State legislators closed out the legislative session and adjourned on September 1, 2026. The end-of-session actions brought new gut and amend bills to the foreground relating to warehouses and non-residential properties that could affect agriculture. Legislators also passed bills regarding wages, water and ultraprocessed food, among others. On a positive note, modest funding was included in the budget for a …

The Newsom administration released the final recommendations from a study that intends to improve food safety and water quality reporting for California’s agricultural community. This interagency collaboration between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and the State Water Resources Control Board was developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and local leaders, and demonstrates …

The USDA published the final rule regarding stocking standards for retailers participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), requiring that a broader variety of nutritious food is available to SNAP participants at authorized retailers. Since January 2025, the Food and Nutrition Service has taken action on nearly 3,200 retailers regarding current stocking standards, either for failing to meet them …

The Hemp Feed Coalition voiced support for the House of Representatives’ passage of H.R. the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026, and urged the U.S. Senate and President Trump to act quickly to advance and finalize this important legislation. The House Clerk’s official records show the bill was considered April 30,, following floor debate and amendment votes. “We …

The Agricultural Retailers Association Board of Directors Vice Chair, Mike Twining of Willard Agri-Services, represented ag retailers at a roundtable hosted by House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) and U.S. Representatives Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Steve Womack (R-AS), to discuss the Working Families Tax Cuts (WFTC). “When farmers struggle, independent ag retailers like our business feel it immediately. Fortunately, …

Reps. David Valadao (R-CA) and Hillary Scholten (D-MI) reintroduced the Promoting Access to Local Agriculture Act. This legislation aims to remove administrative hurdles for small farmers and ranchers to participate in federal nutrition programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Program (SNAP), which would expand their economic opportunities and improve access to healthy, affordable food for families. “Central Valley producers grow the …

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) released a statement supporting the reintroduction of the DAIRY PRIDE Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Introduced by Reps. John Joyce (R-PA) and Josh Riley (D-NY), the act would deem food products that are making inaccurate claims about milk content “misbranded,” requiring the the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue guidance …

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it is awarding $8.3 million in funding to help 11 U.S. recipients address trade barriers and expand international market access for U.S. specialty crops. The funding is provided through USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service, which manages the Technical Assistance for Specialty Crops (TASC) program. TASC helps U.S. specialty crop producers combat trade barriers, as well …

Conservative Republican, farmer, and mother of four, Alexandra Duarte officially announced today that she is running for California’s 4th State Senate District. Alexandra and her husband, John, built their life on their family farm in Modesto, where they grow almonds and walnuts. Alexandra lives by the values of faith, hard work, and patriotism, which she and John always taught to …

Ag Council of California President Emily Rooney recently testified at a meeting of the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) State Board of Food and Agriculture regarding SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act. Panel speakers included Melissa Koshlaychuk with Western Growers Association and Rick Tomlinson with the California Strawberry Commission. Representatives from the California …