activities, final exam, and continuing education credit. For more information about license renewal, visit DPR.

  • USDA Providing $8.89 Million for Risk Management Education

    Applications Now Being Accepted

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA) today announced the availability of $8.89 million for risk management education and training programs. The funding will allow organizations such as universities, county cooperative extension offices, and nonprofit organizations to develop training and educational tools to help farmers and ranchers learn how to effectively manage long-term risks and challenges.

    Interested organizations may apply by submitting documentation required as part of the Risk Management Education Partnerships Request for Applications (RFA). The applications are then reviewed, and awardees enter into cooperative agreements that are managed by RMA’s Risk Management Education Division.

    “Risk Management Education helps ensure that farmers and ranchers know and understand what tools are available to them and how to plan for unknown weather and financial situations. We work with private organizations to help us reach a wide range of producers, and connect them with resources from RMA, as well as from our partner agencies within USDA’s Farm Production and Conservation mission area, the Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Service,” said RMA Administrator Martin Barbre.

    Agriculture is an inherently risky business. The farm safety net provides producers and owners various methods to mitigate production and revenue risks and helps to maintain a healthy rural economy.

    Available funding includes $4.73 million for the Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States Program for crop insurance education programs where there is a low level of Federal crop insurance participation and availability. The targeted states are Alaska, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

    Additionally, $4.16 million in funding is available for the Risk Management Education Partnership Program, which provides funding for the development of general nationwide crop insurance education as well as other risk management training programs for producers.

    A broad range of risk management training activities are eligible for funding consideration under these programs, including training on Federal crop insurance options, risk analysis, and changes to the crop insurance program. Partners also can train farmers at all levels on risk management options that help secure local food systems and strengthen rural communities.

    Information about how to apply to these programs is available at Grants.gov (www.grants.gov). For information about the Risk Management Partnership program, search by catalog of federal domestic assistance (CFDA) for 10.460 and information on the Crop Insurance Education in Targeted States can be found by searching for 10.458.

    Applications for both programs are due by 5:00 p.m. EDT on July 30, 2018. All applications must be submitted electronically through the Results Verification System website (rvs.umn.edu) and received by the deadline.

    For the 2017 crop year the Federal crop insurance program insured 311.4 million acres, with 1.12 million policies and $106 billion worth of coverage as of May 4, 2018.

    RMA works with private partners to assist producers, especially limited resource, socially disadvantaged and other traditionally underserved farmers and ranchers, in effectively managing long-term risks and challenges. For more information about RMA, its programs, or to volunteer to serve as a reviewer, visit www.rma.usda.gov.

  • Western Growers’ Statement on Administration’s H-2A Reform Initiative

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture today released a joint cabinet statement on modernizing the H-2A temporary agricultural visa program. In response, Western Growers’ President and CEO Tom Nassif issued the following statement:

    “Any effort to simplify and streamline the federal government’s visa program for agricultural foreign workers – the H-2A program – will be welcomed by our members.

    “While we do not know what the end result will be of the process that begins today, we are hopeful it will enable greater utilization of the H-2A program by the fresh produce industry. We would hope this process will lead to changes in several areas of the existing program, including changes that would accomplish the following:

    • modernize and reduce unnecessary cost of recruitment methods;
    • improve the scope and accuracy of prevailing wage surveys;
    • simplify the application process;
    • incorporate greater flexibility for movement of workers to respond to production needs;
    • clarify interpretations of seasonality; and
    • streamline the approval process for housing and transportation.
    Tom Nassif, Western Growers CEO

    “While this effort to implement administrative changes are most welcome, key aspects of the H-2A program can only be modified by statute. We have grown accustomed to fluctuations in the program’s processes with each administration. Indeed, administrative improvements undertaken by one administration can be, and are, undone by the next, as was done by the prior administration.

    “Though we do support changes to the H-2A program to make the process more efficient, we are concerned with the suggestion that E-Verify would be a part of this proposal. Changes to H-2A should be made to improve the system for the use of all, and any implication that necessary reforms would be limited to those that use E-Verify is concerning.

    “This is why we continue to call on Congress to enact immigration reform legislation that provides a workable path to legalization for our existing workforce and creates a new guest worker visa program to ensure ready access to an adequate supply of labor in the future. Only then can America’s fresh produce farmers plan for long-term sustainability.”

  • Ag Advocacy Group Discusses Legislation at Annual Event in Sacramento

    Members of the California Women for Agriculture (CWA) walked the halls of California’s state capitol last week as part of the organization’s annual statewide meeting in Sacramento.

    “As an all-volunteer organization, CWA is in a unique position to influence our legislative leaders, including California’s Senators and Assembly Members,” said CWA State President Sara Reid Herman. “Sharing our experiences, and how proposed legislation affects us has a profound impact because it comes from the heart. We can offer a unique perspective and legislators appreciate our candid input.”

    Formed in 1975, the CWA is the most active, all-volunteer organization in the state, and its members are actively engaged in public relations, education and legislative advocacy on behalf of agriculture. Several statewide meetings are held throughout the year to brief members on current and proposed legislature affecting California agriculture, as well as ways to better promote the industry in their communities. One of the annual meetings is hosted in Sacramento where members can meet with representatives to discuss issues relevant to the agriculture industry.

    “While providing food is incredibly important, those of us that are involved or interested in doing so are a very small part of the population,” continued Herman. “Legislation, while often well-intended, can have a huge impact of what we do every day. We all have a responsibility to share our voice and passion.”

    Legislative advocacy is one of the three main focuses for the CWA. Before its annual meeting in Sacramento, supporting materials are sent to all California Senators and Assembly Members to encourage productive dialogue regarding current agriculture affairs. After a day of meetings, a legislative reception is held to further encourage networking.

    “When the CWA first formed in the mid-70s, it was rare to see a group of informed, dedicated and confident women walking the halls of the capitol,” stated Herman. “Now, we make it a point to come together as a team every year, and work towards creating positive change in our industry.”

    Herman noted that the CWA’s focus has now shifted from legislation to preparing for its largest fundraiser event, the Ag Boosters BBQ on September 9th at Borba Ranch in Madera. Herman plans to continue to build organization through fostering new internal and external relationships at CWA events scheduled to take throughout the remainder of this year.

    For more information regarding the CWA, please visit www.cawomen4ag.org, or connect with the organization through its Facebook (facebook.com/CaliforniaWomenforAgriculture), Instagram (instagram.com/StateCWA) and Twitter (@StateCWA) platforms.

    About California Women for Agriculture
    The CWA’s mission is to promote and develop the interest of California women involved or interested in agriculture and to promote a strong agriculture industry in California. CWA’s efforts are guided by five principle objectives: to speak on behalf of agriculture in an intelligent, informative, direct and truthful manner; to keep CWA members informed on legislative activities pertaining to agriculture; to join forces when the need arises to deal with agricultural issues and challenges; to improve the public image of farmers and; to develop a rapport with consumers, educators, and governmental & business leaders in communities throughout the State.

  • Minimizing Risks for Food Recalls & What to do During Them

    Special Thanks to This Video’s Sponsor

    Any grower or packer that has experienced a food recall knows how stressful things can get and all that is at stake; yet those who have never experienced them tend to be the least prepared for a recall when it occurs.  Watch this brief video interview with Rachael Dettmann Spiegel as she addressed growers, hullers and processors at the recent Almond Alliance Convention on how to prevent recalls from happening — but also how to deal with them in the event that a food recall does occur, like the one that has been all over the news recently with romaine lettuce.

    Enjoy our Ag video news?  Be sure to let our sponsor Duarte Nursery know & thank them for their industry support!

  • New CA Water Bond on the November 2018 Ballot

    Special Thanks to This Video’s Sponsor

    Great news for growers!  The California Water Bond has been officially approved for the 2018 ballot.  So what does it entail?  Watch this brief video interview with Gerald Meral from the Natural Heritage Institute as he explains and read more about it in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.

    Enjoy our Ag video news?  Be sure to let our sponsor Duarte Nursery know & thank them for their industry support!

  • SB 623 to Protect CA Farmers from Water Board & Provide Safe Drinking Water

    Special Thanks to This Video’s Sponsor

    Farmers in multiple regions of California have been receiving threatening letters from the State Water Board, imposing enormous fines and demanding them to provide clean drinking water to their communities.  The Water Board is preparing to send out hundreds more of these letters to farmers throughout the state.  This is not just; and to protect farmers from receiving these letters, all the while helping to provide clean drinking water to disadvantaged communities, agricultural organizations throughout the state are uniting in support of a new bill SB 623 to accomplish this.  Learn more by watching this brief video interview with Tricia Geringer from Ag Council of California, based on her recent presentation at the Almond Alliance Annual Convention in Monterey.

    Enjoy our Ag video news?  Be sure to let our sponsor Duarte Nursery know & thank them for their industry support!

  • USDA FSA Informational Meeting in the Intermountains, May 15

    –By Laurie Askew UC Intermountain Research & Extension Center

    The Farm Service Agency offices in Klamath, Modoc and Siskiyou counties are planning an informational meeting on Tuesday May 15. The meeting will begin at 10 a.m. at the Merrill Civic Center 365 Front Street, Merrill Oregon. Topics include reporting requirements needed to maintain eligibility for USDA programs, an overview of prevented planting-failed acreage reporting and available disaster programs.  Representatives from crop insurance, Natural Resource Conservation District and Risk Management have been invited to present information.  For more information contact your Farm Service Agency office.  Klamath County 541-883-6924 x 2, Modoc County Farm Service Agency 530-233-4137 x 2, Siskiyou County Farm Service Agency 530-842-6121 x 2

    Modoc County Farm Agency Employees will be available after the meeting to accept acreage reports.

    For persons with disabilities who require accommodations call Federal Relay Service (800) 877-8339

    Jennifer Simon

    County Executive Director

    Modoc-Plumas-Sierra Counties

    USDA- Farm Service Agency

    Office Phone 530-233-4137 x 101

    Fax 844-206-6795

    Attached Files

    Farm Service Agency Meeting May15

  • NO FARMS, NO FOOD, NO FUTURE: AMERICAN FARMLAND TRUST RELEASES NEW REPORT ON THE LOSS OF FARMLAND

    Today, American Farmland Trust releases the most comprehensive assessment ever undertaken of the loss of U.S. farmland and ranchland. “Farms Under Threat: The State of America’s Farmland” sounds a stark warning: The loss of farmland is serious and will accelerate unless we take action. Among the report’s key findings:

    • Between 1992 and 2012, almost 31 million acres of farmland were lost, equal to all the farmland in Iowa,
    • Nearly twice the area of farmland was lost than was previously shown,
    • 11 million of those acres were among the best farmland in the nation,
    • Development disproportionately occurred on agricultural lands, with 62 percent of all development occurring on farmland, and
    • Expanding urban areas accounted for 59 percent of the loss. Low-density residential development, or the building of houses on 1-to-20-acre parcels, accounted for 41 percent.

    “Farms Under Threat: The State of America’s Farmland” is the first step in a multifaceted initiative. This national report will be followed by a separate report later this year that analyzes past farmland loss state by state and looks at the effectiveness of state farmland protection policies. Then AFT will assess a range of future threats, forecast potential impacts to 2040 at a county level and recommend effective policies at all levels that help conserve agricultural land.

    AFT is working with Conservation Science Partners, a nonprofit conservation organization, to ground the report’s findings in reliable data and science. Both financial and technical support has been provided by the USDA National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS)—an agency that provides technical assistance to farmers and land owners and is responsible for improving, protecting, and conserving natural resources on private lands through a cooperative partnership with state and local agencies. A National Advisory Committee provides additional guidance.

    “Farmland is critical infrastructure, akin to roads and bridges,” said John Piotti, AFT’s president and CEO. “Without farms, there’s not only no food, but there’s no future. We need farmland to feed us and sustain our economy—but also to help restore our planet.

    “Action is needed now because lost farmland is irretrievable,” he continued. “Farmers are aging, and the land they steward must be passed on to the next generation. If the trends of the last two decades continue over the next two decades, America will face a future with too few farms.”

    American Farmland Trust’s goal with the release of this study is to get people to appreciate the urgency of the situation, help them see the importance of farmland to our society and understand what can be done to stem the loss. Allowing large-scale farmland loss to continue imperils our ability to feed our growing population. It challenges our economic prosperity. Agriculture accounts for one trillion dollars of the U.S. GDP, each dollar stimulating $1.27 in additional activity. It protects wildlife and helps reduce air and water pollution. Farmland sequesters carbon in soil and plants, holds more water in drought, suppresses fire and provides for flood control in extreme weather conditions. And farmland contributes to the lifestyle we all treasure—as well as scenic views, open space and recreation.

    “Maps of the contiguous United States released as part of the report show actual patterns of farmland loss within counties,” said Dr. Ann Sorensen, AFT’s research director. “It identifies the best agricultural land nationwide by determining which land is most productive, most versatile and most resilient.”

    Plenty can be done to slow the loss of agricultural land, much of which already falls under American Farmland Trust’s day-to-day mission. However, more support is needed from federal policymakers, farmers and landowners, local and state planning authorities and the public if we are to slow the current trends. The report shares AFT’s recommendations for effective action.

    American Farmland Trust is the only national organization working across the aisle and across the country to protect farmland, support farmers, and improve farming practices. AFT’s innovative work is leading a national movement to save the land that sustains us. From the beginning, AFT’s work has been about much more than farmland protection. Saving acreage is not enough. We also need to save the soil and to support the farmers who steward the land. AFT recognizes the powerful interplay between the farmland itself, soil-building farming practices, and the farmers who make it all happen. This holistic approach has enabled AFT to have an outsize impact.

    Anyone who cares about the future of food and farming in the U.S. can contribute directly to American Farmland Trust’s efforts by visiting http://action.farmland.org/FarmsUnderThreat.

    Full report can be obtained at www.farmland.org/FarmsUnderThreat.

  • 2018 Omnibus Bill Nixes DUNS and SAM Requirements for Farmers

    Washington, D. C., (May 2, 2018) – Effectively immediately, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) financial assistance program participants will no longer need a Dun and Bradstreet Universal Number System (DUNS) number, or to register in the System for Award Management (SAM). The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018 (2018 Omnibus Bill), signed by President Donald Trump on March 23, eliminated these requirements.

    According to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, DUNS and SAM were designed for billion-dollar government contractors, not everyday farmers trying to support their families. These changes help streamline the customer experience of farmers, which is a top priority at USDA, he said.

    “This change greatly simplifies the contracting process for our customers and staff,” said Acting NRCS Chief Leonard Jordan. “Conservation program participants will soon receive letters from their local NRCS office with more details.”

    The exemption does not apply to any current or future agreements or federal contracts with eligible entities, project sponsors, vendors, partners, or other non-exempt landowners or producers.

    DUNS/SAM registration is still required for:

    • Partnership agreements entered through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).
    • All agreements with eligible entities under the Farm and Ranchland Protection Program (FRPP)
    • Agreements under the Agricultural Land Easement (ALE) component of ACEP.
    • Partnership agreements under the Wetland Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) component of ACEP-Wetland Reserve Easements (WRE).
    • Watershed operations agreements with project sponsors.
    • Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP) agreements with project sponsors, including Recovery and Floodplain Easements.
    • All cooperative, contribution, interagency, or partnership agreements of Federal contracts used by NRCS to procure goods or services.

    NRCS advises participants in its programs to ignore any emails, phone calls or other communications from third-party vendors offering assistance for registering in SAMS or applying for a DUNS number.

    To learn more about NRCS financial and technical assistance, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov.