Finding that California school districts have not been following the Buy American Act regarding food purchases, Ag Council of California sponsored legislation to reinforce the provision with successful results. Watch this brief interview with Emily Rooney, President of Ag Council, for more details and how this will support California agriculture and the local economy. Please thank this video’s sponsor Suterra for their …
Artificial Photosynthesis Can Produce Food Without Sunshine
Photosynthesis has evolved in plants for millions of years to turn water, carbon dioxide, and the energy from sunlight into plant biomass and the foods we eat. This process, however, is very inefficient, with only about 1% of the energy found in sunlight ending up in the plant. Scientists at UC Riverside and the University of Delaware have found a …
An Aromatic Tomato Could be Looming – a La Heirloom Varieties
You can scarcely find a tasty, heirloom tomato in the grocery store. But University of Florida scientists helped discover a way to enhance tomato smell and taste. Breeding efforts over the last half century have emphasized traits that are important to producers – yield, disease resistance, appearance and post-harvest shelf life among them. While those traits are important, modern commercial …
Agtech Startups to Compete for $250,000 in AgSharks Pitch Competition
Western Growers and S2G Ventures are now accepting applications for the 2022 AgSharks Competition, a unique event where startup companies pitch their innovations in front of a live audience of the world’s largest specialty crop producers to win a $250,000 minimum investment. Impact-driven entrepreneurs and startups developing technologies that promote a more healthy and sustainable food and agriculture system can …
Novel Strawberry IPM Tool Included in CA DPR Grant Funding
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced $1.78 million in Alliance Grants for five projects that aim to increase the speed and the scale at which safer, more sustainable pest management practices are adopted across the state. Each project will promote innovative Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems and practices in agricultural, urban or wildland settings. “Alliance Grants directly support the department’s …
NRCS Incentive Funding for On-farm Groundwater Recharge Projects
As drought conditions persist in California, farmers are making the most of every drop of water they use. However, there may be more they can do during the rainy season to put water back into the ground with assistance of the USDA-NRCS. Watch this brief interview with California Water Quality Specialist Wendy Rash to find out. Please thank this video’s …
Impacts of Water Restrictions on Agriculture Production Cannot Be Understated
United Vegetable Growers Cooperative — Our most precious resource is in critical condition. Chances are if you have driven through the Central San Joaquin Valley over the past 20 years you have seen prominent signs and billboards scattered along the interstate highways as well as the backroads. Many can attest to driving by one of these signs countless times while checking their fall …
Progress on Prop 1 Funded California Water Projects
California is in the midst of a serious drought, which is taking a major toll on our local agricultural industries. The Water Quality, Supply & Infrastructure Improvement Act (Prop 1) passed back in 2014, yet no construction of any of the funded projects has commenced. Watch this brief interview with Emily Rooney from the Ag Council of California as she …
California Ag Coalition Requests Immediate State Action on Water Needs
Due to an economically crippling drought and the overwhelming regulatory demands of California, several agricultural groups formed a coalition and recently sent a letter to the governor and state legislature, both informing them of the challenges impacting farming families and requesting immediate action and funding to boost water storage and supplies. Watch this brief interview with Emily Rooney from the …
Best Farming Practices for Treated Seeds Underscores Commitment to Environmental Stewardship
As planting season begins across the West, Western Plant Health is reminding farmers about the importance of following basic steps that will help ensure the ongoing stewardship of pesticide-treated seeds, which help reduce the overall use of pesticides. This major agricultural advance provides seed treatments that help protect developing seeds during their most vulnerable time – at planting and germination. …
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