The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced a $2 million project to support the development of cost-effective tools that help tree nut handlers control pests and maintain product quality while crops are in storage after harvest. Funded under the Assisting Specialty Crop Exports (ASCE) Initiative, this opportunity is part of a broader ASCE suite of investments for …

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) announced it is now accepting applications for its upcoming trade mission to Singapore, scheduled for Dec. 7 to 9. FAS Agribusiness Trade Missions directly connect American agribusinesses with overseas buyers, expanding market access and boosting exports for U.S. producers. Current and potential U.S. exporters interested in exploring trade opportunities in Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand …

The California Walnut Commission CWC voiced its support after the European Union reduced the tariff on U.S.-grown tree nuts — including walnuts — to 0%. This lowering of rates became effective as of July 1. In a public statement on the order, the CWC stated: “The California Walnut Commission (CWC) welcomes this positive development for the California walnut industry and …

President Donald J. Trump signed a proclamation temporarily suspending countervailing duties on certain phosphate fertilizer imports, The temporary suspension aims to increase phosphate fertilizer availability, improve competition and help lower one of agriculture’s largest production expenses while supporting a stable and reliable fertilizer supply ahead of future planting seasons. Current USDA analysis indicates American farmers could save approximately $1.82 billion …

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) is now accepting applications for its Agribusiness Trade Mission to Accra, Ghana, from Sept. 22-25,. USDA’s agribusiness trade missions directly connect U.S. exporters with buyers in fast-growing overseas markets, boosting income for American farmers, ranchers, and producers, supporting and creating jobs, and fueling rural economies nationwide. Current and potential exporters interested in expanding their …

Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) hosted USDA Sec. Brooke Rollins last Friday at Allied Potato for a roundtable discussion on the challenges facing Central Valley growers, ranchers and producers. The event brought together agricultural leaders from across the region to discuss key industry priorities and celebrate the USDA’s finalizing of the Specialty Crops Farmers program. This will provide $1.6 billion in …

The 2026 California Almond Forecast, published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), estimates that the crop harvested in 2026 will come in at 2.7 billion pounds, down 1% from the previous year. Forecasted yield is 1,940 pounds per acre, unchanged from the previous season. “According to the polled growers, the industry is expecting a modestly …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced loan interest rates for May 2026, effective May 1. USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) loans provide access to capital to help producers start or expand their farming operations, purchase equipment and storage structures or meet cash flow needs.              Operating, Ownership and Emergency Loans       FSA …

On March 23, 2026, the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) National Organic Program (NOP) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register to amend the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances (National List). The National List is a section of the USDA organic regulations that identifies synthetic substances that are allowed, and natural substances that are prohibited, in organic …