State Affairs - Federal Policy - Legal Services Advocacy in Action
Workforce The California Farm Bureau is working with federal lawmakers and partners to find a solution to workforce challenges faced by those in agriculture. Related to this effort, U.S. Reps. Zoe Lofgren, D-San Jose, and Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., this month reintroduced the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. The legislation is also supported by Reps. Jim Costa , D-Fresno; David Valadao, R-Hanford; and Adam Gray, D-Merced. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which has struggled to find enough Republican support in the Senate, remains unchanged from previous iterations. Water The California Farm Bureau supports California Water for All, a statewide coali- tion working to educate policymakers on the urgent need for Senate Bill 72, by state Sen. Anna Caballero, D-Merced. The bill would create the state’s first-ever state- wide water supply target and improve the California Water Plan, which is updated every five years and has guided the state’s effort to meet water demand since the 1950s. SB 72 calls on state, federal and
the lower court incorrectly issued injunc- tive relief under the federal Endangered Species Act regarding Lopez Lake Dam. The amicus brief was filed Jan. 31 in San Luis Obispo Coastkeeper v. County of San Luis Obispo. San Luis Obispo County was sued by environmental groups alleging that Lopez Lake dam threatens steelhead trout under the ESA. A federal judge determined that the operation of the lake threatens the trout and ordered the county to immedi- ately release more water from Lopez Lake. Species This week, the California Farm Bureau submitted comments to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding two proposed federal listings under the Endangered Species Act. In comments on the proposal to list the monarch butterfly as a threatened species, Abby Carlson, assistant director of legal advocacy at the California Farm Bureau, emphasized that regulatory authority over pesticide use should remain with the Environmental Protection Agency rather than the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She highlighted the importance of maintain- ing the Section 4(d) rule to support agri-
local partners to collaboratively develop 9 million acre-feet of new water supply by 2040 through investments in stormwater capture, recycling, desalination and stor- age. While conservation remains essential, the research shows it can cover only 20% to 30% of the expected water shortfall—mak- ing bold, coordinated action critical. A new economic study led by experts from the University of California, Davis, and UC Merced highlights the staggering cost of continued inaction. The research finds that California could lose up to 9 million acre- feet of water annually—enough to serve 9 million households—resulting in economic losses ranging from $3.4 billion to $14.5 bil- lion per year. The impacts include up to 3 million acres of fallowed farmland, 67,000 lost jobs, and lasting harm to rural commu- nities and the broader state economy. Learn more at www.cawaterforall.com. Litigation Oral arguments are set to occur later this summer for a 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals case for which the California Farm Bureau and Pacific Legal Foundation joined together in filing a “friend of the court” brief. The document argues that
cultural flexibility and said Conservation Reserve Program lands should be treated as cropland and not be subject to unnec- essary restrictions. For the proposed federal listing of the Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee as an en- dangered species, Carlson submitted comments opposing the listing on behalf of Farm Bureau. Comments highlighted the absence of recent sightings of the species in California and the lack of sufficient scien- tific data on its habitat or threats. Carlson added that regulatory decisions must be based on clear, reliable and verifiable data, which she said is lacking for the species. Legislation Senate Bill 353, authored by California Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, R-Jackson, passed from the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee with bipartisan support. The bill, supported by the California Farm Bureau, would remove a sunset provision from existing law that would otherwise end a tax credit program for donations of fresh fruits, dairy products and vegetables to California food banks. SB 353 would make that tax credit permanent. The bill moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Beginning farmers and ranchers in California face many challenges in sustaining their agricultural operations. This program provides no-cost mentoring services from experienced farmers and ranchers to facilitate knowledge transfer. Enroll in a New Program Aimed at Preserving California’s Agricultural Heritage. Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Mentorship Program
Who can become a mentor? Farmers (including specialty crop growers) and ranchers with more than 10 years of experience operating a production agriculture business in California can become mentors. Who can become a mentee? Farmers (including specialty crop growers) and ranchers with one to 10 years of experience operating a production agriculture business in California can become mentees.
To enroll as a mentor or mentee, complete an online application at cfbf.com/EOR . Information from the online application will be used to match mentors and mentees.
Scan the QR code to enroll.
22 Ag Alert May 21, 2025
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