Farm Management
Bill would boost USDA block grants for specialty crops
U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Laphonza Butler (D-California) have introduced a bill to increase the USDA Specialty Crop Block Grant program authorization and give stakeholders more say on what to do with the funds... more »
Senate, House make progress on Farm Bill
The Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance (SCFBA) is applauding movement on a farm bill from the House and Senate Agriculture Committees. Both bodies released summaries of their proposals on May 1, with Senate committee chair... more »
New H-2A worker protections go into effect this year
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule on H-2A temporary worker protections that include allowing employees to invite labor and legal organizations to employer-provided housing. The rule, “Improving Protections for Workers in... more »
California’s Mayra Paniagua receives strawberry award
Mayra Paniagua, a second-generation California grower, has received the Strawberry Industry Impact Award from the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce. Paniagua's parents migrated from Mexico, starting out as pickers and eventually moving up to... more »
Grimmway Farms to acquire San Miguel Produce
Grimmway Farms, Bakersfield, California, has entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of San Miguel Produce Inc., Oxnard, California. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Grimmway’s strategic expansion efforts and underscores its commitment... more »
Use data to guide crop input decisions
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that farming profits are predicted to fall in 2024. As growers look to balance expenses and outcomes, they may be tempted to cut inputs from their crop nutrition plan.... more »
Ed Wengryn appointed NJ ag secretary
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy has appointed Edward D. Wengryn as New Jersey secretary of agriculture. Wengryn, who started in the role on March 25, succeeds Douglas Fisher, who retired. Joe Atchison III, the assistant... more »
USDA asks for comments on fruit, vegetable committee
The USDA is seeking comments on its plans to renew the charter of the Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee. USDA is set to renew the committee’s charter for two years as required by the... more »