The FDA Foods Coalition was launched on Oct. 26th to advocate for a modernized, effective foods program at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) focused on preventing foodborne illness outbreaks and other food safety risks, and decreasing diet-related chronic diseases. Made up of consumer advocates, food industry representatives, public health groups, and state and local regulators, the Coalition will …

Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Representatives Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Tony Gonzales (TX-23), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), Tom McClintock (CA-05), Jim Moylan (GU-AL), Claudia Tenney (NY-24), and Clay Higgins (LA-03) to introduce the Energy Choice Act. This bill would prohibit states or localities from prohibiting an energy service’s connection, reconnection, modification, installation, or expansion based on the type …

The Department of the Interior recently announced up to $328 million in funding opportunities available through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, a key pillar of Bidenomics, to help communities address impacts of climate change through water recycling, water storage and desalination projects. The funds come primarily from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s WaterSMART and Small Storage programs, as well as …

On September 21, Congressman David G. Valadao (CA-22) joined Representative Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) to introduce H.R. 5589, the Fresh Produce Procurement Reform Act. This bipartisan, bicameral bill establishes a new mechanism for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to purchase a wide variety of U.S.-grown fresh fruits and vegetables for distribution to those in need. …

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced it reached a settlement with a major agricultural pesticide-application business regarding numerous violations of state law that endangered workers and the public. In November 2022, DPR initiated a licensing disciplinary action against TriCal Inc., one of the state’s largest agricultural pesticide applicators and the largest single applicator of 1,3-D. The pesticide 1,3-D has …

This week, SB 659 (Ashby, D-Sacramento), which is co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), cleared its final legislative hurdle and was sent to Governor Newsom for consideration. SB 659, The California Water Supply Solutions Act of 2023, puts California on a path to develop additional groundwater recharge opportunities that increase the recharge of the state’s groundwater basins. “SB 659 represents …

U.S. rice producers and exporters stand to benefit from India’s recent decision to ban exports of white rice, as global demand for U.S. rice is expected to rise. Increased demand will temporarily lift prices for U.S. rice producers and the industry is well-positioned to meet higher demand for exports. However, the short-term benefits of India’s rice export ban will give …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Xochitl Torres Small will lead the first-ever U.S. agribusiness trade mission to Luanda, Angola on Nov. 28 – Dec. 1. USDA Foreign Agricultural Service is now accepting applications from U.S. exporters who wish to participate in this trade mission. “When it comes to trade opportunity, Sub-Saharan Africa is both promising and often over-looked, …

Six dynamic women will make up the inaugural Cohort of the American Agri-Women (AAW) Road to influence. The Road to Influence (RTI) is a new program developed by AAW designed to be a bold and innovative personal development experience for members. The program is intended to identify and move beyond limiting beliefs and behaviors, ultimately resulting in stronger leaders for AAW and …

The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame is requesting nominations for outstanding agricultural leaders and mentors in our community.  Now in its 38th year, the Agricultural Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have contributed to agriculture and to their community in significant ways.  Each year, awards are given to at least three living recipients, as well as posthumous …