agriculture

Federal dollars that help small growers experiment with climate-smart agricultural practices are drying up. One Aromas farmer has seen the benefits and wants to find ways to keep her land nourished despite precarious funding.

In today's newscast, as federal funding opportunities slip away for small-scale farmers, local conservation districts are trying to find money elsewhere—primarily, from the State of California. And, it’s Pride Week in the City of Santa Cruz.

In today's newscast, a new bill would make some state homelessness funding available to places with sober living requirements. Plus, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has cancelled two programs that helped schools and food banks buy local produce.

In today's newscast, a researcher from Cal State Monterey Bay scrambles after a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant she was awarded was cancelled. And, two unions went on strike at UC Santa Cruz yesterday after the UC declared a system-wide hiring freeze.

In today's newscast, University of California Cooperative Extension researchers developed a tool that shows the real-time location of migrating waterfowl, which can carry the bird flu virus. Farmers and ranchers could use it to better protect their cows, pigs and poultry.

A transit strike in Santa Clara County is having a ripple effect on this side of the hill, and local farmers are contending with USDA grant cuts.

In today's newscast, a new state website called SprayDays lets people see when and where farmers plan to apply pesticides. And Governor Gavin Newsom has announced a new satellite program to monitor and reduce dangerous methane leaks.

In today's newscast, workers at Watsonville Community Hospital will vote on a new contract, and Chipotle gives Cal State Monterey Bay $500,000 toward construction of a greenhouse complex for research and teaching.

Officials say Trump administration budget cuts in the AmeriCorps national service organization could ripple through a local farm conservation program.

The California Small Farm Conference this week is adding immigrant rights and safety to the agenda while unions brace for threats to collective bargaining. Both industries have major roles in the region and are reacting to Trump administration executive orders and actions. Also, residents in the vicinity of the Moss Landing battery plant fire discuss potential health impacts.