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Nearly two years after the drought dissipated, Gov. Gavin Newsom rescinded emergency declarations for 19 counties but maintained drought orders for 39 others.

Senator Anna Caballero, D-Merced, was unable to garner enough votes from her colleagues in the Assembly to pass her water bill.

During the three hour meeting, questions were repeated over how a definition will restrict the market for organic agriculture.

Lawmakers have expedited a bill to set new building restrictions on warehouses with the aim of protecting sensitive areas from diesel truck pollution. But rural governments and ag-friendly lawmakers worry about the unintended consequences.

The bill is another success for its author, Asm. Jesse Gabriel, D-Encino, who last year penned the California Food Safety Act.

David Shabazian was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom to the State Board of Food and Agriculture. Rick Alcocer, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Duda Farm Fresh Foods, is retiring after more than 40 years working in the produce industry. Genevieve O’Sullivan departed as vice president of communications at CropLife America after eight years. 

Luke Tomanelli joined UPL as head of U.S. government and industry affairs. Berries Paradise elected César Ortiz as CEO. He succeeds Roberto Samano who is departing after a decade leading the group. 

The California Air Resources Board’s proposed restrictions on biofuel feedstocks, including a limit on soybean oil usage and new sustainability certification requirements, will ultimately backfire on the state’s consumers, according to industry groups.

The Legislature has passed a measure to exempt wetlands and disadvantaged communities from groundwater regulations.

State lawmakers are casting the final votes on contentious pesticide bills.