The Rodenticide Task Force, an alliance of pesticide companies, is heading the effort to inform growers and encourage them to submit comments to the EPA. Almost 2,200 comments and documents have been submitted in response to an Environmental Protection Agency proposal that would limit the use of rodenticides, and who can apply them in orchards and other agricultural areas.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) completed a supplemental environmental assessment (EA), as required under the National Environmental Policy Act, for its Spotted Lanternfly Control Program. The previous EA for the spotted lanternfly program was finalized in October 2021 and added ground-based mist blower treatments at intermodal facilities and along railroad rights-of-ways in Pennsylvania, and in select counties in Ohio, Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia.

California Walnuts is raising awareness of the health benefits associated with omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), while spotlighting the many ways that the versatility of walnuts can help increase the intake of omega-3 in the diet. Walnuts are the only tree nut that provide an excellent source of the plant-based omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (2.5g/oz), which research indicates may play a role in heart health, brain health and healthy aging.1-6 In fact, a 2022 study published in Advances in Nutrition found that given the accumulating evidence on omega-3 ALA and cardiovascular-related outcomes, food sources high in ALA should be included as part of a heart-healthy dietary patten.2

California braces for more rains and flooding, all stemming from an “atmospheric river” phenomenon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced that funds are available, up to $2 million, for cooperative agreements for risk management education and training programs that support farmers and ranchers, including underserved producers, small-scale farmers, organic operations and climate-smart farm practices.

USDA is now offering a new, simplified direct loan application for all producers seeking a direct farm loan from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The new application is 13 pages, compared to the former 29 pages, and it provides improved customer experience for producers applying for loans and enables them to complete a more streamlined application.