West

Farm labor bills top list of new California laws affecting ag

Several new California laws, which went into effect New Year’s Day, impact farm operations and agricultural production in the state. The new policies relate to a range of issues, including agricultural exports, pest control, water... more »

California: Well suited for robotics

FRESNO, Calif. – California Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross told attendees at the inaugural FIRA-USA conference they are part of the important first steps to solving problems of tomorrow. California Agriculture Secretary... more »

Paul DiMare, tomato industry giant, dies

Paul DiMare, a man honored as a Florida agricultural giant and the voice of Florida’s tomato industry, has died. DiMare, 81, died on Friday, Dec. 30. A funeral mass is scheduled for Friday, Jan. 6... more »

Misionero’s Pete Donlon joins EFI

Pete Donlon, vice president of Misionero, has joined the board of directors of the Equitable Foods Initiative. Donlon will fill the position recently vacated by Vic Smith of JV Smith Companies. ... more »

Michigan reminds shippers about spotted lanternflies

Michigan authorities are reminding shippers that transport plants or plant parts to California to be aware California may require a certificate of spotted lanternfly quarantine compliance. The destructive spotted lanternfly has... more »

Colorado launches ag lending program

The Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA) has launched a program that offers financing to farmers, ranchers and businesses that support agriculture in an effort to make access more equitable. The Colorado Agricultural Future Loan Program... more »

Tom Tjerandsen, longtime produce marketer, dies

Tom Tjerandsen, 80, important in the promotion of California and Chilean produce, has died. He was based in Sonoma, California, where he died Nov. 8. Tjerandsen was a leader in... more »

Field of Machines: Automation eases some tasks, but focus is on harvest

FRESNO, Calif. – As Congress prepares yet again to consider agriculture labor reform through the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, dozens of autonomous sprayers, weeders and cultivators are entering fields, orchards and vineyards every day in... more »