West

California water districts cry foul as flows set to increase

California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration has informed regional water districts that it will move forward with a plan to increase flows from San Joaquin River tributaries in an action that may create more water uncertainty... more »

California on-farm soil health practices aided by grant funds

The California Department of Food and Agriculture is now accepting applications for its Healthy Soils Program. The program incentivizes implementation and demonstration of on-farm soil health practices that sequester carbon, reduce greenhouse gases and improve... more »

OGS 2021 Next Gen keynote presentation announced

Up and coming leaders from three of the nations’ most progressive organic growing operations have been confirmed as panelists for the Keynote presentation at the 2021 Organic Grower Summit presented by Western Growers and Organic Produce... more »

AgSharks Pitch Competition has five startups seeking $250K

Out of more than 100 applicants, five agtech start-up companies have been selected to go head-to-head in the Western Growers/S2G Ventures 2021 AgSharks Competition to win a $250,000 minimum investment and potential access to farm... more »

Study targets dust’s role in potential produce cross-contamination

Researchers have conducted significant research into the role of water in foodborne outbreaks and to a lesser extent, soil’s contribution, but the potential for dust particles to transfer pathogens onto produce has been largely overlooked.... more »

Crop efficiency aided by satellites tracking water use

As California weathers another drought, tools that can help farmers and ranchers maximize the water they do get are being sharpened. The newest effort to measure such water use was launched last week by a... more »

Research to improve nutrient management gets $4.14M in California

The California Department of Food and Agriculture Fertilizer Research and Education Program is announced on Oct. 25 $4.14 million in grant funding to agricultural organizations and universities. The funding includes $3 million for the University... more »

Organic Grower Summit adds new educational sessions

Two new educational sessions will explore how technology is enhancing organic crop production and offer a look at the growth of organic fresh produce sales at grocery stores over the past two years as part... more »