AgNet News Hour

California Wine Month Highlights Sustainability and Innovation: Julie Berge of the Wine Institute Shares Industry Outlook

On today’s AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill celebrated California Wine Month with special guest Julie Berge of the Wine Institute. Berge, who recently joined the Institute, shared her enthusiasm for an industry steeped in tradition yet looking boldly toward the future.
California’s Global Wine Standing
Berge highlighted the scale of California’s contribution to the global wine market. The state produces 81% of all U.S. wine, making it the fourth-largest wine producer in the world, behind only France, Italy, and Spain. With 6,200 wineries across 49 counties, California remains a powerhouse not just in production but also in culture, tourism, and economic impact.
Sustainability at the Forefront
One of the most surprising facts Berge shared is that 90% of California wine is produced in certified sustainable wineries, and around 65% of vineyard acreage is certified sustainable. Consumers increasingly want to know how their wine is produced, and California is leading with practices that reduce environmental impact while ensuring quality. “That’s something to be proud of,” Berge said.
Engaging the Next Generation of Wine Drinkers
The conversation also focused on the challenge of reaching younger consumers, who often view wine as intimidating. Berge pointed to innovation in packaging—like canned wines, boxed options, and lighter bottles—as tools to make wine more accessible. Social media also plays a critical role in reaching new audiences and sharing the stories behind the bottles.
She emphasized that 95% of California wineries are family-owned, each with unique histories and vintages that add to wine’s storytelling appeal. “Wine is about connection,” she said, encouraging young people to explore through wine tastings. The Institute’s website, discovercaliforniawines.com, offers a map of wineries, events, and resources to help consumers learn and connect.
Looking Ahead
While the industry faces headwinds with shifting consumer trends, international competition, and market challenges, Berge remains optimistic. “We have an incredible product and a passionate community,” she said. “This is the time to reintroduce wine to a new generation.”
For the full interview with Julie Berge of the Wine Institute, listen to today’s AgNet News Hour at AgNetWest.com.

From Olives to Almonds: Melissa Oberti Shares Her Family’s Farming Legacy

On today’s AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Melissa Oberti, a third-generation Central Valley farmer from Madera, to share her family’s story and the challenges facing small growers in California.
The Legacy of Oberti Olives
For decades, the Oberti family was synonymous with olives in the Central Valley. Starting in the 1930s, the Oberti brand became a household name. But competition from Spain and Italy eventually priced California growers out of the market, forcing the family to pivot into almonds and wine grapes. “We just couldn’t compete anymore,” Oberti explained, noting that her family’s olive legacy still sparks recognition across the Valley.
Water and the High-Speed Rail Fight
Today, the Oberti family farms 320 acres of wine grapes and 170 acres of almonds, but both crops face major challenges. Oberti described how water regulations under SGMA and fees have strained operations, while the state’s high-speed rail project is set to divide and landlock parts of their property. “We just harvested our last crop of almonds on that ranch,” she said, noting that 25-year-old orchards won’t be replanted due to the uncertainty.
Broken Policies and Unfair Competition
Oberti expressed frustration with state policies that she says punish farmers while rewarding unchecked development. From rising energy costs to pesticide bans that fuel rodent infestations, she argued that Sacramento lawmakers lack both “skin in the game” and basic understanding of agriculture. “They make rules and policies without knowing what it takes to farm,” she said.
She also pointed out the unfair playing field created by global competition. “How do you compete with other states where minimum wage is $7.50 and here it’s $20? Add in water costs, PG&E rates, and regulations—it’s not sustainable.”
A Call to Action for California Agriculture
Despite the challenges, Oberti urged farmers to speak up and push forward. She emphasized that farmers are resilient, environmentally responsible, and vital to America’s food security. “People forget California is one of the few places in the world that can grow this diversity of crops,” she said. “If we lose that, where will our food come from?”

California Ag Battles: Water, Solar, and Farmland Futures

Ongoing Struggles Over Land and Water
California agriculture continues to face pressure from regulatory uncertainty, land use conflicts, and unresolved water projects. In a recent episode of the AgNet News Hour, hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer broke down some of the most pressing challenges farmers are up against, from stalled water infrastructure to the growing debate over solar development on farmland.
Land Locked and Left Waiting
Farm families such as the Oberti operation have been waiting for years to farm ground tied up by state and federal decisions. As Papagni noted, that means four years without almond production—a devastating blow for growers and the local economy. While investors circle California land, many producers see it as a “bridge to nowhere,” with uncertainty keeping fields idle instead of productive.
Agrivoltaics and the Push for Solar
The conversation then shifted to agrivoltaics, the idea of combining solar energy production with agriculture. While solar developers claim crops or grazing can coexist under solar panels, many California farmers remain skeptical.
Boyer highlighted discussions in Kern County, where farmland is increasingly being eyed for solar projects. Farmers argue prime soils should remain dedicated to food production, not power generation. Even within farm groups such as the California Farm Bureau and local county bureaus, divisions remain about how best to balance renewable energy with agriculture.
AB1156 and the Williamson Act
At the heart of the debate is Assembly Bill 1156, legislation that ties into the California Land Conservation Act of 1965, better known as the Williamson Act. The act allows counties and cities to preserve farmland by restricting its use to agriculture. However, AB1156 opens the door for those contracts to be rescinded in favor of solar-use agreements, a move many growers see as a dangerous precedent.
Papagni emphasized that once solar panels are placed in fertile soil, the ground may never recover for farming. He questioned why California leaders push solar development while failing to deliver on longstanding water commitments.
Farmers Demand Water Before Solar
The frustration runs deep. Farmers argue that water infrastructure must come first, pointing to decades of political inaction. Papagni recalled a 2009 water bill that led to the passage of a $7.45 billion water storage bond in 2014, with overwhelming voter approval. Yet, more than a decade later, not a single major water project has been completed.
“Why do we vote for bonds when nothing happens?” Papagni asked, voicing frustration shared by many producers. Instead of new reservoirs or storage, growers watch as water is flushed to the ocean while farmland is proposed for solar conversion.
California’s Future Food Supply at Risk
As the state’s population nears 40 million, California continues to lose farmland. Papagni warned that reducing the state’s agricultural capacity will have long-term consequences: higher food prices, lower quality, and greater dependence on imports.
“If we keep thinking like this,” he said, “California won’t be able to feed the world.”
Conclusion
The latest episode of the AgNet News Hour captured the tension between politics, energy, and agriculture in California. Farmers are calling for water storage projects and farmland preservation, while policymakers push renewable energy development. The question remains: Will California prioritize feeding people, or fueling power grids?
For more agricultural updates, visit AgNetWest.com and subscribe to the AgNet West podcast.

California Agriculture: Fires, Wolves & Farm Labor Reform

Opening Reflections and California Concerns
The AgNet News Hour began with hosts Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer sharing lighthearted Friday greetings before shifting to California’s serious agricultural challenges. Papagni noted worsening Central Valley air quality caused by wildfires, likening the smoke to winter fog. He warned that tensions between state and federal governments over forest management may intensify as fall approaches. Boyer added that federal intervention could even extend to California’s 2028 Olympic preparations.
Policy Spotlight: Mexican Wolf Debate
Boyer reported on a House Natural Resources Subcommittee hearing on the Enhancing Safety for Animals Act of 2025. The legislation would delist the Mexican wolf from the Endangered Species Act, a move supported by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Arizona and New Mexico Cattle Growers Associations, and the Public Lands Council.
Tom Patterson, President-elect of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association, testified that wolf populations have shifted from a livestock concern to a community safety threat, citing attacks on pets, horses, and even children.
In regulatory news, the EPA declined stricter wastewater rules for meat and poultry processors, concluding that current Clean Water Act requirements suffice. The National Chicken Council applauded this decision as a balanced approach to water quality regulation.
Immigration Reform and the Dignity Act
The program’s central feature was an interview with Manuel Cunha, President of the Nisei Farmers League, who addressed farm labor shortages and immigration policy. He highlighted the bipartisan Dignity Act (H.R. 4393), introduced by Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX), as the most promising reform since the early 2000s.
The Act includes a three-pronged approach:
Long-Term Residents – renewable work authorization cards with penalties for undocumented status.
Legal Pathways for New Workers – stronger background checks and legal entry channels.
Criminal Entrants – removal of individuals linked to crime or gang activity.
Cunha emphasized that the Act also provides protections for Dreamers and addresses Social Security benefits for long-term contributors who have paid into the system for decades.
Coyotes, Fear, and Fake Documents
Cunha warned about coyotes—human smugglers who charge up to $15,000 per person and often supply migrants with fraudulent documents. Workers fall into debt while employers unknowingly hire with false credentials. He called the system a “disaster” and urged growers to pressure congressional leaders like David Valadao, Jim Costa, Jimmy Panetta, and Vince Fong to support the Dignity Act.
Despite federal assurances, many farmworkers still live in daily fear of deportation. Some alter their appearance to avoid suspicion, while enforcement remains concentrated in large metropolitan sanctuary cities.
Farm Labor: Hard Work Few Will Do
Papagni stressed that farm labor is not unskilled work, pointing to strawberry, lettuce, melon, and table grape harvesting as examples requiring years of expertise. Cunha agreed, noting that domestic welfare recipients are unlikely to take on such demanding jobs—something proven during the 1996–1998 Welfare to Work Program.
With many long-time workers nearing retirement and fewer young people entering agriculture, Cunha pressed for a comprehensive guest worker program.
A Call to Action
Cunha’s message to farmers and ag communities was clear: contact your congressional representatives and urge support for the Dignity Act. He highlighted Vince Fong as a key California lawmaker yet to sign on.
If passed, the bill would initiate a five- to six-month rule-writing process, during which workers would receive documentation verifying employment, providing immediate protection while regulations are finalized.
Farm Income and Market Updates
According to the U.S. Economic Research Service (ERS):
Net farm income in 2025 is projected at $179.5 billion, up 40.7% from 2024—the second-highest on record.
Median farm household income, however, is projected to decline by $1,189 in 2025, reflecting weaker off-farm earnings.
Government payments are forecast at $40.5 billion, the highest since 2020.
The dairy sector is also strengthening, with exports reaching 18.7% of domestic production in June—the highest since 2022. Domestic yogurt consumption rose 12.2%, while overall use of milk solids grew 3%.
Competitiveness and Global Pressures
Papagni noted the difficulty of competing with countries paying $10–20 per day compared to California’s $16 per hour wages, combined with stricter U.S. regulations. Boyer emphasized that despite higher costs, U.S. agriculture provides the world’s safest and most affordable food supply, thanks largely to immigrant labor.
Citrus Greening and Global Potato Trends
Rick Dantzler of the Citrus Research and Development Foundation reported promising progress in the fight against citrus greening disease. Oxytetracycline trunk injections are showing strong results, with healthier canopies and improved fruit quality, though production costs rose 7%.
Meanwhile, the global frozen potato market has shifted dramatically. Between 2019 and 2024, China and India moved from net importers to exporters of frozen fries and processed potato products, expanding markets into Asia and the Middle East.
Criminal Provisions in the Dignity Act
The legislation also strengthens criminal enforcement, including:
Tougher penalties for illegal re-entry after multiple deportations.
DNA testing to confirm family ties.
Stricter penalties for voting by non-citizens.
Increased minimum penalties for child sex trafficking.
Boyer linked these provisions directly to combating coyote networks and broader exploitation.
Wrapping Up
The episode closed with Papagni and Boyer urging farmers to engage in the policy debate, follow updates at AgNetWest.com, and recognize that immigration reform is essential to keeping U.S. agriculture competitive and sustainable.

California Agriculture at a Crossroads

Morning Reflections and California’s Challenges
The AgNet News Hour with Nick Papagni and guest host Lorrie Boyer began lightheartedly, reflecting on post-Labor Day routines, before quickly turning to the serious challenges facing California agriculture. Recent thunderstorms in the Central Valley brought rare lightning-sparked fires near Madera, while wildfires threatened vineyards in Napa Valley, raising concerns about crop damage and smoke exposure.
Boyer praised first responders who not only battle flames but also protect livestock, property, and agricultural operations during these crises.
Wildfires and Insurance Struggles
Papagni highlighted California’s ongoing forest management concerns. Vast tracts of unmanaged forest continue to fuel devastating wildfires. He recalled earlier calls to strengthen the lumber industry as part of the solution, but progress has been slow.
Insurance further complicates recovery. While crop insurance now covers smoke damage for vineyards, rural homeowners and farm operators face skyrocketing premiums—or outright withdrawal of coverage by major insurers.
The Decline of Family Farms
The program featured an interview with Brian Reisinger, author of Land Rich, Cash Poor. Reisinger described modern agriculture as an era of turbulence, where economic crises, shifting policies, soaring costs, and technological pressures are pushing many farmers to the brink.
California farmers, already burdened by water shortages, must also contend with labor shortages, rising fertilizer prices, and high freight costs. These economic pressures are forcing many family farms to close, sell, or consolidate into larger corporate operations.
Engaging Farmers and Communities
Reisinger announced a book signing in Redding, California, to encourage open dialogue with farm families. He emphasized that while the problems are immense, solutions emerge when farmers, consumers, and policymakers work together. Communities remain deeply engaged and eager to find ways to sustain agriculture.
Politics, Regulations, and Taxes
Despite widespread political claims of “supporting farmers,” Reisinger argued that real action is rare. Farmers need policies that encourage entrepreneurship and access to new markets, not just rhetoric.
California’s heavy regulatory burden and high taxes, he said, harm small and medium farms just as much as large operations. Instead of helping “the little guy,” many rules unintentionally drive more farms out of business.
Misunderstood Farmers and Vanishing Farmland
Reisinger pointed to cases like dairy producer Stephanie Moreda in Petaluma, where NGOs attempted to seize farmland, as examples of farmers being unfairly vilified. He urged the public to recognize that family farmers are environmental stewards who care for soil, water, and livestock.
Meanwhile, urban development in the Central Valley continues to devour farmland, adding pressure on limited water resources. Reisinger warned that the U.S. has already lost over 4 million farms in the last century, with fewer than 2 million left. If trends continue, many could vanish within 40 years.
Trade Pressures and Unfair Competition
Papagni shared the struggles of a Central Valley winery family facing unfair foreign competition. Reisinger explained that U.S. farmers face high labor and regulatory costs, while imports from countries with lower standards flood domestic markets.
He called for smarter, commodity-specific trade negotiations, ensuring imports meet the same standards as U.S. products while protecting critical markets like raisins, beef, and tomatoes.
Lessons from the Farm Crisis
Reisinger drew parallels to the 1980s farm crisis, when government policies on debt and interest rates devastated many farm families. He warned that today’s policymakers risk repeating mistakes by misunderstanding agricultural realities and placing additional burdens on producers.
Water, Energy, and Political Missteps
Water policy remains California’s defining agricultural challenge. Papagni criticized priorities like solar panel expansion while 70% of the state’s water flows unused to the ocean. Farmers, he argued, need real water storage solutions.
Reisinger added that collaboration between environmentalists and farmers could yield shared benefits—if politics did not keep both sides entrenched.
Education, FFA, and Generational Shifts
Agricultural education programs like FFA play a vital role in reconnecting youth to farming. Boyer noted that membership is at an all-time high, reflecting renewed interest, but Papagni cautioned that many farm families still see younger generations leaving agriculture altogether.
This generational gap extends beyond farming to related industries like trucking, creating labor shortages across the supply chain.
Automation and Drones: Farming’s Future
Technology offers one path forward. Papagni encouraged youth to pursue careers in agricultural automation, from precision irrigation to drone technology. Farmers already save up to 30% of water with precision systems, and drones promise even more efficiency in spraying, scouting, and monitoring.
Boyer agreed, noting the potential for oversaturation but affirming automation’s inevitability in agriculture.
Immigration Reform and the Dignity Act
Immigration remains a central concern. Papagni highlighted the efforts of Manuel Cunha, president of the Nisei Farmers League, to advance HR 4393, the Dignity Act.
The bill offers pathways for long-term farmworkers who have contributed to U.S. communities, while tightening border security, mandating E-verify, and reforming asylum procedures. Papagni broke the immigration issue into three groups:
Long-term workers who deserve legal protections.
New entrants who must undergo background checks and proper vetting.
Criminal entrants who bypass the system entirely and must be removed.
Coyotes and cartels, he warned, exploit migrants with exorbitant fees and violent threats, making reform urgent.
Political Courage and the Road Ahead
Boyer added that fear extends even to legal workers, underscoring the need for reform. Papagni lamented that many politicians delay action, waiting to see what the Trump administration does instead of leading decisively.
Representative Maria Elvira Salazar of Florida has emerged as a key sponsor of the Dignity Act, but broader bipartisan support is still needed.
Conclusion
California agriculture sits at a crossroads. Wildfires, water shortages, shrinking farms, international competition, and a broken immigration system are reshaping the industry. Yet hope remains in innovation, community engagement, and legislative reforms like the Dignity Act.
As Papagni and Boyer closed the program, they reminded listeners that farming is not just an industry—it is the backbone of California’s communities, economy, and food security.
For more agricultural updates, visit AgNetWest.com and subscribe to the AgNet West podcast.

California Agriculture: Don Cameron on Labor, Water, and Innovation

Today on the AgNet NewsHour, Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer hosted Don Cameron, President of the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, to discuss the many challenges and opportunities facing California farmers today. Cameron, who also manages his own farms in the Biola area, shared expert insights from both a policy and practical farming perspective.
Labor Challenges in California Agriculture
A central topic of conversation was labor in agriculture. Cameron emphasized the critical importance of a stable workforce for California’s labor-intensive crops. He highlighted the need for programs like H2A, which allows temporary workers to enter the country legally, and stressed the benefits of providing long-term workers with some form of legalization so they can continue working without fear. Cameron noted that without reliable labor, food production in California—and by extension, the United States—would be significantly disrupted.
Water Management and Sustainable Farming
Water management was another major focus. Cameron discussed the need for sustainable groundwater practices, especially as regulations limit pumping in over drafted basins. He stressed that farmers must maximize the value of every drop of water, focusing on high-value crops and reducing overall usage. While ideal solutions such as new storage and water delivery systems may take decades, Cameron encouraged efficiency and strategic planning for the long-term sustainability of California agriculture.
Automation and Agricultural Innovation
To address labor challenges, Cameron’s operations are embracing automation and innovation. He described experiments with mechanical and laser weeders and drone technology, highlighting the potential for these tools to improve efficiency and offset labor shortages. These investments, along with careful crop management, help farmers remain competitive in a challenging global market.
Competing with Global Agriculture
Cameron addressed how California farmers face challenges from cheaper imports from countries like Mexico and Brazil. While international labor costs are lower, California farms provide higher wages, better working conditions, and sustainable practices. Consumers supporting local produce, he said, is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
Financial Pressures and Pest Management
Cameron also addressed the financial pressures facing farmers, including low commodity prices, rising costs, abandoned farmland, and pest challenges such as rodents destroying orchards and drip systems. He encouraged small and young farmers to take advantage of programs through CDFA and NRCS to maintain stability and remain viable in a high-cost environment.
California Agriculture: A National Treasure
Overall, Cameron praised California agriculture as a national treasure, capable of producing over 400 crops efficiently and sustainably. His insights underscored the resilience, innovation, and careful planning required for the state’s agricultural industry to thrive amid complex environmental, economic, and regulatory pressures.
For more updates on California agriculture, visit AgNet West at AgNetWest.com and follow their podcast on your preferred platform.

California Agriculture at a Crossroads: Organics Innovation and Prop 50

On today’s AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni and co-host Josh McGill tackled two of the big issues shaping California agriculture right now—innovation in organic production and the political battle over Proposition 50.
Organic Farming Innovation with Wilbur Ellis
Josh sat down with Gina Colfer, Sustainable Solutions Agronomy Manager at Wilbur Ellis, to talk about the future of organic farming and the launch of their innovative new fertilizer product, Benvireo TerraLux. Gina explained how this nitrogen fertilizer is created by capturing and converting dairy waste into a clean, safe, plant-available nutrient source. The process not only provides organic farmers with a reliable tool for meeting crop needs, but also turns an environmental waste stream into something useful.
Colfer also emphasized the challenges organic producers face, from high input costs to strict regulations. She stressed that success in organic farming requires a whole-systems approach—managing soil health, irrigation, habitat diversity, and biological inputs together. While markets for organics are strong, the costs of production continue to rise, making new tools like TerraLux crucial for growers looking to stay competitive.
Assemblyman David Tangipa on Proposition 50
Later in the show, Nick welcomed Assemblyman David Tangipa, a former Fresno State Bulldog and strong advocate for Central Valley farmers. Tangipa spoke passionately about his fight in Sacramento against Proposition 50, calling it a partisan power grab designed to weaken the political voice of the Valley and rural California.
He described the measure as a gerrymandered redistricting plan aimed at consolidating coastal political power while diminishing representation for farmers and rural communities. Tangipa urged farmers across the Valley to get involved, display signs, and most importantly, vote No on 50. He warned that if passed, the measure would make it even harder to address critical issues like water policy, regulation, and the economic survival of small farms.
A Call to Action
From innovative solutions to sustain organics, to the urgent need for farmer voices in California’s political fight, today’s AgNet News Hour highlighted the challenges—and opportunities—facing agriculture. Farmers are reminded that innovation is critical on the ground, but so is advocacy in the political arena.

Family Tree Farms on Quality and Water: Daniel Jackson

On this Labor Day edition of the AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Josh McGill welcomed Daniel Jackson of Family Tree Farms to discuss the state of California agriculture, from tree fruit and blueberries to nuts and water policy.
A Strong Year for Fruit Quality
Jackson explained that the 2024 season brought some of the best weather in recent memory, creating excellent conditions for peaches, plums, and nectarines. “This has been one of the coolest summers we’ve ever had,” he said, noting that milder temperatures allowed trees to thrive and boosted packouts. While the overall crop was lighter, the quality and percentage of premium fruit were higher than recent years.
Family Tree Farms is in the final quarter of its tree fruit season, but Jackson emphasized that late-season varieties are still delivering strong flavor and appearance. Beyond stone fruit, the company is also harvesting blueberries, citrus, nuts, and even working with new warm-weather apple varieties like the Sugarburst.
Rain, Trade, and Tariffs
Recent storms across the Central Valley raised concerns about damage to late-harvest crops. Jackson said it is too soon to tell the full impact, but some almonds on the ground and late-hanging fruit may be affected. He also discussed the ongoing trade and tariff challenges, particularly with plums, which face higher costs to enter China. That creates obstacles but also opportunities: “Challenges create opportunities for us. You look for other markets, develop other markets, and get stronger in other areas.”
The Ongoing Water Battle
As always in California, the conversation circled back to water. Jackson warned that water scarcity and high costs could push farmers to pull out almond and pistachio acreage in coming years. “It all comes down to water,” he said, stressing the need for long-term infrastructure to capture and store more of the state’s rainfall. Without it, California risks losing valuable farmland while urban growth continues to demand more water.
Despite these challenges, Jackson remains optimistic, citing the resilience of California farmers and the global demand for the state’s fruit and nut crops.
For the full conversation with Daniel Jackson of Family Tree Farms, listen to today’s AgNet News Hour at AgNetWest.com