On February 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced amendments to the federal marketing order regulating the handling of walnuts grown in California. These amendments authorize the California Walnut Board to provide credit for market promotion expenses paid by handlers against their annual assessments due under the program….

What is the Section 32 Buy program? Broadly speaking, USDA is authorized to purchase agricultural commodities and divert them toward domestic nutritional assistance programs (School Lunch Program, food banks, soup kitchens, etc.). This helps remove surplus products from the market and helps stabilize commodity prices. Overview The California walnut industry…

Last month, the USDA released the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Issued every five years, these guidelines provide advice on what to eat and drink to meet nutritional needs, promote health, and prevent disease based on recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) Scientific Report. They guide public policy…

California’s orchards are a vital part of the local economy, providing over half of the fruits and nuts we consume daily. The caretakers of these orchards work tirelessly to provide us with healthy, nutritious foods. Tree nut growers play a dual role in the health and safety of the communities…

If you have not already heard, the USDA recently announced the next phase of relief to farmers and ranchers under the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP 2). USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will be administering the program and will be accepting applications through December 11, 2020. What is different about…

September 1, 2020 USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) implements various programs to provide assistance to growers affected by natural disasters. This ranges from crop insurance to a tree replanting assistance program. More information can be found here.