AgNet News Hour

Organic Farming, Regenerative Agriculture, and Innovation Shape the Future of California Farming

The AgNet News Hour continued its in-depth conversation with Homegrown Organic Farms Category Director Stephen Paul, focusing on regenerative organic farming, shifting consumer trends, marketing innovation, and the long-term future of California agriculture.
Paul emphasized that agriculture is changing rapidly, forcing growers to constantly adapt to shifting markets, weather conditions, labor shortages, and consumer demand.
“You have to stay ahead of the game,” Paul said while discussing how farming operations are evolving to meet changing expectations from retailers and consumers alike.
A major portion of the discussion centered on regenerative organic agriculture, an area where Homegrown Organic Farms has become a leader. Paul explained that many of their stone fruit operations are now certified regenerative organic, focusing heavily on soil health, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.
“We are certified regenerative organic,” Paul explained. “The soil becomes alive.”
According to Paul, healthier soils lead to stronger ecosystems, improved microbial activity, and greater long-term sustainability for farming operations. However, regenerative farming also creates new management challenges, including increased pest pressure from birds and insects as fields become more biologically active.
“For every action, there’s a reaction,” he said.
Despite the added complexity, Paul believes regenerative practices represent an important step forward for agriculture, especially as consumers become increasingly interested in where their food comes from and how it is produced.
The conversation also highlighted the growing importance of transparency and education in the food industry. Paul said consumers today want stronger connections to farms, growers, and production practices.
“People want to know what they’re eating,” he explained.
At the same time, Paul defended conventional agriculture, stressing that California growers already operate under strict standards and care deeply about protecting their land and producing safe food.
“No one’s going to abuse their land,” Paul said.
Weather patterns and crop timing also remain major concerns heading deeper into summer. Paul noted that California blueberries experienced one of their earliest seasons in years after warm spring temperatures accelerated crop development nearly three weeks ahead of normal.
“Everything accelerated,” he said.
The episode also explored the importance of marketing and innovation in agriculture. Paul emphasized that growers can no longer simply plant crops and hope markets develop later. Instead, production decisions must align closely with consumer demand, retailer partnerships, and long-term planning.
“We’re not in a world where you can just plant anything anymore,” Paul explained.
Global trade and imports were another key topic during the interview, particularly within the berry industry. Paul described agriculture as increasingly interconnected, with products moving between California, Mexico, Peru, and other regions depending on seasonality and demand.
Beyond farming itself, Paul also encouraged greater involvement from agricultural leaders in public policy and local government, warning that farming voices are often underrepresented in political decision-making.
“Farmers solve problems,” Paul said. “We don’t have time to mess around.”
As California agriculture continues navigating regulation, changing markets, and evolving consumer preferences, Paul stressed that innovation, transparency, and strong relationships throughout the supply chain will be critical to keeping farms sustainable for future generations.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

Organic Farming, Water Policy, and Innovation Drive California Agriculture Conversation

The AgNet News Hour featured an extended conversation with longtime grower and Homegrown Organic Farms Category Director Stephen Paul, covering everything from organic farming challenges and labor shortages to water policy, market innovation, and the future of California agriculture.
Paul, whose family farming roots date back to the early 1900s, discussed the increasing complexity of modern agriculture and the growing pressure facing California growers.
“It’s even more complicated now—10 times more complicated now than what it was then,” Paul said while reflecting on how farming has evolved over multiple generations.
One of the biggest themes throughout the interview was the challenge of organic farming in California, where growers operate with fewer tools and stricter regulations while still trying to remain profitable.
“For every action, there’s a reaction,” Paul explained while discussing unpredictable weather patterns and how growers must constantly adapt to changing conditions.
This year’s unusual weather has already created challenges. A hot March followed by cooler temperatures and spring rain accelerated several crops, including blueberries, which Paul said started nearly three weeks earlier than normal.
“Everything accelerated,” he said, noting that California’s organic blueberry season is already winding down much earlier than expected.
Despite those challenges, consumer demand for berries and healthy snacking products continues to grow. Paul emphasized that growers and marketers must stay ahead of changing trends and consumer preferences if they want to remain competitive.
“Demand is up for berries,” he said. “All berries are a thriving category.”
The conversation also turned toward food processing and the recent Del Monte closure, which has left thousands of tons of cling peaches without a market. Paul warned that the situation highlights the need for innovation within the food industry.
“Maybe the era of that canned product has gone beyond us,” he said while discussing changing consumer habits and the shift toward fresher, healthier products.
Paul believes agriculture must continue evolving alongside consumer demand, particularly as the “Make America Healthy Again” movement gains traction nationally.
“I think it’s huge,” Paul said about the growing focus on healthier foods and cleaner ingredients.
Labor shortages remain another major concern for growers across California. Paul explained that competition between crops and operations has intensified, making it increasingly difficult to secure reliable labor during critical harvest windows.
“You may be ready to pick, and they may not be there,” he said.
Water policy also remained front and center throughout the interview. Paul strongly criticized California’s long-standing failure to expand water storage infrastructure, arguing the state continues wasting valuable runoff during wet years.
“We still have failed to build reservoirs to capture runoff,” he said. “The water policies in California are insane.”
As California heads deeper into another growing season and another major election year, Paul stressed the importance of leadership that understands agriculture and prioritizes long-term sustainability for farmers, labor, and food production.
“We need growers to stay in business,” he said. “We need them to be sustainable.”
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Agriculture Becomes Major Issue in Governor Race as Farmers Push Back Against Land and Policy Pressure

The AgNet News Hour focused heavily on California’s upcoming governor race and growing concerns throughout agriculture over regulation, food security, land pressure, and the future of family farming in the state.
Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the show by emphasizing what they described as one of the most important governor elections in California history, warning that policy decisions made over the next few years could significantly reshape agriculture, energy, water, and small business across the state.
“We’ve got to start talking about getting California back on track,” hosts said during the broadcast.
The conversation highlighted frustration over rising fuel costs, water uncertainty, labor shortages, freight expenses, and increasing regulations that continue putting pressure on farmers and small businesses statewide.
A major portion of the episode featured part two of an extended interview with Stephanie Moreda-Arend of Moreda Valley Dairy in Petaluma, who continues to speak out nationally about legal and political pressure facing family farms in Point Reyes and throughout California.
Moreda-Arend warned that many younger generations of farmers are beginning to walk away from agriculture because of mounting costs and regulatory burdens.
“I’ve heard farmers say out loud that they tell their kids, go find something else that you want to do,” Moreda-Arend said.
She explained that small family farms are increasingly vulnerable to lawsuits and financial pressure from activist organizations, particularly in high-value coastal areas where land is becoming more desirable for development and alternative uses.
“These organizations are environmental attorneys,” Moreda-Arend said. “They are using lawfare to come after farmers.”
Moreda-Arend stressed that agriculture and true environmental stewardship often work hand-in-hand, arguing that family farms naturally preserve open space, healthy soils, and working landscapes.
“Farmers are the greatest environmentalists people we have,” hosts added during the discussion.
The interview also focused heavily on food security and concerns about California becoming increasingly dependent on imported food if farms continue disappearing.
“If we lose our food security, we lose everything,” hosts warned repeatedly throughout the episode.
Moreda-Arend explained that replacing small dairy operations is nearly impossible due to the enormous startup costs, infrastructure requirements, and regulatory hurdles involved in modern agriculture.
“To build a new dairy farm is millions of dollars from the ground up,” she said.
The discussion also touched on the importance of local elections, with Moreda-Arend noting that her sister, Shalina Moreda, is now running for supervisor in Sonoma County because of concerns that existing leadership does not adequately support agriculture.
Beyond politics, the program explored how social media and alternative media platforms are increasingly shaping public understanding of agriculture, especially as many farmers feel mainstream media outlets overlook issues affecting rural communities and food production.
Hosts encouraged listeners to actively engage with neighbors and local communities about farming, food production, and California policy issues ahead of the election cycle.
“Spread the word about farming,” the show emphasized multiple times during the broadcast.
As California moves closer to the primary election, agriculture leaders continue warning that the future of food production, water infrastructure, and family farming may largely depend on the direction voters choose in the coming months.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Farmers Push Back as NGOs Target Agricultural Land and Food Security Concerns Grow

The AgNet News Hour focused on growing tensions between agriculture and environmental activist groups as California farmers continue battling lawsuits, land pressure, and mounting concerns over the future of food production in the state.
The episode opened with discussion about anti-agriculture activism and the increasing influence of NGOs working against farming operations throughout California. Hosts warned that many organizations presenting themselves as environmental advocates are actively lobbying against agriculture, water infrastructure, and farming expansion.
“They want your land,” hosts said while discussing pressure facing farms in areas like Point Reyes and Petaluma.
The conversation highlighted growing frustration from farmers who feel agriculture is being targeted despite California’s role as the nation’s leading food-producing state. Questions surrounding food security, water access, and local food production remained central throughout the program.
“We need our farms so much,” the show emphasized repeatedly while discussing the long-term future of California agriculture.
A major portion of the episode featured an extended interview with Stephanie Moretta-Arian of Moretta Valley Dairy in Petaluma, who continues speaking out against efforts to remove family farms from Point Reyes National Seashore.
Moretta explained that years of litigation and regulatory pressure forced several long-standing family dairies and ranches to shut down or accept buyouts after facing costly legal battles with environmental organizations.
“These NGOs are strategically and maliciously going after farms and ranches,” Moretta said.
According to Moretta, the issue extends far beyond Point Reyes. She warned that similar lawsuits and land battles are happening throughout California and across the country as farming communities face increasing legal and financial pressure.
“We lost over 14,000 farms in 2024,” she said while discussing the broader decline of family farming nationwide.
The discussion also touched on concerns that some activist groups are using environmental litigation as a pathway to gain control over highly valuable coastal land. Moretta argued that many of the targeted farms are organic, pasture-based operations that have existed for generations and are critical to local food systems.
“This is all abuse of how our justice system is functioning,” she said.
Federal officials have now become involved in the Point Reyes issue, including representatives from the Department of Interior. Moretta credited support from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and others for helping bring national attention to the situation.
The episode also featured practical crop management discussions with Valent USA field market development manager Todd Burkdahl, who outlined increasing pest and disease pressure tied to warming temperatures and recent spring weather patterns.
Burkdahl warned growers to stay aggressive with scouting and early-season management for pests like navel orangeworm, mites, katydids, and cutworms while monitoring orchards closely following spring rains.
“Prevention is worth a pound of cure,” Burkdahl said while discussing disease management in almonds and pistachios.
As California agriculture continues facing pressure from regulation, land battles, rising costs, and environmental activism, industry leaders are urging growers and consumers alike to remain engaged in protecting local food production and farming communities.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Politics, Early Harvests, and Water Concerns Continue Dominating Agriculture Conversation

The AgNet News Hour focused on California’s intensifying political landscape, shifting crop conditions, and growing concerns over regulations and water as agriculture heads deeper into the 2026 growing season.
The episode opened with discussion surrounding California’s unusual spring weather patterns, which continue pushing several major crops ahead of schedule. Hosts noted that strawberries, blueberries, and table grapes are all harvesting earlier than normal after a warm March accelerated crop development statewide.
“Everything’s coming off early,” hosts explained during the program.
The early timing is creating both opportunity and uncertainty for growers. While some producers may benefit from favorable market windows, there are growing questions about how summer heat and future weather patterns could impact final yields and crop quality later in the season.
Tree nut production also remains a major point of discussion. Hosts debated whether almond yields could come in below current projections, particularly as weather stress and changing growing conditions continue affecting orchards throughout California.
At the same time, the conversation returned repeatedly to broader concerns surrounding California agriculture, including water availability, fuel prices, labor costs, and the increasing burden of regulation on family farms.
“We need our farms so much,” the show emphasized while discussing the long-term future of small and mid-sized operations across the state.
The episode also featured an extended interview with congressional candidate Dena Maldonado, who is running for California’s 14th Congressional District seat. Maldonado, a small business owner and longtime California resident, spoke extensively about the challenges facing both agriculture and small businesses under current state policies.
“We need to cut the red tape,” Maldonado said while discussing the pressures farmers and rural businesses are facing.
She pointed to rising costs, excessive regulation, and declining affordability as major issues driving both businesses and families out of California. Maldonado also stressed the importance of preserving farmland and strengthening food security throughout the state.
“If we get rid of all the small businesses, there’s not going to be anything left to fund California anymore,” she said.
Agriculture remained central throughout the interview, particularly in regions like Livermore and Pleasanton where vineyards, specialty crops, and small farms continue facing increasing economic pressure from land values, regulation, and operational costs.
Maldonado also criticized the lack of agricultural discussion during recent California governor debates, noting that issues like water, fertilizer costs, freight, and farming regulations continue receiving little attention despite their importance to the state economy.
“Not one question about water, ag, farming, fertilizer, freight, regulations,” hosts said while reflecting on the debates.
Beyond politics, the episode touched on growing national concerns involving trade discussions with China, food security, and California’s long-term economic outlook.
As California agriculture continues navigating early harvests, rising costs, and political uncertainty, growers remain focused on maintaining production while hoping for leadership that prioritizes water infrastructure, affordability, and long-term agricultural sustainability.

California Agriculture Faces Early Harvests, Water Pressure, and Growing Regulatory Concerns

The AgNet News Hour covered a wide range of issues impacting California agriculture, including unusually early crop harvests, ongoing water challenges, labor concerns, and mounting frustration over regulations affecting growers across the state.
The episode opened with discussion surrounding California’s early growing season, as warmer spring temperatures continue accelerating crop development statewide. Hosts noted that blueberries, strawberries, and table grapes are all running ahead of schedule this year after a hot March pushed production earlier than normal.
“Everything’s two weeks early,” hosts explained during the broadcast.
While early harvest timing can create strong market opportunities for growers, it also raises concerns about compressed production windows and weather-related stress later in the season. Industry leaders are closely monitoring conditions as temperatures climb across the Central Valley and other growing regions.
Labor and worker safety also remained a major topic throughout the show as California entered another heat wave. Hosts emphasized that growers are working to protect farmworkers through hydration, shade, and safety precautions during extreme temperatures.
“Farmers are good people that take good care of their farm workers,” the show noted.
The program also featured part two of an extended interview with Western Tree Nut Association President and CEO Roger Isom, who continued discussing major concerns facing California agriculture.
One of the biggest issues raised during the conversation involved water allocations and long-term infrastructure failures tied to SGMA groundwater restrictions and limited storage capacity.
“We need meaningful water storage,” Isom said while discussing California’s ongoing water crisis.
Isom warned that insufficient water deliveries continue forcing growers to fallow acreage and reduce production, particularly on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley where allocations remain extremely limited.
Cotton acreage is expected to decline again this season as growers struggle to justify planting under current water restrictions.
“Twenty percent water allocation is not enough to do it,” Isom explained.
Beyond water, the interview highlighted growing frustration over California’s regulatory climate, including restrictions tied to pesticides, air quality, automation, and labor compliance.
“We’re continuing down that same path,” Isom said regarding increasing regulations impacting farming operations.
The discussion also focused on California’s growing rodent and gopher problem in abandoned orchards and fields. Isom explained that abandoned acreage tied to low commodity prices and SGMA-related fallowing has created expanding pest populations that are damaging orchards, irrigation systems, and surrounding infrastructure.
“The problem still exists,” Isom said while outlining the scale of the rodent issue.
In addition to policy discussions, the episode featured a conversation with Corteva market development specialist Bryce Borges about nematode pressure in vineyards, orchards, and vegetable crops. Borges emphasized the importance of soil sampling and early treatment to protect root systems and maintain healthy crop production.
As California agriculture heads deeper into the growing season, producers continue balancing early harvest opportunities with increasing concerns over water, regulation, labor, and long-term sustainability.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Farmers Face Mounting Pressure from Water, Fuel Costs, and Peach Industry Collapse

The AgNet News Hour focused on growing pressure facing California agriculture as water restrictions, rising fuel costs, and the collapse of a major peach processing operation continue creating uncertainty for farmers statewide.
One of the biggest topics during the program was the fallout from Del Monte shutting down operations in the Modesto area, leaving thousands of tons of cling peaches without a market. The closure has already triggered major concern throughout California’s stone fruit industry.
“There’s still roughly 50,000 tons of fruit that they don’t have a market for,” hosts explained during the broadcast.
The situation could result in the removal of hundreds of thousands of peach trees, creating long-term consequences for family farms and future supply. USDA emergency assistance funding is now being discussed to help growers transition or remove orchards, but many farmers worry the damage may already be severe.
“Some of these family farms might take years, if not a full generation, to recover,” the show noted.
The episode also featured an extended interview with Western Tree Nut Association President and CEO Roger Isom, who outlined major concerns surrounding California agriculture heading deeper into 2026.
Isom pointed directly to fuel prices, water policy, and regulatory burdens as some of the most damaging issues impacting growers.
“We are at the precipice of either turning the corner and making things a lot better or really just completely sinking the Titanic,” Isom said.
Fuel costs remain one of the largest frustrations for agriculture. While national gasoline prices remain significantly lower, California drivers continue paying far more due to taxes, regulations, and refinery challenges.
“I paid 6.71 a gallon for gas for my truck,” Isom said. “That’s two dollars more than everybody else is paying.”
Water policy was another major focus throughout the interview. Isom argued that California’s ongoing water shortages are largely tied to infrastructure failures and policy decisions rather than a lack of available water.
“We need meaningful water storage,” he said, calling for expanded reservoirs, groundwater recharge projects, and improvements throughout the Delta.
He also warned that current SGMA groundwater restrictions are already forcing farmers to fallow more acres, reduce production, and reconsider the future of their operations.
“There’s a lot more fallowed acres out there,” Isom explained.
The discussion also touched on growing concerns over California’s regulatory climate, including pesticide restrictions, air quality rules, labor regulations, and electrification mandates. Isom warned that California farmers are increasingly unable to compete with producers in other states and countries operating under far fewer restrictions.
“We’re losing farmers and we’re going to lose more if we don’t get this turned around,” he said.
As California moves deeper into another hot summer season, agriculture leaders continue urging policymakers to prioritize food production, water infrastructure, and affordability before more farms disappear.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.

California Governor Debate Leaves Agriculture Behind as Water, Taxes, and Policy Battles Intensify

The AgNet News Hour focused heavily on California’s growing political divide and the frustration many in agriculture feel after farming issues were virtually ignored during recent gubernatorial debates, despite the industry’s critical role in the state economy.
Hosts Nick Papagni and Josh McGill opened the program by criticizing debate moderators for failing to ask candidates meaningful questions about agriculture, water, labor, freight costs, or fertilizer prices.
“Not one question on farming, ag, water, fertilizer, labor, freight, nothing,” Papagni said, expressing frustration over the lack of focus on issues directly impacting California growers.
The discussion emphasized that agriculture remains one of California’s largest economic drivers, yet many voters and policymakers still do not fully understand the challenges facing farmers. Rising regulations, water uncertainty, high fuel prices, and affordability concerns continue putting pressure on producers across the state.
“You’re eating three meals a day and that is because of farming,” McGill added, stressing the importance of agriculture to every Californian.
The episode also featured part two of an interview with Assemblyman David Tangipa, who discussed major policy issues ranging from water infrastructure and election reform to California’s controversial proposed “billionaire tax.”
Tangipa warned that the proposal could eventually expand beyond billionaires and impact landowners and farmers with significant agricultural assets.
“It should be called the asset tax,” Tangipa said. “Farmers and landowners should really worry about this.”
He also pushed for increased government accountability and criticized efforts that could restrict journalists or public oversight while fraud investigations continue throughout the state.
“There are no bills to go after fraudsters, but there are bills to go after journalists,” Tangipa said.
Water policy remained a central topic throughout the interview. Tangipa argued California’s drought issues are largely tied to infrastructure and management decisions rather than an actual lack of water.
“We have more than enough water,” he said. “It is a man-made drought.”
Tangipa called for modernization of reservoirs, canals, and groundwater recharge systems while pushing back against environmental groups that oppose expanded water storage projects.
The conversation also touched on California’s population decline, high taxes, and increasing cost of living, with hosts repeatedly stressing that voters face a major decision in the upcoming election cycle.
“If you want a different California, you have to vote for a different California,” Tangipa said.
Beyond politics, the episode included updates on pest pressure in specialty crops as warmer temperatures increase concerns for worms, mites, and mealybugs in vineyards, strawberries, and vegetable fields. Valent USA’s Todd Burkdahl encouraged growers to scout early and stay ahead of infestations before populations explode during the hotter summer months.
As California moves deeper into the growing season and closer to election season, debates over water, taxes, regulation, and agriculture’s future are expected to intensify statewide.
Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.