California Asparagus Decline and Specialty Crop Relief Funds
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with your Agribusiness Update.
**Ever-increasing labor costs in California and free trade that led to a surge in cheaper, duty-free asparagus imports from Mexico have pushed the state’s asparagus industry to the brink, but a handful of growers and packers continue to hang on, expressing a ray of optimism.
USDA figures show California asparagus production topped 37,000 acres in 2000 before it started to decline.
Now, the state has fewer than 1,000 acres of commercial asparagus.
**The United Nations says a diplomatic push is growing for a U.N.-led proposal to ensure safe passage for fertilizer through the Strait of Hormuz.
A source familiar with the discussions told Reuters the talks are emphasizing the growing urgency due to worldwide shortages.
Seven weeks of fighting in Iran have upended global supply chains as a more than 90% drop in tanker traffic through the Strait is threatening agricultural production and food security.
**USDA announced a major increase in funding for specialty crop programs, with more than $275 million in grants available for 2026.
Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins says funding will be distributed through key USDA programs, including the Specialty Crop Research Initiative, Crop Block Grant, and Multi-State Programs.
The increase is made possible through the Working Families Tax Cuts, which more than doubles annual funding for the Specialty Crop Research Initiative to $175 million.
