The California almond industry is resilient, but input cost, labor and water access remain constant worries for growers. The Almond Alliance is working at the state and federal level to give a voice to the growers of over 80% of the world’s almond supply. Matthew Malcolm with California Ag Network took the time to talk with Alliance Chair Blake Vann to learn about what’s going on in their organization. Watch this quick video and learn more in Pacific Nut Producer Magazine.
Tag: Farm Bill
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Walnut Commission Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill
The California Walnut Commission applauded the House of Representatives’ passage of the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 saying it was meaningful progress toward renewing federal farm policy.
“California walnut growers, many of whom are multi-generational family farmers, face distinct production and market challenges that demand thoughtful, long‑term policy solutions, and the farm bill is an important step to that end,” the Commission wrote. “A comprehensive, five‑year farm bill plays a vital role in helping specialty crop producers remain resilient, competitive and able to deliver nutritious products that support the health of Americans and families around the globe.”
The Farm Bill was passed April 30 and is awaiting signature by Pres. Trump. — Story contributed by the California Walnut Commission
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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
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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
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New California Fresh Fruit Association President Highlights Priorities
Watch this brief video at the 88th annual conference of the California Fresh Fruit Association featuring the organization’s new President, Daniel Hartwig. Learn about Hartwig and the priorities of the organization moving forward to protect the interests of California table grape, tree fruit and berry growers.
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New Farm Bill Priorities Supporting Specialty Crop Agriculture
As legislature continues to work on completing a new Farm Bill, specialty crops may reap greater representation and benefits than in any previous Farm Bill. Watch this brief video featuring Philip Karsting from Olsson Frank Weeda as he discusses their priorities for specialty crop ag at a recent conference held by American Pistachio Growers.
Special thanks to American Pistachio Growers for sponsoring this video.
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Dairy Business Innovation Grant Through USDA Farm Bill
Although the 2018 Farm Bill did not solve all of agriculture’s economic problems, there was one specific provision providing funds to improve US dairy marketing that producers should know about and may apply for. Watch this brief interview with Dana Coale from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service for more details.
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Three Ways the Farm Bill Can Assist Dairy Producers
There are multiple ways the 2018 Farm Bill is assisting the dairy industry through some difficult times, but watch this brief interview with Dana Coale from the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, as she explains three of the provisions dairy producers should know about. Read more in California Dairy Magazine.
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USDA 2018 Farm Bill Implementation Listening Session
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is hosting a listening session for initial input on the 2018 Farm Bill. USDA is seeking public input on the changes to existing programs implemented by the Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service and Risk Management Agency. Each agency will take into account stakeholder input when making discretionary decisions on program implementation.
Deadline for registration to attend the event in person is February 22, 2019. Register at www.farmers.gov/farmbill.
The event will be streamed live on www.farmers.gov/farmbill for those who are unable to attend in person. No registration is required to view the livestream.
Written comments are encouraged by February 22, 2019; additional comments will be accepted through March 1, 2019. To submit comments, go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov and search for Docket ID USDA–2019–0001. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. You may also submit written comments at the listening session. Comments received will be publicly available on www.regulations.gov.
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Specialty Crops Industry Commends Senate for Passing Farm Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C – The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA), representing over 120 specialty crop organizations across the United States, has released the following statement after the passage of the farm bill in the U.S. Senate by a vote of 86 to 11:
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance applauds the bipartisan efforts of Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Agriculture Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, and members of the Senate in passing the Agriculture Improvement Act. The Alliance strongly supports the inclusion of a new research program for citrus producers, increased funds for nutrition programs and the extension of many of the specialty crop provisions that were included in the 2014 Farm Bill, such as:
- Specialty Crop Block Grants ($85 million/year)
- Specialty Crop Research Initiative ($80 million/year)
- Trade Programs including Market Access Program ($200 million/year) and Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops ($9 million/year)
- Pest and Disease Programs ($75 million/year) and National Clean Plant Network ($5 million/year)
- Food Insecurity and Nutrition Incentive Program (Increased to $250 million over five years)
- Emergency Citrus Disease Research and Development Trust Fund ($125 million over five years)
“Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow’s work over the past year produced a Farm Bill that is clearly committed to investing in specialty crop agriculture. Our coalition appreciates the value of these programs in supporting our industry and delivering nutritious specialty crops to consumers. Looking forward, we encourage leadership in both chambers to convene a conference committee in an expeditious manner. For agriculture and the jobs it creates, it’s critical that Congress completes its work before the current farm bill expires on Sept. 30. Our industry stands ready to work with members of the conference committee to ensure a bill that will help specialty crop agriculture stay strong and competitive.”