Policy & Regulations

California approves regulation to phase out combustion trucks

California became the first jurisdiction in the world to end the sales of traditional combustion trucks by 2036, creating a path to 100% zero emission medium heavy-duty trucks on the roads in Californ... more »

USDA welcomes Christopher “Chris” Purdy to SCP

The USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service announced it has selected Christopher "Chris" Purdy as the new Deputy Administrator of the Specialty Crops Program (SCP). The information was provided in an e... more »

Farm groups urge Congress to pass the Farm Operations Support Act

Farm groups have urged Congress to pass the Farm Operations Support Act, which would decrease the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) paid to H-2A temporary visa farm workers to 2022 levels. That would dr... more »

EPA announces accelerated action on four organophosphate pesticides

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an effort to expedite protections on some high-risk uses of four organophosphate pesticides. The Agency is releasing the updated occupational a... more »

A quick chat with USDA Foreign Agriculture Service Associate Administrator Clay Hamilton

As consumers and members of the tree nut industry, growers and allied partners can often see firsthand the efforts made to build domestic demand for high-value crops. But, exports are a tremendous fac... more »

Meeting to discuss U.S. standards for grades of inshell and shelled pecans set for Feb. 28

Due to the complexity of the revisions, USDA-AMS Specialty Crop Inspection Division wants to provide an opportunity to meet and clarify language in specific sections of the proposed standards. more »

EPA proposes rule to protect farmworkers and pesticide handlers from exposures

The Worker Protection Standard regulations offer protections to over two million agricultural workers and pesticide handlers who work at over 600,000 agricultural establishments. more »

USDA adds ochratoxin A testing for pistachios exported to European Union

The testing of OTA, a mycotoxin, was added to the existing Laboratory Approval Program for Analysis of Aflatoxins, and the program was rebranded to the Laboratory Approval Program for Analysis of Mycotoxins. more »