West
President Biden appoints key USDA role for California
President Joe Biden appointed Maria Herrera as USDA state director of rural development for California on May 19. Maria Gallegos Herrera is a proud daughter of farmworker parents who grew up in the rural agricultural... more »
California growers face new water cuts
With 60% of the state now in extreme drought conditions, state officials are warning water-right holders that they should expect more curtailments during peak irrigation season in June and July. In a statement last week,... more »
Board renews water curtailments for Russian River in California
Farmers with water rights along the Russian River in Mendocino and Sonoma counties may be subject to further curtailments of water diversions after the California State Water Resources Control Board readopted emergency actions from last... more »
USDOL recovers $225K in back wages for ag workers in California
Migrant workers in the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program provide critical seasonal labor on farms across California, spending weeks away from home doing the grueling work needed to support the state’s $49 billion agricultural industry.... more »
Wildfire worries ramp up in the Pacific Northwest
Where there’s smoke, there’s usually fire, and that’s certainly been the case in the Western U.S. in recent years. The increasing number of Western wildfires – which cause smoke and higher levels of ozone pollution... more »
Local solutions central to CAFB Water Forum
Facing a third year of drought, leadership from county Farm Bureaus, spanning all regions of California, gathered in Sacramento last week to engage with state water officials about all things water. A changing climate, shrinking... more »
New Oregon OSHA rules protect workers from high heat, wildfire smoke
The Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division announced on May 11 the adoption of rules to protect workers from the hazards of high heat and wildfire smoke. The heat rule addresses access to shade and... more »
Brighter Bites launches new program in Bakersfield, California
Brighter Bites, a national nonprofit that delivers fresh fruits and vegetables directly into families’ hands, has launched its ninth location in Bakersfield, California. The nonprofit will partner with Grimmway Farms and CAPK to help improve... more »