California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson today commented on the California State Water Resources Control Board’s release of its Bay-Delta water quality control plan update staff report. The document, in the works since 2018, analyzes alternatives to maintain healthy ecosystems for fish.

 ‘“We want to thank Gov. Newsom for his continued leadership and commitment to using collaborative voluntary agreements between water users and public agencies to support water quality and fish populations throughout the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta,” Johansson said. “Maintaining the health of the delta and protecting the viability of farming in that region are top priorities for Farm Bureau and are part of the state water board’s charge to balance and protect all beneficial uses of water.”

 In 2016, the state water board proposed updating the Bay-Delta Plan to require increased flows in delta tributaries to protect fish populations. California Farm Bureau has contended that such an action would provide limited benefits at best for fish while negatively impacting communities, water supplies, farms and the economy.

 A state water board staff report analyzed both that proposal and the voluntary agreements plan, known as the “healthy rivers” proposal. This alternative is supported by water agencies, cities, Farm Bureau and other agricultural groups. It includes targeted flow increases paired with habitat restoration, scientific monitoring and hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for implementation.

 “It’s long been clear that flow increases without other supportive actions won’t bring back fish. Utilizing voluntary agreements under the ‘healthy rivers’ alternative is California’s best opportunity to protect the future of the Delta watershed and those who depend on it,” Johansson said. “This plan would usher in a new era of collaboration, providing healthy ecosystems and water- supply reliability for millions of Californians.”

 Johansson added, “This document is the culmination of countless hours spent by farmers, ranchers, water board staff and other stakeholders. We are grateful to all of them for their work.”

 The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 29,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of 5.3 million Farm Bureau members. 

From California Farm Bureau President Jamie Johansson:

“Our hearts are heavy at the California Farm Bureau over the passing of Sen. Dianne Feinstein. Sen. Feinstein was a fearless champion for California. Her willingness to be a bipartisan, rational voice in seeking real solutions knew no bounds, as she tackled issues from forest stewardship in the Sierra Nevada to helping farm communities in the Central Valley. Sen. Feinstein was a steadfast supporter of the Golden State’s critical agricultural sector and her unwavering faith in the people of California was her greatest quality. Those of us in California agriculture will miss her leadership and friendship. We offer our deepest condolences to her family.”

The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 29,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of 5.3 million Farm Bureau members. 

Courtesy of California Table Grape Commission

Hurricane Hilary delivered wind and rain to many of California’s table grape vineyards at peak harvest time for most of the 90 varieties grown in the state. The immediate aftermath of the hurricane brought additional rain and humidity to many growing areas, compounding problems and loss. “The impact of the hurricane and its aftermath is devastating and heartbreaking,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission.
“To say that the grower and farmworker community is in shock is an understatement.”

With approximately 30 percent of the crop harvested when the hurricane hit, it is projected that 35 percent of the remaining crop – 25 million boxes – has been lost. “The revised estimate for the California crop is 71.9 million 19-pound boxes,” said Nave. “The last time the crop was
under 75 million boxes was 1994.”

Noting that it is typical for California to ship over 65 percent of its crop after September 1, Nave said that based on the revised estimate there are still over 45 million boxes of grapes the industry plans to ship. “Reaching consumers at retail stores is a major focus of the work done by the commission,” Nave said. “Partnering with retailers to get grapes on store shelves and to promote them to consumers is work that will continue throughout the season.”

Nave said that retailers understand the damage the storm caused and the many ways that labor costs will increase as a result. “Retailers understand that even with skilled workers it will take more time to harvest much of the remaining crop and that accordingly, to keep grapes on the retail shelves throughout the fall the price paid to growers will need to be enough to make it worthwhile to harvest.”

Nave said the industry plans to continue assessing the situation in the weeks ahead, providing updates as needed, and that the commission will continue its retail promotion activities and consumer advertising campaigns throughout the season.

Courtesy of California Fresh Fruit Association

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) applauds the introduction of the Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act of 2023 (The Act), introduced by Congressmen David Valadao and Jim Costa. This legislation will help ensure America’s farmers and producers remain at the forefront of agricultural innovation and efficiency. CFFA, in collaboration with members of the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance, helped craft language included in the bill, which will expedite the adoption of mechanization for growers in the new Farm Bill. The 2023 Farm Bill is up for reauthorization in September.

President Ian LeMay stated, “CFFA is proud to have taken the lead in this collaborative effort to help equip farmers with the tools and technologies they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I would like to thank Congressman Valadao and Congressman Costa for their partnership to support the needs of American agriculture. This bill will not only support farmers, but also their employees, to ensure that America continues to a global leader in agricultural production.”

The Specialty Crop Mechanization Assistance Act of 2023 shows the value of what can be accomplished when the industry works together to ensure a more sustainable and efficient agricultural sector. CFFA is one of 200 organizations in the Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance representing growers of fruits, vegetables, dried fruit, tree nuts, nursery plants, and other products. The alliance was established to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crop agriculture and
improve the health of Americans by broadening the scope of U.S. agricultural public policy.

Additional Resources:
Statement by Congressman David Valadao, please click here.

Courtesy of Nisei Farmers League

The Central Valley Latino Mayors and Elected Officials Coalition, Nisei Farmers League, California Fresh Fruit Association and Fresno County Farm Bureau will hold an important immigration meeting to discuss the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023 reintroduced by Members of Congress including Jim Costa (D-CA), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Dan Newhouse (R-WA), David Valadao (R-CA), Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA), John Duarte (R-CA), Henry Cueller (D-TX) and Jerrold Nadler (D-NY). The second issue is the status of DACA and what needs to be done to move it along.

This meeting will include representatives from agricultural organizations, local, state and federal elected officials, business and community based organizations.

President of Nisei Farmers League said today “the time is crucial for authorizing a comprehensive immigration program.  The Farm Workforce Modernization Act includes support for agriculture, a guestworker program and support for DACA.  Agriculture and businesses must come together to support this very important legislation.”