Agriculture

Thousands of cans wait to be filled with processed tomatoes the morning of Aug. 6. Photo by John Chadwell.

Business / Economy

Meeting between Hollister and San Benito Foods expected on Aug. 10

Interim City Manager Brett Miller said if there is an agreement, it would go to the City Council on Aug. 17.

A temporary order signed June 22 allowed the San Benito Foods tomato cannery in Hollister to begin operations for the 2020 season, but now the facility must shut down by Aug. 8 unless it pays the city $2.5 million. Photo by John Chadwell.

Business / Economy

San Benito Foods to close Aug. 8 if it does not pay $2.5 million operations fee

Attorney argues the cannery’s closure would cause ‘irreparable harm to the community’ by eliminating 450 local jobs.

Farmworkers in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

Gov. Newsom signs executive order aimed at helping agricultural workers

Assistance includes targeting high-risk workplaces, stronger guidance on compliance and temporary housing for self-isolation.

Photo courtesy of Washington State Department of Agriculture.

News

Ag commissioner warns about seeds sent by mail

Unsolicited product from China arrives in Hollister and San Juan Bautista.

San Benito County Fair. File photo.

Agriculture

Congressmen Panetta co-introduces bipartisan legislation to preserve agricultural fairs

If approved, the legislation would provide $500 million in grant funding.

The beauty of San Benito County agriculture can be seen from above. Photo by Ryan Campbell..

News Release

Monterey Bay Community Power dedicates $160,000 to electrify local agricultural equipment

Ag Businesses Can Reduce Local GHG Emissions, Improve Air Quality and Operating Costs along the Central Coast.

Abby Bianchi bracing her Reserve FFA Champion Market Lamb. Photo provided by Chelsi Faria.

Agriculture

Hollister FFA success at Salinas Valley Fair

One goat and two sheep exhibitors participate in the virtual shows.

Range Camp. Photo provided by Devii Rao.

Agriculture

UC Cooperative Extension offers virtual range camp

Video topics include rangeland ecology and management, botany, ranch economics, wildlife, and more.

Novel Coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control.

Health

July 27 coronavirus roundup for San Benito County

553 people in San Benito County have tested positive since February, 63 are active patients, 488 have recovered.

Farmworkers in San Juan Bautista. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Government / Politics

How California’s budget crisis is affecting farmworker legislation

Assemblymember Robert Rivas says because of COVID-19, ‘we have no clear idea of what the state’s income will be over the year.’

Photo courtesy of Pixabay.

Agriculture

California Fish and Wildlife offering commercial cannabis permitting workshop

Free online workshop to cover licensing, cultivation and water concerns.

Photo provided by UCCE.

Agriculture

UC Cooperative Extension to host virtual meeting on grazing and prescribed burning for fire safety

One-hour workshop will also provide updates on two grants.

USDA Farm Service Agency. Photo provided.

Agriculture

Farm Service Agency County Committee nominations now open

Elections will occur in certain local administrative areas for these members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally.

Volunteers with the San Juan Bautista Rotary Club at the June 13 farmworker relief drive. Photo by Robert Eliason.

Agriculture

Groups hold second farmworker relief drive in San Juan Bautista

860 receive food and other donated items.

Novel Coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Centers for Disease Control.

Health

June 10 coronavirus roundup for San Benito County

109 people have tested positive since February, 11 are active patients, 96 have recovered; San Benito County Fair canceled; DMV offices set to open across the state on June 11.

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