Fight For Water Film Awarded Best Documentary

Fight For Water Film Wins Best Documentary

Recognition Comes From Monarch Film Festival


The award winning, Fight for Water Film: A Farm Worker Struggle, was shown Dec. 11 in Pacific Grove at the Lighthouse Cinemas, 525 Lighthouse Ave. 

The Fight For Water Film documents the struggle of two farmers, and thousands of farm workers on the Westside, Fresno County, in 2009 when there was only a 10 percent water allocation.

Filmmaker/ Director Juan Carlos Oseguera

Filmmaker/Director Juan Carlos Oseguera focuses on the 50-mile historic water march in his film, the only film that documents this journey that brought more than 1,000 farmers and farm workers from all over the state.

The film also records the many food lines that became necessary in towns such as Firebaugh, Mendota, San Joaquin and Huron. Farmworkers, though humiliated, were forced to resort to these food lines due to the high unemployment that reached in excess of 40 percent as a consequence of the non-irrigated fields.

Ironically, though The Fight For Water Film documents this event in 2009 and 2010, nothing has changed. In fact, farmers in the Westside Federal Water Districts are currently facing what could be an even worse year in 2014. The Bureau of Reclamation has warned that if there is not significantly more than average rain and snowfall this winter, there could be an unprecedented zero allocation.

No water allocation may force many farmers out of business and cause massive unemployment in the Westside communities already suffering from severely reduced water allocations. This season, farmers received only 20 percent of what they needed and paid for.

Oseguera said, “I have found that Californians outside of the Central Valley, and Americans out of state, are unaware of the plight of farmers and farmworkers here. So, we need to expand distribution of the film to educate everybody.”

“There is growing interest from film distributors to advance the film to wider audiences,” said Oseguera. “A good way to tell the distributors that the film needs to be seen by others outside of California is to like the Fight For Water Facebook page,” he noted.

2016-05-31T19:42:28-07:00December 14th, 2013|

Growing Numbers to Stop Ethanol Mandate

Western Dairymen Praises Bill To Stop Corn Ethanol Mandate

Legislation introduced this week by Senators Dianne Feinstein, Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and eight cosponsors to eliminate the corn ethanol mandate has won strong support from Western United Dairymen. “We are pleased to support Senator Feinstein’s continued efforts on eliminating the mandate for corn ethanol. She was instrumental in seeing the ethanol subsidies expire and we believe that she will be just as successful with this effort,” said Western United Dairymen CEO Michael Marsh.

“This legislation provides a simple, effective solution to the problems caused by corn diverted to ethanol, driving up feed costs and consumer prices for meat, milk and energy,” continued Marsh. “California dairy families who are suffering from continued high feed prices support this effort to eliminate the federal corn ethanol mandate from the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), while maintaining provisions designed to grow the low-carbon biofuel industry.”


The Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS), created in the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and revised in 2007, requires refiners and blenders to use 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2013. More than 13 billion gallons of this total will be met by the use of corn ethanol, a level that will increase in subsequent years.


The RFS also sets a target for 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels blended into gasoline by 2022 with the corn ethanol mandate scheduled to reach 15 billion gallons by 2015. Each year, EPA issues RFS rules with increasing volumes of renewable fuel blending that also include cellulosic and advanced biofuels that do not compete as feed sources.


Feinstein said the bill supports development of advanced biofuels, including those made from soybean oil, grasses and trees. But it would eliminate the mandate for corn-based ethanol, which currently represents the vast majority of biofuels produced in the United States. She said the corn mandate diverts a large proportion of the U.S. corn crop towards making fuel, raising animal feed and food prices.


In introducing the bill, Senator Feinstein said, “Under the corn ethanol mandate in the RFS, roughly 44 percent of U.S. corn is diverted from food to fuel, pushing up the cost of food and animal feed and damaging the environment. Oil companies are also unable to blend more corn ethanol into gasoline without causing problems for automobiles, boats and other vehicles. I strongly support requiring a shift to low-carbon advanced biofuels.” Feinstein added, “But a corn ethanol mandate is simply bad policy.”


Senator Coburn said, “The time to end the corn ethanol mandate has arrived. This misguided policy has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, increased fuel prices and made our food more expensive. Eliminating this mandate will let market forces, rather than political and parochial forces, determine how to diversify fuel supplies in an ever-changing marketplace. I’m grateful my colleagues on both sides on the aisle are prepared to take this long-overdue step to protect consumers and taxpayers from artificially high fuel and food prices.”


Cosponsors of the bill are Richard Burr(R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Corker, (R-Tenn.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.).


This action eliminates the unnecessary pressure on corn prices, allowing the multi-billion dollar corn ethanol industry to compete directly with oil based on price and quality, not mandates.


Refiners will continue to blend corn ethanol into the fuel supply in the absence of a mandate, as ethanol is the preferred octane booster used to increase the efficiency of gasoline. Even without a mandate for its use, the economic benefits of mixing ethanol into gasoline would remain.


This proposal has strong support from dairy; beef; poultry; the prepared food industry; oil and gas; engine manufacturers; boaters; hunger relief organizations; and environmental groups. A list of endorsing organizations can be found here.


Sources:

2016-05-31T19:42:28-07:00December 14th, 2013|

ARB Meeting Shows Industry Concerns

ARB holds Truck and Bus Regulation Workshop;

WAPA’s Roger Isom Testifies

Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA) attended ARB’s presentation TODAYregarding their proposed amendments to the Truck and Bus Regulation. Agenda items included overview of the current rule, the new proposed amendments, and a chance for stakeholders to voice their concerns.

The meeting was extremely well attended with over 70 concerned individuals in attendance. WAPA’s President, Roger Isom testified at the workshop noting troubles with the diesel particulate filters and proposed several changes to the current regulation.

Isom’s proposed changes to ARB staff included extending the sign up period for compliance extension, extending compliance dates for Ag categories, and extending the trade up program from 2014 to 2018.


In conjunction with the meeting was the deadline for Prop 1B funding through the SJV Air Pollution Control District that helps owners by replacing older trucks or engines.

More information about the Truck and Bus Regulation is available on ARB’s website: www.arb.ca.gov/dieseltruck. Questions regarding reporting can be directed to trucrs@arb.ca.gov. Lastly, questions regarding the regulation and compliance can be answer at ARB’s hotline at 866-6-DIESEL or through email at 8666diesel@arb.ca.gov.

2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

USDA RESTRICTS THREE PACA VIOLATORS IN CALIF. AND NJ FROM OPERATING IN THE PRODUCE INDUSTRY

Two Produce Businesses in California Sanctioned for Failure to Pay Reparation Awards

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has imposed sanctions on three produce businesses for failure to pay reparation awards issued under the Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), two of which are in California.

The following businesses and individuals are currently restricted from operating in the produce industry:

Fratelli Farms LLC, operating out of Hollister, Calif., for failing to pay a $5,754 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Guillermo Regalado and Johnny Regalado were listed as members of the business.

2 Mex Produce, operating out of Santa Maria, Calif., for failing to pay a $23,190 award in favor of a California seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Arcelia Partida and Julio Partida were listed as partners of the business.

High Point Marketing of NJ Inc., operating out of Ridgewood, N.J., for failing to pay a $30,961 award in favor of a Florida seller. As of the issuance date of the reparation order, Michael E. Pflueger was listed as the officer, director, and major stockholder of the business.

PACA provides an administrative forum to handle disputes involving produce transactions; this may result in a reparation order being issued that requires damages to be paid by those not meeting their contractual obligations in buying and selling fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables.

USDA is required to suspend the license or impose sanction on an unlicensed business that fails to pay PACA reparations awarded against it as well as impose restrictions against those principals determined to be responsibly connected to the business when the order is issued. Those individuals, including sole proprietors, partners, members, managers, officers, directors, or major stockholders may not be employed by or affiliated with any PACA licensee without USDA-approval.

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), PACA Division, regulates fair trading practices of produce businesses operating subject to PACA, which includes buyers, sellers, commission merchants, dealers, and brokers within the fruit and vegetable industry. All oversight of actions related to PACA are conducted by AMS, an agency within USDA.

In the past three years, USDA resolved approximately 5,000 claims filed under PACA involving almost $96 million. This is just one more way USDA continues to support the fruit and vegetable industry.

2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

CDFA LAUNCHES NEW FARM-TO-FORK WEB SITE

Farm-To-Fork Web Site Connects Consumers To California Agriculture
CDFA is pleased to announce TODAY the California Farm to Fork web site, a place to highlight programs and projects that focus on sourcing, marketing and increasing the use of California crops.
The web site features links to a page that shows what crops grow in certain regions at specific times of the year, and also profiles local efforts to increase access to healthy foods at various locations throughout the state. As the site evolves, it will include additional information and resources about California crops as well as other agricultural products, like grains, meats and dairy.
CDFA’s Farm-to-Fork Office, an interagency initiative with the California Department of Public Health and California Department of Education introduced the web site. The agencies are working together to help all Californians eat healthy, well-balanced meals.
To increase access to healthy, nutritious food for everyone in the state, this site will connect consumers, school districts, and other groups directly with California’s farmers and ranchers, and also provide additional information about our state’s magnificent bounty.
2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

USDA CREATES MULTI-AGENCY EMERGENCY RESPONSE FRAMEWORK TO COMBAT HLB

USDA Providing $1 million to Jump Start Citrus Response Framework
The U.S. Department of Agriculture TODAY announced the creation of a new, unified emergency response framework to address Huanglongbing (HLB). This new framework will allow USDA and its many partners to better coordinate HLB resources, share information and develop operational strategies to maximize effectiveness.
“USDA listened to the citrus industry’s request for more urgency and greater coordination on the response to HLB and is implementing an emergency response structure,” said Secretary Tom Vilsack. “To jump start this initiative and affirm our commitment to industry, USDA is also providing $1 million to be used in support of research projects that can bring practical and short-term solutions to the growers in their efforts to combat this disease.
Through the Specialty Crop Research Initiative of the Farm Bill, USDA has provided $9 million in research to blocking the ability of insects to spread HLB to healthy trees. We need Congress to quickly pass a new Farm, Food, and Jobs Bill that continues to support this kind of research to protect a crop worth more than $3 billion in the last harvest.”
The new framework will bring together USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), along with state departments of agriculture and the citrus industry into a Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) Group for HLB. It will provide industry with a single contact for all the federal and state entities that work on citrus issues and better enable the collective to collaborate on policy decisions, establish priorities, allocate critical resources, and collect, analyze, and disseminate information.
The HLB MAC Group will also help coordinate Federal research with industry’s efforts to complement and fill research gaps, reduce unnecessary duplication, speed progress and more quickly provide practical tools for citrus growers to use.
HLB, also known as citrus greening, is named for the green, misshapen, and bitter-tasting fruit it causes. While this bacterial disease poses no danger to humans or animals, it has devastated millions of acres of citrus crops throughout the United States and abroad. In the United States, the entire States of Florida and Georgia are under quarantine for HLB, and portions of California, Louisiana, South Carolina and Texas are also under quarantine for the disease. The U.S. Territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands are under HLB quarantines as well.
You can find more information about HLB and the HLB MAC Group on USDA’s Multi-Agency Response toDevastating Citrus Disease website.
2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

Join Farm Bureau, Get Discounts!

Farm Bureau Members 
Get Fuel Discounts
Businesses belonging to Farm Bureau in California now qualify for discounted fuel purchases through Flyers Energy.

The California Farm Bureau Federation has named Flyers Energy as its preferred fuel supplier.


Flyers Energy is the largest member of the Commercial Fueling Network (CFN) and also offers fueling at 230,000 locations nationwide with the Flyers Fleet Card.

Under the new program, businesses with a Farm Bureau membership will benefit from a 3 cent per gallon discount on fuel purchased with the Flyers CFN card. The Farm Bureau discount also includes a 2 cent per gallon savings at retail sites everywhere the Flyers Fleet Card is accepted, plus a special rate on bulk-delivered fuel.

Electronic security features on the Flyers Fleet Card improve fuel tracking and security, to reduce risk associated with the fueling of company vehicles by employees. Controls are programmed into the fuel cards and include parameters such as time and day restrictions, gallon limits and e-receipts.

Information for Farm Bureau members about how to use the discount is available on the CFBF website at http://www.cfbf.com/benefits/fuel or by calling toll-free, 800-698-3276. 

Flyers Energy, based in Auburn, franchises the Flyers fuel brand and distributes wholesale and branded retail fuel, commercial lubricants, renewable fuels and solar power.

2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

Farmers: Save Money PG&E Rebates

Farmers Can Save with PG&E’s

Low Pressure Sprinkler Nozzle Rebate

Pacific Gas and Electric’s (PG&E) rebate can cover some of the cost of the installation of qualified low pressure sprinkler nozzles.

Replacing high-pressure sprinkler nozzles with low-pressure sprinkler nozzles enables a reduction to the irrigation system’s operating pressure, thus reducing the energy it takes to run the pumps-yet still distribute the same volume of water crops need, with fewer line breaks and less maintenance.

PG&E’s local department will handle all the rebate applications. Local PG&E representatives should be contacted if low pressure nozzles were installed in 2013 or if you would like more information for future installations.

Questions, contact Kuyler Crocker at 559-263-5908

2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

FARM BILL EXTENSION PASSED THROUGH JANUARY 2014

House Extends Farm Bill 1½ Months
 
The U.S. House of Representative passed an extension of farm law TODAY through the end of January as lawmakers try to finish work on a new five-year farm bill.

The Senate and the House each passed farm bills this year; however they differ on the extent of cuts to the federal food stamp program and restructuring of farm subsidies.

The House passed the extension today amid fears that the dairy subsidy expiration at the end of the year will cause milk prices to rise. But Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has assured Congress that will not happen before the end of January.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the Senate would not pass an extension because it is unnecessary. Some senators argue an extension could reduce pressure to pass a farm bill.

Source: Mary Clare Jalonick, Associated Press, Dairy Today

2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

Possible Help for California’s Dairy and Poultry Industry

Editor’s Note: TODAY’s news may be a good start to stop growing corn for fuel instead of food. When this stops, it will help the dairy and poultry industries in Calif. We support this Act.

Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) and eight cosponsors today introduced the Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2013. The bill eliminates the corn ethanol mandate within the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which requires annual increases in the amount of renewable fuel that must be blended into the total volume of gasoline refined and consumed in the United States.

Cosponsors of the bill are Richard Burr (R-N.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bob Corker, (R-Tenn.), Kay Hagan (D-N.C.), Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Patrick Toomey (R-Pa.).

Senator Feinstein said: “I am pleased to join Senator Coburn and others on a bill to eliminate the federal corn ethanol mandate from the Renewable Fuel Standard, while maintaining provisions designed to grow the low-carbon biofuel industry.

“Under the corn ethanol mandate in the RFS, roughly 44 percent of U.S. corn is diverted from food to fuel, pushing up the cost of food and animal feed and damaging the environment. Oil companies are also unable to blend more corn ethanol into gasoline without causing problems for automobiles, boats and other vehicles.

“I strongly support requiring a shift to low-carbon advanced biofuel, including biodiesel, cellulosic ethanol and other revolutionary fuels. But a corn ethanol mandate is simply bad policy,” noted Fienstein.

Senator Coburn said: “The time to end the corn ethanol mandate has arrived. This misguided policy has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, increased fuel prices and made our food more expensive.

Eliminating this mandate will let market forces, rather than political and parochial forces, determine how to diversify fuel supplies in an ever-changing marketplace. I’m grateful my colleagues on both sides on the aisle are prepared to take this long-overdue step to protect consumers and taxpayers from artificially high fuel and food prices.”

The Renewable Fuel Standard, first enacted in 2005, requires refiners and blenders to use 16.55 billion gallons of renewable fuel in 2013. More than 13 billion gallons of this total will be met by the use of corn ethanol, a level that will increase in subsequent years.

There are two key problems with continuing to mandate the consumption of more and more corn ethanol each year:

·      Corn consumption: Approximately 44 percent of U.S. corn crop is used to produce ethanol, artificially inflating food and feed prices while damaging the environment.

·      Blend wall: As gasoline consumption declines, refiners face a “blend wall” when the RFS mandate exceeds the limit at which ethanol can be blended into the fuel supply, determined to be 10 percent of total gasoline consumption.

The Corn Ethanol Mandate Elimination Act of 2013 solves both problems by removing the top-line mandate for renewable fuels, while leaving mandates for non-corn ethanol advanced biofuels untouched.

This action eliminates the unnecessary pressure on corn prices, allowing the multi-billion dollar corn ethanol industry to compete directly with oil based on price and quality, not mandates.

The reduction of total RFS-mandated volumes would also eliminate the threat of the blend wall.

Refiners will continue to blend corn ethanol into the fuel supply in the absence of a mandate, as ethanol is the preferred octane booster used to increase the efficiency of gasoline. Even without a mandate for its use, the economic benefits of mixing ethanol into gasoline would remain.

This proposal has strong support from the prepared food industry; dairy; beef; poultry; oil and gas; engine manufacturers; boaters; hunger relief organizations; and environ

2016-05-31T19:42:29-07:00December 13th, 2013|

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