The California Walnut Commission (CWC) voiced its support for the USDA’s intent to purchase $30 million of California walnuts through Section 32 authority. The announcement, made Aug. 24 by USDA, is part of Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935, which authorizes USDA to purchase agricultural commodities for domestic nutritional assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program …

The USDA Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) announced that it does not expect to purchase and sell sugar under the Feedstock Flexibility Program for crop year 2026, which runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30, 2027. The CCC is required by law to quarterly announce estimates of sugar to be purchased and sold under the Feedstock Flexibility Program based on crop …

The USDA is reminding ag producers impacted by increased input costs and natural disasters that the deadlines to apply for safety net and disaster assistance programs designed to protect their financial security are coming soon.  USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) wants to remind producers that the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP), …

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 …

A portion of San Diego County has been placed under quarantine for the Mexican fruit fly following the detection of one mated female fly in and around the unincorporated community of Spring Valley. This new quarantine will overlap a portion of the existing La Mesa Mexican Fruit Fly quarantine by 19 square miles. The USDA, the San Diego County Agricultural …

The USDA announced that it is investing up to $310 million to expand producer conservation activities across the nation through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is accepting RCPP project proposals now through Aug. 24 to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners boost their operations and conserve natural resources. “This significant investment through the …

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) released a statement following the detection of New World screwworm in Texas last week. NMPF President and CEO Gregg Doud weighed in on the news stating: “The return of Wew World screwworm to the United States decades after its initial eradication is a disappointing milestone, but it’s also one for which dairy producers have …

The California Walnut Commission issued a statement voicing its support for the Assistance for Specialty Crops Farmers (ACSF) program. The program was announced May 29, offering $1.6 billion in federal assistance and relief to growers of specialty crops. This includes tree nuts like walnuts, almonds and pistachios. “The California Walnut Commission extends its appreciation to U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke …

The California Avocado Commission is encouraging its growers to apply for aid from the USDA Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers (ASCF) program For growers who submitted their 2025 eligible acres before the April 24 deadline, the ACSF has allocated $1.6 billion through a one-time bridge payment for specialty crops not covered through the Farm Bridge Assistance program. Payment limitations are …

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 …