California Ag Network

Tag: USDA

  • USDA to Purchase $30M in California Walnuts

    The California Walnut Commission (CWC) voiced its support for the USDA’s intent to purchase $30 million of California walnuts through Section 32 authority.

    The announcement, made Aug. 24 by USDA, is part of Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, which authorizes USDA to purchase agricultural commodities for domestic nutritional assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program, and for food banks and soup kitchens.

    Combined with USDA’s $15 million walnut purchase announced earlier this year, the latest announcement brings total USDA Section 32 purchases of California walnuts in 2026 to $45 million.

    “We appreciate USDA and Sec. Brooke Rollins for their continued support of American agriculture and the California walnut industry,” said Robert Verloop, CEO of the California Walnut Commission. “This purchase provides a meaningful market opportunity for California walnuts, while helping ensure nutritious, American-grown food reaches people across the country.”

    The announcement comes as the California walnut industry enters a new harvest season following the second-largest crop in its history.

    “As our industry prepares to harvest the 2026 crop, reducing carry-in from the 2025 crop is an important step toward strengthening overall market conditions,” Verloop said. “This purchase provides an encouraging boost for the industry and supports a healthier market environment as growers and handlers begin the new selling season.”

    With this support from USDA, the CWC remains committed to advancing the industry’s long-term sustainability and providing nutritious food to American families in need.

    “This announcement reflects USDA’s commitment to our growers to assist them in dealing with the challenges associated with the record 2025 crop, global market disruptions and ongoing trade uncertainties that have suppressed export volumes and grower returns,” said Davin Norene, a third-generation walnut grower from Rio Oso, Calif. and CWC chairman of the Board. — Story contributed by the California Walnut Commission

  • USDA Announces No Actions Under Feedstock Flexibility Program

    The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announced that it does not expect to purchase and sell sugar under the Feedstock Flexibility Program for crop year 2026, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2027.

    The CCC is required by law to quarterly announce estimates of sugar to be purchased and sold under the Feedstock Flexibility Program based on crop and consumption forecasts.

    Federal law allows sugar processors to obtain loans from USDA with maturities of up to nine months when the sugarcane or sugar beet harvests begin. On loan maturity, the sugar processor may repay the loan in full or forfeit the collateral (sugar) to USDA to satisfy the loan.

    The Feedstock Flexibility Program, initially authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill, was reauthorized by Congress in the Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2025, as an option to avoid sugar forfeitures. Under the Feedstock Flexibility Program, if USDA is faced with the likelihood of loan forfeitures, it is required to purchase surplus sugar and sell it to bioenergy producers to reduce the surplus in the food use market and support sugar prices. USDA’s Aug. 12, 2026, World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report (www.usda.gov/oce/commodity/wasde) projects that crop year 2026 (fiscal year 2027) U.S. ending sugar stocks are unlikely to lead to forfeitures. Therefore, USDA does not currently expect to purchase and sell sugar under the Feedstock Flexibility Program for crop year 2026.

    USDA will closely monitor domestic sugar stocks, consumption, imports and other sugar market variables on an ongoing basis and will continue to administer the sugar program as transparently as possible using the latest available data. The next quarterly estimate regarding the Feedstock Flexibility Program will occur on or before Jan. 1.

  • USDA Reminds Ag Producers of Approaching Deadlines

    The USDA is reminding ag producers impacted by increased input costs and natural disasters that the deadlines to apply for safety net and disaster assistance programs designed to protect their financial security are coming soon.  USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind producers that the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), both have deadlines in early August. Additionally, thanks to the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, eligible landowners have until the end of August to review and consider base acre increases for the first time since 2002 for the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs.

    “Whether it’s disaster assistance, support for specialty crop growers or the first chance in more than two decades to update base acres, I encourage producers not to wait until the last minute,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “These deadlines represent real opportunities for producers to recover from market and weather challenges. Reach out to your local FSA office now and make sure you don’t leave assistance on the table.”

    Agricultural producers are reminded of these important upcoming deadlines:

    • Aug. 7 — Deadline to apply for ASCF
    • Aug. 12, — Deadline to apply for SDRP
    • Aug. 31 —Deadline to review base allocations through ARC/PLC

    Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers

    ASCF provides payments to specialty crop producers based on reported 2025 planted acres. Pre-filled ASCF applications are available to producers who reported their 2025 crop acreage for eligible specialty crops. Producers with a secure Login.gov account can access and submit their pre-filled application online. Producers can also request their pre-filled application from their local FSA county office. Eligible crops and payment rates can be found at fsa.usda.gov/ascf. The deadline to apply is Aug. 7.

    Supplemental Disaster Relief Program

    SDRP provides more than $16 billion in disaster relief payments to producers who suffered revenue, quality or production losses to crops, trees, bushes, or vines due to qualifying disaster events in calendar years 2023 and 2024. Producers with indemnified losses can apply through SDRP Stage 1 which leverages Federal Crop Insurance or Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program data as the basis for calculating payments. Producers with non-indemnified (including shallow losses), uncovered (uninsured), and quality losses can apply for Stage 2 assistance. Producers can request an application from their local FSA county office. Aug. 12 is the deadline for both Stages 1 and 2. Additional information can be found at fsa.usda.gov/sdrp.

    Agriculture Risk Coverage/Price Loss Coverage

    ARC and PLC are cornerstone commodity safety net programs that provide financial protection to farmers when market prices or revenues decline. Landowners have the opportunity to increase base acres in preparation for enrollment in ARC and PLC beginning with the 2026 and future crop years as authorized by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Nationwide, up to 30 million new base acres can be added by eligible farms.

    Eligible landowners should review their Base Allocation Summary, which outlines potential base acre increases. These Base Allocation Summaries can be accessed online at fsa.usda.gov/arc-plc using a Login.gov account. Landowners who do not currently have a Login.gov account are encouraged to contact their local FSA county office to obtain their Base Allocation Summary and review and take any necessary action by Aug. 31.   

    County Committees

    Additionally, Aug. 3 is the last day to submit nomination forms for eligible candidates to serve on their local FSA county committees. County committees are a critical component of the day-to-day operations of FSA and allow grassroots input and local administration of federal farm programs. Elections occur each year in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA). LAAs are elective areas for FSA county committees in a single county or multi-county jurisdiction. Ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November. Learn more at fsa.usda.gov/coc.

    More Information

    For more information, producers can contact their local FSA office. Producers can also book an appointment with local FSA farm program and farm loan staff using FSA’s new online scheduling system.   

  • Trump Takes Step to Lower Fertilizer Costs

    President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports,

    The temporary suspension aims to increase phosphate fertilizer availability, improve competition and help lower one of agriculture’s largest production expenses while supporting a stable and reliable fertilizer supply ahead of future planting seasons.

    Current USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion annually through lower phosphate fertilizer costs as additional supplies enter the U.S. market. The action is expected to reduce phosphate fertilizer prices by approximately 22%, benefiting more than 100,000 farms across 97 million planted acres nationwide.

    “As we have worked to implement America First fertilizer actions—from waiving the Jones Act to implementing more flexible Hours of Service waivers—we have focused on finding short-term solutions while delivering long-term stability for our nation’s farmers,” said U.S. Secretary of Ag Brooke L. Rollins. “Today’s announcement will bring immediate relief to producers who rely on these critical inputs with an estimated 22 percent reduction in phosphate fertilizer prices, and $1.82 billion in annual savings for producers. President Trump will always put farmers first, and he will continue to fight for those that feed, fuel, and clothe our nation.”

    The Administration has designated phosphate and potash as critical minerals, signed a USDA-Department of Justice Memorandum of Understanding to address anti-competitive practices affecting agricultural inputs, worked with federal partners to accelerate major domestic fertilizer manufacturing projects and recently established a dedicated USDA Agricultural Economist position focused on fertilizer markets and agricultural inputs.

    In addition to providing immediate relief through increased fertilizer availability, USDA looks to continue support long-term domestic fertilizer production by advancing major manufacturing projects across the country that will strengthen supply chains, create rural jobs and reduce America’s reliance on foreign fertilizer sources.

    “President Trump’s action today will provide immediate relief as well as a stable source of supply for American producers as they enter fall application season,” said Deputy Secretary Stephen Alexander Vaden. “The Department will continue to support initiatives to secure American farmers’ access to fertilizer, including by increasing domestic production capacity.”

    — Story contributed by the U.S. Department of Ag

  • Mexican Fruit Fly Quarantine in Portion of SD County

    A portion of San Diego County has been placed under quarantine for the Mexican fruit fly following the detection of one mated female fly in and around the unincorporated community of Spring Valley. This new quarantine will overlap a portion of the existing La Mesa Mexican Fruit Fly quarantine by 19 square miles. The USDA, the San Diego County Agricultural Commissioner and the CDFA are working collaboratively on this project.

    The new quarantine area in San Diego County measures 76 square miles, bordered on the north by El Cajon; on the south by Proctor Valley; on the west by Lemon Grove; and on the east by McGinty Mountain. A link to the quarantine map may be found here: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/mexfly/regulation.html.

    Sterile male Mexican fruit flies will be released in the area as part of the eradication effort. The release rate will be up to approximately 250,000 males per square mile per week in an area up to 50 square miles around the infestation.

    The quarantine will affect growers, wholesalers and retailers of susceptible fruit in the area as well as nurseries that grow and sell Mexican fruit fly host plants. The quarantine will also affect local residents; home gardeners are urged to consume homegrown produce on site and not move it from their property.  These actions protect against the spread of the infestation to nearby regions where it could affect California’s food supply and backyard gardens and landscapes.

    The Mexican fruit fly can lay its eggs in and infest more than 50 types of fruits and vegetables, severely impacting California agricultural exports and backyard gardens alike. For more information on the pest, please see the pest profile at: www.cdfa.ca.gov/plant/go/MexFly. Residents who believe their fruits and vegetables may be infested with fruit fly larvae are encouraged to call the state’s toll-free Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899.

    The eradication approach used in the Spring Valley area of San Diego County is the standard program used by CDFA and it is the safest and most effective and efficient response program available.

    While fruit flies and other invasive species that threaten California’s crops and natural environment are sometimes detected in agricultural areas, the vast majority are found in urban and suburban communities. The most common pathway for these invasive species to enter our state is by “hitchhiking” in fruits and vegetables brought back illegally by travelers as they return from infested regions of the world. To help protect California’s agriculture and natural resources, CDFA urges travelers to follow the Don’t Pack a Pest program guidelines (www.dontpackapest.com). — Story Contributed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture

  • USDA Invests up to $310 Million in Partnership Projects

    The USDA announced that it is investing up to $310 million to expand producer conservation activities across the nation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting RCPP project proposals now through Aug. 24 to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners boost their operations and conserve natural resources.

    “This significant investment through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program will further enable us to leverage our partnerships as force multipliers in supporting America’s farmers,” said NRCS Chief Colton L. Buckley. “We’re looking forward to seeing the results on the ground while we also work to keep working lands in working hands.”

    The Working Families Tax Cuts Act is delivering the largest long-term investment in NRCS conservation programs in decades, including support for RCPP. It will deliver $425 million in fiscal year 2026 and an increase to $450 million from fiscal year 2027 through fiscal year 2031.   

    RCPP is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land.

    In the past year, NRCS has improved RCPP by streamlining partnership agreement processes and increasing flexibilities to ensure the program works more effectively for conservation partners and America’s farmers and ranchers. Now, 75% of the funding goes directly to the American farmer or is used to cover the cost of conservation practice implementation.

    About the Program

    There are two separate funding opportunities:   

    • RCPP Classic: Projects are implemented using NRCS contracts and easements with producers, landowners and communities in collaboration with project partners.   
    • RCPP Alternative Funding Arrangements (AFA): The lead partner works directly with agricultural producers to support the development of innovative conservation approaches that would not otherwise be available under RCPP Classic.

    NRCS ranks proposals based on how they address the following priorities:

    • Addressing soil health, water quality or wildlife habitat with an aim to improve land health, enhance resource management and promote sustainable agriculture and long-term protection of agricultural, grassland, and forestland viability.
    • Soil health projects using practices that focus on minimizing soil disturbance, maximizing soil cover, increasing natural vitality and maintaining living roots throughout the year.
    • Leveraging precision agriculture technologies to target conservation efforts based on specific field conditions, potentially reducing costs and improving resource efficiency.
    • Focusing on Farmers First projects, especially those that provide technical and financial assistance via contributions for planning and practice designs to support producer contracts.
    • Supporting projects led by Indian tribes.

    More Information

    The $310 million is available for both RCPP Classic and AFA projects, including $30 million set aside for projects with Indian tribes.

    Details about RCPP Classic

    and RCPP AFAs

    are available on Grants.gov.  Project proposals for RCPP are being accepted through Aug. 24 on the RCPP portal

    . For more information about RCPP, visit the RCPP website.

    This investment builds on other recent NRCS investments to engage partners to extend the reach of conservation. In late May, NRCS announced its plans to invest $65 million through Conservation Innovation Grants. 

    For more than 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat.  NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.

  • NMPF Releases Statement on New World Screwworm

    The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) released a statement following the detection of New World screwworm in Texas last week. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud weighed in on the news stating:

    “The return of Wew World screwworm to the United States decades after its initial eradication is a disappointing milestone, but it’s also one for which dairy producers have been preparing for more than a year, in collaboration with USDA and across agriculture. It’s important to remember that this development has no effect on food safety, and that measures to combat both the screwworm and its spread are in place and time-tested. We appreciate the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s proactive efforts to prepare for this moment, and we stand ready to work with the department to address any ongoing challenges.

    Now that USDA has confirmed that screwworm is here, dairy farmers and all livestock producers pledge close collaboration with USDA, state and local officials, and producer organizations to mitigate any harmful effects and educate farmers on how to protect their herds. We have been creating resources to guide farmers in their responses, and we will keep our members well informed of any important screwworm developments.

    We also urge officials to follow scientific guidance in any decisions affecting animal movements and regulatory responses to avoid causing economic harm that could be greater than the screwworm itself. We also ask that adequate resources be provided to combat this problem, which causes suffering in animals and creates risk for producers.”

    Currently, no instances of New World screwworm have been reported in California.

  • California Walnut Commission Voices Support for ASCF

    The California Walnut Commission issued a statement voicing its support for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ACSF) program. The program was announced May 29, offering $1.6 billion in federal assistance and relief to growers of specialty crops. This includes tree nuts like walnuts, almonds and pistachios.

    “The California Walnut Commission extends its appreciation to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff for the announcement and implementation of payment rates and the enrollment period for the ASCF program.

    In response to elevated input costs and market disruptions that impede specialty crop exports, USDA will issue $1.625 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers. Eligible walnut growers will be able to receive payments at a rate of $225 per acre based on their 2025 crop acreage report. This new funding will help walnut growers, many from multi-generational family farms, offset high production costs and ongoing market disruptions due to tariffs in key markets.

    ‘Walnut growers are in full swing nurturing this year’s crop, which just finished the bloom and nut set start of the crop year,’ said Bill Carriere, vice chairman of the California Walnut Commission. ‘This additional financial support will be utilized to lower input costs and improve our competitiveness abroad.’

    We thank Secretary Rollins and USDA for their continued commitment to supporting specialty crop producers, including California walnut growers, to strengthen the competitiveness of American agriculture at home and abroad.”

  • USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program Accepting Applications

    The California Avocado Commission is encouraging its growers to apply for aid from the USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program

    For growers who submitted their 2025 eligible acres before the April 24 deadline, the ACSF has allocated $1.6 billion through a one-time bridge payment for specialty crops not covered through the Farm Bridge Assistance program. Payment limitations are set at $250,000 and the program has an adjusted gross income limitation of $900,000. The program is designed to provide financial support to allow specialty crop growers pay for production and marketing inputs in the face of significant market disruptions during the 2025 growing season.

    To be eligible, producers must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien and have reported eligible acres for the 2025 crop year by April 24. Avocado growers are considered tier 2 at $255 per acre.

    Pre-filled applications are available for growers who reported their 2025 crop acreage report by the deadline. Producers also can request their pre-filled application from their local Farm Service Agency office beginning June 8. Completed applications can be returned in person, via email or fax or electronically using Box and One-span.

    The deadline to apply is August 7, 2026. — Story contributed by the California Avocado Commission

  • Valadao Welcomes Brooke Rollins to Bakersfield

    Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) hosted USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins last Friday at Allied Potato for a roundtable discussion on the challenges facing Central Valley growers, ranchers and producers.

    The event brought together agricultural leaders from across the region to discuss key industry priorities and celebrate the USDA’s finalizing of the Specialty Crops Farmers program. This will provide $1.6 billion in payments to eligible specialty crop producers to help offset rising input costs and market disruptions — $625 million more than previously announced.

    Prior to the roundtable, Valadao and Rollins toured Allied Potato, where the visited the fields and observed the processing and packaging operations. Attendees included representatives from the California Farm Bureau, Western Growers, Wonderful Citrus, California Dairies Inc., Milk Producer’s Council, California Citrus Mutual, Grimmway Farms, Western Tree Nut Association, Blue Diamond Almonds, California Fresh Fruit Association, California Farmworker Foundation, Family Tree Farms, Monte Vista Farming Company, and Cauzza Growers.

    “Agriculture drives the Central Valley’s economy, and I was honored to welcome USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins to Bakersfield for a discussion with local agricultural leaders today,” Valadao said “For years, I’ve worked closely with producers across the Valley to address the challenges they face—rising input costs, workforce shortages, burdensome regulations, and the need for a stronger specialty crop safety net—and this conversation reinforced the importance of continued collaboration. As the sole dairy farmer in Congress, I understand these issues firsthand, which is why I was proud to join the Secretary as she announced USDA finalized $1.6 billion in assistance for specialty crop growers to help offset high costs and market disruptions. I appreciate her engagement with our local leaders, and I look forward to continuing to work with USDA on commonsense policies that support Central Valley agriculture and give producers the certainty they need to plan for the future.”

    “Thank you Congressman Valadao, a leader on the House Commitee on Agriculture, for hosting an incredible roundtable today at Allied Potato here in your beautiful Bakersfield, California. Your extraordinary farmers, ranchers, and dairymen exemplify what it means to feed the country and the world,” Rollins said. “Everyday, the Trump Administration is putting Farmers First. As we announced after the roundtable, we are committed to ensuring the economic strength of our specialty crop operations as  we continue opening  new markets abroad and strengthening demand domestically for American produce. Congressman Valadao was critical to helping pass the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which is already helping over 63,000 California farms sell more agriculture products than any other state, protecting 2 million family farms from the death tax, increasing reference prices for the first time in more than a decade, and making the largest investment in rural America in history. And we are just getting started.”