On Thursday, May 23rd USDA Secretary Perdue announced that support would continue to assist growers in response to the prolonged trade disruption specifically between the US and China. As the Administration continues to communicate a commitment by promoting reciprocal trade agreements, expanding markets to ensure growers remain competitive, it has authorized USDA to provide up to $16 billion that aligns with the estimated impacts of unjustified tariffs on agricultural products.
News
California Acts to Prohibit Chlorpyrifos Pesticide
Move to ban follows scientific findings that chlorpyrifos poses serious public health and environmental risks to vulnerable communities. Governor’s May Revision proposes $5.7 million in new funding to support the transition to safer, more sustainable alternatives. CDFA and DPR will convene a new working group to identify, evaluate and recommend alternative pest management solutions.
Environmentalists Want 1% Charge on Restaurant Bills. Restaurants have Reservations.
A new statewide environmental program may soon mean an extra charge for customers at some Sacramento restaurants.
That’s if the restaurants buy in. Launched earlier this month, Restore California Renewable Restaurants asks participating eateries to add a 1 percent increase at the end of customers’ bills. Sacramento restaurant owners like the sound of the program but nobody has committed to the 1 percent charge. The money would go to farms participating in the Healthy Soils Program, which supports sustainable farming practices in California.
USDA Announces January Income over Feed Cost Margin Triggers First 2019 Dairy Safety Net Payment
WASHINGTON, March 6, 2019 — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) announced this week that the January 2019 income over feed cost margin was $7.99 per hundredweight, triggering the first payment for eligible dairy producers who purchase the appropriate level of coverage under the new but yet-to-be established Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.
Draft of Revised Wage Order 14-2001 to the Office of Administrative Law
The Association has just received a draft copy of the revisions to Industrial Welfare Commission Wage Order 14-2001 that were required by AB 1066. These changes become effective January 1, 2019, except as otherwise noted in the revised Wage Order for smaller employers of 25 employees or less. The proposed revisions were submitted to the Office of Administrative Law (“OAL”) on November 9, 2018, for legal review prior to implementation.