The latest laws and regulations impacting the food and agriculture industries. https://www.agri-pulse.com/rss en-us noah@agri-pulse.com President Donald Trump’s pause of energy-related sanctions and tariffs on Russia is prompting pushback from fellow Republicans. President Donald Trump’s pause of energy-related sanctions and tariffs on Russia is prompting pushback from fellow Republicans. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25392 Mon, 19 Oct 2026 08:58:30 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25392-daybreak-oct-19-trump-draws-gop-rebuke-over-russia USDA-Rice Harvest.jpg Rice being harvested. (USDA photo) noah@agri-pulse.com Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., says he thinks there will be long-standing ill will between the U.S. and Canada because of President Donald Trump’s trade war — even after it ends. He warned that Canadians' weariness of the U.S. is hurting his home state’s wine industry. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., says he thinks there will be long-standing ill will between the U.S. and Canada because of President Donald Trump’s trade war — even after it ends. He warned that Canadians' weariness of the U.S. is hurting his home state’s wine industry.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25386 Thu, 15 Oct 2026 09:55:47 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25386-daybreak-oct-15-senator-trade-fight-with-canada-will-have-lasting-impacts Adam-Schiff-AP-photo.jpg Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., speaks at the California Democratic Party's 2025 State Convention at the Anaheim Convention Canter in Anaheim, Calif., on Saturday, May, 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes) The Trump administration is providing guidance to help biofuel producers claim the 45Z tax incentive, even if their product is missing from the government’s “cheat sheet” for calculating the credit’s value. The Trump administration is providing guidance to help biofuel producers claim the 45Z tax incentive, even if their product is missing from the government’s “cheat sheet” for calculating the credit’s value.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25383 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 15:40:52 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25383-doe-clarifies-45z-process-with-new-guidance-for-biofuel-producers Corn ethanol plant in Iowa Ethanol plant in Iowa. (USDA photo) The lobbying battle over animal welfare state laws like Prop 12 in California is intensifying as a new entrant spending tens of millions of dollars to keep such rules in place draws scrutiny from the pork industry. The lobbying battle over animal welfare state laws like Prop 12 in California is intensifying as a new entrant spending tens of millions of dollars to keep such rules in place draws scrutiny from the pork industry. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25366 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:11:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25366-ampa pigs on a farm USDA Pigs on a farm. (USDA photo) steve@agri-pulse.com The Trump administration’s latest proposal to define “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act is receiving support from farm groups, who say it’s needed to clarify the limits of federal jurisdiction. Environmental groups, however, are staunchly opposed, saying that the supplemental proposal would eviscerate protections for wetlands and streams that do not flow year-round. The Trump administration’s latest proposal to define “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act is receiving support from farm groups, who say it’s needed to clarify the limits of federal jurisdiction. Environmental groups, however, are staunchly opposed, saying that the supplemental proposal would eviscerate protections for wetlands and streams that do not flow year-round.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25372 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:08:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25372-supplemental-wotus-gets-ag-support-environmentalists-pan-it wetlands-pic-USDA-photo.jpg A restored wetland in central Washington. (USDA photo) Growers’ improved sustainability is the result of some $89 million in research funded by the Almond Board of California since 1973, including studies relating to production, environmental stewardship. A University of California farm adviser credited the work during the annual CAPCA conference in Anaheim. Growers’ improved sustainability is the result of some $89 million in research funded by the Almond Board of California since 1973, including studies relating to production, environmental stewardship. A University of California farm adviser credited the work during the annual CAPCA conference in Anaheim.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25362 Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:02:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25362-almond-board-funded-research-seeks-natural-solutions-for-pest-control hearden-abc-hillman.jpg Taylor Hillman, left, the Almond Board of California’s manager of industry communications, staffs a booth at the California Association of Pest Control Advisers annual conference Oct. 11, 2026, in Anaheim. {Agri-Pulse photo/Tim Hearden} steve@agri-pulse.com EPA is proposing to reallocate biofuel volumes lost to small refinery exemptions that were granted in August after the agency issued historically high biofuel-blending targets in March. EPA is proposing to reallocate biofuel volumes lost to small refinery exemptions that were granted in August after the agency issued historically high biofuel-blending targets in March.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25371 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 14:21:56 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25371-epa-proposes-reallocating-rvos-lost-due-to-small-refinery-exemptions Ethanol Gas Pump (Agri-Pulse file photo) The White House completed a review of EPA's plan to protect crop-based fuels from bigger-than-expected biofuel-blending exemptions for oil refineries, signaling that the agency is on track to unveil the proposal shortly. The move, opposed by the fossil fuel industry, is considered crucial for the economic health of U.S. biofuels and crops like soybeans and corn. The White House completed a review of EPA's plan to protect crop-based fuels from bigger-than-expected biofuel-blending exemptions for oil refineries, signaling that the agency is on track to unveil the proposal shortly. The move, opposed by the fossil fuel industry, is considered crucial for the economic health of U.S. biofuels and crops like soybeans and corn. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25363 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 17:10:32 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25363-white-house-finishes-review-of-epa-plan-to-avert-sre-pain-on-ag soybean field Soybeans growing in field (File photo) California Gov. Gavin Newsom is unimpressed with the idea of allowing the use of dyed diesel on highways, despite requests from the California Farm Bureau. California Gov. Gavin Newsom is unimpressed with the idea of allowing the use of dyed diesel on highways, despite requests from the California Farm Bureau.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25357 Fri, 09 Oct 2026 06:00:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25357-despite-cafbs-overtures-newsom-resists-red-diesel-on-roads hearden-i5-trucks.jpg Trucks traverse Interstate 5 in Redding, California. (Agri-Pulse photo/Tim Hearden) A new study finds ethanol is a "promising drop-in option for methanol-fueled vessels." A new study finds ethanol is a "promising drop-in option for methanol-fueled vessels." 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25356 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 16:49:21 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25356-ethanol-a-promising-for-methanol-powered-vessels-study-says alexandra-maersk_1024x576.jpeg Shipping giant Maersk is backing new international fuel standards and shifting to dual-fuel vessels. (Maersk photo) steve@agri-pulse.com A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the federal government challenging Michigan’s cage-free egg law, concluding the government could not show it was injured by enactment of the law. A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the federal government challenging Michigan’s cage-free egg law, concluding the government could not show it was injured by enactment of the law.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25354 Thu, 08 Oct 2026 11:48:47 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25354-judge-dismisses-feds-lawsuit-over-michigan-cage-free-egg-law Eggs AP photo.jpg (AP photo/Jenny Kane) Biofuel producers, oil refiners and farmers are closely watching the Trump administration and Congress for next moves impacting small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. Biofuel producers, oil refiners and farmers are closely watching the Trump administration and Congress for next moves impacting small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25336 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:13:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25336-trumps-diesel-order-spurs-new-round-of-fuel-policy-clashes hearden-diesel-sign-091526.jpg A recent sign at a gas station last month in Redding, California, shows the price for diesel fuel at nearly $8 a gallon. (Agri-Pulse photo/Tim Hearden) steve@agri-pulse.com The fight over wolves has entered a new phase with the issuance of a new executive order. The fight over wolves has entered a new phase with the issuance of a new executive order.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25341 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:09:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25341-ranchers-look-to-executive-order-for-wolf-relief usfws-gray-wolf.jpg Gray wolf (USFWS photo/Gary Kramer) hguthoerl@agri-pulse.com A new experimental hunting season for black-bellied whistling ducks in Louisiana could provide relief to rice farmers who are experiencing crop damage from the growing waterfowl population. A new experimental hunting season for black-bellied whistling ducks in Louisiana could provide relief to rice farmers who are experiencing crop damage from the growing waterfowl population.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25343 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:08:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25343-new-duck-hunting-season-offers-potential-tool-for-louisiana-rice-farmers USDA-Rice Harvest.jpg Rice being harvested. (USDA photo) Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed AB 2646 by Asm. Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, which will set a new minimum wage of $19.75 an hour for certain farmworkers. The bill was opposed by a veritable who’s-who of agricultural groups, which say the legislation risks accelerating the loss of ag production in California. Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed AB 2646 by Asm. Maggy Krell, D-Sacramento, which will set a new minimum wage of $19.75 an hour for certain farmworkers. The bill was opposed by a veritable who’s-who of agricultural groups, which say the legislation risks accelerating the loss of ag production in California.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25337 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:04:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25337-groups-say-new-wage-law-will-increase-costs hearden-calif-capitol.jpg The dome on the California State Capitol in Sacramento. (Tim Hearden/Agri-Pulse photo) California is developing a certification and official label for non-ultraprocessed foods, stepping out ahead of a federal effort to define what ultraprocessed foods are. Some industry experts say the state’s move could cause complications for food manufacturers. California is developing a certification and official label for non-ultraprocessed foods, stepping out ahead of a federal effort to define what ultraprocessed foods are. Some industry experts say the state’s move could cause complications for food manufacturers.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25340 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:03:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25340-california-steps-out-front-in-targeting-ultraprocessed-food ars-food-boxes.jpg State and federal regulators are at different stages in developing classifications for foods, from unprocessed to ultraprocessed. (USDA ARS photo) The California Department of Water Resources’ flood operations team is coordinating closely with cities and counties across the state, holding a series of regional workshops while also stockpiling flood-fighting materials at 68 locations, the agency reports. The DWR is also working to step up groundwater recharge projects. The California Department of Water Resources’ flood operations team is coordinating closely with cities and counties across the state, holding a series of regional workshops while also stockpiling flood-fighting materials at 68 locations, the agency reports. The DWR is also working to step up groundwater recharge projects.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25346 Wed, 07 Oct 2026 06:02:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25346-as-el-nino-strengthens-california-preps-for-flooding-groundwater-recharge DWR-oroville-drone.JPG A drone view before sunset of Bidwell Bar Bridge at Lake Oroville. (California Department of Water Resources photo) In a bid to lower historically high diesel prices, President Donald Trump signs an order allowing use of tax-exempt, off-road diesel on highways. In a bid to lower historically high diesel prices, President Donald Trump signs an order allowing use of tax-exempt, off-road diesel on highways. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25335 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:08:57 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25335-trump-signs-order-allowing-tax-free-diesel-use-on-highways Trump-Nebraska-AP-photo-10-5-26.jpg President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally at the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center, Monday, Oct. 5, 2026, in Grand Island, Neb. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) President Donald Trump is poised to announce steps on Monday aimed at lowering high fuel prices, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says. President Donald Trump is poised to announce steps on Monday aimed at lowering high fuel prices, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25334 Mon, 05 Oct 2026 14:46:27 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25334-trump-poised-to-act-on-fuel-prices-monday-rollins-says Gas-prices-AP-photo-10-2026.jpg Gas and diesel prices are posted on a Shell gas station in the San Fernando Valley section of Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Senate Ag Committee leaders say it's important to get a farm bill passed this year, meaning that talks need to happen over the next five weeks during a congressional recess. But a partisan impasse over SNAP cost sharing for states threatens to derail those efforts. Senate Ag Committee leaders say it's important to get a farm bill passed this year, meaning that talks need to happen over the next five weeks during a congressional recess. But a partisan impasse over SNAP cost sharing for states threatens to derail those efforts. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25330 Fri, 02 Oct 2026 18:12:18 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25330-senate-ag-leaders-press-for-farm-bill-talks-as-snap-feud-threatens-passage Boozman-Klobuchar-AFBF-photo.jpg Senate Agriculture Committee Chair John Boozman, R-Ark., and Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., speak on a panel at the American Farm Bureau Federation's annual meeting in Anaheim, California, in January 2026. (AFBF photo) Amid a historic surge in fuel prices, Indiana is the latest U.S. state to allow farmers to temporarily use off-road, tax exempt diesel on highways as they haul freshly harvested crops to market. Amid a historic surge in fuel prices, Indiana is the latest U.S. state to allow farmers to temporarily use off-road, tax exempt diesel on highways as they haul freshly harvested crops to market. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25328 Thu, 01 Oct 2026 19:06:46 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25328-indiana-is-latest-state-to-allow-farm-diesel-on-highways diesel truck Diesel truck. (Pixabay photo/Ely Penner) noah@agri-pulse.com Farmers and rural small businesses seeking Rural Energy for America Program grants for renewable and energy efficiency projects will have to build and operate them for a year before they can apply, under a new USDA rule set to take effect in mid-October. Farmers and rural small businesses seeking Rural Energy for America Program grants for renewable and energy efficiency projects will have to build and operate them for a year before they can apply, under a new USDA rule set to take effect in mid-October.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25325 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 15:37:29 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25325-usda-requires-farmers-to-build-energy-projects-before-seeking-grants REAP_solar_panels.jpg Workers install solar panels at Littlestown Veterinary Hospital in Littlestown, Pa., in 2010. The project was funded in part through the Rural Energy for America Program. (USDA photo by Julie Holland) noah@agri-pulse.com A coalition of farmers, a solar company, grant consultants and agricultural and energy groups are suing the Agriculture Department, alleging the agency illegally sought to limit solar projects' eligibility for grants and loan guarantees through changes to its Rural Energy for America program. A coalition of farmers, a solar company, grant consultants and agricultural and energy groups are suing the Agriculture Department, alleging the agency illegally sought to limit solar projects' eligibility for grants and loan guarantees through changes to its Rural Energy for America program.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25315 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:08:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25315-usda-sued-over-limits-on-rural-energy-programs-solar-funding Agrivoltaics_Sheep_Grazing_AgriSolar.jpg Solar panels at Solar Shepherd in Massachusetts. (AgriSolar photo) steve@agri-pulse.com EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services are teaming up to review the safety of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide. EPA and the Department of Health and Human Services are teaming up to review the safety of glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup herbicide.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25314 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:06:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25314-epa-hhs-to-collaborate-on-glyphosate-review Red-Tractor-spraying-field.jpg Pesticide spraying (Agri-Pulse file photo) Vegetable growers on California’s Central Coast are desperate for relief from several pests that have devastated their fields, and they think the novel insecticide isocycloseram is the answer. But state regulators are still reviewing the product. Vegetable growers on California’s Central Coast are desperate for relief from several pests that have devastated their fields, and they think the novel insecticide isocycloseram is the answer. But state regulators are still reviewing the product.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25320 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:02:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25320-pests-devastate-coastal-vegetables-as-new-insecticide-under-review Diamondback-moth-larva-USDA-ARS-photo.jpg A healthy diamondback moth larva. The pest has devastated brassica crops on California’s Central Coast this season. (USDA ARS photo) California’s Department of Industrial Relations is giving $34.9 million in grants to more than 100 organizations to promote workers’ rights. An industry attorney says the project will put more pressure on farm and ranch owners to comply with labor laws. California’s Department of Industrial Relations is giving $34.9 million in grants to more than 100 organizations to promote workers’ rights. An industry attorney says the project will put more pressure on farm and ranch owners to comply with labor laws.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25313 Wed, 30 Sep 2026 06:01:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25313-california-to-spend-35-million-on-workers-rights-outreach UC-farmworkers-file.jpg A state program will fund work by nonprofits, labor unions and universities to meet with workers and teach them about their rights. (UCANR photo) noah@agri-pulse.com Corteva has agreed to end a pesticide loyalty program and other incentives that the Federal Trade Commission and 12 states alleged shut generic competitors out of distribution channels as part of a proposed settlement. The company also said it reached a settlement with Inari in a separate case involving allegations of intellectual property theft. Corteva has agreed to end a pesticide loyalty program and other incentives that the Federal Trade Commission and 12 states alleged shut generic competitors out of distribution channels as part of a proposed settlement. The company also said it reached a settlement with Inari in a separate case involving allegations of intellectual property theft.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25305 Mon, 28 Sep 2026 18:21:52 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25305-corteva-agrees-to-end-pesticide-loyalty-programs-in-proposed-settlement-with-ftc-states-company-also-settles-case-with-inari corteva-logo.jpg noah@agri-pulse.com Amid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in southwest Kansas this week, shipments of cattle to processing plants have been delayed and parts of the beef supply chain have seen workforce disruptions, according to industry groups. Amid U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in southwest Kansas this week, shipments of cattle to processing plants have been delayed and parts of the beef supply chain have seen workforce disruptions, according to industry groups. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25300 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 12:39:18 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25300-cattle-groups-report-shipment-delays-workforce-disruptions-amid-ice-activity-in-southwest-kansas ICE.jpg (Immigration and Customs Enforcement photo) California regulators on Thursday cleared the path for E15 sales in the state. California regulators on Thursday cleared the path for E15 sales in the state. 

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25301 Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:45:05 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25301-california-regulators-clear-the-path-for-voluntary-e15-sales E15 Ethanol groups are hoping California's latest action on E15 could help galvanize Congress to get ethanol-expanding legislation passed before midterm elections on Nov. 3. (Associated Press photo) President Trump's Washington summit with Chinese President Xi will be under close watch as billions of dollars in agricultural trade is at stake. President Trump's Washington summit with Chinese President Xi will be under close watch as billions of dollars in agricultural trade is at stake.

]]> http://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25284 Wed, 23 Sep 2026 06:12:00 -0400 https://www.agri-pulse.com/articles/25284-trump-and-xi-to-meet-with-billions-in-ag-trade-at-stake Trump-XI-AP-photo-51526.jpg President Donald Trump talks with China's President Xi Jinping at the Zhongnanhai leadership compound, Friday, May 15, 2026, in Beijing. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)