Negotiations have been continuing this week between the White House and Democratic Congressional Leadership. Legislators are working to come to an agreement on the next COVID-19 relief package. Vice President …
Legislation Introduced to Enhance Meat Processing Infrastructure
New legislation introduced by Representatives Chellie Pingree and Jeff Fortenberry aims to strengthen the meat processing sector. The Strengthening Local Processing Act looks to address processing issues on a more …
PRICE Act Looks to Improve Cattle Market Conditions
The Price Reform in Cattle Economics (PRICE) Act was recently introduced in the House of Representatives. The act is a means for improving cattle market conditions. Representative Dusty Johnson introduced …
Stopgap Funding Bill with Farming Support Moves Forward
A stopgap funding bill that will prevent a government shutdown was recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 359 to 57. The bill will keep …
Federal Wildfire Bill Receives Support from Ag Groups
A group of agricultural groups is supporting a federal wildfire bill that was recently introduced by Senators Diane Feinstein and Steve Daines. A coalition of 13 Western state Farm Bureaus …
Industry Responds to Newsom Endorsement of Proposition 15
Governor Gavin Newsom has endorsed Proposition 15 which will appear on the ballot come November. Proposition 15 is a split-roll tax initiative that would reassess and raise taxes on commercial …
2019-2020 Legislative Session: ‘Bit of A Reprieve’ for Agriculture
The 2019-2020 Legislative Session came to a close on August 31 as members of the California State Assembly and Senate worked feverishly up until the midnight deadline. During a typical …
AB 3030 Raises Several Questions for Ag Groups
Assembly Bill 3030 (AB 3030) sets forth ambitious goals for conservation in California. The bill seeks to preserve 30 percent of all water areas as well as 30 percent of …
Industry Disappointed That ELS Cotton Not Included in Latest CFAP Expansion
Despite various industry efforts, The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has refused to include extra-long staple (ELS) cotton in the latest expansion of commodities covered under the Coronavirus Food Assistance …
Industry Members Encouraged to Engage on SB 1383
Senate Bill 1383 is currently being considered in the California Assembly. The bill seeks to expand the reach of the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Employers with as few as …
AB 2959 Raises Concern for Industry Members and Air Quality Specialists
Assembly Bill 2959 (AB 2959), initially introduced back in February, would allow limitations to be put on the types of facilities that can supply farmers and ranchers with food byproducts. …
HEALS Act Proposes $20 Million in Coronavirus Relief
The latest coronavirus relief package known as the HEALS Act, the Health, Economic Assistance, Liability and Schools Act was recently released by Senate Republicans. The $1 trillion stimulus package allocates …
COVID Ag Safety Bill Passes Assembly Despite Industry Opposition
The COVID ag safety bill known as AB 2043 has been approved by the state Assembly and will now be heard in Senate committees. The legislation would require that guidelines …
Great American Outdoors Act Facing Significant Opposition
The U.S. Senate has recently moved forward in its consideration of the Great American Outdoors Act. The legislation would provide $900 million a year for federal land acquisition through the …