Archives: News
USA Pears: 2025 harvest bounces back with 78% uptick over last season
Fresh pears are back in abundance. Oregon and Washington growers see a 78% increase in 2025 yields, including a Bosc pear comeback.
USDA head Rollins teases farmer aid ‘bridge payments’ announcement
USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins teases upcoming direct farmer aid, including potential support for specialty crop growers facing trade losses.
2026 Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days set for Feb. 4-5
Join expert-led sessions on grapes, berries, tree fruit and precision agriculture at the 2026 Southwest Michigan Horticultural Days, Feb. 4–5.
Growing Our Region: Northeast Organic Farming Symposium goes virtual Dec. 16-17
Explore soil health, pest management, cover crops and market strategies at the Growing Our Region symposium. Register now to attend online.
Farm worker labor groups sue Trump administration to reverse H-2A wage cuts
Farmworker advocates are challenging Trump’s H-2A wage cut rule in court. Learn what the lawsuit means for U.S. workers.
USDA delivers second stage of crop disaster assistance
USDA is releasing over $16B in disaster aid through programs to help producers recover 2023–24 losses. Get details and learn how to apply.
Federal officials to speak at NCAE’s Ag Labor Forum
DOL and USDA leaders will headline the 2025 NCAE Ag Employer Labor Forum, addressing AEWR changes and the future of ag labor.
Federal shutdown disrupts USApple’s storage reporting
USApple has released the latest U.S. apple storage numbers, but the federal government shutdown is harming apple reporting. Read more.
New toolkit helps organic farmers access SARE research grants
OFRF has released a toolkit to help farmers access SARE grants for applied research. Learn how to apply and advance your farm projects.
USHBC names winners of first Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition
Pluff and Bonny won USHBC’s first Blueberry Boost Accelerator Pitch Competition. Check out the new products transforming food and beverage.
Lawmakers bring forth specialty crop trade fairness act in U.S. Senate
Learn about a proposed bill that creates a specialty crop trade fairness working group and provides feedback to USDA Secretary Rollins.
CDFA accepting applications for California Organic Products Advisory Committee members
CDFA is seeking applicants for open seats on the California Organic Products Advisory Committee. Get more details and learn how to apply now.
Labor Department to resume processing of H-2A applications
The Labor Department will resume H-2A and H-2B application processing after a temporary pause. Learn how this impacts farms and labor access.
Report: Up to $12 billion in aid for US farmers could be available
Farmers could receive up to $12 billion in aid after the government shutdown ends. Read more to see how growers may benefit from this relief.
Investigation to probe Chinese trade practices
The U.S. has opened an investigation into China over unmet trade commitments. Get more details and learn how to comment at the hearing.
California SB 72: A guide for organic growers
Learn how California SB 72 impacts organic growers and get strategies for efficiency, sustainability and long-term farm resilience.