Brad Hooker

California is moving biological crop protection products through registration faster, but growers say the industry must still prove the tools work consistently and pay off in the field.

A fight over what qualifies as “American wine” exposed a rare divide between California grape growers, family wineries and major wine companies as struggling vineyards sought relief from low-cost imports.

UC agricultural economists say crop residues, almond shells and forestry could fuel a growing bioeconomy that creates new revenue and jobs for rural California — if the state can overcome infrastructure, permitting and workforce barriers.

A new PPIC report finds low-water winter forage crops could help San Joaquin Valley farmers keep some SGMA-affected land productive while reducing dust and generating modest returns.

Central Coast growers warn the revised Ag Order could raise costs, shrink coalition participation and preserve nitrogen standards they say most farms cannot meet.

Sites Reservoir cleared a critical water right hurdle, but project backers warn the draft permit’s conditions could slash water deliveries, drive up costs and threaten whether the project gets built.

California Farm Bureau is backing CropLife’s bid for state Supreme Court review, warning a ruling exposing nonprofit intervenors to major attorney’s fees could chill advocacy in public law cases.

CDFA Secretary Karen Ross is urging faster development of biological pest control tools as California growers face invasive species, climate pressures and fewer conventional options.

California’s pest prevention system is working, but a new analysis warns it is under growing strain from trade, travel, e-commerce and aging infrastructure — just as the state prepares for new risks tied to the World Cup and Olympics.

The Central Valley water board’s first nitrate management zone order starts a decades-long cleanup effort around Modesto, promising continued drinking water help for rural households while giving farms, dairies and cities time to reduce groundwater contamination.