AgNet News Hour

Ag Council President Highlights Regulatory Pressure, Plastics Policy, and Political Uncertainty for California Farmers

The AgNet News Hour continued its conversation with Agricultural Council of California President Emily Rooney, diving deeper into the growing regulatory challenges, political uncertainty, and real-world pressures facing farmers across the state.
Rooney, who represents more than 15,000 farmers through cooperatives and agricultural businesses, emphasized that her role has become increasingly complex as policies in Sacramento continue to evolve. With agriculture facing unique challenges across commodities and regions, she said advocacy now requires constant engagement across multiple issues, from water and labor to environmental regulation.
“There are so many different issues across California agriculture… and they differ from crop to crop and region to region,” Rooney explained.
One of the most pressing concerns discussed was California’s push toward aggressive plastics regulation under SB 54, which aims to make all single-use plastics recyclable or compostable by 2032. Rooney noted that while the goal may be well-intentioned, the infrastructure needed to support such a shift simply does not exist today.
“We simply do not have the infrastructure to ensure everything’s going to be recycled,” she said.
The regulation directly impacts agriculture, particularly in areas like food packaging, milk jugs, and nursery containers. Rooney explained that plastics play a critical role in food safety and crop protection, making it difficult to transition away without viable alternatives.
“It’s like buying a thousand dairy cows but not having a milk barn to milk them in,” she said, describing the disconnect between policy goals and practical implementation.
Beyond plastics, Rooney pointed to broader cost pressures continuing to strain farmers, including labor, fuel, freight, and regulatory compliance. She stressed that these combined factors are making it increasingly difficult for small and mid-sized farms to remain viable in California.
At the same time, the political landscape adds another layer of uncertainty. With the governor’s race gaining momentum, Rooney said the outcome could significantly influence agriculture’s future, particularly when it comes to regulatory reform and economic policy.
“It’s a pivotal year,” she said, noting that affordability and cost of living are becoming central issues for voters across the state.
Rooney also highlighted the complicated relationship between state and federal policy, explaining that shifts at the national level often trigger opposing responses in California. This dynamic can create additional challenges for agriculture, especially when it comes to water, environmental regulation, and funding priorities.
Despite the challenges, Rooney remains focused on advocating for practical solutions and ensuring farmers have a voice in policy discussions. She emphasized that education continues to be a major part of her work, helping bridge the gap between urban policymakers and rural agricultural realities.
“Education is two-thirds of the job,” she said.
As growers head deeper into the season, the combination of policy decisions, rising costs, and operational challenges will continue to shape the outlook for California agriculture.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Agriculture Faces Policy Pressure, Weather Challenges, and Critical Election Year

The AgNet News Hour focused on a wide range of challenges impacting California agriculture, from political pressure in Sacramento to unpredictable weather patterns and rising input costs heading into a pivotal year for the industry.
As the governor’s race continues to develop, hosts highlighted growing concern over proposed legislation and ongoing policy decisions that could further impact agriculture. One bill drawing attention is AB 2624, which has raised questions about government transparency and accountability, particularly as discussions around fraud and oversight continue across the state.
At the same time, the broader political landscape remains a key concern for farmers. With dozens of candidates in the race, there is increasing focus on which leaders will prioritize agriculture and address long-standing issues like water, regulation, and cost pressures.
“We are officially broken,” hosts said, emphasizing the urgency many in the industry feel as California approaches the upcoming primary election.
The episode also featured a detailed conversation with Emily Rooney, President of the Agricultural Council of California, who represents a wide range of farmer-owned businesses and cooperatives across the state. Rooney explained that one of the biggest challenges facing agriculture today is navigating a highly urbanized political system while advocating for rural industries.
“Our legislature is highly urbanized,” Rooney said. “We have to walk into these conversations and try to understand the goal, then figure out how to maneuver through it.”
Rooney emphasized that education plays a major role in her work, helping policymakers better understand the realities of farming, food production, and environmental stewardship. She noted that while there is strong public support for farmers, many decisions in Sacramento are shaped by limited direct exposure to agriculture.
In addition to policy challenges, the discussion highlighted ongoing weather concerns. A hot March followed by cooler temperatures and rain in April has created uncertainty for multiple crops, with some harvests arriving earlier than expected while others face potential quality risks.
“You never know what Mother Nature is going to throw at you,” the hosts noted, pointing to the constant balancing act growers face.
These conditions are already impacting markets, with early harvests in crops like cherries and potential disruptions in commodities such as hay and alfalfa. At the same time, input costs—particularly fertilizer—continue to rise, putting additional strain on farm operations.
“Fertilizer prices are through the roof right now,” McGill said, underscoring one of the many financial pressures growers are dealing with.
Despite the challenges, Rooney pointed to areas of progress, including investment-based approaches to environmental improvements and ongoing efforts to secure funding for programs that support emissions reduction and sustainability in agriculture.
Looking ahead, the combination of political decisions, market conditions, and environmental factors will continue to shape the future of California agriculture. For growers, the ability to adapt—and the support they receive from policymakers—will be critical in the months and years ahead.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Governor Race and Trade Policy Highlight Challenges and Opportunities for Agriculture

The AgNet News Hour focused on two major themes impacting agriculture—California’s heated governor race and ongoing federal efforts to strengthen global trade opportunities for U.S. farmers.
As the governor’s race continues to gain attention, discussions are increasingly centered on how leadership decisions could impact agriculture across the state. Hosts emphasized growing frustration among voters and farmers alike, pointing to rising costs, regulatory pressure, and a lack of clear solutions from many candidates.
Independent candidate Elaine Culotti continued to push for structural changes, particularly advocating for greater representation of independent voters in debates and policy discussions. She argued that a large portion of Californians fall outside traditional party lines and want more practical, agriculture-focused solutions.
“We have to take care of our farmers,” Culotti said, stressing that agriculture should be a top priority in the state’s future.
Culotti also highlighted concerns over state spending and accountability, including calls for audits of major programs and a stronger focus on how taxpayer dollars are being used. She pointed to funding gaps in local communities and raised concerns about lost revenue streams, such as sales tax allocations tied to online purchases.
“They rip off all of our towns,” she said, referencing how local communities are missing out on key funding sources.
The broader conversation reflected a growing sense that California is at a turning point, with many voters questioning whether current policies are sustainable long-term.
Alongside state-level discussions, the program also featured insights from USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg, who outlined progress in improving global market conditions for American agriculture.
Lindberg reported significant movement in reducing the U.S. agricultural trade deficit, which has dropped from $50 billion to $29 billion over the past year.
“We are making material progress,” Lindberg said, noting that expanding market access and strengthening trade relationships are key priorities.
He pointed to recent agreements, including expanded beef exports to the United Kingdom and growing trade opportunities in Southeast Asia, as examples of how U.S. agriculture is gaining ground internationally.
“Farmers and ranchers are winning again around the world,” Lindberg said.
Trade promotion efforts are also playing a major role, with increased funding helping specialty crop producers—including citrus growers—build relationships and expand into new markets. These efforts are aimed at turning access into long-term market share for U.S. products.
At the same time, improvements are being seen domestically. Lindberg noted that egg prices have dropped significantly over the past year, highlighting broader efforts to stabilize food markets while maintaining profitability for producers.
Together, the discussions underscored the complex landscape facing agriculture—where state policy decisions, global trade dynamics, and economic pressures all intersect.
As California’s political future unfolds and international markets continue to evolve, the role of agriculture remains central to both conversations.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Governor Race Heats Up as Independent Candidate Pushes for Ag-Focused Reform

The AgNet News Hour featured a wide-ranging and energetic conversation with independent gubernatorial candidate Elaine Culotti, who is pushing for major reforms in California while emphasizing stronger support for farmers, infrastructure, and accountability in state spending.
Culotti, running outside the traditional two-party system, made it clear her campaign is focused on challenging what she described as a broken political structure in California. She argued that both parties have failed to address core issues impacting residents and agriculture, particularly when it comes to infrastructure, regulation, and economic stability.
“The best thing about being independent is I don’t owe anybody anything,” Culotti said. “I can say… leave our farmers alone.”
A major focus of the discussion centered on how state policies have impacted agriculture. Culotti pointed to rising costs, regulatory pressure, and limited infrastructure investment as key factors hurting farmers—especially small and mid-sized operations across the Central Valley.
“We have got to take care of our farmers,” she said, emphasizing the need for improved transportation, supply chain access, and support systems to help growers remain competitive.
The conversation also touched on California’s long-debated high-speed rail project, which Culotti used as an example of broader government inefficiency. While acknowledging the original concept had merit, she criticized how funds have been managed over time.
“We needed it for our farmers… but bureaucrats tried to build it,” she said, arguing that resources have been diverted away from practical solutions.
Beyond agriculture, Culotti highlighted broader concerns about state spending, calling for increased transparency and accountability. She pointed to programs like homelessness funding and infrastructure projects where billions of dollars have been allocated with limited measurable outcomes.
“If you don’t have a plan, do not run for governor,” she said.
Another key theme was voter representation. Culotti stressed that a growing number of Californians identify as independent or no-party preference, and she believes those voters are not being adequately represented in current debates and policy discussions.
“There are millions of people in the middle that don’t have a voice,” she said.
The interview also explored the political landscape heading into the upcoming election, including how shifting voter dynamics could impact the outcome. Culotti suggested that without broader representation, the race could default to traditional party lines rather than focusing on practical solutions.
Throughout the discussion, Culotti maintained that California’s future depends on addressing core issues like infrastructure, economic development, and support for working industries such as agriculture.
“We need Californians for California,” she said.
As the governor’s race continues to evolve, the role of independent voices and agricultural priorities is expected to remain a central part of the conversation.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Cherry Industry Faces Rising Costs, Market Pressure, and Earlier Harvest Window in 2026

The AgNet News Hour continued its in-depth coverage of California’s cherry season with Morada Produce’s Mike Jameson, focusing on the business side of the industry, from marketing challenges to rising costs and shifting timelines for the 2026 crop.
Jameson explained that today’s cherry market is more competitive than ever, with growers and packers not only managing production challenges but also navigating a crowded retail landscape.
“There used to be about 100 items in the produce section—now there’s about 500,” Jameson said, highlighting how increased competition is impacting shelf space and pricing decisions.
That competition puts pressure on growers to deliver top-tier fruit while still finding a price point that works for both retailers and producers. According to Jameson, balancing those interests is one of the biggest challenges in the business today.
“It’s a very difficult challenge… trying to find a balance that works for everybody,” he said.
At the same time, production costs continue to climb. Labor remains a major expense, even as technology and automation improve efficiency in packing facilities. Jameson noted that even with advanced optical sorting systems, operations still rely heavily on workers for quality control, food safety, and logistics.
Beyond labor, growers are also dealing with rising costs tied to compliance and regulation. Food safety requirements have expanded significantly over the past two decades, requiring dedicated staff, laboratory testing, and extensive audits to meet both state and retailer standards.
“We have full staffs of food safety… we can’t pack fruit until we get the okay from the lab,” Jameson explained.
Despite the added costs, Jameson emphasized that these efforts are critical to ensuring consumers receive a safe, high-quality product. He also pointed out that California cherries are benefiting from major improvements in growing practices and post-harvest handling.
“Growers are doing a phenomenal job… bigger fruit, firmer fruit, better flavor,” he said.
Another key factor shaping the 2026 season is timing. Due to early heat this spring, the cherry harvest is expected to arrive about 7 to 10 days earlier than normal. That shift creates both opportunity and challenges for the industry.
“We’ll probably start hitting peak volume earlier than usual,” Jameson said, noting that retailers will need to adjust promotional schedules to match the earlier crop.
The earlier timing could also benefit California growers by giving them a cleaner marketing window before competing regions like the Pacific Northwest enter the market.
Looking ahead, Jameson said the industry must continue adapting to rapid changes in technology, communication, and global trade. From AI-driven sorting systems to evolving buyer behavior, the business of cherries is becoming increasingly complex.
Still, he remains optimistic about the season and the long-term outlook.
“It’s exciting… it keeps us pumped up,” Jameson said.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Cherry Crop Rebounds in 2026 as Growers Navigate Weather and Market Pressures

The AgNet News Hour featured an in-depth conversation with veteran cherry marketer Mike Jameson of Morada Produce, outlining a much-improved outlook for California’s 2026 cherry crop after a challenging 2025 season.
Last year proved difficult for growers, with total production dropping sharply to just 4.9 million cartons statewide. Jameson said that limited supply created significant challenges for meeting both domestic and international demand.
“When you get a crop that is that far off… it makes it extremely difficult to service the world with cherries,” he explained.
This year, however, conditions are trending more favorably. While not perfect across all regions, the statewide crop is expected to rebound significantly, with early estimates ranging between 8 and 8.5 million cartons.
“It’s a much better crop than we saw last year,” Jameson said.
Weather remains the biggest variable in cherry production. Unlike many commodities, cherries are highly sensitive to both winter chill hours and spring conditions. Consistent cold weather is essential for proper dormancy, while excessive heat or rain during bloom can impact fruit set.
“You need to have a certain amount of chill units during the winter,” Jameson explained. “The tree needs that rest to produce a strong crop.”
Regional differences are also playing a major role this season. Areas like the Westside—including Patterson, Gustine, and surrounding regions—are showing strong production, while other districts, including parts of Bakersfield and Hollister, are more variable.
“It is the best crop in California this year,” Jameson said of the Westside region.
Rainfall timing is another critical factor. While early-season rain typically has minimal impact, precipitation during key development stages can cause serious damage, including fruit cracking and loss of marketability.
“If cherries are at the wrong stage, they’ll absorb that water and split,” Jameson noted.
Beyond weather, growers are also facing rising production costs. Labor remains a major expense, as cherries are still primarily hand-harvested. At the same time, increases in fuel, fertilizer, and freight are adding pressure throughout the supply chain.
“A truck across the country is probably double what it was a year ago,” Jameson said.
Despite these challenges, demand for California cherries remains strong. Roughly 80 percent of the crop is sold domestically, with the remaining volume exported to key markets including Canada, Korea, Japan, and Mexico.
Cherries continue to stand out as one of the last truly seasonal items in the produce aisle, giving growers a unique window to capitalize on strong consumer demand.
“Cherries are still one of the last remaining seasonal crops,” Jameson said.
As harvest approaches, growers and marketers will continue closely monitoring conditions across the state. While uncertainty remains, the overall outlook points to a stronger and more stable season compared to last year.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Citrus Outlook Strong Despite Weather Challenges and Rising Costs

The AgNet News Hour featured a detailed conversation with Kings River Packing Vice President of Sales Jesse Silva, offering insight into California’s citrus industry as growers navigate weather variability, market pressures, and evolving consumer demands.
Silva said the citrus sector is entering the spring and summer season in a solid position overall, even after facing a warmer-than-normal winter that created some production challenges.
“We’re excited about where we’re at right now and our position in the crop,” Silva said. “We just want to finish strong.”
One of the key challenges this season has been weather. Warmer conditions during the winter months allowed fruit to continue growing, resulting in larger sizing that can complicate packing and marketing.
“With the warmer weather, the fruit is more pliable,” Silva explained. “We’ve been working hard to manage quality in the field because that’s where it all starts.”
Despite those challenges, growers are optimistic about late-season citrus, including Valencias, lemons, and grapefruit. Spring rain events are expected to help improve fruit size and support tree health, while also slowing maturity to maintain quality deeper into the season.
The conversation also highlighted the continued dominance of mandarins in the marketplace. Seedless varieties remain in high demand, driving growers to invest heavily in solutions like netting to prevent cross-pollination.
“It’s a big commitment… but that’s what we need to do to achieve the right characteristics that consumers demand,” Silva said.
Beyond production, Silva pointed to broader industry pressures, including rising input costs and supply chain challenges. Packaging, fuel, and labor all continue to impact profitability, often without corresponding increases in retail pricing.
“Those costs are hard to capture,” he said. “Somebody has to absorb them.”
At the same time, California citrus continues to benefit from strong domestic demand and a reputation for high-quality fruit. Compared to other regions like Florida, which primarily supplies juice markets, California growers focus on premium fresh fruit that appeals to consumers visually and in taste.
“People buy with their eyes,” Silva noted, emphasizing the importance of appearance in retail sales.
Looking ahead, Silva said the industry will continue to adapt through innovation, improved farming practices, and new technology. From precision pest management to soil monitoring, growers are finding ways to improve efficiency while maintaining sustainability.
“Everything we do… we’re trying to be good stewards of the land,” he said.
Despite ongoing challenges, Silva remains confident in the long-term outlook for California citrus, driven by strong demand, family farming traditions, and continued investment in quality and innovation.

Clovis Rodeo and World Ag Expo Highlight Strength of Ag Community and Industry Events

The AgNet News Hour spotlighted two major Central Valley events—the upcoming Clovis Rodeo and the continued growth of World Ag Expo—showcasing the strong connection between agriculture, community, and industry innovation.
The show first featured Clovis Rodeo board member Ronnie Dunbar, who shared details about the 112th annual event set for April 22–26. The rodeo continues to be one of the premier Western events in California, drawing tens of thousands of attendees and top competitors from across the country.
“We’ll have close to 700 cowboys here,” Dunbar said. “We try to bring the best animals to bring the best athletes.”
The event spans multiple days and includes everything from professional rodeo competitions to concerts and family-friendly activities. Dunbar emphasized that preparation is a year-round effort, with planning beginning shortly after each year’s rodeo concludes.
“It’s a year-round process,” he said. “Come January, we’re all in.”
Beyond entertainment, the rodeo plays a major role in supporting the local economy and community. With an estimated $30 million economic impact, the event benefits local businesses, nonprofits, and tourism throughout the region.
“We give back almost $4 million to the community,” Dunbar said.
The conversation also highlighted the importance of maintaining traditions like rodeo while continuing to attract new audiences. From longtime attendees to first-time visitors, the goal is to create an engaging and memorable experience.
“If you’ve never been… you’ll come back again after you go,” Dunbar said.
The episode also featured Megan Lausten, Assistant General Manager of the International Agri-Center, who discussed the success and future of World Ag Expo—one of the largest agricultural trade shows in the world.
Lausten noted that the 2026 event brought together more than 1,200 exhibitors, nearly 100,000 attendees, and participants from over 80 countries, reflecting the global importance of agriculture and ag technology.
“We have about 25 full-time staff that works on the show year-round,” Lausten said.
Planning for the event is an extensive process, with large equipment and exhibits arriving weeks in advance. Lausten explained that preparation begins months ahead of the show to ensure a smooth and successful experience for both exhibitors and attendees.
“We start seeing movement on our grounds a couple weeks prior to the show,” she said.
In addition to World Ag Expo, the International Agri-Center hosts events year-round, including educational programs, equipment shows, and community activities designed to connect people with agriculture.
Looking ahead, Lausten shared that 2027 will mark the 60th anniversary of World Ag Expo, with plans already underway to make the milestone event even more impactful.
“We’re looking forward to 2027… it’s really something to celebrate,” she said.
Together, both interviews highlighted the vital role events like the Clovis Rodeo and World Ag Expo play in strengthening agriculture’s connection to communities while showcasing innovation and tradition side by side.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.