The new guidebook will give important information regarding the adopted rule. The book will provide overall information about Chapter 173-443 WAC Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Other Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases rule and if it will affect you.

The U.S. Labor Department released an annual update to mandated wages for foreign farmworkers on temporary visas Wednesday as employers seek to block a larger overhaul of the wage methodology in court.

USDA is holding it’s 100^th Annual Agricultural Outlook Forum “Cultivating the Future” in Arlington, Virgina at the Crystal City Gateway on February 15-16, 2024.

Specialty crop growers that experience on-farm food safety program expenses to receive a new or renewed safety certification. This is available through the Food safety Certification for Specialty Crops Program.

Biopesticide products that contain the active ingredient Ledprona has been registered with the Environmental Protection Agency or EPA for three years.

In light of the November 2, 2023, Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to vacate the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 2021 final rule effectively prohibiting the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on food or feed crops, EPA is issuing an update on its intended next steps.

The Department of Ecology has extended the deadline for Washington fleet, agricultural use included, owners and operators to report their 2022 vehicle operations. The deadline is now December 31, 2023.

By popular demand, we have placed new content on the WSPC website, including WSPC farm safety videos we produced on harvest safety, potato truck-driver safety, and worker health and hygiene, and links to other safety videos and resources in both English and Spanish.

Mark your calendars and register now! The Washington State Potato Commission (WSPC) is excited to announce our 2^nd annual FREE Potato Academy to be held January 30, 2024 at the Red Lion Hotel located at 2525 N. 20^th Avenue in Pasco, Washington from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The show will be held January 23-25th at the Three Rivers Convention Center and Toyota Center in Kennewick, WA. A full list of speakers and topics along with the conference agenda are available at www.potatoconference.com.  

As of early last week, the United Nations General Assembly has accepted the International Day of the Potato.