West

Rules change for unpaid leave faced by California employers

California employers need to be aware of significant changes to the California Family Rights Act that became effective at the start of 2021. For the first time, employers with fewer than 50 employees are subject... more »

Water cutbacks hit farmers in Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta

Organic farmer Al Courchesne of Frog Hollow Farm in Brentwood, California, walks through rows of his aromatic stone fruit orchard, showing off sweet nectarines that thrive in the microclimate and rich soils in his corner... more »

Senate passage of infrastructure bill applauded by national ag, water group

With nearly two-thirds of the West experiencing extreme or exceptional drought conditions, and more than 90 active wildfires burning across the U.S., a national coalition representing thousands of Western farmers, ranchers, water providers, businesses and... more »

California Workforce Development Board gives EFI two-year grant

Equitable Food Initiative, the workforce development and certification organization that partners with growers, farmworkers, retailers and consumer groups, announced Aug. 10 a two-year grant from the California Workforce Development Board awarded in conjunction with Measure... more »

California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement has new compliance officer

The California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement has a new compliance officer. Alyssa Licata has been hired to replace Jonathan Field, who is retiring this month after serving in this important role since the LGMA was... more »

Session to explore how organic growing operations can navigate marketplace

The first in a series of educational sessions at Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and OPN, “Organic Grower Perspectives on the Challenges of Scaling” will focus on the issues growers face in expanding... more »

Agriculture drops below $4B in value in Monterey County

Monterey County, California, agriculture saw reductions in 2020, largely due to the impacts of wildfire and COVID-19. The 2020 Crop & Livestock Report reflects a significant decline in production value, which totaled a little more... more »

Mark McKinney named chief operating officer for Local Bounti Corp.

U.S. indoor agriculture company Local Bounti Corp., based in Hamilton, Montana, announced Aug. 9 the appointment of Mark McKinney, a global food industry leader with over 20 years of domestic and international experience with premier... more »