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Solar bill stalls as farmland transition accelerates

05/20/26 7:05 AM By Brad Hooker

A Central Valley solar study bill stalled in the Legislature, leaving unresolved how California should balance renewable energy goals with farmland preservation, SGMA-driven land retirement and the future of farm communities.

California almonds face emerging competition from Australia

05/20/26 7:04 AM By Tim Hearden

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Australia is experiencing record growth in almond production, and its success could put added pressure on a California industry that has been struggling to maintain its dominance.

Almond industry eyes a rebound, but old risks still loom

05/20/26 7:02 AM By Brad Hooker

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California’s almond industry is finding firmer footing after years of low prices, rising costs and orchard removals. But a new Terrain report warns that growers still face long-term pressure from groundwater limits, export dependence, trade shifts and changing consumer demand.

UCCE shifts leadership model to free up advisors for field research

05/20/26 7:01 AM By Brad Hooker

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UC Cooperative Extension is shifting to a regional area director model, aiming to reduce administrative burdens on farm advisors and free up more time for research, outreach and on-the-ground support for California agriculture.

Farm Hands West: Bettencourt departs NRCS, Sharma joins Sierra Club California, Bonitz takes role with California Energy Commission

05/20/26 7:00 AM By Lydia Johnson

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Sierra Club California hired Asha Sharma as deputy director. Jessica Bonitz was appointed deputy public adviser at the California Energy Commission. Natural Resources Conservation Service Chief Aubrey Bettencourt has resigned, and Colton Buckley has assumed the role of chief. California Gov. Gavin Newsom made appointments to the Gold Country and Big Fresno Fair Boards.

California moves to regulate pesticide-treated seeds

05/15/26 1:39 PM By Brad Hooker

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California pesticide regulators are proposing new reporting requirements for treated seeds, reviving a long-running fight over seed coatings, pollinator risks and how far the state should go beyond federal pesticide rules.

Can California still build big water projects?

05/13/26 7:04 AM By Brad Hooker

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Newsom is urging water leaders to finish major projects like Sites Reservoir and the Delta tunnel. But they worry California’s ability to build is running up against affordability, permitting and political hurdles.

Farmworker wage bill fuels broader clash over H-2A labor in California agriculture

05/13/26 7:03 AM By Brad Hooker

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A proposed $19.75 per hour farmworker wage floor is fueling a broader fight over California agriculture’s reliance on H-2A labor and rising production costs.

H-2A wage rule could save California growers $100M

05/13/26 7:02 AM By Brad Hooker

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A new analysis estimates California growers could save more than $100 million this year under federal H-2A wage changes, but lower pay could complicate worker retention and morale.

Almond crop forecast lands slightly lower

05/13/26 7:01 AM By Brad Hooker

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USDA and Blue Diamond forecasts point to a slightly smaller California almond crop as the industry adjusts to a new crop-reporting landscape.

Newsmakers

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Agri-Pulse Newsmakers

06.05.2026

Agri-Pulse Newsmakers: Karen Ross on California agriculture, water, MAHA, Prop 12

California agriculture operates at a scale and under conditions unlike anywhere else in the country, yet the policy decisions extend far beyond state lines. We spent the week in Sacramento for the annual Agri-Pulse Food and Ag Issues Summit West and caught up with California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary Karen Ross to discuss the challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping California agriculture, and why the rest of the country should be paying attention to the Golden State.

Plus, Ag Council of California President Emily Rooney outlines concerning plastic and packaging regulations and Chris Zanobini, president and CEO of Ag Association Management Services Inc., describes the "regulatory jenga" plaguing California agriculture.

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