California Ag Network

Category: Non-Video

  • 2026 USDA-NASS Subjective Forecast Format Changes

    When USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA‑NASS) releases the annual California Almond Subjective Forecast on May 12, growers may notice the report doesn’t look exactly like it has in the past. The difference is tied to a broader USDA‑NASS publication change — not to any change requested or directed by the Almond Board of California (ABC).

    For decades, growers, handlers, and other stakeholders have used the Subjective Forecast as a consistent early-season reference point. Because many people know where to look for key figures and comparisons, even small shifts in layout can slow down that first read. While the report’s presentation may change, the industry’s need is the same: quickly locating the data points that support planning and market conversations.

    Last year, USDA‑NASS has released a statement saying: “NASS will no longer generate publications tailored specifically to individual states or regions. There is no impact on state-level data as it will continue to be available in the national releases and through NASS’s public online database, Quick Stats. All NASS reports are available to the public at www.nass.usda.gov.”

    For almonds, that means the Subjective Forecast may be packaged differently than the California-specific publication many are used to, however the survey methodology remains unchanged, and the California data will still exist within national releases and in Quick Stats.

    To make the updated format easier to navigate, ABC will provide a brief cover letter when sharing the Subjective Forecast. The cover letter will act as a reader’s guide to point to where commonly referenced items appear and help industry members locate the information they are accustomed to seeing in the Subjective Forecast.

    As an additional reminder, the Subjective Forecast will be the only yield-related report released by USDA this year. In December of 2025, ABC’s Board of Directors voted to cease funding for the USDA‑NASS Objective Estimate that has typically been released in early July.

    ABC will share the Subjective Forecast as soon as it is released on May 12 and include the cover letter to help industry members orient quickly. If you have questions once the report is available, please contact ABC staff.

    — Story contributed by Almond Board of California

  • DPR Releases Summary of Convening on Post-Harvest Commodity Fumigation

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) recently released the post-harvest commodity fumigation component of an independent study evaluating alternatives to fumigant pesticides. Prepared by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), the convening report summarizes key themes and discussion points from a convening assembled by CCST to discuss fumigants that are used to protect stored food products after harvest, potential alternatives, and opportunities to reduce exposure for workers and nearby communities.

    CCST’s convening included academic, industry, public health, environmental justice and regulatory experts who met for a series of discussions on post-harvest commodity fumigation in November 2025. The discussion specifically focused on four fumigant pesticides: methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, phosphine, and propylene oxide. All four fumigants are restricted material pesticides primarily used on produce after harvesting to protect food from fungal disease and insect pests while in storage. The report synthesizes findings from those discussions to summarize and reflect participants’ perspectives on the state of post-harvest commodity fumigation in California.

    The convening report includes discussion summaries related to:

    • How and why post‑harvest fumigants are used today, including factors that drive fumigation for stored commodities.
    • Community exposure and emission concerns, along with current mitigation practices and opportunities to strengthen protections for nearby residents and workers.
    • Available and emerging alternatives to traditional fumigants, such as controlled atmospheres, irradiation, pheromone‑based tools, and multi‑pronged Integrated Pest Management approaches.
    • Barriers that limit the adoption of alternatives, including international and national regulatory requirements, cost and the need for additional research and training.
    • Key research gaps where further scientific study is needed to support a transition to safer, effective pest management tools.

  • USDA Requires SNAP Authorized Retailers to Carry More Real Food

    The USDA published the final rule regarding stocking standards for retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), requiring that a broader variety of nutritious food is available to SNAP participants at authorized retailers.

    Since January 2025, the Food and Nutrition Service has taken action on nearly 3,200 retailers regarding current stocking standards, either for failing to meet them upon application or failing to maintain them once authorized. The latter results in disqualification from accepting SNAP benefits.

    “To turn the tide on our nation’s health crisis, we need to ensure our nutrition assistance programs emphasize real food first, and that’s exactly what these updates to SNAP retailer requirements will do,” said U.S. Ag Secretary Brooke L. Rollins. “SNAP authorized retailers accept over $90 billion a year, or $236 million a day, in taxpayer dollars—USDA is making sure they’re actually in the business of selling food. And for those retailers who are the only food outpost for miles, I know you will be so excited to serve your customers and communities healthy food.”

    “This rule puts real food back at the center of SNAP,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “I thank Secretary Rollins for her leadership in advancing these commonsense reforms. It demands more from retailers and delivers better options for the families who depend on this program. This administration is committed to working across government to improve nutrition, strengthen accountability, and drive better health outcomes nationwide. This is how we Make America Healthy Again.”

    Retailers authorized to accept SNAP benefits must now carry seven varieties of items across four categories of staple foods: protein, grains, dairy and fruits and vegetables. According to the USDA, this change more than doubles the requirement of available foods, emphasizes more whole foods, increases the perishable food requirements and eliminates loopholes that for too long have allowed retailers to count certain snack foods toward their staple food requirements.

    These changes will not only ensure vulnerable families in need have more nutritious options wherever they shop but demand more accountability from retailers who not only have stocked the bare minimum, but have seen the most program violations, including benefit trafficking and other fraudulent behavior.

    These updates go into effect Fall 2026, and the Department plans to issue additional guidance to retailers in the coming weeks.

  • CAWG Calls on Industry to Nominate Leaders for Awards of Excellence Program

    The California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) is calling on growers and industry members to recognize and celebrate in the Awards of Excellence Program.

    CAWG is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Awards of Excellence Program – an opportunity to highlight the individuals and operations driving the industry forward through innovation, leadership, and resilience. Each year, CAWG presents two awards honoring excellence in winegrowing and industry leadership.

    “These awards shine a spotlight on the people who are not only meeting today’s challenges but rethinking what’s possible for the future of our industry,” said CAWG President Natalie Collins. “Across California, individuals and operations are going above and beyond, and this is an opportunity for the industry to recognize and lift up their peers.”

    The Grower of the Year Award, the highest honor bestowed by CAWG, recognizes individuals, families, or companies who exemplify excellence in viticulture and vineyard management through innovative practices, industry leadership, and consistent production of high-quality winegrapes.

    The Leader of the Year Award honors exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership and made significant contributions to California’s wine industry, including advancing public policy and championing issues critical to winegrape growers.

    CAWG encourages winegrape growers, wineries, and industry partners to nominate colleagues, mentors, and peers whose work is helping move the industry forward.

    Award recipients will be honored at a reception during the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento on January 26, 2027.

    Nominations for the 2027 Awards of Excellence Program are open through June 5, 2026.

    To submit an application or learn more, visit cawg.org.

  • California Citrus Breeding Program Receives Additional Congressional Support

    California Citrus Mutual (CCM) and Citrus Research Board (CRB) voiced support for the House Committee on Appropriations for including additional funds in the FY 2027 Agriculture Appropriations bill for the citrus breeding program in Parlier.

    Congress is allocating an additional $500,000 in federal funding, on top of the $1.5 million previously granted, to expand the program into California. If approved, the program will receive $2 million in federal funds annually, in addition to the funding it receives from CRB.

    “CRB was instrumental in developing the concept for the California-based program and was also involved in efforts to establish the nationwide program, while CCM advocated to secure funding,” said CRB President Marcy Martin. “Our two organizations working together on behalf of the industry have been instrumental in getting this program off the ground.”

    “I would like to thank our Appropriators and Committee leadership for their continued support of this vital program,” said CCM Director of Governmental Affairs Jacob Villagomez. “Finding solutions for California-specific growing patterns is an essential tool in fighting HLB for years to come.”

    The California citrus breeding program will focus on fresh market citrus. Funding will go towards research and development of citrus selections suited to California growing regions, changing climatic pressures, consumer taste preferences and resistance to pests and diseases, such as huanglongbing.

    The California program is an expansion of the existing national USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) citrus breeding program located in Fort Pierce, Florida, which is focused primarily on varieties optimized for Florida growing conditions. Work done through the Florida program has resulted in new varieties with higher yields, increased disease resistance, improved color, and a longer shelf life.

    The Florida and California breeding programs, along with the continued support from the University of California citrus breeding program at UC Riverside, will work together to deliver results for California-based growers.

    The California citrus breeding program is located at the USDA ARS field station in Parlier. Thanks to ongoing appropriations commitment, forward progress continues to be made with the addition of a dedicated scientist, completion of a greenhouse, and future plans for laboratory and office space, and hopefully securing additional ground for further expansion.

    — Story contributed by California Citrus Mutual and Citrus Research Board

  • Common Ground Coalition Kicks off First of Four Regional Summits

    The Common Ground Coalition kicked off the first of four regional summits in Reno, gathering Western livestock perspectives to bolster the industry’s future. This event launches a nationwide effort to strengthen rural communities and secure the U.S. food supply.

    Building on momentum from the coalition’s inaugural event in April 2025, attendees engaged in candid, solution‑oriented discussions rooted in shared experiences and a commitment to action.

    Participants explored a growing set of challenges, including constrained access to land, capital, labor and effective risk management tools — particularly for young and emerging producers.

    The 33 attendees advanced a set of recommendations to help guide the next phase of the Common Ground Coalition’s work. Participants offered ideas on issues they believed the group could ultimately agree on. While differing viewpoints were represented — both at the table and in small-group discussions — items without consensus did not move forward. This approach has been foundational to the Common Ground Coalition, and these outcomes will be aligned with findings from the coalition’s remaining regional summits.

    Western Region Recommendations

    •Improve access to land by simplifying bureaucracy and developing incentives that encourage sellers and landowners to keep land in production agriculture. Protecting and restoring grazing acres, including public and deeded land, is essential for young and emerging producers and for the long-term viability of all livestock operations.

    •Advocate for capital access and financing reforms, with the goal of expanding and streamlining access to capital for livestock production.

    •Develop mentorship, succession and ownership pathways by creating models that connect established operations with young and emerging producers.

    •Add a focus on predation issues and Endangered Species Act reforms to the coalition’s foundational work, with the goal of defending producers’ right to protect private property. This includes addressing misuse of the act to restrict producers’ ability to protect livestock and homes, as well as seeking to improve transparency and collaboration from enforcing agencies.

    •Advocate for reforms to the Equal Access to Justice Act to prevent its weaponization against the industry.

    •Add a focus on reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act through policy initiatives, education, and efforts to correct misinformation in the public arena.

    •Increase adoption of risk management programs through improved education, expanded coverage and tools that support cow-calf revenue streams.

    •Continue pursuing labor program reforms and workforce development, including access to healthcare and other rural community needs, with the goals of increasing access to labor and improving long-term stability in rural communities.

    Moderator and founding coalition member Jake Parnell said the event focused on results rather than just dialogue.

    “This summit wasn’t about talk for talk’s sake,” he said. “It was about coming together, recognizing the work already happening across the industry and carrying that momentum beyond this room. By aligning these discussions with broader efforts and the outcomes of future Common Ground Coalition summits, we can turn shared priorities into action.”

    Western Region Summit Attendees

    Those participating in the summit included:

    California: Erin Borror, Joe Fischer, Pat Kirby, Bert Lefty, Deirdre Lefty, Duane Martin Jr., Jake Parnell, Rick Roberti, Debbie Wise, Geordy Wise

    Colorado: Christie Gabel, Jim Gies, Jordan Levi

    Idaho: John Dickinson, Tom Houret, Broden Matthews, Jared Patterson

    Montana: Joe Goggins, J.M. Peck, Greg Putnam, Darrell Stevenson

    Nevada: John Hays, Sam Mori, Colton Oney, Cara Small, Wade Small, Chad Turner

    Oregon: Bob Harrell, Paul Houret, Blake Knowles

    Wyoming: Jack Berger, Brad Boner, Brett Crosby

    Oregon rancher and founding member Paul Houret said the coalition’s strength lies in its ability to unite diverse perspectives under a single mission.

    “We all come at this from different angles,” he said. “But if this group can come together and be an example of collaboration for the industry — and I think we’ve already seen some success — we can start fixing some of the issues that frustrate so many people. We just have to get started.”

    To learn more or to sign on to the Common Ground Coalition, visit commongroundcoalition.net.

    — Story contributed by the Common Ground Coalition

  • Hemp Feed Coalition Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill

    The Hemp Feed Coalition voiced support for the House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, and urged the U.S. Senate and President Trump to act quickly to advance and finalize this important legislation. The House Clerk’s official records show the bill was considered April 30,, following floor debate and amendment votes.

    “We are grateful to our contacts on the House Agriculture Committee, in both the majority and minority, for their hard work in getting this bill across the finish line despite countless challenges and setbacks,” Coalition President Andrew Bish said. “This is an important win for the industrial hemp industry and a meaningful step toward a more rational, workable regulatory framework.”

    At the center of the Coalition’s support is the bill’s industrial hemp language, which creates a clearer distinction between producers growing only industrial hemp and producers growing hemp for other purposes. The bill also allows State, Tribal and USDA plans to use more appropriate compliance tools for industrial hemp, including visual inspections, performance-based sampling, certified seed and similar procedures, rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach across very different segments of the hemp industry.

    “For too long, industrial hemp has been regulated in ways that do not reflect the plant’s actual agricultural purpose,” Bish said. “This language helps restore the original intent of the 2018 Farm Bill by recognizing that hemp grown for grain, fiber and other industrial uses should not be confused with floral hemp. That distinction matters for farmers, processors, regulators, lenders, and insurers alike.”

    The Hemp Feed Coalition said the improved distinction between production types should simplify the regulatory structure for industrial hemp and help open the door to greater confidence from banks, investors and insurers. By making the intended purpose of the crop clearer, the legislation could help reduce uncertainty that has slowed capital formation and risk evaluation across the industry.

    “This should make it substantially easier for groups like the Hemp Feed Coalition to have productive discussions about industrial hemp without those conversations being confused with floral hemp,” Bish said. “It also provides a clearer distinction around the plant’s purpose, which should help make insurance more obtainable and more rational for industrial hemp producers.”

    — Story Contributed by the Hemp Feed Coalition

  • DPR Releases Summary of Expert Convening on Fumigation

    The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) released the post-harvest commodity fumigation component of a multipart independent scientific study evaluating alternatives to fumigant pesticides. Prepared by the California Council on Science and Technology (CCST), the convening report summarizes key themes and discussion points from a convening assembled by CCST to discuss fumigants that are used to protect stored food products after harvest, potential alternatives and opportunities to reduce exposure for workers and nearby communities.

    CCST’s convening included academic, industry, public health, environmental justice and regulatory experts who met for a series of discussions on post-harvest commodity fumigation in November. The discussion specifically focused on four fumigant pesticides: methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride, phosphine, and propylene oxide. All four fumigants are restricted material pesticides primarily used on produce after harvesting to protect food from fungal disease and insect pests while in storage. The report synthesizes findings from those discussions to summarize and reflect participants’ diverse perspectives on the state of post-harvest commodity fumigation in California.

    The convening report includes discussion summaries related to:

    • How and why post‑harvest fumigants are used today, including factors that drive fumigation for stored commodities.
    • Community exposure and emission concerns, along with current mitigation practices and opportunities to strengthen protections for nearby residents and workers.
    • Available and emerging alternatives to traditional fumigants, such as controlled atmospheres, irradiation, pheromone‑based tools, and multi‑pronged Integrated Pest Management approaches.
    • Barriers that limit the adoption of alternatives, including international and national regulatory requirements, cost, and the need for additional research and training.
    • Key research gaps where further scientific study is needed to support a transition to safer, effective pest management tools.

  • NMPF Applauds Farm Bill Passage in House

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) voiced its support for the passage of the Farm Bill in the House of Representatives, and are now urging Senate to follow suit.

    The Farm bill was passed Thursday morning, and includes several provisions that benefit American dairy producers, such as expansion of the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives projects into broader Dairy Nutrition Incentives Projects, according to the International Dairy Foods Association. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud praised the passage.

    “The House-passed 2026 Farm Bill supports the farm safety net, preserves existing conservation programs that include opportunities for dairy and livestock producers, bolsters trade promotion programs while protecting common food names, recognizes the important role of dairy in nutrition, and supports animal health programs. All of these are important priorities to dairy farmers and the broader industry, and we appreciate the leadership shown by House Agriculture Committee Chairman GT Thompson and other dairy champions to get this legislation through the House,” Doud said. “We look forward to the Senate taking up the farm bill without delay. At a time where farmers face unprecedented challenges, Congress needs to provide the stability of a five-year, comprehensive farm bill. We will work with leaders in both chambers, from both parties, to get a farm bill signed into law.” — Story Contributed by the National Milk Producers Federation

  • Common Ground Coalition Kicks off First of Four Regional Summits

    The Common Ground Coalition kicked off the first of four regional summits in Reno, gathering Western livestock perspectives to bolster the industry’s future. This event launches a nationwide effort to strengthen rural communities and secure the U.S. food supply.

    Building on momentum from the coalition’s inaugural event in April 2025, attendees engaged in candid, solution‑oriented discussions rooted in shared experiences and a commitment to action.

    Participants explored a growing set of challenges, including constrained access to land, capital, labor and effective risk management tools — particularly for young and emerging producers.

    The 33 attendees advanced a set of recommendations to help guide the next phase of the Common Ground Coalition’s work. Participants offered ideas on issues they believed the group could ultimately agree on. While differing viewpoints were represented — both at the table and in small-group discussions — items without consensus did not move forward. This approach has been foundational to the Common Ground Coalition, and these outcomes will be aligned with findings from the coalition’s remaining regional summits.

    Western Region Recommendations

    •Improve access to land by simplifying bureaucracy and developing incentives that encourage sellers and landowners to keep land in production agriculture. Protecting and restoring grazing acres, including public and deeded land, is essential for young and emerging producers and for the long-term viability of all livestock operations.

    •Advocate for capital access and financing reforms, with the goal of expanding and streamlining access to capital for livestock production.

    •Develop mentorship, succession and ownership pathways by creating models that connect established operations with young and emerging producers.

    •Add a focus on predation issues and Endangered Species Act reforms to the coalition’s foundational work, with the goal of defending producers’ right to protect private property. This includes addressing misuse of the act to restrict producers’ ability to protect livestock and homes, as well as seeking to improve transparency and collaboration from enforcing agencies.

    •Advocate for reforms to the Equal Access to Justice Act to prevent its weaponization against the industry.

    •Add a focus on reforms to the National Environmental Policy Act through policy initiatives, education, and efforts to correct misinformation in the public arena.

    •Increase adoption of risk management programs through improved education, expanded coverage and tools that support cow-calf revenue streams.

    •Continue pursuing labor program reforms and workforce development, including access to healthcare and other rural community needs, with the goals of increasing access to labor and improving long-term stability in rural communities.

    Moderator and founding coalition member Jake Parnell said the event focused on results rather than just dialogue.

    “This summit wasn’t about talk for talk’s sake,” he said. “It was about coming together, recognizing the work already happening across the industry and carrying that momentum beyond this room. By aligning these discussions with broader efforts and the outcomes of future Common Ground Coalition summits, we can turn shared priorities into action.”

    Western Region Summit Attendees

    Those participating in the summit included:

    California: Erin Borror, Joe Fischer, Pat Kirby, Bert Lefty, Deirdre Lefty, Duane Martin Jr., Jake Parnell, Rick Roberti, Debbie Wise, Geordy Wise

    Colorado: Christie Gabel, Jim Gies, Jordan Levi

    Idaho: John Dickinson, Tom Houret, Broden Matthews, Jared Patterson

    Montana: Joe Goggins, J.M. Peck, Greg Putnam, Darrell Stevenson

    Nevada: John Hays, Sam Mori, Colton Oney, Cara Small, Wade Small, Chad Turner

    Oregon: Bob Harrell, Paul Houret, Blake Knowles

    Wyoming: Jack Berger, Brad Boner, Brett Crosby

    Oregon rancher and founding member Paul Houret said the coalition’s strength lies in its ability to unite diverse perspectives under a single mission.

    “We all come at this from different angles,” he said. “But if this group can come together and be an example of collaboration for the industry — and I think we’ve already seen some success — we can start fixing some of the issues that frustrate so many people. We just have to get started.”

    To learn more or to sign on to the Common Ground Coalition, visit commongroundcoalition.net.

    — Story contributed by the Common Ground Coalition