The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) will host a webinar on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. ET, for farmers, ranchers and other producers interested in applying for direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
Governor Newsom Provides Update on California’s Progress Toward Stage 2 Reopening
Governor issues Report Card on state’s progress in fighting COVID-19. Governor’s Report Card indicates California will be prepared to move into the early phase of Stage 2 of reopening this Friday, May 8. Stage 2 allows gradual reopening of lower-risk workplaces with adaptations including bookstores, clothing stores, florists and sporting goods stores, with modifications.
Secretary Perdue Statement on the Department of Labor’s Proposed H2A Modernized Rule
(Washington, D.C., July 15, 2019) – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue issued the following statement on the Department of Labor’s proposed rule to modernize the H-2A program to reflect stakeholder concerns and improve access to a legal source of agricultural labor:
California’s Marathon Trek Towards Smarter Water Policy May be Stopped in Its Tracks by Shortsighted Legislation (SB 1)
You’re running a marathon that everyone said you’d never complete. But despite many obstacles, you kept moving forward, and now the finish line is in sight. You’re feeling good that the work is going to pay off. And then, at the last minute, race officials insert themselves and announce that once you finish, it won’t count for anything. California is at this juncture right now. Following marathon-like efforts and negotiations, Voluntary Agreements on water management are on the verge of completion. However, state officials are now considering legislation, SB1, that would negate all that progress.
USDA Announces Support for Specialty Crops - Trade Disruption
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.
