California Ag Network

Category: Ag Legislation

  • USDA Advances Trump Administration’s Farmer-First Agenda at UN FAO Conference

    U.S. Department of Agriculture Deputy Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Michelle Bekkering led the delegation — on behalf of Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins — to the 44th Session of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Conference in Rome, delivering a clear message: international organizations supported by American taxpayers must deliver results that align with U.S. interests and directly benefit American farmers, ranchers, and producers.

    During the Conference, the U.S. national statement was firmly delivered, echoing President Trump’s vision and Secretary Rollins’ commitment to prioritizing American farmers and ranchers.

    “Today, the U.S. sees FAO at a crossroads,” said Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering during the U.S. national statement to the FAO plenary. “One path is business as usual—more mandates, more meetings, more process, slow progress. The other path brings us back to basics and results—focusing on FAO’s core mission and making a real and sustainable difference on the ground. When farmers and ranchers can produce more, move their goods more efficiently, and compete fairly, everyone benefits—from farm to table to globe.”

    In meetings with FAO leadership and international counterparts, Bekkering emphasized U.S. reform priorities and the need for results-based, science-driven leadership.

    Alongside Chargé d’Affaires Scott Turner of the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome, Bekkering discussed with FAO Deputy Director General Beth Bechdol how to better align FAO’s efforts with the priorities of its largest contributor. In a focused meeting with FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero, she stressed that FAO credibility depends on its use of the best available science, data and evidence.

    The United States also met with Codex Secretary Sarah Cahill and underscored the importance of Codex Alimentarius to supporting American agriculture and fostering trade and encouraged more consistent communication on how international food safety standards benefit U.S. producers. The delegation also engaged the International Fund for Agricultural Development, meeting with Ronald Hartman, Director of Global Engagement, to push for increased collaboration with the American private sector in its global investments.

    In bilateral talks with Canadian Assistant Deputy Minister Tom Rosser, Bekkering discussed joint efforts to defend transparent, evidence-based agricultural policy across multilateral settings. She welcomed Canada’s alignment on key issues related to trade facilitation and regulatory coherence, reinforcing the importance of North American leadership on the world stage. Deputy Under Secretary Bekkering also met with Sweden’s Vice Minister for Rural Affairs Daniel Liljeberg to strengthen relations while sharing concerns about EU trade-barriers including the EU Deforestation Regulation, and underscored that American farmers produce the safest, highest-quality food in the world and deserve full access to global markets.

    Looking ahead, USDA will continue engaging with the FAO and U.S. interagency partners to advance reform priorities. This includes supporting the State Department’s review of U.S. engagement with international organizations to ensure alignment with American strategic and economic interests.

  • Untimely, New Law in California that Farm Employers Need to be Aware of

    California laws and regulations continue changing, often causing unnecessary hardships on businesses in the state. A new law has passed in California, effective January 1, 2025 (often referred to as the “Captive Audience Meetings” law) that farm employers need to be aware of. Ron Barsamian, legal advisor to the California Fresh Fruit Association, shared the details of this new law, The California Worker Freedom from Employer Intimidation Act, with Matthew Malcolm on California Ag Network and how to safely navigate the changes. Watch this brief interview to learn more.

    Please thank this video’s sponsor SQM Specialty Plant Nutrition for their industry support.

  • Re-Introduced Bill Passes to Help Prevent Deadly Wildfires in California

    Congressman David Valadao (CA-22) released the following statement upon passage of the bipartisan Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congressman Valadao joined Reps. Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Jim Costa (CA-21) and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) to re-introduce this bill which would allow the U.S. Forest Service to approve the removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal forest lands without requiring a timber sale. This eases a serious threat that has been a major cause of destructive wildfires in the past.

    “California is no stranger to destructive wildfires, and in the Central Valley, we live with the consequences,” said Congressman Valadao. “Far too often, bureaucratic red tape gets in the way of proper forest management, and it directly impacts air quality in the Valley. It shouldn’t be so hard to remove the dead trees we know make fires worse, and I’m glad to see this commonsense step toward reducing wildfire risk cross the finish line in the House.”

    “The Western United States continues to experience catastrophic wildfires, and we need common-sense solutions that balance sustainable forest management practices with reducing wildfire risks,” said Rep. Carbajal. “My bipartisan bill strives to find this balance and is a common sense solution to protect our communities.”

    “As our communities continue to recover from devastating wildfires, the House took the right step by passing the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act to help prevent future disasters,” said Rep. Costa. “This legislation will cut red tape, streamline the removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines, and strengthen our infrastructure to better protect homes and businesses.”

    “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, I’ve worked to advance practical, prevention-first solutions to reduce wildfire risks. The House’s bipartisan passage of the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act is a meaningful step forward—cutting through red tape to allow for the safe removal of hazardous vegetation near power lines on federal lands. This commonsense measure will help protect lives, support our firefighters, and make our communities more resilient in the face of growing wildfire threats,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.

    Background:

    Currently, utility companies are required to keep trees and branches away from power lines on federal lands. But fallen or dead trees cannot be cleared currently without a timber sale, creating an administrative step that can slow clearing of hazardous fuel and potential wildfire triggers on federal lands.

    This bill was adopted as an amendment to the bipartisan Fix Our Forests Act. The Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act was first introduced in 2023 by California Congressmen David Valadao (CA-22), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), and Jim Costa (CA-21) and was approved by the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously in September 2024.

    U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Steve Daines (R-MT) led the companion bill in the Senate.

    Read the full bill here.

  • Bipartisan Group Reintroduce Farm Workforce Modernization Act

    Congress members David Valadao (CA-22), Zoe Lofgren (CA-18), Dan Newhouse (WA-04), Mike Simpson (ID-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), and Adam Gray (CA-13) have joined forces to reintroduce the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. This bill, which passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in the 116th and 117th Congresses, updates the H-2A agricultural guest worker program and is a compromise solution that provides needed stability for farmers and farmworkers. Congressman Valadao was a co-lead of the bill in the 118th Congress and a co-sponsor in the 117th Congress.

    “Central Valley farmers are the backbone of our nation’s agricultural industry, but they continue to face serious challenges finding and retaining a reliable workforce,” said Congressman Valadao. “The current H-2A program doesn’t meet the labor needs of many producers, but the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a positive step to addressing our agriculture workforce needs and securing our food supply chain. Food security is national security, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find long-term solutions that support our farmers and strengthen our food supply chain.”

    “The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices,” said Rep. Lofgren. “As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would do so, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply. It is well-past time we get this bipartisan legislation twice passed by the House of Representatives to the President’s desk.”

    “The workforce crisis has come to a boiling point for farmers across the country. Reintroducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act sends a clear message to farmers that we are working hard to find solutions that ease the burdens brought on by the current state of the H-2A program. This legislation is necessary to lay the groundwork for continued negotiations, and I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to enact long-term, durable reforms to our agriculture guest worker programs. This issue has been, and remains, my top priority and unified Republican government is an opportunity to deliver for our farmers and ranchers,” said Rep. Newhouse.

    “The workforce crisis is the most important issue facing agriculture in our country,” said Rep. Simpson. “Supporting American agriculture means providing a stable, reliable, and legal workforce, and this legislative solution addresses one of the most pressing concerns our farmers and ranchers face. Now that we finally have an administration taking the border crisis seriously, Congress must address this issue and enact necessary reforms. It is well past time we solve this problem. I look forward to working with my colleagues and getting this critical legislation across the finish line to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”

    “American agriculture depends on a reliable workforce and nowhere is that more true than in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where farmworkers are the backbone of our economy. This legislation is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that provides stability for our farmers and dignity for the workers who feed America. If President Trump is serious about fixing our broken immigration system, he should work with us to get this bill across the finish line,” said Congressman Costa.

    “Farm workers and the larger agricultural community are the backbone of the Central Valley’s economy,” said Congressman Gray. “Labor shortages on our farms could lead to higher food prices across the country and the Valley cannot afford to be shorthanded. This commonsense bipartisan bill would stabilize our vital workforce and make sure Valley farmers can continue to feed families across the country.”

    The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would:

    • Reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers.
    • Establish a program for agricultural workers in the United States to choose to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.
    • Focus on modification to make the program more responsive and user-friendly for employers and provides access to the program for industries with year-round labor needs.

    Read the full bill here.

  • UC ANR Policy Institute Launched to Inform Policymaking, Implementation

    University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources has formally launched the new UC ANR Policy Institute, envisioned as a “one-stop shop” for policymakers to find and easily access scientists and research on a host of critical issues in California. Available expertise encompasses agricultural topics, wildfire and forestry, water and pest management, public health and nutrition, and community and youth development, among others.

    “This institute couldn’t come at a more critical time; as policies and regulations increase in complexity, so too does the need for data and science to be at the decision-making table,” said Glenda Humiston, UC vice president for agriculture and natural resources.

    “Researchers are prime resources for everyone engaged in policymaking – legislators, nonprofits, industry and individual community members – and by increasing capacity to engage in this space, UC ANR will help communities across California craft policies that are practical and produce desired results,” Humiston explained.

    In addition to connecting affiliated researchers across specialty areas and serving as a resource for academics interested in expanding policy-relevant work and communications, the institute also will conduct original research and real-time economic analyses.

    Building upon the foundational work of the former UC Agricultural Issues Center, the institute will focus on the “Regulations, Policy and Compliance” challenge identified in the UC ANR Strategic Vision 2040.

    “The UC ANR Policy Institute will be transformative in delivering the UC ANR mission by increasing science-based communications and community engagement to inform policy decisions and implementation,” Humiston said.

    Anne Megaro has been named interim director of the UC ANR Policy Institute, alongside two associate directors: Karen Jetter, research economist with the former UC Agricultural Issues Center, and JoLynn Miller, area director and 4-H youth development advisor in the Central Sierra. All three will serve in part-time interim roles for three years.

    Anne Megaro

    “I’m honored to work with a strong team to stand up the UC ANR Policy Institute,” said Megaro, UC ANR’s government and community relations director. “We are building an incredible resource that will have lasting, positive impacts. I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish together to further science-to-policy communications.”

    She said the institute will provide training to UC academics about legislative processes and expand their capabilities to inform the policymaking process beyond the scope of government relations and advocacy in Sacramento and Washington, D.C.

    “This new institute will empower and collaborate with researchers to develop data-driven solutions for today’s critical issues, develop audience-friendly communications and amplify the work of UC academics in the policy arena,” Megaro said.

    Interim Associate Directors Karen Jetter and JoLynn Miller serve crucial roles heading up distinct issue areas identified by UC ANR’s Strategic Vision 2040. Jetter, an agricultural economist, will lead “Agriculture and Food Systems” and Miller, a 4-H youth development advisor, will lead “Thriving People and Communities.” A third Interim Associate Director heading the “Natural Ecosystems and Working Landscapes” area will be announced in the coming months.

    For more information about the UC ANR Policy Institute, contact Anne Megaro at ammegaro@ucanr.edu.

    UC Agriculture and Natural Resources brings UC information and practices to all 58 California counties. Through research and Cooperative Extension in agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, economic and youth development, our mission is to improve the lives of all Californians. Learn more at ucanr.edu.

  • Senate Committee Rejects SB 628, Blocking Tax Credit Relief for Ag Overtime Wages

    On April 23rd, with a party-line vote, the Senate Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement defeated SB 628 (Grove, R-Bakersfield). This bill was co-sponsored by the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) and would have created a tax credit to help agricultural employers cover the cost of overtime wages paid to farm workers.

    “It is disappointing that the California State Senate failed to show the same bipartisan leadership we’ve seen in New York and Oregon,” said Natalie Collins, President of CAWG. “SB 628 would have provided a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on overtime wages paid to farmworkers, delivering targeted relief for growers, supporting workers, and strengthening the rural communities that rely on a strong agricultural economy. This isn’t an untested idea; it’s a proven, common-sense solution. We urge the California Legislature to reconsider this legislation as soon as possible.”

    Mountains of research and data show that agricultural employees have experienced a decline in their take-home pay since California’s ag overtime law took effect. The reality is that most growers simply cannot afford to pay overtime wages, and as a result, available overtime hours have been significantly reduced.

    According to a 2023 study by the University of California, Berkeley, California farm workers have made less money since the Phase-In Overtime for Agricultural Workers Act of 2016 became law. The study concluded, “This early evidence suggests that the law may not be benefiting the workers they aim to protect.”

    In September 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom stated, “Farmworkers are the backbone of California’s nation-leading agricultural industry and play a critical role in ensuring the stability of the state, nation, and world’s food supply. Investing in their well-being is investing in California’s success.”

    “CAWG co-sponsored SB 628 because we share the Governor’s belief that supporting farmworkers is essential,” said Collins. “With California’s agricultural economy in steep decline, our workforce is feeling the strain. SB 628 was a modest, targeted fix that would have directly benefited those employees while offering stability for the growers who employ them. Finding solutions that support both growers and the agricultural workforce will remain one of CAWG’s highest priorities.”

    Conversely, in opposing SB 628, the California Labor Federation stated, “At a time when the California legislature is debating how to allocate tax dollars to fund all the state’s priorities in education, housing, health and human services, infrastructure, energy, etc., this proposal is additionally harmful.”

    Collins added, “This bill was never about choosing between priorities like education or infrastructure. It’s about recognizing that investing in agriculture and the people behind it is an investment in California’s long-term stability and resilience.

    While we’re disappointed by the outcome, we are deeply grateful to Senator Shannon Grove for her leadership in authoring this legislation and to our co-sponsor, the California Farm Bureau, for their shared commitment and partnership. We also thank Senator Melissa Hurtado for her support of this bill and extend our sincere appreciation to the 35 farmworkers who took time out of their day to stand in support of SB 628.

    About the California Association of Winegrape Growers: CAWG is a statewide nonprofit trade association advocating for California’s winegrape growers to ensure the sustainability of the winegrape industry. CAWG promotes the industry’s long-term success by advancing the adoption of sound public policies and fostering awareness and understanding of winegrape growers’ contributions to the economy, environment, and California communities. Learn more at cawg.org.

  • Central Valley Farmer Responds to Initial 2025 Water Allocation

    On February 25, the Central Valley Water Project announced an initial farm water allocation of 35%. This comes as welcome news to farmers that were hampered last year around the same time by an initial allocation of only 15%.  Watch this brief interview with pistachio/carrot grower and Director at Westlands Water District William Bourdeau, as he shares his perspective on the announcement on California Ag Network with Matthew Malcolm.

  • Ag Retailers Honor House Ag Committee Chairman as Legislator of the Year

    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) honors House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson, R-Pa., with the 2024 Legislator of the Year award for his support of agricultural retailers.

    “Rep. Thompson’s leadership has promoted policies that help to protect ARA member companies’ freedom to operate profitably as they deliver essential services and products to their farmer customers when they need it,” says ARA President & CEO Daren Coppock.

    “His staunch support for the ag retail industry, specifically his sponsorship of the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024, aimed to reauthorize essential Farm Bill programs through 2029 and secure critical financial and disaster assistance for the agricultural community.

    “ARA looks forward to continuing to work with Rep. Thompson and his colleagues in Congress to advance ARA’s public policy priorities established by our membership.”

    Each year, ARA recognizes two legislators who have championed the issues of importance to agriculture and agriculture suppliers.

    “I’m honored to receive this recognition from the Agricultural Retailers Association,” says Chairman Thompson.

    “ARA is a tremendous advocate for policies that support farmers and the businesses that keep American agriculture moving forward. I appreciate their partnership in pushing for a strong farm bill, which will ensure producers and the entire agricultural supply chain get the tools, certainty, and resources they need.”

    ARA unites its members and their interests to advocate and educate on their behalf, provide services to improve their businesses, and preserve their freedom to operate and innovate, ensuring a safe and plentiful food supply for all.

    To view other recipients of this award, visit the ARA’s website.

    About Agricultural Retailers Association
    The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is a nonprofit trade association representing the interests of retailers across the United States on legislative and regulatory issues on Capitol Hill. As the political voice of agricultural retailers, ARA not only represents its membership but also educates members on the political process and important issues affecting the industry. For more information on current legislative and regulatory issues impacting agricultural retailers, visit www.aradc.org.

    ARA annual Winter Board Meeting & Legislative Fly-In.

  • California Pork Producers Association Names New Executive Director

    The California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) announced the appointment of Mackenzie Bressler as the association’s new Executive Director, effective February 3, 2025. In her role, Bressler will lead CPPA’s efforts to support California’s pork producers and strengthen the state’s pork industry.

    Bressler brings a wealth of experience in communications, association management and outreach in California agriculture to CPPA. She most recently served as External Relations Director at Chico State’s College of Agriculture and previously served as a digital marketing manager at Farmers Communications Exchange.

    “Mackenzie brings the perfect combination of passion for California agriculture, experience with agricultural associations and communicating with diverse audiences to her role at California Pork Producers Association,” said Shelby Sopocy, swine facility manager at University of California, Davis, and CPPA president.

    A native of Colusa, California, Bressler’s interest in agriculture was sparked through her early involvement in 4-H and FFA. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

    “I’m excited for the opportunity to work with the entire California pork industry, representing and serving pork producers, collaborating with industry stakeholders and making connections with youth members and others about the important role pork plays in nutrition and the economy of our state,” said Bressler.

    CPPA was incorporated in the 1950s. In 2021, the executive director role was added to provide state-level leadership within California. The state is home to less than 1% of pork production, but its residents comprise about 13% of total U.S. pork consumption.

    About California Pork Producers Association
    The California Pork Producers Association (CPPA) is led by a board of directors elected by active membership with a focus on grassroots engagement, advocacy, outreach and education and product promotion. For more information, visit www.calpork.com or e-mail info@calpork.com.

  • New Marketing Directors Join the California Table Grape Commission

    The California Table Grape Commission welcomes Lisa Massie and Alexandra Merritt to the marketing team. As the director of international marketing for Asia, Massie will lead the marketing work in targeted export markets throughout Asia, focusing on building demand for California table grapes through the work of multiple in-country promotion teams. Massie served as the Global Marketing and Communications Specialist at Trillium Flow Technologies and brings a background in account management, business analysis, communications, and export promotion with her to the commission. As director of global marketing, Merritt will manage retail accounts in the U.S. and will lead the marketing work in the key export markets of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, Merritt will be responsible for directing category management research. Merritt joins the commission from Root Creative Marketing where she served as Account Director and was responsible for implementing marketing campaigns for a diverse set of agriculture, food product, and lifestyle product clients.

    “Both Lisa and Alexandra bring talent, drive, heart, and extensive backgrounds in account management and analysis to the commission marketing team,” said Ian LeMay, incoming commission president. “We are very pleased to welcome them to the team and look forward to the many contributions they will each make in the years to come,” said LeMay.