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What to expect after a dry winter * Positive signs in California’s economy before the outbreak

President Donald Trump signs into law a $2 trillion economic stimulus package that includes $23.5 billion in aid to farmers and ranchers as well as marketing loan relief.

State Department accelerates H-2A approvals * State auditor: CDFA ‘poorly managed’ license plate program

The State Department agreed to accelerate approvals of H-2A farm workers by waiving interviews for many applicants, a move welcomed by agricultural groups who feared that embassy cutbacks amid the COVID-19 pandemic would leave farms without needed labor.

SGMA showing impacts on agricultural land values * Concerns rise over smallholder farmers during outbreak * Western Growers asks USDA to back claims on perishable commodities

Central Coast Board extends comment period on Ag Order 4.0 * New bill on workforce training also addresses displaced farmworkers * State is readjusting budget expectations for this year and next

Fruit and vegetable farmers and their distributors are losing billions of dollars as restaurants and other buyers shut down and the government needs to step in, according to a new plea from the industry that traditionally shies away from government assistance.

The federal government and private sector are working to overcome barriers that can prevent delivery of farm inputs and food products, but a few challenges remain.

With some shots of rain and snow still arriving, and reservoirs at near average levels, the state still remains far short in total rain and snow statewide as it heads toward fire season.