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CDFA Sec. Ross offers assurance along with resources to farmers * More farm aid in play in stimulus * State Dept. processing H-2A workers

Lawmakers may clear the way for another round of Market Facilitation Program payments as well as other aid to producers as part of a massive economic stimulus package that the Senate is expected to consider on Monday.

Dean Foods and Dairy Farmers of America agreed to new bid procedures as one of the nation's largest largest food and beverage companies tries to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Farming designated as a critical service * Restaurant industry warns of $225B in potential losses * Shuttering food markets may cost up to $700 million

Airlines are shipping less produce * Dairy Families: Vulnerable farmers should self-isolate * Industry appeals for worker exemptions

The Food and Drug Administration is suspending routine surveillance inspections of U.S. facilities, citing concern for its staff and state contractors who conduct the plant checks.

Farm groups are appealing to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to take steps to speed the approval of H-2A workers following his department’s suspension of regular visa processing services in Mexico because of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Family Winemakers of California has also asked to keep tasting rooms open with reduced capacity. Food safety inspections will continue. United Farm Workers wants to ensure farmworker safety.

CDFA selected 125 operations for the 2019 water efficiency grant awards, totaling $9.7 million.

EPA’s new method for determining how to evaluate the effects of pesticides on endangered species has been greeted with praise from the agricultural industry for offering a clear path forward for future evaluations, but sharp criticism from environmentalists for narrowing the universe of interagency reviews.