PRESIDENT’S LETTER
2016 was not a year for the faint of heart. The California State
Legislature sent Governor Jerry Brown 1,059 bills, and he signed
900 of them. This equates to a 15 percent veto rate, which is a
slightly higher veto rate than previous years. The sheer volume of
measures that had to be analyzed and addressed in 2016 made it
a challenging year. Passage of a $15 minimum wage bill and the
agricultural overtime wage measure were unfortunately among the
900 bills signed into state law.
With regard to climate change, Ag Council is involved in the
regulatory implementation of the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
law, SB 1383, to ensure CARB adheres to the intent of the law. Ag
Council is also engaging with CARB as it considers a post-2020
cap-and-trade program.
We remain steadfast in our mission to give you, our members, a
strong voice in the legislative and regulatory arenas, and we look
forward to serving as your state policy advocates throughout 2017.
Due to passage of those two bills alone, labor costs will skyrocket
and many in our membership are now analyzing the full implications
of the labor bills to determine a path forward. Ultimately, the
unintended consequences will negatively impact not only the
families farming in California, but also the farm workers – the very
same individuals the champions of the labor bills were supposedly
trying to protect.
In spite of these significant changes, there were also some positive
outcomes for our industry this past year.
Ag Council and the dairy community were dealt another blow when
the California Air Resources Board (CARB) proposed a 75 percent
reduction in methane through a proposed Short-Lived Climate
Pollutants strategy. A compromise was pursued, along with a
broad coalition, leading to amendments in SB 1383 by Senator Lara
(D-Bell Gardens). The methane portion of the final bill creates limits
around CARB’s efforts to regulate manure methane emissions from
dairies and livestock and gives more certainty to dairy farming
families in the state. In the final hours of legislative session, Ag
Council supported this bill. It passed the Legislature, and Governor
Brown signed it in September.
In another proactive effort, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee
approved Ag Council’s audit request to ensure compliance and
enforcement of the Buy American requirement in school lunch and
breakfast programs.
2016 also included defensive wins to halt legislation harmful to
agriculture. Ag Council worked to help stop legislation to further
restrict pesticides, actively lobbied to prevent a ban on new
groundwater wells in certain areas and successfully advocated
against a food labeling measure requiring a food quality date.
These were critical defensive victories during the course of the year
on behalf of our members.
On regulatory issues, Ag Council worked to achieve a crucial
solution to an unreasonable timeline proposed by CalEPA
regarding Prop. 65 Bisphenol-A (BPA) warning labels for food and
beverage products. The final outcome results in the first-ever sign
at the cash register. The signage program prevents the need for
food companies to provide on-product warnings and is available
throughout 2017, giving food companies time to find alternative
solutions to the use of BPA in their products or create warnings.
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Emily Rooney, President
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Letter from the President
1
Advocacy In Action
2
Building Bridges
7
2016 Annual Meeting
9
Looking Ahead to 2017
10
Membership
10
ADVOCACY IN ACTION
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY IN FOCUS
NEW LAW LIMITS CARB’S AUTHORITY TO REGULATE DAIRY
& LIVESTOCK MANURE METHANE EMISSIONS
AUDIT OF THE BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT APPROVED
BY THE JOINT LEGISLATIVE AUDIT COMMITTEE
In August, the Joint Legislative Audit Committee (JLAC) unanimously
approved an audit initiated by Ag Council and championed by
Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) to review enforcement of
the Buy American requirement. Under the requirement, schools
and institutions participating in federal school lunch and breakfast
programs must purchase domestically grown and processed foods
to the maximum extent feasible.
The audit will determine whether schools under the jurisdiction of
the California Department of Education (CDE) are in compliance
with the Buy American requirement. If not in compliance, the
audit will outline the steps CDE will take to provide oversight and
compliance of the requirement.
Gov. Brown signs SB 1383 into law in Long Beach joined by (back row) Asm. Burke, Sen. Lara, Asm.
Eggman, Sen. Hall and others (Photo by: Luis Sinco/Los Angeles Times).
Ag Council was engaged in and helped seek passage of SB 1383 in
order to set parameters around the Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
(SLCP) strategy at the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
regarding the regulation of manure methane emissions from
dairies and livestock. The measure by Senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell
Gardens) gives more certainty to dairy farming families in the state.
Governor Jerry Brown signed the bill into law in September.
Without passage of SB 1383, CARB was moving forward with
extreme and unachievable regulations to restrict manure methane
emissions from dairies and livestock. Instead of that untenable
path, SB 1383 gives direction to CARB, creates conditions that
must be met before dairy and livestock methane emissions will be
regulated in California, and requires consultation with the California
Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
SB 1383 also requires CARB to limit methane emissions from dairy
and livestock manure management operations up to 40 percent
below 2013 levels by 2030, rather than the unattainable 75 percent
proposed by CARB, which would have set dairies up to fail. It is
unprecedented to have such provisions placed into statute for the
dairy sector in order to provide more certainty to dairy farming
families going forward.
Funding from the greenhouse gas reduction fund for dairy and
livestock manure management was contingent upon passage of
SB 1383. With SB 1383 now law, $50 million in funding becomes
available via a competitive grant process at CDFA for projects to
reduce methane emissions on dairy and livestock operations.
An audit is warranted due to recent actions taken by some public
school districts. For example, Sacramento City Unified School
District purchased Chinese canned peaches and mixed fruit in 2015
even though nearly all U.S. canned peaches and plastic packaged
peaches are grown here in California. Once the California Canning
Peach Association raised the issue publicly, the school district
stated it made a mistake and ended future deliveries. A similar
situation took place within the Elk Grove Unified School District.
Ag Council thanks Senator Galgiani, JLAC Chair Freddie Rodriguez
(D-Pomona) and the JLAC members for approving the audit request
without any opposition. We will keep our members apprised of the
audit outcome anticipated by June 2017.
The advocacy efforts of Ag Council resulted in an
ongoing audit of public schools by the California
State Auditor to determine compliance with the
Buy American requirement after some school
districts purchased Chinese canned fruit and other
food products available domestically. Ag Council’s
engagement will help ensure that U.S. taxpayer dollars
spent by schools on food purchases support U.S. jobs
and American agriculture.
- RICH HUDGINS
President & CEO, California Canning Peach Association
2016 IMPACT REPORT |
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ASSEMBLYMAN JIM COOPER HONORED WITH
INFLUENTIAL LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Ag Council honored Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove)
with the 2016 Influential Legislator of the Year Award during the
Legislative Conference in May. Ag Council Chair Brendon Flynn, a
farmer with Sunsweet Growers, presented the award.
Cooper is not afraid to address complex and controversial issues,
including labor, invasive pests and disease, as well as climate
change, on behalf of agriculture. He is also engaged in outreach to
help his colleagues better understand agriculture, such as a tour he
organized of a dairy digester.
A group of Legislative Conference attendees at the State Capitol.
AG COUNCIL HOSTS ROBUST LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
In the most robust Legislative Conference to date, Ag Council
members met with nearly 50 legislators and staff members in
the State Capitol to advocate on critical policy issues such as
labor, climate change, nutrient stewardship and water. During
this annual event, our members foster stronger relationships
with legislators, as well as regulatory officials and other decisionmakers.
Upon receiving the award Cooper said, “California farmers feed
and clothe the world and we must do everything we can to support
them to ensure that California remains the country’s leader in
agriculture.”
Cooper is co-chair of the Moderate Democrats, a coalition of
business-friendly legislators. Ag Council thanks him for being a
strong voice for our members.
As background, this award is given on an annual basis to legislators
who embody a collaborative approach to finding positive outcomes
for agriculture and all of California.
Speakers addressed many high profile issues facing agriculture,
and the event provided a meaningful platform for interaction.
The dynamic 2016 Legislative Conference featured the following
speakers:
• Senator Tony Mendoza
(D-Artesia)
• California Environmental
Protection Agency
Undersecretary Gordon Burns
• Department of Pesticide
Regulation (DPR) Director
Brian Leahy
Sen. Mendoza (D-Artesia) kicking-off the Legislative
Conference.
CalEPA Undersecretary for Environmental Protection,
Gordon Burns, addressing attendees.
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• Deputy Cabinet Secretary
& Senior Advisor to Governor
Brown Wade Crowfoot
During outreach with legislators
in the State Capitol, Ag Council
members lobbied on numerous
policy issues important to their
business. Members concluded
a busy day of meetings
with the annual Legislative
Reception attended by over 70
guests, including 15 bipartisan
legislators, as well as other
officials. Thank you to all who
joined Ag Council for this
important outreach event.
2016 Influential Legislator of the Year award recipient, Asm. Cooper (D-Elk Grove).
LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENTS
Though 2016 had its challenges on the legislative front, it is
important to take stock of the positive outcomes Ag Council
worked to achieve. The year included both proactive efforts and
defensive wins to halt legislation harmful to agriculture. Several of
those victories are highlighted below.
BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT
Buy American Audit (Galgiani) – Win
Ag Council’s position: Support | Status: Approved
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee approved Ag Council’s
state audit request to review enforcement of the Buy American
requirement to determine whether schools under the jurisdiction
of the California Department of Education, and participating in the
national school lunch and breakfast programs, are in compliance
with the requirement.
CLIMATE CHANGE
SB 1383 (Lara) - Win
Ag Council’s position: Support | Status: Signed into law
SB 1383 requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to limit
manure methane emissions from dairy and livestock operations up
to 40 percent below 2013 levels by 2030, rather than the unattainable
75 percent proposed by CARB. SB 1383 became necessary in order
to reign-in the blanket authority provided to CARB under SB 32.
FOOD WASTE/FOOD LABELS
AB 2725 (Chiu) – Win
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Status: Stalled in committee
The bill would have mandated food manufacturers that use a
quality date to use the phrase “best if used by” on the product by
July 2017, which imposes a California-only standard not required
by other states.
LABOR
SB 654 (Jackson) - Win
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Status: Vetoed
SB 654 would have required six weeks of protected employee leave,
in addition to existing leave, to bond with a new child within one
year of birth, adoption or foster placement. The measure would
have increased costs on employers, as well as expose them to
litigation.
SB 878 (Leyva) - Win
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Status: Stalled in committee
SB 878 would have mandated a seven-day notice of an employee’s
schedule. The bill would have subjected employers to investigations,
penalties and litigation, if it had passed.
PESTICIDES
SB 1282 (Leno) - Win
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Status: Failed Senate passage
SB 1282 would have mandated that the Department of Pesticide
Regulation label seeds and plants for retail sale that have been
treated with a neonicotinoid pesticide. The bill was not based in
science, and agriculture needs neonicotinoids to fight pests that
transmit serious diseases.
WATER
SB 1317 (Wolk) - Win
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Bill Status: Stalled in committee
SB 1317 would have banned any new groundwater extractions
from probationary basins and those in critical overdraft. SB 1317
undermined the local control element critical of the Sustainable
Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) by dictating additional
requirements.
LEGISLATIVE CHALLENGES IN 2016
Though a strong opposition effort was undertaken, the bills below
were signed into law.
AB 1066 (Gonzalez)
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Bill Status: Signed into law
AB 1066 phases in a new overtime wage law for agricultural workers
requiring overtime in California after eight hours in one day or 40
hours in a week instead of the current payment of overtime after 10
hours in a day and 60 hours in a week.
SB 3 (Leno)
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Bill Status: Signed into law
SB 3 raises the minimum wage in California to $15 by 2022 for
businesses with 26 or more employees. Businesses with 25 or
fewer employees must comply with the $15 minimum wage by the
year 2023.
SB 32 (Pavley)
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Bill Status: Signed into law
SB 32 requires CARB to further reduce statewide emissions of
greenhouse gases to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. SB 32
does not extend the existing cap and trade program and therefore
gives unfettered regulatory authority to CARB to meet the new
mandate.
AB 197 (E. Garcia)
Ag Council’s position: Opposed | Bill Status: Signed into law
AB 197 adds two non-voting lawmakers to the board at CARB,
creates six-year term limits, and directs CARB to consider the
social costs of greenhouse gas emissions. It also establishes a
new legislative oversight committee, however, the committee does
not provide meaningful oversight.
2016 IMPACT REPORT |
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REGULATORY ACTIVITY
PROP. 65
Ag Council Works Toward a Solution on BPA Warnings
Ag Council worked to achieve a crucial solution in 2016 on
Bisphenol-A (BPA) through our advocacy work in 2016. CalEPA
was initially looking at requiring a Prop. 65 warning label on food
and beverage products containing BPA, along with a timeline that
industry was unable to attain. Ag Council worked with CalEPA to
find a resolution, and the final outcome results in the first-ever sign
at the cash register.
Signage at the register prevents the need for food companies to
provide on-product warnings while giving consumers a warning as
intended by CalEPA, which is consistent with Prop. 65. The signage
program is available throughout 2017, providing food companies
time to create warnings or find alternative solutions to the use of
BPA in their products.
WATER
No Fee Increases on Certain Water Quality Permits
The State Water Resources Control Board (Board) did not adopt
fee increases for 2016-17 in the following programs: Confined
Animal Facilities (CAF), which includes dairies, Waste Discharge
Requirements (food processors and future wine program), and the
Ag Land program (includes the Irrigated Land Regulatory Program).
With regard to the Water Quality Certification (WQC) program
(formerly the 401 Certification program), the Board adopted an
average of a 20 percent increase to all WQC categories in 2016-17 to
close a budget gap, instead of a previously proposed 32.4 percent
fee increase. The Board will revisit the possibility of another fee
increase in 2017-18 after reviewing budget projections.
Ag Council has worked on a more collaborative working relationship
between the Board and the agricultural community to provide more
opportunities for engagement as the Board develops its budget
and proposes fees.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Ag Council Weighs in on Cap-and-Trade Proposal
Ag Council is weighing in to express concern about the California
Air Resources Board’s (CARB) planned changes to the post2020 cap-and-trade program, as well as the proposed post-2020
allowance allocation.
CARB currently provides assistance to businesses to minimize
the cost of regulation. Free allowances are allocated to help
cover the cost of complying with the climate program and reduce
an emissions shift to other states. CARB’s new proposal would
significantly reduce the amount of free emissions allowances
provided, which increases costs for our members in the cap-andtrade program and makes them less competitive in domestic and
international markets.
Ag Council continues to engage with CARB staff on this issue given
the serious implications for our members.
Short-Lived Climate Pollutants Regulatory Efforts
In November 2016, the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
released a Short-Lived Climate Pollutant (SLCP) Reduction
Strategy. CARB’s goal is to significantly reduce SLCP emissions
by 2030 to meet future greenhouse gas emissions targets and air
quality goals pursuant to the new law, SB 1383 by Senator Lara.
Ag Council’s objective is to safeguard the intent of the law by
urging CARB to work with its sister agencies and the agricultural
community to achieve emissions reductions voluntarily, along with
incentives, while reducing the barriers to potential projects.
Challenges in the Sustainable Freight Action Plan
In July 2016, the state released its Sustainable Freight Action Plan,
which outlines an integrated approach to improve freight efficiency
and transition California’s freight system to zero-emission
technologies.
Ag Council actively worked to urge consideration of the economic
impact to the agricultural industry, as costly new emissions targets
will impact every operation. Some progress was made when the
final Action Plan included a pilot project to convert dairy biogas
into transportation fuel in the San Joaquin Valley.
Given that Ag Council is concerned about costs for business owners,
our team continues to work toward obtaining incentives and
encouraging voluntary approaches for agriculture.
“In an often-challenging environment in Sacramento, Ag Council works to find solutions to some of the most
complex issues we face in agriculture. The team’s advocacy work is more important than ever to ensure
agriculture’s viewpoint is heard as we face a multitude of legislative and regulatory issues, particularly in dairy.
Their efforts to build key partnerships with elected officials and decision-makers have helped to achieve critical
outcomes to benefit farming families in California.”
-CASE VAN STEYN
Dairyman and Chairman of Dairy Farmers of America Western Area Council,
Chairman of Ag Council’s Dairy Committee and Chairman of CALAMCO
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AG COUNCIL REPRESENTS
AN IMPRESSIVE ARRAY OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INCLUDING:
2016 IMPACT REPORT |
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BUILDING BRIDGES
FARM & FACILITY TOURS
Legislative and regulatory tours ensure state officials hear firsthand from our members about the critical issues facing agriculture.
We thank our members for assisting with our outreach efforts to
help educate decision makers. The positive relationships fostered
during such tours are invaluable and result in lasting connections
for years to come.
Leo Van Warmerdam, Asm. Mike Gipson (D-Carson), Peter Van Warmerdam, Asm. Jim Cooper (D-Elk
Grove), Asm. Jim Frazier (D-Oakley) & Asm. Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova) at Van Warmerdam Dairy.
visit and legislators joining the tour included: Assemblyman Frank
Bigelow (R-O’Neals), Ken Cooley (D-Rancho Cordova), Assemblyman
Jim Frazier (D-Oakley), and Assemblyman Mike Gipson (D-Carson).
California Air Resources Board staff during a tour with Ag Council and others at the Kern Dairy Cluster
on March 16, 2016.
AIR RESOURCES BOARD STAFF TOUR DAIRY & LEARN
ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS
Staff members from the California Air Resources Board (CARB)
visited Bidart Dairy near Bakersfield in 2016. Ag Council organized
the tour, along with Dairy Cares, to educate regulatory staff and
decision makers on the day-to-day operations of a dairy and
to demonstrate how dairies are innovative leaders in manure
management.
John Bidart, owner and operator of Bidart Dairy and co-founder of
CalBio, provided a tour of his dairy, including a visit to his covered
lagoon digester. The group discussed air quality issues and talked
about a renewable compressed natural gas pilot project fueled
with dairy biogas.
The group also toured the proposed pilot project for the Kern Dairy
Cluster, which is an effort to build digesters with duel electricity and
fuel generation on neighboring dairies to reduce manure methane
and move toward more sustainable transportation.
In addition to explaining the day-to-day operations of the dairy, the tour
focused on educating attendees about the digester at the dairy. Given
the cost of digester projects, the tour encouraged a long-term state
funding commitment to assist in moving such projects forward. At the
end of the 2016 legislative session, $50 million dollars in state funding
was approved for methane emissions reduction projects on dairy and
livestock operations.
WATER IS THE FOCUS AT
FIFTH ANNUAL WORLD
AG EXPO BREAKFAST
Sen. Cannella speaks to Ag Council’s breakfast
attendees in Tulare.
LEGISLATORS & REGULATORY OFFICIALS TOUR DAIRY &
VISIT DAIRY DIGESTER
In April, five legislators and over 20 legislative staff, in addition
to key regulatory staff from the California Air Resources Board
(CARB), toured Van Warmerdam Dairy in Galt. The tour was
coordinated in part by Ag Council, Western United Dairymen (WUD)
and Sacramento County Farm Bureau. Van Warmerdam Dairy is a
member of Dairy Farmers of America and also WUD.
Assemblyman Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) helped organize the site
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David Gutierrez with the California Department of
Water Resources answers questions about the
Sustainable Groundwater Management Act at the
World Ag Expo breakfast.
Members and friends joined
Ag Council at the Fifth Annual
World Ag E xpo Break fast
in Tulare in February. The
attendees heard from keynote
speakers David Gutierrez,
program manager for the
sustainable groundwater
program at the Department
of Water Resources (DWR)
and State Senator Anthony
Cannella (R-Ceres).
Gutierrez spoke about the
strategic plan that DWR
developed to implement the
Sustainable Groundwater
Management Act (SGMA).
Local control remains the
focus of SGMA. Gutierrez
said, “Groundwater is best
managed at the local level.
The locals should be in the driver’s seat and will make the new law
successful.” This aspect of the law is a critical element, and Ag
Council and many others support local control.
Senator Cannella is the Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on
Transportation and Housing, among other committees. He spoke
about the neglect of transportation infrastructure and the funding
shortfall within the state highway system. He said existing fees
must go toward transportation purposes and not to pay for state
debt, as is currently the case with weight fees. Regarding water
allocations, environmental regulations have proven to be very
challenging and impact water allocations, and Cannella said he is
committed to pursuing more commonsense policies at the state
level.
THIRD ANNUAL DAIRYFEST DRAWS HUNDREDS
Dairyman Ben Curti, Sen. Galgiani & Dairyman Case Van Steyn connect at Dairyfest.
Over 270 guests joined Ag Council’s dairy members for the Third
Annual Dairyfest celebrating California dairy producers and
recognizing June as Dairy Month. The ice cream social is a festive
way for Ag Council’s dairy members to connect with legislators
and staff during Dairy Month.
The outreach event at the State Capitol emphasizes the importance
of the dairy industry in California and highlights the positive
economic impact of dairy in our state.
California Dairies Inc., Dairy Farmers of America and Land O’Lakes
sponsored the successful event. Western United Dairymen, an
allied member, also attended.
Sen. Wilk enjoys ice cream at the Third Annual Dairyfest.
SPECIAL THANK YOU
A sincere thank you to all Ag Council
members who contributed to the
Political Ac tion Committee (PAC) and who
participated in the small group fundraising
events listed below.
Moderate Democrats (Mod Dems)
Spring 2016 reception
Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood)
“The regulatory and legislative advocacy work that
Ag Council conducts throughout the year on behalf
of growers and cooperatives is beneficial for us, and
the staff works to get in front of the issues before they
become a problem, which is crucial. When regulatory
and legislative issues surface, Ag Council voices our
concerns and seeks out a positive outcome or works
to minimize the impact.”
Summer 2016 breakfast
- NAT DIBUDUO
President, Allied Grape Growers
2016 IMPACT REPORT |
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2016 ANNUAL MEETING
LEVERAGING OUR STRENGTH – 97TH ANNUAL MEETING
Record attendance marked Ag Council’s 97th Annual Meeting in
Napa in March 2016. Given the strong turnout, it is appropriate the
meeting theme was “Leveraging our Strength.” It is also a fitting
motto as Ag Council finds effective ways to work cooperatively with
members of both parties on behalf of agricultural businesses in
California.
Ag Council invests significant efforts in reaching out to moderates to
help them understand the importance of agriculture to job growth and
California’s economic health.
Sen. Dodd (D-Napa) speaking at the Annual Dinner.
Three members of the
Moderate Democrats Caucus,
or “Mod Dems,” were keynote
speakers during the Annual
Dinner and discussed the
pragmatic approach of the
Caucus. T he legislators
speaking at the dinner were
Assemblyman (now Senator)
Bill Dodd (D-Napa), and the
2016 co-chairs of the Mod
Dems, Assemblyman Rudy
Salas (D -Bakersfield) and
Assemblyman Jim Cooper
(D-Elk Grove).
During his remarks, Dodd said, “We have to steer policies forward
in a way that makes sense for farmers. The Legislature has not
treated you like the breadbasket of the world that you are—that
needs to change. The economic impact of California agriculture is
undeniable, and we need to make sure your industry stays robust
and sustainable.”
Paul Martin, Ag Council’s 2016 California Cultivator Award recipient.
“Paul built his reputation as someone who creates collaboration
among stakeholders. He helped guide the California dairy industry
through several challenges related to environmental regulation to
create workable solutions for producers and regulators.”
Martin was an owner-operator of Paul and Jill Martin Dairy for 30
years before he became director of environmental services for
Western United Dairymen (WUD) in 1999. He held that position
for 13 years before being appointed to Governor Brown’s Office of
Business and Economic Development from 2012 to 2014. Martin’s
leadership skills were again called upon by WUD to serve as interim
CEO in 2015, and he retired in late 2015.
“Paul Martin is the true embodiment of agricultural leadership, so
much so that he has had to ‘retire’ three times, since his capabilities
are so in demand,” Secretary of Agriculture Karen Ross said in her
letter of support. “At times of crisis or extreme challenges, Mr.
Martin is a level-headed leader, always thoughtful and proactive.”
The General Session featured Secretary of the California
Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Karen Ross and
Armando Quintero, a member of the California Water Commission.
The General Session was rounded out with a lively panel discussion
between Democratic Communications Specialist Tracy Sefl and
Republican Communications Specialist Douglas Heye about the
2016 presidential election.
PAUL MARTIN HONORED WITH CALIFORNIA CULTIVATOR
AWARD
Ag Council honored Paul Martin, a lifelong dairy producer and
champion of agriculture, with the 2016 California Cultivator Award
during Ag Council’s Annual Meeting in March.
“Paul received enthusiastic nominations because of his reputation
for stepping up to the plate,” said Ag Council President Emily Rooney.
CDFA Sec. Ross addressing general session attendees at the Annual Meeting.
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LOOKING AHEAD TO 2017
CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATURE
PROP. 65
Out of 120 legislators, about 18 percent are incoming freshman.
With 12-year term limits, new legislators could be in office through
2028 if they prevail in subsequent elections. Given this, Ag Council
prioritizes outreach and communication on our key issues,
particularly given that the majority of new legislators represent
urban and suburban districts.
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
has several pending regulations impacting chemicals used
in production agriculture and/or naturally-occurring in the
environment. From bisphenol-A (BPA) to lead, many of these
compounds are prevalent throughout agriculture. Additional
developments are anticipated in 2017, and Ag Council remains very
involved in Prop. 65.
Though Democrats hold a two-thirds supermajority in both the
Assembly and Senate, it is yet to be determined whether the
supermajority will considerably impact policy issues since a twothirds vote requires support from moderate Democrats, as well as
progressives. In any case, Ag Council’s role is more important than
ever as we work to build bridges with legislators and advocate our
members’ viewpoint.
We continue to work on pragmatic solutions with a politically
balanced approach and remain determined in our engagement
on the policy issues impacting members. As the year progresses,
policy issues continue to evolve and change, and our team will
apprise members of developments and our advocacy efforts along
the way.
CLIMATE CHANGE
Ag Council is highly engaged as the California Air Resources Board
(CARB) plans changes to the post-2020 cap-and-trade program.
We are working to build support for ag-friendly emission reduction
projects. Our team is also advocating for our members as CARB
implements SB 1383 by Senator Lara (D-Bell Gardens), which
places needed parameters around CARB’s efforts to regulate
manure methane emissions from dairies.
BUY AMERICAN REQUIREMENT
Ag Council’s state audit request to determine compliance and
enforcement of the Buy American requirement in California’s
school lunch and breakfast programs is scheduled for completion
in June 2017. The audit’s purpose is to help ensure school children
consume food of the highest quality and safety and to support
local farms, as well as our economy. Ag Council is working with
legislators on potential mechanisms to ensure the state complies
with the law.
WATER
A solution to nitrate in drinking water is crucial, as those in affected
disadvantaged communities need help to ensure their families have
safe, clean drinking water. And, as many farmers already know, the
legal implications are serious. Ag Council is actively engaging with
state officials and others to pursue a solution for agriculture and
the communities in need of drinking water improvements.
Membership
AG COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Bob Brown
Jeannine Grech
Francis Pacheco
Kelly Covello
Carl Hoff
Melissa Poole
Nat DiBuduo
Darren Hoff
Alicia Rockwell
John Engelen
Rich Hudgins
Kirk Squire
Bill Ferriera
Jeana Hultquist
Mike Stoker
Brendon Flynn
Michael Kelley
Rayne Thompson
Pete Garbani
Mark Lindgren
Dan Vincent
Leili Ghazi
Paul Mesple
Glen Goto
Darrin Monteiro
Ag Council is opposing the State Water Resources Control Board’s
effort to force 40 percent unimpaired flows from three San Joaquin
River tributaries for the beneficial use of fish and wildlife, in
addition to salinity control. By drastically slashing surface water
allocations, this plan will harm a key agricultural region and result
in job and economic losses. Ag Council is participating in the
Board’s stakeholder process and supports the request by locals for
the Board to focus on other measures, such as river and habitat
improvements and predation suppression.
2016 IMPACT REPORT |
PG 10
AGC O U N CIL .ORG
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