Trump Tarriffs Outrage Farmers In Midwest and South

Farmers From Iowa, to Alabama, to Wisconsin, Outraged Over Trump Trade War Continue to Make Headlines

Alabama GOP SENATE CANDIDATE TAKES ON TRUMP TARIFFS:

After talking with Alabama farmers, Tommy Tuberville, a prominent GOP Senate candidate in that state yesterday offered this assessment of how President Trump’s tariffs have impacted farmers:

“You know, there’s no bigger supporter of President Trump, even though he’s putting a noose around their neck a little bit in terms of choking them out and keeping that price down,” Tuberville said on The Matt Murphy radio show on Alabama station 99.5. “And they’re not making the money. And I just hope that we get this thing over with because they’re great people.” (The Hill)

– MCCONNELL SAYS FARMERS HURTING:

Earlier this week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell frankly discussed how farmers are being hurt:

“It’s been very tough on American agriculture … I hope we can get a conclusion to this sometime soon because rural America really needs it.” (Business Insider)

– U.S. AG SECRETARY SAYS SMALL DAIRY FARMERS MAY NOT SURVIVE

U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue told reporters following an appearance at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin yesterday that dairy farmers will continue to struggle. Dairy farmers face numerous problems, including the trade war.

“In America, the big get bigger and the small go out,” Perdue said. “I don’t think in America we, for any small business, we have a guaranteed income or guaranteed profitability.” Perdue’s visit comes as Wisconsin dairy farmers are wrestling with a host of problems, including declining milk prices, rising suicide rates, the transition to larger farms with hundreds or thousands of animals and Trump’s international trade wars. (Associated Press)

These politicians are hearing the calls of real American farmers who are increasingly speaking out about their discontent with the administration’s tariffs. Recent examples include:

IN IOWA: Jolene Riessen, who grows corn, soybeans and alfalfa in Ida and Sac counties in Iowa:

“Something needed to be done with China. It always felt like we were being taken advantage of,” said. “But President Trump always talks about ‘The Art of The Deal.’ Well, it’s time to make the close. It’s time to get something done.” (Washington Post 10.2)

IN IOWA: Kelly Nieuwenhuis, Corn and soybean farmer in Primghar, IA:

“I supported Trump in the last election. Today, if the election were held, I don’t think I could vote for him,” said Kelly Nieuwenhuis, 60, a corn and soybean farmer in Primghar, about 40 miles east. “It’s definitely growing, the displeasure with the Trump administration.” (Washington Post 10.2)

More here – Farm-state fury creates pressure for Trump as trade, energy pain collide. Washington Post 10.2

IN PENNSYLVANIA: Rick Telesz, a soybean farmer in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania – WATCH – Farmer who voted for Trump: I’m angry at him (CNN) Three experienced farmers in Pennsylvania voted for Trump in 2016, but as the trade war continues to cut their profits, the Telesz family says they can’t afford to vote for President Trump again.

ADDITIONAL EXAMPLES OF FARMER ANGER BOILING OVER:

US farmers burned by China trade war urge Trump to make deal (FOX Business) 8.28.19

“Farmers are encouraging Trump to “find some end to this trade war and do it sooner than later,’ Farm Bureau President Duvall told the FOX Business Network’s ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast’ during the Farm Progress Show. ‘If you’re on the edge financially, this is a very difficult time and you got to have it done today,’ Duvall said. ‘If there’s more mitigation payments coming down the road to them, they might stretch it out a little bit.’ “

Farmers’ Frustration With Trump Grows as U.S. Escalates China Fight (New York Times) 8.27.19

“American farmers have become collateral damage in a trade war that Mr. Trump began to help manufacturers and other companies that he believes have been hurt by China’s ‘unfair’ trade practices. More than a year into the trade dispute, sales of American soybeans, pork, wheat and other agricultural products to China have dried up as Beijing retaliates against Mr. Trump’s tariffs on Chinese imports.”

Farm Journal Pulse Shows Farmer Support for President Trump Is Eroding (AgWeb) 8.23.19

“Amid increasing tariffs and controversial biofuels policies, farmer support for President Donald Trump is waning. That’s according to a Farm Journal Pulse poll conducted this week.”

Dried up exports bring Minnesota farmers to breaking point (Minneapolis Star-Tribune Op-Ed -Tim Dufault, MN wheat and soy farmer) 9.4.19

“We are now over a year into the trade war. And while for most Americans the fallout is spread out and sometimes barely registered, the opposite is true for much of rural America. Exports are the lifeblood of American agriculture. When those exports slow or even stop, as they have over the past year, the ripple effects spread from the farm, to rural Main Streets, to entire regions of the country….Here in Minnesota we have reached the breaking point. If the President fails to listen to farmers now we should break with him.”

VIDEO: Iowa Farmer who voted for Trump says Farmer’s Relationship with President now ‘Strained’ (Fox News) 8.18.19

Farm Discontent Spills Over as Ag Secretary Is Confronted in Minnesota (Bloomberg News) 8.7.19

“Farmers’ discontent over President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war with China erupted into the open Wednesday as his agriculture secretary was confronted at a fair in rural Minnesota. Gary Wertish, president of the Minnesota Farmers Union, drew applause as he leveled criticism of the administration’s trade policy at a forum with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue in front of thousands of farmers gathered in a metal barn for a panel discussion.”

‘Trump is ruining our markets’: Struggling farmers are losing a huge customer to the trade war (CNBC) 8.10.19

“China’s exit piles on to a devastating year for farmers, who have struggled through record flooding and an extreme heat wave that destroyed crop yields, and trade war escalations that have lowered prices and profits this year. ‘It’s really, really getting bad out here,’ said Bob Kuylen, who’s farmed for 35 years in North Dakota. ‘Trump is ruining our markets. No one is buying our product no more, and we have no markets no more.’ “

Trump has angered the wrong people: Farmers (Washington Post) 9.3.19

“Well, it turns out Trump has no magic, and farmers know exactly what the president is doing to them. MSNBC on Monday interviewed Bob Kuylen, vice president of the North Dakota Farmers Union, who explained that his wheat farm, which depends on overseas markets, has lost $400,000 because of the administration’s withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership and subsequent trade wars.”

An Ohio Farmer sizes up President Trump’s failing trade policy (Columbus Dispatch op-ed) 7.18.19

“In just 16 months Trump’s trade policies have caused long-term damage to the U.S. farm economy. In March 2018 my soybeans were selling for a local cash price of $10.50 per bushel. Now, the same soybeans are selling below the cost of production at $8.50. The president’s trade war lost my biggest and best soybean customer — China. President Trump said that ‘trade wars are easy to win.’ The hard truth is there is no win for agriculture just around the corner regardless of how many multibillion-dollar taxpayer bailouts are raided from the Treasury. Mr. President, I beg you to quit losing.’“

Farmer frustration grows with trade war and ag economy (AGWEEK) 8.19.19

“Thom Peterson, Minnesota Commissioner of Agriculture says, ‘I think there is a lot of fatigue out there in trade that I can see it here in the faces of farmers when they looked at today again another announcement from China on soybeans, it’s just like oh it’s exhausting.’ Kevin Paap, Minnesota Farm Bureau president adds, ‘We want to make sure that he is tough on trade, but he needs to understand that this is having an effect on our bottom line. We’ve seen our prices down 25% in many cases and we cannot survive where we are.’

Iowa corn farmers to Trump: The government put us in ‘one hell of a bad situation’ (The Hill) 8.27.19

“Agriculture is in one hell of a bad situation right now. The government put us in this situation, and they need to help us get out of it,’ Vic Miller, a corn farmer from Fayette County, said in a statement.”

Trump’s trade war could cost him with a key constituency: Farmers (Washington Post) 8.28.19

“Republican senators have been warning for months that farmers can’t take much more of this. Sen. Roy Blunt (Mo.) told Politico in May: ‘They can feel it. The farm community up ‘til now has really supported the president without flinching. But eventually you flinch.’

Now, farmers’ concerns are no longer a murmur. The National Farmers Union issued a statement about Trump’s trade war that sounded as if it could be coming from his political opponents.”

California Ag Today2019-10-02T15:04:33-07:00October 2nd, 2019|

The Wonderment Elderberries

Elderberies Have Rich Benefits for Farms and Diets

By Jeannette Warnert, UCANR Communications Specialist

Native California elderberries can be found at the intersection of sustainable farming, super nutrition and economic viability. Naturally drought tolerant, flavorful and packed with nutrients, they are capturing the interest of farmers, health-conscious consumers and scientists.

Elderberries were the focus of a field day offered by UC Agriculture and Natural Resources Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SAREP) in September at Cloverleaf Farm, an organic berry and tree fruit operation in Dixon.

Elderberries occur naturally around the world. In California, Native Americans used the tree’s stems for making flutes, berries for food and purple dye, and bark, leaves and flowers for their purported anti-inflammatory, diuretic and laxative properties.

“They had a relationship with the plant for food, medicine and music,” said SAREP academic coordinator Sonja Brodt. “We wish to honor the elderberry’s history here and thousands of years of management by California native tribes.”

UCCE Farm Advisor Rachael Long said elderberries can be used in a hedgerow designed to attract beneficial insects.

UC Cooperative Extension advisor Rachael Long said elderberries are her favorite native plant.

“They’re pretty in the spring and summer. The flowers smell like cloves. It’s a wonderful fragrance,” she said.

But perhaps the best attribute of elderberries for Long, a proponent of planting hedgerows on the edges of farmland, is the tree’s ecological benefits. Elderberries can be among the rows of trees, shrubs, grasses and sedges in hedgerows that attract beneficial insects and pollinators to farms to help with biocontrol of pests and pollination of plants in adjacent crops.

“Flowering native plants like elderberries, toyon, Christmas berry, coffee berry, manzanita and coyote brush provide nectar and pollen for native bees, honey bees and other insects,” Long said. “I see a lot of green lace wings (predators of aphids, spider mites and other pests) in elderberry.”

Long reported that a tomato farm didn’t have to spray as much for aphids because of the beneficial insects attracted by the hedgerow. “They saved $300 per acre each year,” she said.

Hedgerows require long-term planning and care, including weed control. Establishing a hedgerow costs about $4,000 for a 1,000-foot-long planting with a single row of shrubs and trees bordered by native perennial grasses. At that rate, Long has calculated that a return on investment in pest control takes about 15 years. For pollination, the return on investment is about 7 years.

Installation of hedgerows can be eligible for cost sharing with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Costs can also be offset by harvesting the elderflowers and elderberries in the hedgerow and making value-added products – such as syrups and jams – or selling the flowers or berries to a processor.

Processing the mature elderberries with sugar allows small-scale producers to make deep purple elderberry syrup.

Farmer Katie Fyhrie shared how Cloverleaf Farm is managing elderberries in a hedgerow, harvesting flowers in the spring to make and bottle elderflower cordial, and harvesting berries in the fall to produce and bottle deep purple sweet-tart syrup. Sixteen ounce bottles of cordial and syrup sell for $12 each. The cordial and syrup are ideal for serving with seltzer and ice for a fruity and uniquely wild-tasting drink.

Elderberry Farmer Katie Fyhrie.

Fyhrie is also working with Brodt of SAREP to gather data for research on best production practices, farm and processing labor costs, and yield comparison between native plants and named varieties from the Midwest. The study includes data from three California farms.

The project is a collaboration among the UC Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (a program of the Agricultural Sustainability Institute at UC Davis), the UC Agricultural Issues Center, the UC Davis Department of Food Science and Technology and four farmers to assess the farm management practices, cost, nutritional content, and market potential of California elderberries.

While laboratory research comparing the nutritional characteristics of the California blue elderberry with the North American black and the European black is continuing at UC Davis, food science professor Alyson Mitchell and her graduate student Katie Uhl were able to share what is already known about the nutritional benefits of the fruit.

They said elderberries are high in vitamin C, dietary fiber, phenolic acids and anthocyanins. Elderberries contain antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. While they have a strong history as a treatment for colds and flu, more studies are needed to understand their medicinal use, Mitchell said.

The field day in Dixon was among the first outcomes of the two-year project. A growers’ production guide, cost of production study, an assessment of market demand and nutritional analyses are also planned. The information will be made available, along with other resources on elderberry cultivation and processing, on the ASI website.

California Ag Today2019-10-01T10:34:05-07:00October 1st, 2019|

Produce Passes All Residue Testing in 2017

FDA Produce Residue Sampling “Once Again” Verifies Safety

Last week the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released its 2017 pesticide residue sampling data results. FDA concluded: “The latest set of results demonstrate once again that the majority of the foods we test are well below the federal limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency.”

Note the term “once again” in FDA’s statement. They used it because government residue sampling data year after year reaffirms the safety of our food and the exceptionally high level of compliance among farmers with laws and regulations covering the use of organic and conventional pesticides.

Let’s get a little technical for a moment and focus on how FDA residue sampling is protective of consumers. FDA employs a three-fold strategy to enforce the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) tolerances or safety standards for pesticide residues.
If you haven’t heard – September is National Fruit and Vegetable month. Yes, it is time to celebrate the only food group health experts and nutritionists agree we should all eat more of every day for better health and a longer life.
While decades of studies have shown the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables are overwhelming and significant, the safety of both organic and conventional produce is also impressive. Government sampling data shows an over 99% compliance rate among farmers with the laws and regulations required for pesticide applications on organic and conventional fruit and vegetable crops. This led the United States Department of Agriculture to state that: “The U.S. food supply is among the safest in the world.”

Many health organizations are promoting National Fruit and Vegetable month to remind consumers about the importance of increasing consumption – only one in 10 of us eat enough of these nutrient-packed foods each day.

However, studies show a growing barrier to consumption is fear-based messaging which inaccurately calls into question the safety of the more affordable and accessible fruits and veggies. This messaging is predominantly carried by the same activist groups year after year despite studies which show that “prescriptions” for fruits and veggies could reduce health care costs by $40 billion annually. Or that 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented each year.

California Ag Today2019-09-23T15:06:22-07:00September 23rd, 2019|

DPR Has Big Funding for Pest Managment Program

The Department of Pesticide Regulation’s (DPR’s) 2020 Pest Management Research Grant solicitation is now available

See the Grant here: http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/grants/research/index.htm

This year, the Pest Management Research Grant Program will allocate:

1- $2,100,000 to fund projects that identify, develop, and implement safer, practical, and sustainable pest management alternatives to Chlorpyrifos. DPR will consider proposals requesting $150,000 to $500,000.

2- $500,000 to fund projects that develop methods or practices to reduce risks associated with pesticides of high regulatory concern and/or are considered to high-risk and which can be incorporated into an IPM system. DPR will consider proposals requesting $50,000 to $500,000.

Concept proposals must be submitted by 5:00 PM PST on Monday, October 7, 2019.

Concept application must be downloaded from DPR’s Research Grants webpage, here:

https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/grants/research/solicitation.htm

A Proposal Package will be provided to applicants invited to submit full proposals.

Completed Concept and full Proposal applications must be submitted to the following email address: dprpmgrants@cdpr.ca.gov

If you know groups or individuals who may be interested in applying for a Pest Management Research Grant, we encourage you to pass on this information.

For additional information on the Pest Management Research Grant Program, please visit http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/grants/research/index.htm

If you have any questions, please contact Atefeh Nik at 916-445-2509 or Atefeh.nik@cdpr.ca.gov or John Gerlach at 916-445-3909 or John.Gerlach@cdpr.ca.gov.

California Ag Today2019-09-15T19:07:11-07:00September 18th, 2019|

Fight Against SB1

Contact your Assemblymember and State Senator today to ask them to oppose SB 1 (Atkins). Despite amendments taken last night, SB 1 still threatens the water supply of our agricultural communities.

Amendments to SB 1 were made on September 10^thto remove the language redefining “waste” and “waters of the state” in the Water Code and the requirement that the state adopt old federal Biological Opinion standards for species that are listed under the provisions of SB 1.

However, SB 1 attempts to apply the California Endangered Species Act to the federal operations of the Central Valley Project so that they can justify smaller water deliveries to farming and ranching communities. California does not have the authority to mandate an action by the federal government. Including this provision will likely lead to a collapse of negotiations to implement the Voluntary Settlement Agreements (VSA) which would ensure science and reason are part of the water management in this state. This would leave the draconian unimpaired flow standards proposed by the State Water Board in place – a potential reduction of 40-60% of our annual water deliveries.

Act now to ask that SB 1 be voted down or made a 2-year bill. Contact here: Fix SB 1 – Urgent Update!

California Ag Today2019-09-15T19:07:48-07:00September 16th, 2019|

Congressman Harder: Veto SB1

Harder, California Members of Congress Statement on Planned Veto of SB1

WASHINGTON – Representative Josh Harder (CA-10), alongside Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Representatives Jim Costa (CA-16), John Garamendi (CA-03), and TJ Cox, (CA-21) released the following statement in advance of Governor Gavin Newsom’s veto of SB1.

Congressman Harder

“While we support the objectives of SB1 – to protect clean air, drinking water, and our environment – the bill as written would jeopardize those very goals. It is critical that all Californians, especially those in our disadvantaged communities, have a reliable supply of clean, fresh drinking water, in addition to water for our environment and essential agriculture industry. We applaud the Governor’s leadership in vetoing this bill, and his efforts to solve California’s difficult water challenges with solutions that meet the needs of the 21st century.

“Working together with all water users provides the best hope for avoiding endless litigation on the management of California’s water supply. We know this through experience. Continuing the collaborative process put in motion by the Governor can result in improved habitats and protect fish and wildlife species, while also ensuring improved water supply reliability for our communities and family farms across California.”

California Ag Today2019-09-15T19:05:40-07:00September 16th, 2019|

2018 Fresno County Crop Report a Record: $7.8 Billion!

Fresno County up BIG on Production Value for 2018

Submitted to Fresno County Board Supervisors by Milissa Cregan Fresno County Ag Commissioner

It is my pleasure to submit the 2018 Fresno County Agricultural Crop and Livestock Report. In each of our annual reports, the Department likes to highlight a segment of our history; and this edition will feature the California Department of Agriculture’s Direct Marketing Program and the certified producers and their crops.

This report is produced in accordance with Sections 2272 and 2279 of the California Food and Agriculture Code; and summarizes the acreage, production, and value of agricultural commodities produced in Fresno County. Fresno County’s total gross production value for 2018 is $7,887,583,790. This represents an increase of $859,559,690 or 12.23% over the previous year’s total of $7,028,024,100.

Once again, almonds continue to be the leading agricultural commodity in Fresno County with a gross value of $1,178,182,069, which represents 14.94% of the total gross value of all crops produced in 2018. The total gross value of grapes remained in the number two spot at $1,106,858,236 followed by pistachios for the first time at $862,144,401.

Fresno County’s agricultural strength is based on the diversity of crops produced. Included in the 2018 report are over 300 different commodities, 76 of which have a gross value in excess of $1,000,000. Although individual commodities may experience difficulties from year-to-year, Fresno County continues to supply the highest quality of food and fiber nation-wide and abroad to more than 95 countries around the world.

Crop values vary from year to year based on production, market fluctuations and weather. It is important to note the figures provided in this report reflect gross values and do not take into account the costs of production, marketing, transportation, or other ancillary costs. These figures do not represent net income or loss to the producers of these commodities.

This report is our yearly opportunity to recognize the growers, shippers, ranchers and other businesses instrumental to and supportive of agriculture in Fresno County. We truly appreciate the many producers, processors, and agencies (both private and public) that supported our e‑orts in completing this report. In addition, a hearty thank-you goes out to my entire staff, especially Fred Rinder, Scotti Walker, Angel Gibson, Rosemarie Davis, Sam Sohal, and Shoua VangXiong. Without their hard work and valuable input, this report would not be possible.

California Ag Today2019-09-11T18:03:57-07:00September 12th, 2019|

Pistachios Need Potassium

Low Potassium Leads to Low Yields

By Jessica Theisman, Associate Editor

Potassium is a needed element in pistachios, so keep that in mind for the next season’s production.

Phoebe Gordon, Orchard Farm Advisor from Madera and Merced counties. She explains how low potassium can lead to low yield in pistachios.

“Aside from nitrogen, potassium is needed in the highest concentration of plants compared to all the other essential nutrients,” she said. It may be hard to diagnose a deficiency, especially if leaf samples are not taken. Low yields are a symptom of this deficiency. That’s why farmers need to make sure that they are taking their yearly or bi-yearly leaf samples from their trees.

Applying potassium is specific to the grower’s preference. “I would say the source doesn’t really matter as long as you pick what works for you and your situation,” she said. But there can be differences. Growers might want to pick a higher soluble fertilizer if they like to fertigate because they can put more in over a shorter period of time. Banding works as well. It fixes soils where potassium can be trapped in clay particles. The bands saturate the soils and leaves the potassium available for uptake.

Applications of potassium are needed year-round. “About 29 pounds of potash is removed per thousand kernel yield and about 27 is needed to supply tree growth,” Gordon said. You want to be able to replace what was lost in previous years. Potassium is a little bit easier because growers are not going to lose it because it is not negatively charged. Potassium sticks around in the soil.

California Ag Today2019-08-16T08:17:57-07:00August 20th, 2019|

Imperial County Hemp Summit & Expo to be Held September 2019

Topic is the Local Business Opportunities for Industrial Hemp

The County of Imperial in coordination with Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation will host the inaugural Imperial County Hemp Summit & Expo (IC Hemp 2019) on September 27-28 at the Imperial Valley Fairgrounds.

The event is being organized by Imperial Regional Alliance, Inc. IC Hemp 2019 will be the largest gathering for the hemp industry in Imperial County, bringing together industry leaders, growers, legislators, manufacturers, vendors and more from across the nation to discuss the wide range of business opportunities for industrial hemp in the Imperial Valley. Attendees will hear from speakers of leading organizations, global corporations and regional stakeholders related to the hemp industry.

Throughout the Summit, guest speakers and panelists will cover pressing issues over a range of topics including best farming practices, local resources and opportunities, incentives, legislation and compliance, banking, financing, insurance, processing and manufacturing. The Summit will be dedicated to providing an all-encompassing educational experience of the hemp industry for its audience.

IC Hemp 2019 will be a two-day event, starting with a full day of expert panels, expo with local and visiting vendors, luncheon and networking reception. Summit participants will also embark on regional tours of local growing and processing operations the following day. On Saturday afternoon, the expo will be open to the public free of charge with networking, shopping and entertainment.

To register for the Imperial County Hemp Summit & Expo, please visit ICHemp.org. Follow along on social media at #ICHemp2019. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, exhibit packages and registration, please contact Alessandra Muse at (760) 353-8332 or alessandra@ivedc.com.

If you would like more information about this topic, please contact Timothy Kelley at (760) 353-8332

California Ag Today2019-08-11T17:28:36-07:00August 14th, 2019|

SB1… Fix It or Nix It

California Water Alliance Opinion on SB1

By William Bourdeau, Chair, California Water Alliance

Water is life in California. Earlier this year, Sacramento politicians introduced Senate Bill 1 (SB1) which seeks to inject politics into California’s environmental regulations. SB1 will restrict water deliveries to the Central Valley and make California even more unaffordable. SB1 puts our communities in danger.

The California Water Alliance is a non-profit and non-partisan organization with a mission to increase the water supply for municipal, agricultural and environmental needs. We have been working with a digital public affairs company to raise awareness about this dangerous piece of legislation.

SB1 will be considered in the California Assembly Appropriations committee later this month. Time is Short.

William Bourdeau

As written, SB1 would freeze the existing federal biological opinions. Future permits would be subject to outdated science and ineffective federal baseline measures, thus permanently, constraining the coordinated operations of the Central Valley Project and the State Water Project.

SB1 will hurt disadvantaged communities throughout California with inconsistent state and federal regulations. This bill will compromise access to drinking water and limit economic prosperity. The California Water Alliance is leading the charge on SB1 by engaging voters and demanding that Sacramento politicians Fix or Nix SB1.

We need your help. Please consider donating to the California Water Alliance by clicking here.

Related Story

Califonia Chamber of Commerce: SB1 is A Job Killer

The California Chamber of Commerce today announced the second job killer of 2019 — SB 1 (Atkins; D-San Diego). The bill would give broad and sweeping discretion to state agencies to adopt rules and regulations that they determine are more stringent than federal rules and regulations adopted after January 19, 2017.

According to CalChamber, SB 1 (Atkins) is a job killer because the uncertainty created by the bill’s vague, ambiguous, and broad language and lack of due process in the rulemaking process would negatively impact the growth, employment, and investment decisions of almost every major California business. Due to costs and anticipated litigation associated with SB 1 (Atkins), companies doing business in the state would be hard pressed to hire more workers or expand California operations.

The proposal seeks to create an expedited administrative procedure not subject to the California Administrative Procedure Act when promulgating emergency rules pursuant to SB 1. Should the measure become law, it will likely instigate a wave of new litigation from interested parties wishing to compel a state agency to perform an act required by, or to review a state agency’s action for compliance with, any of the laws subject to SB 1. Businesses would inevitably be forced to intervene in these lawsuits in order to ensure that their interests are adequately represented.

California Ag Today2019-08-15T13:17:56-07:00August 13th, 2019|

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