West

California LGMA launches Romaine testing program

The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) has initiated a two-year food safety study on pathogens in Romaine lettuce, which has been the target of investigations of foodborne illness outbreaks in recent years. The initiative,... more »

Misionero celebrates 50th anniversary

Leafy greens grower Misionero, which markets organic and conventionally grown produce, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. Founded in 1973 by Floyd Griffin, Misionero has a deep-rooted history and commitment to organic practices, offering organic products... more »

CDFA offers healthy soils program funding

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) announced the availability of approximately $4 million dollars of grant funding for its Healthy Soils Demonstration Program. Program information The program funds projects that showcase California farmers... more »

Tech event features a robot parade, drone pavilion

From weed control to fertilizer application, harvesting, picking and seeding, FIRA USA is showcasing more than two dozen ag robots with field demonstrations. Over the three-day event, Sept. 19-21, in Salinas, California, robots will be... more »

Coalition opposes bills to overhaul California water rights rules

As California experiences wild swings in climate from drought to floods, critics of the state’s water rights system seek to overhaul rules that date back to California’s founding in 1850. Three water rights bills are... more »

Farm Robotics Challenge winners named

A robot designed to reduce farmworker injuries and streamline harvest took the top prize in the Farm Robotics Challenge 2023. The challenge spotlighted the exceptional innovation and technical prowess of students from universities across the... more »

Food and ag summit tackles water, farm bill

The outlook for California’s agricultural economy shows some signs of improvement after several years of supply-chain constraints, high input costs and a multiyear drought that forced farmers to fallow acres and remove orchards. The June... more »

California grants available for sustainable pest management

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is accepting grant applications for a program promoting sustainable pest control practices. The CDFA’s Office of Pesticide Consultation and Analysis (OPCA) is accepting applications for the Biologically... more »