The Administration has proposed increasing a food tax to help balance the state’s budget deficit. This proposal aims to raise an additional $33 million annually by increasing the pesticide mill tax from 21 mills to over 28.6 mills over three years, with the vast majority of the increase being introduced this year. This 60% tax […]
A Food Tax is Wrong for California Families Read More »
California’s agricultural sector, vital to the nation’s food supply, is under siege from invasive pests and diseases that threaten crops, ecosystems, and biodiversity. Effective pest management is essential, as pests like the varroa destructor mites and Mediterranean fruit flies cause billions in annual losses. While pesticides are crucial in combating these threats, the lengthy and costly approval process hinders timely responses. Balancing traditional and new pest control methods, guided by scientific evidence, is key to maintaining agricultural resilience, food security, and environmental health.
Sensible Pesticide Policies Needed for Invasive Pests Read More »
California’s agricultural industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s food supply and a testament to the state’s rich natural resources and farming expertise. Yet, this vital sector faces a growing challenge: escalating pest infestations. Factors like climate change, global trade, and increased travel rates have contributed to this surge, increasing the urgency of the need
Navigating California’s Pest Control and Public Health Read More »
In the United States, families are increasingly worried about the rising food costs and the growing hunger problem. A recent survey by Feeding America, which represents food banks, showed that 82% of voters are concerned about high food costs. What’s more alarming is that 87% believe hunger is on the rise in our nation. The
Addressing America’s Food Insecurity Read More »
Have you ever thought about fruits and vegetables as medicines? Yes, you read that right! In a fascinating initiative by Bread for the City, a non-profit organization in Washington, DC, doctors prescribe fresh fruits and vegetables to their patients. This innovative approach, highlighted in a Washington Post story, “At Bread for the City, doctors prescribe
Washington Post: Fresh Fruits and Veggies Are A Prescription for Better Health Read More »
California’s tomato industry, which supplies 95 percent of the nation’s processed tomatoes and a significant portion of the world’s crop, faces a formidable threat in Orobanche ramosa, a parasitic weed. This invasive plant has re-emerged in tomato fields across several Central Valley counties, sparking concerns that it could decimate a significant portion of this vital
Tiny Weed Threatens California Tomatoes Read More »
In a victory for science and free speech, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit has upheld an injunction that prohibits California from mandating that products containing glyphosate bear a cancer warning label as stipulated by Proposition 65. This decision marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse over the safety of glyphosate,
When Science Beats Political Science Read More »
California’s agriculture is under constant attack from invasive pests and diseases. These non-native organisms, be it plants, insects, diseases, or microbes, pose a significant threat to California’s ecosystems and food supply, and managing them has become a pivotal task for Western Plant Health’s members. These invasive species are often introduced primarily through unintentional and accidental
The Constant Battle Against Invasive Pests and Diseases in California Read More »
To help reduce the risk of wildfires, the California Department of Transportation has established a “Roadside Vegetation Control” program act mowing, controlled burns, weed whacker, goats, and herbicide spraying.
6,001 Wildfires in California in 2023 Read More »
In July 2023, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) placed parts of Los Angeles County under quarantine for the invasive Tau fruit fly. The impacted area of Stevenson Ranch is 30 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. Stevenson Ranch is just 90 miles from the Central Valley, which grows around 250 different crops, with
Parts of California Are Under Quarantine For Invasive Fruit Fly Read More »