The balance of power in the nation’s capital has shifted; Democrats now control both the presidency and Congress for the first time in a decade.

Ben Maddox has been tapped as Bank of America’s western food, agriculture and wine executive and Governor Gavin Newsom appoints three to the California Water Commission.

Oral arguments are set for Thursday in a case addressing the question of whether hydroponically grown fruits and vegetables should be able to receive organic certification.

New head of CARB * LA cuts tunnel spending * Ag Order 4.0 hits organic hard * COVID talks offer new ag aid * Ag groups fine with Vilsack * Bipartisan bill enlists USDA in climate aid

Rep. Jim Costa was not the top pick of the Democratic Steering Committee to chair the House Agriculture Committee and Jason Resnick has been promoted to senior vice president and general counsel at Western Growers.

President-elect Joe Biden has announced he will appoint Janet Yellen to the position of treasury secretary and Jason Resnick has been promoted to senior vice president and general counsel at Western Growers.

The House and Senate are both heading back to Capitol Hill this week as a partial government shutdown looms at the end of next week.

Western Growers has hired Walt Duflock as vice president of Innovation and Sakata Seed America has appointed Bill McCarthy as its new associate director of research and development.

Western Growers CEO Dave Puglia has been selected to serve on the Agricultural Policy Advisory Committee to advise the Agriculture Department and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on policies related to new and existing trade agreements.