Author Archives: Office of Public Affairs

USDA news release In response to historic drought conditions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is offering $41.8 million through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) to help agricultural producers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Oregon alleviate the immediate impacts of drought and other natural resource challenges on working lands. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will make available this funding through …

Western Growers news release Western Growers (WG) has teamed with Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary, to launch a statewide initiative aimed at developing a future workforce with the skills and knowledge to navigate emerging on-farm technology. The AgTechX Ed initiative will bring together universities and colleges, farming and agricultural partners, and technology companies across California …

Note — It’s Invasive Species Action Week in California through June 13. CDFA is partnering with other government agencies and environmental groups to discuss the threats posed by invasive species. CDFA’s Report a Pest Program Have you seen a new or unusual plant or pest in your area? If so, you can play an important role in protecting California agriculture and …

By Laura Reiley and Melina Mara Last summer, coronavirus raged among Salinas Valley farmworkers, who were three times more likely to be infected by the coronavirus than other workers last summer, according to the Monterey County dashboard tracker. Deemed essential, farmworkers planted, harvested and packed produce right beside co-workers, often relying on employers for crowded transportation and accommodation in camp-style …

By Ben Nuelle Producers who have crop insurance coverage may qualify for premium support up to $5 per acre in a new USDA assistance program if they planted cover crops for the 2021 crop year. The Department of Agriculture announced Tuesday some cover crop acreage could be eligible for the Pandemic Cover Crop Program offered by USDA’s Risk Management Agency. Qualifying cover crops …

By Emily Hamann It’s been open for (just a week,) but the Lab@AgStart already has reservations or commitments for half of its lab benches. AgStart, a Woodland-based incubator for agriculture and food technology startups, celebrated the grand opening of its new $1.5 million facility in Downtown Woodland last Thursday. The 4,800-square-foot space includes coworking space for startups; the Yocha Dehe …

News release from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Boating appears to be surging in popularity in California and nationwide. California agencies combatting the spread of invasive quagga and zebra mussels ask new and seasoned boaters to remain cautious over the three-day Memorial Day weekend to prevent the spread of quagga and zebra mussels by cleaning, draining and drying …

News release from the Citrus Pest and Disease Prevention Program As COVID-19 restrictions ease, summer travel is expected to increase, and California agricultural officials are cautioning Californians on what not to pack for their trips – homegrown citrus fruit and plant material. Traveling with citrus fruit or plant material can unknowingly spread a dangerous pest – the Asian citrus psyllid …

Help us map the next statewide roadmap to a climate-resilient California for all! The impacts of climate change, such as wildfire, extreme heat, drought, flooding, and sea level rise, are a clear and present threat to California’s communities, environment, and economy. They are occurring with increasing frequency and intensity across the state. While the state has made significant strides in …