Advocacy in Action
Farm Bill
The House Agriculture Committee last week successfully advanced the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026—often referred to as the “skinny” Farm Bill—following a nearly 20-hour markup across two days.
The bill passed on a bipartisan 34-17 vote, with seven Democrats voting in favor, including California Representatives Jim Costa and Adam Gray. Lawmakers considered and debated more than 100 amendments during the committee process.
Earlier last week, California Farm Bureau submitted a letter of support for the legislation, highlighting improvements for specialty crop programs, rural development initiatives, enhanced forest management efforts and other provisions beneficial to agriculture.
The legislation must still be approved by the full House before moving to the Senate, where additional changes are expected before it can advance to the president’s desk.
Gray wolves
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has begun holding meetings to discuss potential updates to the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program. California Farm Bureau, along with other stakeholders, is participating in the discussions on behalf of ranchers and will give direct input from affected members.
As part of the process, CDFW plans to develop a questionnaire for ranchers who have previously participated in the compensation program. The department will continue meeting with stakeholders to discuss the program’s three compensation “prongs” and identify possible changes.
Starting in May, CDFW will hold four public meetings in counties with known wolf presence to hear directly from ranchers and impacted communities. Based on the feedback received, the department will determine next steps and develop a timeline for potential revisions to the program.
Farm Bureau will reach out to affected ranchers and counties in the coming months to gather additional input. Ranchers with feedback on the compensation program or other wolf management solutions are encouraged to contact Steven Fenaroli at sfenaroli@cfbf.com.
Climate credit
The California Public Utilities Commission approved a settlement between PacifiCorp, California Farm Bureau and California Public Advocates Office regarding greenhouse gas program costs and customer climate credits. The decision authorizes PacifiCorp to distribute $10.1 million in California climate credits to eligible residential and small business customers in 2026. Customers will receive a semiannual bill credit of $111.83 in April and October, funded through revenues from California’s cap-and-trade program.
Vehicle weight safety
The California Transportation Commission is set to hold a workshop this week to discuss the draft report for the Vehicle Weight Safety Study required by Assembly Bill 251, authored by Assemblyman Chris Ward, D-San Diego.
The study examines the relationship between passenger vehicle weight, road degradation and injuries to pedestrians and cyclists. The legislation directed the commission to convene a task force and provide a report to the Legislature with findings and potential policy recommendations, including whether a vehicle weight-based fee should be considered.
California Farm Bureau participated in task force meetings throughout 2025. During those discussions and in comments on the final report, Farm Bureau noted the study did not demonstrate a clear link between vehicle weight and increased collisions. Farm Bureau also raised concerns that a vehicle weight charge would function more as a tax than a safety fee and could increase vehicle costs.
Farm Bureau further emphasized that California already has one of the highest costs of living in the country, and policies that raise vehicle prices could disproportionately affect lower-income residents.
Farm tech
Efforts to modernize outdated worker safety regulations that limit the use of autonomous tractors continued this year. California Farm Bureau, alongside a coalition of agricultural organizations and equipment manufacturers, engaged the governor’s office and legislative leadership to encourage a solution that allows innovation to move forward while addressing labor concerns.
Two years ago, Farm Bureau-sponsored Assembly Bill 1016 was signed into law, authorizing the California Department of Pesticide Regulation to update rules governing the use of unmanned aerial vehicles by licensed aerial applicators. The law directs DPR to establish updated pathways for commercial and private applicators or those applying on their own farms.
DPR launched a working group last fall to develop regulations. Initially, the group focused only on private applicators, with commercial applicator updates delayed until 2028. Farm Bureau raised concerns about this timeline and urged DPR to reconsider a strategy that would slow broader adoption of the technology.
Following stakeholder engagement and a temporary pause, DPR relaunched the working group with a clear commitment to advancing regulatory updates for commercial aerial applicators. This shift will help scale emerging technologies and better align regulatory policy with California’s investments in agricultural innovation and workforce development.
Landline transition
California Farm Bureau submitted comments to the California Public Utilities Commission on its proposal to transition landline telecommunications to new technologies.
The comments urged the commission to protect 911 access, service reliability and infrastructure standards, increase staffing, and ensure customer notification and oversight.
California Farm Bureau is part of a legislative coalition on the topic, legislation of which is anticipated to be pushed again this year.
Water board
California Farm Bureau is litigating two cases involving the California State Water Resources Control Board’s review of the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Board’s Agricultural Order 4.0.
Farm Bureau is challenging the regional water board and state water board’s determination of what constitutes a legally adequate economic analysis of new permit requirements. Farm Bureau is also opposing various environmental groups’ challenge of the state water board’s decision to not require nitrogen discharge limits and nitrogen application limits for irrigated agricultural operations.
Both Farm Bureau and the environmental groups filed their opening briefs on Feb. 13, 2025. The two hearings will likely take place in September.
Meanwhile, the state water board’s second statewide agricultural expert panel continues to meet to discuss nitrates leaching to groundwater from irrigated agriculture and possible statewide nitrogen-related regulatory limits on nitrogen application and nitrogen discharge.
The panel’s recommendations will be compiled into a draft report, which will soon be released for a 30-day public comment period. The expert panel last met on Feb. 11 and will next meet on March 11.
Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to attend and provide public comments on current on-farm nitrogen-related practices. California Farm Bureau will join with other agricultural groups to submit united comments on the draft report.
Biomass definition
California Farm Bureau joined in a letter sent to Congress this month urging a legislative fix to the definition of “woody biomass” under the renewable fuel standard. The letter included more than 500 organizations and individuals from across the country.
The letter said the current definition is too narrow for real-world application, effectively precluding its use as an eligible feedstock. It also said the definition discourages investment, leaving valuable biomass unused, and hinders improvements to forest health, wildfire resilience and rural prosperity.
Farm bill
Text of the “Skinny” Farm Bill, also known as Farm Bill 2.0, was released earlier this month by Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which passed last year, included several items that would typically be part of a full farm bill reauthorization. A critical piece of that legislation included changes and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
The bill is expected to be marked up starting this week, with early discussions suggesting it could take several days to conclude. This means the House Agriculture Committee will discuss the bill at length and likely consider a long list of potential amendments.
In California Farm Bureau’s initial review, the bill makes a number of improvements that would benefit California farmers, including changes to crop insurance that give extra attention to specialty crops; new funding for market access programs and research; and improvements under the forestry title for regulatory reform and wildfire mitigation.
The bill also includes language aimed at limiting the impacts of California’s Proposition 12 on other states. The 2018 voter initiative prohibits the sale of pork, veal and egg products unless they are produced in compliance with the state’s livestock housing requirements.
In addition, the bill effectively provides federal preemption to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on pesticide registration. Both provisions are likely to receive significant attention during deliberations.
Farm aid
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has created the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, which gives clarity and direction on how the $1 billion set aside for specialty crops, sugar and other commodities will be distributed under the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.
Late last year, the $12 billion aid package was established to serve as an economic “bridge,” supporting farmers until changes in reference prices and other commodity support programs take effect next year. USDA has provided a full list of eligible commodities for the program, payments of which are based on reported 2025 planted acres.
Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by March 13. Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of March. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the program.
Tricolored blackbird
The Natural Resources Conservation Service announced last week that the draft list of payment scenarios for the tricolored blackbird Regional Conservation Partnership Program omits silage delay as an option for program participants this year.
Silage delay is the primary scenario used to compensate landowners impacted by nesting tricolored blackbirds, typically providing payments ranging from $700 to $1,100 per acre. The closest remaining option on the draft list is “delayed mowing on hay fields,” which provides $200 per acre.
According to California Farm Bureau staff, which has been monitoring the program, the decision to omit silage delay was made at the federal level within NRCS, while the state continues its efforts to advocate for the scenario’s inclusion.
California Farm Bureau is coordinating with other stakeholders—including Audubon, Western United Dairies, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and others—to urge NRCS to retain silage delay as a funding option.
It remains unclear when the payment scenarios will be finalized, though a decision is expected soon as the tricolored blackbird nesting season approaches.
Government shutdown
President Donald Trump last week signed an agreement to end a temporary government shutdown that technically began Feb. 1.
The primary holdup centered on funding for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, with Democrats calling for reforms to immigration enforcement tactics. Under the agreement, DHS is funded for two weeks, meaning negotiations will continue on longer-term funding. The remaining federal agencies included in the package were funded for the full fiscal year.
Farm bill
House Republicans are expected to mark up the so-called “skinny” farm bill, or Farm Bill 2.0, toward the end of the month. While some farm bill policy passed last year, major pieces remain unresolved, including forestry, crop insurance updates and specialty crop funding.
The farm bill is traditionally a five-year funding measure, but in recent years, it has relied on one-year extensions, leaving many programs in need of updates and additional funding unchanged for nearly three years.
It remains unclear whether the legislation will receive bipartisan support or advance with primarily Republican backing. Last year’s markup saw support from four Democrats in committee, but the bill never received a full House vote and was unlikely to advance in the Senate as written.
While a significant portion of farm bill policy was enacted last year through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, several major components remain outstanding, including the forestry title, further updates to crop insurance programs, specialty crop research and funding, and other priorities.
Fumigation alternatives
The California Department of Pesticide Regulation released findings from an independent scientific study conducted by the California Council on Science and Technology, evaluating alternatives to sulfuryl fluoride, the only federally approved pesticide for whole-structure fumigation used to control pests such as termites and beetles.
The council evaluated 10 potential alternatives to sulfuryl fluoride. While both chemical and nonchemical localized treatments are effective and widely used in California, the study found few viable alternatives currently exist for whole-structure fumigation.
The findings will help shape DPR’s future research priorities and regulatory actions as part of its broader goals to advance sustainable pest management statewide.
Air board workshop
The California Air Resources Board will hold a public workshop Feb. 27, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., to discuss potential standards for off-road new diesel engines in California, referred to as Tier 5 standards.
The Tier 5 rulemaking aims to reduce oxides of nitrogen, or NOx, and particulate matter emissions from new off-road compression-ignition engines sold in California.
During the workshop, CARB staff will discuss draft amendments to the new off-road diesel engine emissions standards, including changes to the on-board diagnostics, off-road in-use testing and Tier 5 elements—last discussed at its Oct. 8, 2024, workshop.
Register for the meeting at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5Cu0eoM-Qeq3o9k1TdbYBw?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#/registration
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Wolf program
The California Farm Bureau and three other organizations that represent California farmers, ranchers and rural residents joined in a letter to ask for $30 million in the 2026-27 state budget to fund the California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wolf Program.
The funding is essential to ensure that California’s recovering gray wolf population continues to thrive without jeopardizing livestock production, which stewards one-third of the state’s lands and forms the backbone of the state’s rural economies.
The California Cattlemen’s Association, Office of Kat Taylor and Rural County Representatives of California were the other groups that asked for the funding. Read the letter here.
California Farm Bureau and others have been successful in funding the Wolf-Livestock Compensation Program at $5.3 million since 2021. The program is recognized as being one of the national leaders in compensation for livestock loss from predators. There are currently 10 recognized wolf packs in the state and additional areas of wolf activity.
Drones
The Federal Communications Commission announced on Dec. 22 a ban on new foreign-made drones and drone parts from entering the United States. The action stems from two executive orders issued by President Donald Trump related to unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS.
The FCC’s determination followed a White House-convened review involving an executive branch interagency body with national security expertise. That review concluded that certain foreign-produced UAS and critical component parts pose “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and to the safety and security of U.S. persons.”
The decision does not affect consumers’ ability to continue using drones they already own, nor does it prevent retailers from selling, importing or marketing drone models previously approved through the FCC’s equipment authorization process. However, with foreign-based suppliers making up a significant portion of the UAS market, there are concerns the ban could disrupt agricultural operations that increasingly rely on drones for applications and other uses.
Avian flu
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has lifted the ban on poultry and dairy cattle exhibitions at fairs and shows, saying that the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza associated with such exhibitions has sufficiently decreased.
The ban was first implemented last January due to continued spread of H5N1 bird flu. At that time, more than 700 dairy herds and 60 poultry flocks in the state were affected by the disease.
CDFA said its decision to lift the ban was “based on a comprehensive review of current H5N1 infection trends, improved understanding of transmission dynamics and enhanced mitigation measures now in place.”
CDFA said it will continue to ensure that biosecurity practices are met. To that end, the department has extended its biosecurity measures through June for organic poultry by asking California producers to continue keeping their birds indoors.
The department has also asked organic certifiers to exempt the outdoor access requirement so that organic poultry can remain certified.
In recent months, California has detected highly pathogenic avian influenza in commercial and backyard poultry flocks, CDFA said. Detections also continue to be found in domestic and wild birds and dairies nationally.
Commercial driver’s license
There is significant confusion about the current state of commercial driver’s licenses for nondomiciled persons in California and whether commercial driver’s licenses are being canceled. The California Department of Motor Vehicles says the extension given is valid, but the U.S. Department of Transportation argues otherwise.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Sept. 26 issued a preliminary determination of noncompliance letter to DMV relating to the issuance of commercial learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses for people in California whose permanent home is elsewhere. In accordance with the direction provided by the FMCSA, DMV has ceased issuing commercial learner’s permits and commercial driver’s licenses to people who are not California residents. People whose commercial learner’s permits or commercial driver’s license status has changed will receive a letter and/or email advising one of the following:
• Nondomiciled commercial learner’s permits and pending nondomiciled commercial driver’s license applications will be canceled.
• Nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses issued out of compliance with state law and federal regulations at the time of issuance will be canceled.
• Valid/unexpired nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses issued in compliance with state law and federal regulations at the time of issuance will remain valid until the expiration date.
DMV on Dec. 30 extended the cancellation date for some 17,000 nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses by an additional 60 days while the state continues to work with representatives of the FMCSA to resolve concerns with the commercial driver’s licensing process prior to March 6.
This extension provides additional time for DMV and FMCSA to identify a solution that allows affected drivers to continue working and serving California communities. Impacted drivers will receive letters shortly informing them of the extension.
Sage grouse
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management last month updated the sage-grouse plan for several states, including California. The revised management plans will place a greater emphasis on the important role cattle grazing plays in conservation and wildfire mitigation and tailor individual plans for specific regions as opposed to what many saw previously as a one-size-fits-all approach.
Dietary guidelines
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and U.S. Department of Agriculture last week updated the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. The guidelines provide recommendations on foods and beverages to support better health and are used to shape several federal nutrition and feeding programs.
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the updated guidelines represent a return to basics, urging Americans to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—including protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats and whole grains—while significantly reducing highly processed foods.
The update includes a redesigned food pyramid that places red meat protein, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats near the top, while emphasizing the need to limit highly processed foods, added sugars and artificial additives.
A fact sheet released alongside the guidelines provides additional detail on the changes, which have drawn significant media attention given their scope.
Health and nutrition remain a top priority for the Trump administration, which has frequently cited rising healthcare costs—particularly those tied to chronic disease—as a major national challenge.
Farm aid
The U.S. Department of Agriculture last month announced the next phase of the Farmer Bridge Assistance Program , which provides monetary assistance to impacted farmers of certain commodities.
The new phase includes the per-acre payment rates of commodities that include cotton, rice and wheat.
The $1 billion reserved for specialty crops and sugar remains under development, the department said, and details on how those funds will be distributed have not yet been finalized. Additional information is available on the USDA Farm Service Agency website.
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