Articles by Lydia Johnson

Western Growers announced the eighth class of leadership program participants. Those selected include: Charles Ferini, James Larson and Patrick Pinkard, among others. Michael Harris joined the staff of Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., as a policy adviser. 

Cal Poly named Brian Horgan as Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences effective July 1, 2025. California Gov. Gavin Newson appointed Sloane Viola chief deputy director of the California Conservation Corps.

Members of the House and Senate Agriculture committees are proposing to move the Food for Peace program from the U.S. Agency for International Development to the Department of Agriculture.

Courtney Knupp joined USDA as a senior adviser to the deputy secretary. The International Fresh Produce Association promoted Colleen Fagundus to director of floral. The American Soybean Association promoted Alexa Combelic to executive director of government affairs.  

Michael Harris joined the staff of Senate Ag Committee member Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., as a policy adviser. The American Seed Trade Association hired Danielle Cummins as director of member engagement. 

USDA officials are defending a freeze on funding that has snagged several programs. In a statement to Agri-Pulse, the department says the Trump administration “rightfully has asked for a comprehensive review of all contracts, work, and personnel across all federal agencies. Anything that violates the President’s Executive Orders will be subject for review.”

Ross reacts to cost study * Water board hungry for more fees * Shasta dumps flood flows * USDA defends funding delay

President Donald Trump’s nominee to helm the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative will appear before the Senate Finance Committee today in what promises to be a tariff-heavy hearing.

More reactions to cost study * Composting gets priority * Hearing on tap for USTR pick

The Senate Agriculture Committee hears today from representatives from major agricultural sectors on the health of the farm economy. The hearing, which will feature almost a dozen witnesses, comes as farmers grapple with multiple economic threats.

A 90-day suspension and stop-work order on most U.S. foreign aid has snagged some anti-hunger and agricultural development efforts while stalling shipping of some agricultural commodities, although emergency food assistance can still be distributed.