California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • San Joaquin Agricultural Hall Of Fame Requests 2023 Nominations

    The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame is requesting nominations for outstanding agricultural leaders and mentors in our community.  Now in its 38th year, the Agricultural Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have contributed to agriculture and to their community in significant ways.  Each year, awards are given to at least three living recipients, as well as posthumous ones.

    The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame honors those who have contributed so much to a great part of our heritage.  Our Agricultural Hall of Fame marks the efforts and history of those who have gone before, those who have graced our homes and enriched our hearts and those who in the days past laid the foundation upon which we build for today and tomorrow.  The agricultural community is a wonderful example of people working together and continuing a tradition that has been handed down throughout the years from people who had to sacrifice a great deal, both personally and physically, to nurture our land and our community.

    Nomination forms are available from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce website (http://stocktonchamber.org/ag-hall-of-fame/), and need to be submitted by 5:00pm, Monday, August 15, 2023 in order to be considered.  For more information, please call Carolyn Teixeira Gomes at 209-292-8426 or visit the Stockton Chamber of Commerce website, www.stocktonchamber.org and click on the Ag Hall of Fame link in the signature events menu.

    For a list of past San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame inductees visit the Chamber Ag Hall of Fame page here: http://stocktonchamber.org/ag-hall-of-fame/

    About the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

    Founded on February 21, 1901, the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce speaks for thousands of local businesspeople. For over 122 years, the Chamber has been the authoritative voice in all business matters throughout the Central Valley.  The mission of the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce is to aggressively develop and promote an economically vibrant business community.

    www.stocktonchamber.org.

  • Almond Board of California Directors Announce Clarice Turner as Next CEO

    The Almond Board of California Board of Directors selected Clarice Turner, an experienced global leader in consumer goods, food service and wine and spirits, as the next president and CEO.

    Turner is joining the Almond Board of California (ABC) after most recently serving as president of iconic Napa Valley winery Joseph Phelps Vineyards. She has also held CEO and senior executive positions at Boudin Bakery, Starbucks Coffee Company, YUM! Brands, Papa Murphy’s International and PepsiCo.

    The ABC Board is excited to welcome Clarice to the California almond industry,” said board chair Alexi Rodriguez. “A tremendous amount of thought and effort went into the search process and we couldn’t be more pleased with the result. Clarice brings extensive knowledge and experience that we believe will be a great benefit to the organization and the industry.

    Turner is a ninth generation Californian and has a long history of serving on corporate and non-profit boards including the Culinary Institute of America, Delicato Family Wines, the National Restaurant Association, Washington State University School of Business and San Francisco State University Lam School of Business.

    Along with her former global executive positions, Turner was also an international business major at Fudan University in China and understands the role different nationalities play in trade, business and culture.

    “I am honored to lead the Almond Board of California,” Turner said. “It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to combine my California heritage, roots in generational farming and executive experience to build on the strong foundation established in 1950. I look forward to working collaboratively with the staff, board, growers, handlers and industry stakeholders in the coming years.

    Rodriguez said that in September, Turner will begin working closely with the board, current President and CEO Richard Waycott and the ABC executive team to ensure a smooth transition over the coming months.

    “We are thankful for Richard, not just for his commitment to the industry over the last 21 years, but also for his support during this transition period to make certain Clarice and the organization are set up for success moving forward,” Rodriguez said.

    Waycott informed the board of directors in November 2022 that he planned to step away from his ABC responsibilities at the end of 2023 to pursue other interests.

    About the Almond Board of California

    California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. The Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. It was established in 1950 and is based in Modesto, CA. For more about the Almond Board or California almonds, visit Almonds.com.

  • U.S. Dairy Industry Adds 60K New Jobs and Higher Wages Driven

    The U.S. dairy industry grew significantly over the past two years, adding nearly 60,000 new jobs, increasing average wages by 11%, and increasing its total impact on the U.S. economy by $41 billion, according to the latest economic impact report from the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).

    IDFA’s 2023 Economic Impact Study, which measures the combined impact of the dairy industry—including the milk, cheese, ice cream, cultured dairy products, and ingredients sectors—showed the U.S. dairy industry’s economic impact totaled $793.75 billion. The report is conducted every two years to quantify the industry’s impact on local, state and national economies.

    The newly released figures indicate that the U.S. dairy industry now supports:

    • 3.2 million total jobs, including 1.078 million jobs in dairy product manufacturing, up from 1.018 million jobs in 2021
    • $49 billion in direct wages for workers in the dairy industry, up from $42 billion in direct wages in 2021
    • $72.0 billion in federal, state and local taxes (not including sales taxes paid by consumers), up from $67.1 million in 2021
    • 3% of U.S. GDP

    “The U.S. dairy industry is growing to keep pace with intense global demand, and that means more jobs, higher wages, more tax benefits, and more economic growth for communities across the United States,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “Consumers here in the U.S. and around the world recognize U.S. dairy products for their nourishing and delicious qualities, and they are purchasing U.S. dairy products in record quantities. In turn, American dairy companies are delivering economic benefits to the communities they operate in.”

    The report also demonstrates how dairy product categories contribute directly to the U.S. economy, including:

    • Cheese: Adds $64.5 billion in direct economic impact and supports 59,538 dairy industry jobs
    • Milk: Adds $50.9 billion in direct economic impact and supports 67,995 dairy industry jobs
    • Dairy Ingredients: Adds $20.4 billion in direct economic impact and supports 16,552 dairy industry jobs
    • Ice Cream: Adds $11.4 billion in direct economic impact and supports 27,066 dairy industry jobs
    • Yogurt & Cultured Products: Adds $8.3 billion in direct economic impact and supports 10,867 dairy industry jobs

    The growth in jobs and economic impact comes as demand for U.S. dairy continues to grow. In September 2022, the USDA reported that U.S. per capita dairy consumption jumped 12.4 pounds per person in 2021, continuing a 50-year growth trend that started in 1975 when USDA began tracking annual consumption.

    The study’s findings are available in an interactive economic impact tool on IDFA’s Dairy Delivers® webpage where users can click on an interactive map of the U.S. to learn how dairy impacts their community. Just select an area of the country that interests you—options include the full U.S., any of the 50 states, or any of the 435 Congressional districts. Once you click on the state and/or district that interests you, select View/Print to generate your own detailed fact sheet or economic impact report.

    To learn more, visit www.idfa.org/dairydelivers.

    The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

  • USDA Accepting Applications for Agribusiness Trade Mission to Southeast Asia

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis Taylor will lead an agribusiness trade mission to Malaysia and Singapore on Oct. 30-Nov. 3. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications from U.S. exporters who wish to participate in the trade mission.

    “Malaysia and Singapore are important markets in our efforts to diversify prospects for U.S. food and agricultural exports in Southeast Asia. These markets provide both a source of stability for American exports and a tremendous opportunity to further expand U.S. trade in the region,” Taylor said. “Consumer demand for U.S. products in both Malaysia and Singapore are on the rise, making this agribusiness trade mission extremely timely. It gives U.S. exporters a wonderful opening to build and strengthen their relationships with local importers.”

    Trade mission participants will travel to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, connecting with key importers and learning first-hand from government and industry leaders about local market conditions. They will also take part in one-on-one meetings with potential customers and have the opportunity to visit local retail stores and food manufacturers to round out the program.

    Malaysia relies on imports of many key agricultural products, including wheat, rice, protein meal, dairy products, beef, and most deciduous and citrus fruits. U.S. agricultural and related products exports to Malaysia reached $1.13 billion in 2022. Consumer-oriented products represent nearly half of the total U.S. food and agriculture exports to Malaysia, reflecting growing consumer demand and the burgeoning food service sector. Other U.S. products, including soybeans, processed fruits and, vegetables, tree nuts, and prepared foods also remain popular in the country. Malaysia is a major food processing hub, re-exporting throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

    Singapore is an important logistical hub, hosting headquarters for many key buyers of agricultural and food products in the Asia-Pacific region. U.S. agricultural exports to Singapore grew 190 percent from 2012 to 2022, reaching a record $1.4 billion in 2022. Small and highly urbanized, Singapore depends on food imports from a wide variety of suppliers. Singapore classifies as a high-income country, providing a sophisticated market for many U.S. consumer-oriented products.

    For additional information about this and other USDA trade missions, visit https://fas.usda.gov/topics/trade-missions. To apply for the Southeast Asia agribusiness trade mission. The application deadline is August 2.

  • ICBA Polling Shows Strong Support Among Voters for Bipartisan ACRE Act

    Following today’s Senate introduction of bipartisan legislation to support farmers, ranchers, and rural homeowners, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) released new polling conducted by Morning Consult showing broad support for the legislation.

    The Access to Credit for our Rural Economy (ACRE) Act — introduced in the Senate by Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kansas) and Angus King (I-Maine) following the House introduction earlier this year by Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa) and Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) — would exempt from taxation interest income on farm real estate and rural mortgage loans, allowing community banks to lower loan rates and more efficiently serve these borrowers.

    New ICBA polling conducted by Morning Consult shows strong bipartisan support for the legislation:

      • 70% of U.S. voters said providing tax relief to lending institutions in rural communities would help preserve family farms if these benefits are passed along to borrowers.
      • 59% of voters said providing tax relief to local lending institutions to promote lower interest rates on loans for borrowers in rural communities would have a positive impact on these communities.

    “ICBA strongly supports the ACRE Act to help community banks offer lower rates to rural borrowers and homeowners — and our polling shows that bipartisan majorities of U.S. voters agree,” ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said. “With community banks making 80% of banking industry agricultural loans, this important legislation will help revive and sustain rural economies struggling to overcome the impact of higher interest rates while providing community bank lenders with benefits they can pass on to customers, like other rural credit providers. ICBA and the nation’s community banks thank Sens. Moran and King for supporting a common-sense solution that benefits rural Americans, especially young, beginning, and small farmers and ranchers.”

    The ACRE Act would also provide relief for loans secured by agricultural and aquaculture real estate or by rural single-family homes that are the borrower’s principal residence and below the value of $750,000 in towns with populations under 2,500. ICBA looks forward to advocating for the ACRE Act’s passage on behalf of rural community bankers and the customers and communities they serve.

    About ICBA
    The Independent Community Bankers of America® creates and promotes an environment where community banks flourish. ICBA is dedicated exclusively to representing the interests of the community banking industry and its membership through effective advocacy, best-in-class education, and high-quality products and services.

    With nearly 50,000 locations nationwide, community banks constitute roughly 99 percent of all banks, employ nearly 700,000 Americans and are the only physical banking presence in one in three U.S. counties. Holding nearly $5.9 trillion in assets, over $4.9 trillion in deposits, and more than $3.5 trillion in loans to consumers, small businesses and the agricultural community, community banks channel local deposits into the Main Streets and neighborhoods they serve, spurring job creation, fostering innovation and fueling their customers’ dreams in communities throughout America. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at www.icba.org.

  • $21 Million in Grants to Lower Energy Costs Rural & Ag Businesses

    As part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business-Cooperative Service Administrator Dr. Karama Neal announced that USDA is making $21 million in technical assistance grants available through the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) to help agricultural producers and rural small businesses access federal funds for renewable energy and energy efficiency improvements.

    “Rural America deserves its share of the historic investments in the Inflation Reduction Act,” Neal said. “That’s why the Biden Administration is making sure rural people get a fair chance at grants to make energy more affordable, create new economic opportunity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The technical assistance grants I am announcing today will provide hands-on support to farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners seeking federal funds for renewable energy systems, like wind and solar, and energy efficiency measures. These investments not only help producers and small businesses lower energy costs, but also access new markets and strengthen their operations.”

    Eligible recipients for these grants include state, Tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to:

    •    Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding.
    •    Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources.
    •    Conduct required energy assessments and audits.
    •    Help agricultural producers and small business owners plan, build or develop renewable energy or energy efficiency projects.

    Projects eligible for funding can be located in eligible rural areas in the 50 states, Puerto Rico and U.S. territories.

    This announcement is part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda and the Bidenomics strategy to grow the American economy from the middle out and bottom up by rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure, driving over $500 billion in private-sector manufacturing investments, creating good-paying jobs, and building a clean-energy economy to tackle the climate crisis and make our communities more resilient. REAP is also part of the Justice40 Initiative, which is advancing environmental justice by ensuring that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain federal investments reach disadvantaged communities that are marginalized and overburdened by pollution and underinvestment.

    USDA will give funding priority to applicants proposing to assist disadvantaged communities, applicants pursuing projects using underutilized technologies and applicants seeking grants under $20,000.

    The Department also encourages interested applicants to contact their USDA Rural Development state office.

    For additional information, see the July 13 Federal Register.

    Inflation Reduction Act: Background

    The Biden Administration championed the Inflation Reduction Act to help provide new funding and unprecedented incentives to expand clean energy, transform rural power production, create jobs and spur economic growth. It is the largest single investment in rural electrification since the Rural Electrification Act of 1936.

    Through the Inflation Reduction Act, the Administration is delivering on its promise to fight climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across America. The Inflation Reduction Act provides funding to USDA Rural Development to help eligible organizations invest in renewable energy infrastructure and zero-emission systems and make energy efficiency improvements that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    To learn more about investment resources for rural areas, visit www.rd.usda.gov or contact the nearest USDA Rural Development state office.

    USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov.

  • Eleven New Ag Officers Sworn into Foreign Service

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Alexis M. Taylor administered the oath of office today to 11 employees of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service who will serve American agriculture internationally as members of the Foreign Service, including three from California.

    At U.S. embassies and diplomatic missions on five continents, diplomats begin their careers as agricultural attachés, where they will track and report on global agricultural production and commerce, find export opportunities, improve food security, and support U.S. foreign policy goals.

    “I am extremely proud of this diverse group of diplomats who completed their rigorous training and will now serve on the frontlines of agricultural diplomacy,” Taylor said. “These talented officers will strengthen our Foreign Service as they begin their work protecting and advancing the interests of U.S. agriculture, which today is more crucial than ever as the world’s agricultural trade grows more competitive and dynamic.”

    The officers sworn in today are:

    • Craig Elliot from Petaluma, Calif., assigned to the OAA in Tokyo, Japan.
    • Erica Summe from Florence, Ky., assigned to the ATO in Tokyo, Japan.
    • Harrison Grafos from Spokane, Wash., assigned to the OAA in Dubai, UAE.
    • Joanna Brown from Washington, D.C., assigned to the OAA in New Delhi, India.
    • Jadon Marianetti from San Jose, Calif., assigned to the OAA in Beijing, China.
    • James Yi from Philadelphia, Pa., assigned to the OAA in Hanoi, Vietnam.
    • Lita Echiverri from San Francisco, Calif., assigned to the FAS Agricultural Trade Office (ATO) in Mexico City, Mexico.
    • Rishan Chaudry from Pullman, Wash., assigned to the OAA in Ankara, Turkey
    • Shoshana Griffith from Seattle, Wash., assigned to the OAA in Seoul, South Korea.
    • Tacarra Birmingham from Chicago, Ill., assigned to the FAS Office of Agricultural Affairs (OAA) in Ottawa, Canada.
    • Victoria Dokken from Deltona, Fla., assigned to the ATO in Beijing, China.

    More information about FAS and its work to advance U.S. agricultural interests around the globe is available at www.fas.usda.gov.

    USDA touches the lives of all Americans each day in so many positive ways. In the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA is transforming America’s food system with a greater focus on more resilient local and regional food production, fairer markets for all producers, ensuring access to safe, healthy, and nutritious food in all communities, building new markets and streams of income for farmers and producers using climate smart food and forestry practices, making historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy capabilities in rural America, and committing to equity across the Department by removing systemic barriers and building a workforce more representative of America. To learn more, visit www.usda.gov.

  • Sonoma County Leadership Academy for Vineyard Employees Honors its Second Class of Graduates

    It is thought to be the nation’s only program for vineyard workers intended to create future leaders in their industry and community. “It” is the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Leadership Academy and it held its second annual graduation ceremony yesterday to honor 20 local vineyard employees.

    The Academy does not teach new farming skills. Instead, it focuses on introducing, developing, and advancing vital skills needed for vineyard employees to become future leaders in the wine industry and local community.

    “Our goal is to create future business and community leaders. This is why the leadership academy has quickly been recognized as one of the nation’s premier programs to provide opportunities for all people to learn, connect and lead our industry in the years to come,” said Karissa Kruse, executive director of the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos and CEO of the Sonoma County Winegrowers.  She added, “In fact, the program’s two graduating classes will be traveling to Washington, D.C., at the invitation of Congressman Mike Thompson and attend a reception hosted by the Congressional Wine Caucus.”

    For any sustainable business, particularly a family-owned business, to be successful, new opportunities must be created for employees to learn, connect, and lead in the years ahead. This was part of the inspiration for Sonoma County’s winegrape growers when they launched the nation’s first Leadership Academy for vineyard employees two years ago.

    The Academy provides participants with a unique opportunity to learn about a host of topics taught during the eight-month program including financial literacy, conflict resolution, community resources, communications, wine production and more to provide critical professional development. The Academy courses are offered in both English and Spanish to ensure the content is understood and questions can be asked and answered. Each year, candidates for the program are nominated by their employers and go through a selection process. Each class size is limited to 20 participants to ensure a good experience and an opportunity for individuals to freely ask questions and to build a professional network.

    “From the beginning, we have sought to make this the most meaningful leadership program in U.S. agriculture. There is nothing more gratifying than to see the Academy participants grow personally and professionally in front of our eyes,” said Duff Bevill, chairman of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation’s board of directors. He added, “The sky is the limit for each of these graduates.  Most importantly, our winegrape growing community is committed to continue to support our skilled agricultural workforce and their families for years to come.”

    Next month, vineyard employees from the first and second classes of the  Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos’ Leadership Academy are headed to Washington, D.C. to attend the annual Congressional Wine Caucus reception at the invitation of Congressman Thompson and flying there courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

    “The relationship between Sonoma County winegrape growers and their vineyard employees helps make our wine region one of the best in the world. Through the Leadership Academy and the many other programs offered by the Foundation, it is clear that the Sonoma County winegrowers are putting their employees first and helping them succeed,” said Congressman Mike Thompson. He added, “I am looking forward to welcoming this outstanding group of vineyard workers to Washington, D.C. and thanking them for their incredible work on behalf of our community.”

    The 2023 Leadership Academy graduates are:

    Roberto Alvarez, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards
    Jose Elias Avila, Lynmar Estate
    Pedro Cabrera, St. Francis Winery
    Guadalupe Cespedes, Redwood Empire Vineyard Management
    Cirilo Contreras, Martinelli Vineyard Management
    Jose Ventura Vieyra Garcia, Cornerstone Certified Vineyard
    Jaime Guerrero, Dutton Ranch
    Jose Guzman, Robert Young Vineyards
    Manuel Hernandez, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards
    Maria Hernandez, Bevill Vineyard Management
    Anelly Reyes Jimenez, Cornerstone Certified Vineyard
    Juan Lara, Munselle Vineyards
    Ricardo Morales Lucas, Sangiacomo Family Vineyards
    Jose Martinez, Dutton Ranch
    Oscar Meza, Bevill Vineyard Management
    Ramon Murillo, Vino Farms
    Pablo Ruano, Redwood Empire Vineyard Management
    Jose Saldana, Jordan Vineyard & Winery
    Sal Jimenez Sandoval, Vino Farms
    Isidro Vigil, Atlas Vineyard Management

    About the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos:

    Originally called the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation (SCGGF), Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos was first established in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to help fund educational workshops in Spanish for agricultural employees. Relaunched in January of 2016, the Fundación is focused on improving the lives of Sonoma County’s agricultural employees and their families, while ensuring Sonoma County remains a place where agricultural workers will continue to live, work, and thrive.  In 2022, the first class of the Leadership Academy met to brainstorm names for the Foundation which would best represent them and the work they do.  They selected Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos.  Since its relaunch in 2016, the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos has continuously proven it has a unique model of outreach and support, recognizing and relying on the trusted relationship that farmers have with their employees. The Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos collaborates with various community-based organizations and agencies to identify existing resources, leverage available support, and create new programs to assist local agricultural employees and their families. This includes a focus on leadership, empowerment & recognition, resiliency,  workforce development and being a trusted resource.  The Fundación is managed by the Sonoma County Winegrowers with a 16-member board of directors comprised of agricultural leaders, vineyard and winery owners, and Sonoma County community leaders.

  • July USDA Lending Rates for Ag Producers

    The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for July 2023, which are effective July 3, 2023. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide important access to capital to help agricultural producers start or expand their farming operation, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.

    Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans

    FSA offers farm ownership and operating loans with favorable interest rates and terms to help eligible agricultural producers, whether multi-generational, long-time, or new to the industry, obtain financing needed to start, expand or maintain a family agricultural operation. FSA also offers emergency loans to help producers recover from production and physical losses due to drought, flooding, other natural disasters or quarantine.  For many loan options, FSA sets aside funding for underserved producers, including, beginning, women, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Hispanic farmers and ranchers.

    Interest rates for Operating and Ownership loans for July 2023 are as follows:

    FSA also offers guaranteed loans through commercial lenders at rates set by those lenders.

    To access an interactive online, step-by-step guide through the farm loan process, visit the Loan Assistance Tool on farmers.gov.

    Commodity and Storage Facility Loans

    Additionally, FSA provides low-interest financing to producers to build or upgrade on-farm storage facilities and purchase handling equipment and loans that provide interim financing to help producers meet cash flow needs without having to sell their commodities when market prices are low.  Funds for these loans are provided through the Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) and are administered by FSA.

    Simplified Direct Loan Application

    FSA developed a new, simplified direct loan application for producers seeking a direct farm loan. The new application, reduced from 29 to 13 pages, provides improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application. Producers now also have the option to complete an electronic fillable form or a traditional paper application for submission to their local FSA service center.

    Disaster Support

    FSA also reminds rural communities, farmers and ranchers, families and small businesses affected by the past year’s winter storms, drought, hurricanes and other natural disasters, that USDA has programs that provide assistance. USDA staff in the regional, state and county offices are prepared to deliver a variety of program flexibilities and other assistance to agricultural producers and impacted communities. Many programs are available without an official disaster designation, including several risk management and disaster recovery options.

    Inflation Reduction Act Assistance for Distressed Producers

    On Aug. 16, 2022, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law. It is a historic, once-in-a-generation investment and opportunity for the agricultural communities that USDA serves. Section 22006 of the IRA provided $3.1 billion for USDA to provide relief for distressed borrowers with certain FSA direct and guaranteed loans and to expedite assistance for those whose agricultural operations are at financial risk. In October 2022, USDA provided approximately $800 million in initial IRA assistance to more than 11,000 delinquent direct and guaranteed borrowers and approximately 2,100 borrowers who had their farms liquidated and still had remaining debt. On May 1, 2023, FSA announced that nearly $130 million in additional, automatic financial assistance had been obligated for qualifying farm loan program borrowers facing financial risk. This assistance included:

    • Assistance to direct loan borrowers who were past due on a qualifying direct loan as of Sept. 30, 2022, but by fewer than 60 days, and remained delinquent on that loan as of March 27, 2023.
    • Assistance to borrowers who restructured a qualifying direct loan after Feb. 28, 2020, through primary loan servicing available through FSA.
    • Assistance to borrowers whose interest owed on their qualifying direct loan debt exceeded the principal owed (on a loan-by-loan basis).

    Since payments began in October 2022, USDA has provided $1.14 billion to 20,506 financially distressed direct and guaranteed FSA loan borrowers.

    In May 2023, FSA began accepting and reviewing individual requests for assistance if they took certain extraordinary measures to avoid delinquency on their direct FSA loans, such as taking on or refinancing more debt, selling property, or cashing out retirement or college savings accounts. On May 19, USDA mailed a letter to all FSA direct loan borrowers detailing eligibility and how to request extraordinary measures assistance.

    Also in May, FSA started accepting and reviewing individual distressed borrower assistance requests from direct loan borrowers who missed a recent installment or are unable to make their next scheduled installment. All FSA borrowers should have received a letter detailing the process for seeking this type of assistance even before they become delinquent. As the letter details, borrowers who are within two months of their next installment may seek a cashflow analysis from FSA to determine their eligibility..

    For more information producers can contact their local USDA Service Center or visit farmers.gov/inflation-reduction-investments/assistance.

    More Information    To learn more about FSA programs, producers can contact their local USDA Service Center. Producers can also prepare maps for acreage reporting as well as manage farm loans and view other fam records data and customer information by logging in their farmers.gov account. If you don’t have an account, sign up today.

  • India Will Eliminate Twenty Percent Retaliatory Tariff on US Walnuts

    United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai’s announcement today that India agreed to remove retaliatory tariffs on walnuts, as well as additional US products, is welcome news.  Trade representatives from the United States and India have been working together on a package of trade deliverables announced today during this week’s visit of India’s Prime Minister Modi for meetings with President Biden and a joint session of Congress.

    “The California walnut industry has had a long-standing partnership with the India marketplace which is an integral part of the industry’s overall long term long-term strategic growth and market development plan.” said Pam Graviet, Senior Director of Global Programs for the California Walnut Commission.  “Indian consumers and trade partners continue to recognize the premium quality of California walnuts and the nutritional value and great taste they bring to the Indian diet. Elimination of India’s retaliatory tariffs will benefit Indian consumers and businesses, as well as the California walnut industry,” she added.

    The California walnut industry brought this ongoing issue to the attention of the Biden Administration early in the presidency and appreciate their tenacity and commitment which led to this agreement. We commend USTR Ambassador Katherine Tai and Ambassador Doug McKalip on negotiating this successful outcome for California’s walnut producers and processors. Ambassador McKalip recently visited California and had an occasion to tour walnut and almond orchards and learn firsthand the severe financial impact the 20% retaliatory tariff inflicted on the California walnut industry.

    We also appreciate USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack, Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) Administrator Daniel Whitley and the FAS personnel who helped the industry through this challenging period.  The Market Access Program (MAP) continues to be a crucial element in enabling us to maintain our relationships in India and seek new market opportunities. We are grateful for efforts by federal, state, local elected officials, regulators, and their staff for diligently keeping this topic on the forefront of trade discussions.

    Robert Verloop, the Chief Executive Officer for the California Walnut Commission said, “the California walnut growers have been severely impacted by a host of unprecedented events over the last few years; including the various trade tariffs, COVID pandemic-induced supply chain and transportation disruptions, global economic downturn, inflationary pressures, high dollar values, the complications brought on by the war in Ukraine and the persistent drought and heat wave that severely impacted our 2023 crop.”

    “Tree nut growers, most of whom are multi-generational family farms, make a long-term investment in their crops.  Walnut orchards can be highly productive for over 30 years; accordingly, the growers make decisions to produce the revered California walnuts with the expectations that we have fair and equitable access to global markets which represent more than 65% of our sales. The removal of this tariff is welcomed by our industry and provides a pathway to strengthening our trade relations with this important market and trading partner” added Verloop.

    Ms. Graviet stated, “California walnuts are perfectly aligned to meet the global demands for more healthy, nutritious, and great tasting plant-based foods.  The removal of the retaliatory tariff in India will enable our growers to help meet these demands in India.  We thank our Indian trade partners and retailers for their ongoing support and commitment to California walnuts and look forward to building greater distribution and consumption of our walnuts.”