AgNet News Hour

California agriculture is facing a growing list of challenges, and on the latest AgNet NewsHour, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni takes a hard look at those issues in a wide-ranging conversation with Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League. The two-part interview examines the pressures confronting farmers and farm workers, from labor and water to regulations, rising costs, farmland losses and the political decisions shaping the future of California agriculture. Papagni also continues his call for California political leaders to provide real answers about what they intend to do to keep farming viable in the state.
A major focus of the conversation is California’s regulatory environment. Cunha describes a system involving more than 65 agencies and hundreds of regulations that farmers must navigate, arguing that the burden falls particularly hard on small and family-owned operations that do not have large administrative staffs. According to Cunha, the combination of regulations, water restrictions and rising operating costs is contributing to farm closures and bankruptcies. He cites a decline of approximately 14,000 farmers and a reduction in total farmland from roughly 29 million acres to 22 million acres between 1992 and 2022, warning that another significant decline could be visible when the next agricultural census is conducted.
Labor remains another critical issue. Papagni and Cunha discuss the H-2A program, work authorization and the difficulty California farmers face in finding and retaining the workforce necessary to harvest and produce food. They also discuss the H-2A adverse wage rate and the reality that farmers are largely “price takers,” meaning they generally cannot simply raise the price of their commodities to offset higher labor, fuel, freight and regulatory costs. For Cunha, solving agricultural labor is essential to keeping farms operating and ensuring that food continues to reach consumers.
The interview also explores what Cunha considers an increasingly adversarial relationship between farmers and regulatory agencies. He recounts an incident involving a 93-year-old grower and an OSHA enforcement officer, using the encounter to illustrate his concerns about excessive enforcement and a lack of respect for farmers. Both Cunha and Papagni argue that agricultural organizations can provide growers with important information and assistance when dealing with regulatory agencies. Cunha encourages farmers to become involved with agricultural organizations so they can better understand their rights and protect both their operations and workers.
Underlying the entire discussion is the theme of food security. Cunha and Papagni repeatedly stress that food security is national security, warning that once productive farmland and experienced farmers disappear, they may not easily return. They argue that California’s agricultural industry should be treated as a strategic asset rather than an obstacle and that policymakers need to consider the long-term consequences of regulations that make farming increasingly difficult.
The conversation also turns toward California’s upcoming election and the need for voters to become informed and participate. Papagni urges listeners to evaluate candidates based on their ideas and proposed solutions, particularly regarding agriculture, water, labor and the state’s business climate. He also encourages farmers and rural residents to consult their local Farm Bureau organizations regarding upcoming ballot propositions.
There is far more to this conversation than can be captured in a short summary. Tune in to the full AgNet NewsHour podcast to hear Nick Papagni and Manuel Cunha discuss the challenges facing California farmers, the future of agricultural labor, the regulatory maze growers must navigate, farmland losses, food security and what they believe needs to change. The full interview provides the details, firsthand perspective and candid conversation every California agriculture supporter should hear.
Listen to Part 2 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California agriculture is facing growing pressure from labor shortages, immigration uncertainty, water challenges, rising production costs and an increasingly complicated regulatory environment. On the AgNet News Hour, “The Ag Meter” Nick Papagni sat down with Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, for a wide-ranging conversation about the challenges facing California farmers and the future of the state’s agricultural industry.
Papagni opened the program by discussing several issues affecting agriculture, including rising California fuel prices, concerns about diesel costs and the potential role of propane as an alternative for some farm operations. He also touched on trade tensions involving Canada and their potential impact on California wine and citrus. In the almond industry, Papagni noted that prices were climbing as the crop appeared to be coming in lighter than expected, while California shipments reached 190 million pounds in August, up 20 percent from the previous year, with exports leading the way.
The conversation with Cunha quickly turned to agricultural labor and immigration. Cunha argued that California farmers need a reliable workforce and that the current immigration system does not adequately address the needs of agriculture or other labor-intensive industries. He discussed the Dignity Act as one potential framework for providing legal work authorization to people already contributing to the U.S. economy without automatically granting citizenship. He also called for industry-specific visa programs that reflect actual workforce needs rather than arbitrary limits.
Cunha said a workable system should establish legal pathways for workers to enter the country, provide employment authorization for qualified people already here and eventually require employers to participate in E-Verify. He also discussed the continuing role of human smugglers, or “coyotes,” saying migrants can pay approximately $15,000 to $20,000 per person to cross the border and that the system can involve extortion and human trafficking. In his view, creating legal avenues for workers would provide a safer and less expensive alternative.
The interview also highlighted the contributions of longtime immigrant workers in agriculture, construction, restaurants, housing and other industries. Cunha expressed concern about workers who have spent decades contributing to the economy while remaining without permanent legal status. He argued that immigration policy should distinguish between hardworking individuals contributing to their communities and those who commit serious crimes.
Another major issue was the regulatory burden facing California farmers. Cunha said agricultural producers must deal with more than 65 regulatory agencies and hundreds of rules covering areas such as labor, workplace safety, water, environmental requirements and county regulations. He argued that the cumulative burden can consume valuable time and make it increasingly difficult for family farms to remain viable.
Water was another central concern. Cunha said California must address its groundwater crisis while also developing additional water storage and recharge opportunities. He argued that farmers are already doing their part and that policymakers need to consider how water infrastructure and regulation affect the long-term viability of agriculture.
Perhaps the most important concern raised during the interview was the future of the next generation of farmers. Cunha shared the story of a 103-year-old Japanese American farmer who remains engaged in her operation and still follows raisin prices. He worries that younger people may look at the regulatory, labor and water challenges their parents and grandparents face and decide that farming is no longer worth pursuing.
The discussion ultimately connects labor, immigration, water and regulation to a much larger question: Can California continue to support a strong agricultural industry while maintaining the systems designed to protect workers, consumers and natural resources?
There is much more to this powerful conversation. Listen to the full AgNet News Hour podcast featuring Nick Papagni and Manuel Cunha for the complete discussion on California farm labor, immigration reform, coyotes, E-Verify, water, regulations and the future of family farming.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, the conversation covered both the current California almond season and a new approach to protecting high-value crops from birds and other wildlife.
Taylor Hillman, manager of industry communications with the Almond Board of California, joined the show with an update on harvest and several issues growers should be watching. Hillman said harvest has generally benefited from favorable weather, although the crop came off noticeably early in many areas—roughly 10 days to two weeks ahead of normal in parts of the southern growing region.
He also discussed the voluntary cancellation of some paraquat registrations in California and the major decisions growers face when replacing aging orchards. With an almond orchard representing a 20- to 25-year investment, Hillman encouraged growers to gather as much information as possible before replanting.
Looking ahead, attention is already turning to The Almond Conference, scheduled for December 8-10 in Sacramento. Hillman said the event will again offer production, pest management, regulatory and marketing sessions, along with opportunities for growers to interact directly with researchers. One new tool expected to be introduced is a yield prediction calculator designed to help growers better estimate orchard production.
Later in the program, Patrick Williams of SkySense discussed how remotely operated drones are being used for wildlife mitigation in crops including lettuce, table grapes and rice.
The drones can operate during the day or at night using thermal cameras and onboard speakers. Williams said the system can change sounds and tactics to prevent birds from becoming accustomed to the deterrent, a common problem with stationary tools such as propane cannons.
SkySense is also exploring applications beyond birds, including hogs, deer, coyotes and potentially livestock protection. Williams said the company has seen particularly strong demand in California as growers look for ways to reduce crop losses while dealing with rising labor costs.
From an early almond harvest to emerging technology in the field, the episode offers a look at both the immediate concerns and longer-term innovations shaping California agriculture.
Listen to the full interviews below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center, returned for Part 2 of a conversation on California water, laying out the combination of projects he believes could substantially increase supplies for farms, communities and cities.
Ring began with one of the issues discussed in Part 1: dredging the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. He argued sediment removal could improve the Delta's ability to move water while also reducing flood risk. Ring also pointed to research suggesting the turbidity created by dredging can provide smaller fish with protection from predators.
But dredging is only one piece of his proposed water strategy.
Asked what he would do if given the opportunity to reshape California water policy, Ring outlined a combination of desalination, additional storage and new methods of moving water from the Delta during wet years. He proposed developing roughly 500,000 acre-feet per year of seawater desalination capacity in Southern California and pursuing what he described as “fish-friendly Delta diversions” capable of capturing more water during heavy rainfall.
Storage would also play a major role. Ring called for completing Sites Reservoir, building Temperance Flat Reservoir, adding other off-stream storage and raising Shasta Dam by at least 18 feet. He said the Shasta expansion alone could add approximately 600,000 acre-feet of storage.
Ring also argued that California could make desalination considerably more affordable by reducing regulatory and construction costs. He estimated that, with lower construction and electricity costs, desalinated water could become much more competitive with existing treated-water supplies.
Beyond new construction, Ring said better weather forecasting could allow reservoir operators to capture more water with infrastructure California already has. He said improved forecasting technology, coupled with changes in operating procedures and faster information sharing, could help the state retain additional supplies during wet periods.
For agriculture, Ring argued the stakes extend well beyond individual farms. He said replacing productive farmland with solar development cannot replicate the economic activity, employment and food production generated by California's agricultural economy.
“The solution is to save our farm economy,” Ring said.
Listen to Part 2 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Edward Ring, director of Water and Energy Policy at the California Policy Center, returned for Part 1 of a two-part conversation about California water and the infrastructure he believes the state needs to better prepare for both drought and flooding.
Ring focused first on sediment buildup in the San Joaquin River and South Delta, warning that a future period of heavy rain could overwhelm the system. He pointed to the major flooding of 1997 and argued conditions could be worse today because meaningful sediment removal has not occurred in decades.
His concern isn't limited to flooded farmland. Ring said breached levees could mix contaminants with floodwater and potentially disrupt the ability to move water into California's aqueduct system for an extended period.
“The point is, if we don't dredge that Delta, the South Delta, we're going to have flooding that's going to make 1997 look like nothing,” Ring said.
The discussion then turned to California's broader water storage system. Ring pointed to proposals including expanding Shasta Lake, constructing Auburn Dam and revisiting Temperance Flat as examples of infrastructure that could capture more water during wet years. He argued additional storage will become even more important if California faces longer stretches of dry weather interrupted by exceptionally wet winters.
Groundwater recharge is another piece of the equation. Ring acknowledged that California has made progress in allowing farmers to use floodwater to recharge aquifers, but said permitting and other barriers still make the process unnecessarily difficult.
Ring also discussed desalination, arguing that coastal production could reduce the amount of water Southern California needs to import, potentially leaving more supplies available for agriculture and the Delta. He pointed to desalination projects elsewhere in the world and blamed California's regulatory costs for making similar projects considerably more expensive in the state.
Throughout the interview, Ring's central argument was that California needs to focus more heavily on infrastructure capable of capturing, storing and moving water when it is available.
The conversation with Ring continues in Part 2.
Listen to Part 1 of the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, Dolce Calandra of Wildwood Packing and Cooling joined the show from Kingsburg, California, for a conversation about what it takes to keep a family farming operation moving forward in an increasingly difficult environment.
Calandra is a fourth-generation farmer whose family operation stretches from farming to packing and cold storage. He grew up working in the fields, thinning and picking fruit and driving tractors before eventually taking on a larger role at the packing house. Today, the operation handles stone fruit and citrus, with roughly 800 acres under production, including about 200 acres of citrus.
That vertical integration gives Calandra a firsthand look at challenges throughout the supply chain. One of those is the cost of operating cold storage in California.
“The ugly probably is the cost,” Calandra said. “Electricity in California and utilities in California, it’s not cheap.” Even with solar, he said the operation continues to face substantial utility bills.
Water presents another challenge. Calandra described one family block caught up in groundwater management issues in Kings County, where fees and penalties are adding another layer of uncertainty to an already expensive business.
Labor costs, regulations and the expense of new technology are also shaping decisions. Calandra sees automation as part of agriculture's future, but said investing in it can be a major gamble for a smaller family operation. A large upfront investment followed by one bad crop year could put the entire business at risk.
Despite those pressures, Calandra remains committed to agriculture.
“The goal for my family is keep this going for the guy that made it. And that’s our grandpa, Mark,” he said. Calandra hopes to eventually pass the operation down to his own children, just as previous generations kept it going for him.
For Calandra, that determination extends beyond his own farm. His message to California agriculture is to keep sharing knowledge and working together, particularly as a new generation steps into the industry.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Marilyn Freeman, president of Farmers Communication Exchange, joined the show to discuss how the California cantaloupe industry is changing the way it markets one of the state's longtime specialty crops.
Farmers Communication Exchange serves as the marketing agency for the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board, and Freeman said a major focus of its current campaign is reaching younger consumers—particularly Gen Z—through TikTok and other social media platforms. Rather than relying on traditional messages about nutrition, the campaign is using entertaining videos, recipes and trends to make cantaloupe more appealing to consumers who may view it as an old-fashioned fruit.
The effort has received additional support through a California Department of Food and Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant, allowing the industry to invest more heavily in creative content and targeted social advertising.
Freeman said viral food trends can provide an unexpected boost. One recent social media trend involves freezing half a cantaloupe, adding cream and scraping the fruit into an ice cream-like treat. The goal, she explained, is simple: get younger consumers to see cantaloupe in a new way and give them a reason to pick one up at the grocery store.
The industry is also working to change perceptions about cantaloupe quality. Freeman said newer varieties are crisper and sweeter, while growers have improved consistency enough that consumers shouldn't have to worry as much about smelling or thumping fruit to select a good one.
California has a major stake in getting that message across. Freeman said the state produces about 75 percent of U.S. cantaloupe during the summer months, giving growers an opportunity to emphasize California-grown fruit while it is in season.
With the campaign funded for three years, Freeman hopes the effort can build a younger audience that the cantaloupe industry can continue reaching well into the future.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

On today’s episode of the AgNet News Hour, Danny Bernstein, CEO and managing partner of Reservoir and Reservoir Farms, returned for Part 2 of his conversation about the future of California agriculture, including a major new partnership with John Deere.
Bernstein announced that John Deere and Reservoir have signed a $10 million, multi-year partnership aimed at supporting agricultural technology and homegrown startups working on challenges facing California growers.
According to Bernstein, the relationship grew with help from Western Growers, which introduced Reservoir to John Deere's high-value crop team. After spending time with Reservoir, its startups and California agriculture, Bernstein said Deere decided it wanted to help expand the effort.
The investment fits into Reservoir's broader effort to bring Silicon Valley-style innovation directly into agricultural communities. Bernstein argued that technology will be increasingly important as growers contend with labor shortages, water challenges, rising costs and the loss of agricultural acreage.
Labor was another major part of the conversation. Bernstein pointed to federal H-2A figures showing that just 182 of more than 415,000 advertised agricultural positions received a domestic applicant in fiscal year 2025, illustrating what he sees as the need for both a more workable agricultural labor system and greater automation.
Bernstein also discussed the growing interest in data centers in rural communities. Rather than simply opposing that development, he suggested agricultural regions should consider how those investments could benefit local communities through water infrastructure, schools, workforce training and other resources.
Ultimately, Bernstein said the success of Reservoir will be measured by whether the technology it supports actually works for growers.
“We actually have to deliver technology that works.”
With the John Deere partnership, expansion into the Central Valley and more startups working directly alongside agriculture, Bernstein sees an opportunity to better connect two of California's biggest strengths: technology and farming.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.