Amid this year’s peculiar political season, one critical topic has tragically evaded the national discourse: food and agriculture. But while absent from presidential debates, the topic of how and who sustains us has been the top priority for us at the Farmers Guild. That’s why last week we hosted a gathering to explore the policies and the politics shaping our food system, asking what impact they’ll have on local farmers and on our collective vision of a more just and sustainable way to feed our communities.
With the help of policy experts from the National Farmers Union (NFU), Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), California Climate Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and more, we took a look at policies both recently passed as well as those up for a vote next month. Below you’ll find brief overviews of these important issues. Notice anything missing? Want to share issues from your own local community? Let us know! Or post in the comments below.
Overall, the big takeaway from our gathering was this: if small-scale farmers, local food advocates and grassroots champions for sustainability don’t mobilize to help determine the laws that shape how our food system functions, then high-paid lobbyists of international food monopolies will be happy to do so on our behalf. And unsurprisingly, the results will favor corporate profits over the viability of family farms, the rights of farmworkers or the health of the average consumer.
With the help of policy experts from the National Farmers Union (NFU), Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), California Climate Agriculture Network (CalCAN) and more, we took a look at policies both recently passed as well as those up for a vote next month. Below you’ll find brief overviews of these important issues. Notice anything missing? Want to share issues from your own local community? Let us know! Or post in the comments below.
Overall, the big takeaway from our gathering was this: if small-scale farmers, local food advocates and grassroots champions for sustainability don’t mobilize to help determine the laws that shape how our food system functions, then high-paid lobbyists of international food monopolies will be happy to do so on our behalf. And unsurprisingly, the results will favor corporate profits over the viability of family farms, the rights of farmworkers or the health of the average consumer.
NATIONAL:
Country of Origin Labeling (COOL)
Earlier this year, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the USDA will no longer enforce the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork products after congress repealed COOL. That decision came as part of a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill after the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled Canada and Mexico could begin imposing more than $1 billion in tariffs on U.S. products to punish it for the harm the labeling requirements were doing to them. This means an end to the January 2009 and May 2013 country of origin labeling requirements on meat products, though the USDA will continue to subject all imported and domestic meat to rigorous food safety inspections, according to the Secretary. After fighting to keep the labeling requirement, Roger Johnson, president, National Farmers Union wrote, “Our producers have always known that they raise the best beef and pork in the world, and they believe consumers should be able to know where the meat at the grocery store came from. Last week, this decades-old policy fight may have come to an end.” LEARN MORE HERE.
Earlier this year, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the USDA will no longer enforce the Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements for beef and pork products after congress repealed COOL. That decision came as part of a $1.4 trillion omnibus spending bill after the World Trade Organization (WTO) ruled Canada and Mexico could begin imposing more than $1 billion in tariffs on U.S. products to punish it for the harm the labeling requirements were doing to them. This means an end to the January 2009 and May 2013 country of origin labeling requirements on meat products, though the USDA will continue to subject all imported and domestic meat to rigorous food safety inspections, according to the Secretary. After fighting to keep the labeling requirement, Roger Johnson, president, National Farmers Union wrote, “Our producers have always known that they raise the best beef and pork in the world, and they believe consumers should be able to know where the meat at the grocery store came from. Last week, this decades-old policy fight may have come to an end.” LEARN MORE HERE.
Organic Check-Off Program
In May, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) submitted a revised proposal to the USDA to impose a special tax on organic farming. Called a “checkoff,” this tax would apply to all organic farmers, handlers of organic goods, and food processors with sales over a certain threshold. According to the proposal, money collected through the tax would be used for the promotion of organic products.
The OTA calls this program “a groundbreaking move for the nation’s organic sector… promoting the organic brand and organic production practices… designed to reflect the diverse needs of our organic community, from the smallest organic farmer to the largest organic farmer and all of the organic handlers, processors, and businesses in the chain.” But not all organic farmers are happy with the idea. A new coalition of farmer organizations has gathered to oppose the tax. Some farmers are concerned that the new tax will repeat a pattern seen in other commodity checkoff programs, in which funds intended for marketing and research are instead used largely or mainly to support the interest of large corporate producers. LEARN MORE HERE.
In May, the Organic Trade Association (OTA) submitted a revised proposal to the USDA to impose a special tax on organic farming. Called a “checkoff,” this tax would apply to all organic farmers, handlers of organic goods, and food processors with sales over a certain threshold. According to the proposal, money collected through the tax would be used for the promotion of organic products.
The OTA calls this program “a groundbreaking move for the nation’s organic sector… promoting the organic brand and organic production practices… designed to reflect the diverse needs of our organic community, from the smallest organic farmer to the largest organic farmer and all of the organic handlers, processors, and businesses in the chain.” But not all organic farmers are happy with the idea. A new coalition of farmer organizations has gathered to oppose the tax. Some farmers are concerned that the new tax will repeat a pattern seen in other commodity checkoff programs, in which funds intended for marketing and research are instead used largely or mainly to support the interest of large corporate producers. LEARN MORE HERE.
CALIFORNIA
CA SEED EXCHANGE DEMOCRACY ACT
Last month, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the California Seed Exchange Democracy Act, an amendment to the California Seed Law. AB 1810, which was introduced by Assemblymember Marc Levine, exempts non-commercial seed sharing activities from industrial labeling, testing, and permitting requirements. This means that local seed libraries and seed sharing activities aren’t held to the same cost-prohibitive testing required of big, commercial seed enterprises. The law allows seed sharing and saving to continue on a local level. LEARN MORE HERE.
Last month, Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the California Seed Exchange Democracy Act, an amendment to the California Seed Law. AB 1810, which was introduced by Assemblymember Marc Levine, exempts non-commercial seed sharing activities from industrial labeling, testing, and permitting requirements. This means that local seed libraries and seed sharing activities aren’t held to the same cost-prohibitive testing required of big, commercial seed enterprises. The law allows seed sharing and saving to continue on a local level. LEARN MORE HERE.
DAIRY METHANE REDUCTION
In August 2016, the legislature committed a total of $50 million dollars during FY 2016-17 for dairy methane reduction activities. SB 859 was passed and includes language stating that a diversity of dairy methane management practices can effectively reduce GHG emissions, including anaerobic digesters and non-digester strategies (e.g., pasture-based management, open solar drying and composting of manure, and solid separation technologies). LEARN MORE HERE.
In August 2016, the legislature committed a total of $50 million dollars during FY 2016-17 for dairy methane reduction activities. SB 859 was passed and includes language stating that a diversity of dairy methane management practices can effectively reduce GHG emissions, including anaerobic digesters and non-digester strategies (e.g., pasture-based management, open solar drying and composting of manure, and solid separation technologies). LEARN MORE HERE.
FARMERS MARKET
AB 2324 would have let farmers keep the data on their sales at farmers markets rather than requiring farmers market operators to collect these data every day, however southern California Agricultural Commissioners wanted the markets to hold these data for enforcement purposes, and so this provision was amended out of the bill. The only signficant surviving part of the bill was the inclusion of raw sheared wool in the list of products that can be sold in the certified section of a farmers market. As a result, the regulations associated with AB 1871 will force market operators to collect sales lists at the end of every market or face fines from CDFA. Farmers and farmers market operators will need to pay careful attention to the new AB 1871 regulations, as fines and enforcement will increase with the additional funds being provided to CDFA and the Agricultural Commissioners. LEARN MORE HERE.
AB 2324 would have let farmers keep the data on their sales at farmers markets rather than requiring farmers market operators to collect these data every day, however southern California Agricultural Commissioners wanted the markets to hold these data for enforcement purposes, and so this provision was amended out of the bill. The only signficant surviving part of the bill was the inclusion of raw sheared wool in the list of products that can be sold in the certified section of a farmers market. As a result, the regulations associated with AB 1871 will force market operators to collect sales lists at the end of every market or face fines from CDFA. Farmers and farmers market operators will need to pay careful attention to the new AB 1871 regulations, as fines and enforcement will increase with the additional funds being provided to CDFA and the Agricultural Commissioners. LEARN MORE HERE.
FARMWORKER OVERTIME PAY
In September, CA Gov. Jerry Brown signed the new California overtime law, allowing farmworkers eventually to receive overtime pay after working an eight-hour day, or 40 hours in a week. Prior to the law being signed, farmworkers only made overtime when they worked more than 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week. The law will allow a phased transition to the new overtime hours up to 2022 (or 2025 for employers of fewer than 25 workers) when the eight-hour overtime threshold will be in effect. The first phase of the transition begins in 2019, when the daily threshold for overtime pay will drop to 9.5 hours. Each year, the daily threshold will drop by a half-hour until 2022. The weekly threshold will drop five hours every year from 2019 to 2022, at which point it will be 40 hours. The law institutes other requirements from which agriculture was exempt, such as the requirement that workers take a day off every week. LEARN MORE HERE.
In September, CA Gov. Jerry Brown signed the new California overtime law, allowing farmworkers eventually to receive overtime pay after working an eight-hour day, or 40 hours in a week. Prior to the law being signed, farmworkers only made overtime when they worked more than 10 hours a day or 60 hours a week. The law will allow a phased transition to the new overtime hours up to 2022 (or 2025 for employers of fewer than 25 workers) when the eight-hour overtime threshold will be in effect. The first phase of the transition begins in 2019, when the daily threshold for overtime pay will drop to 9.5 hours. Each year, the daily threshold will drop by a half-hour until 2022. The weekly threshold will drop five hours every year from 2019 to 2022, at which point it will be 40 hours. The law institutes other requirements from which agriculture was exempt, such as the requirement that workers take a day off every week. LEARN MORE HERE.
HEALTHY SOILS INITIATIVE
At the end of the legislative session in August 2016, the legislature approved a cap-and-trade budget that included first-time funding to launch the Healthy Soils Initiative. This program will provide resources for farmers and ranchers to increase carbon stores in agricultural soils and reduce greenhouse gas emissions overall. In addition to the funding allocations, the Legislature passed SB 859, which includes key policy provisions for a number of new climate change programs, including the Healthy Soils Program. Language in SB 859 builds upon two prior bills SB 1350 and SB 367. LEARN MORE HERE
At the end of the legislative session in August 2016, the legislature approved a cap-and-trade budget that included first-time funding to launch the Healthy Soils Initiative. This program will provide resources for farmers and ranchers to increase carbon stores in agricultural soils and reduce greenhouse gas emissions overall. In addition to the funding allocations, the Legislature passed SB 859, which includes key policy provisions for a number of new climate change programs, including the Healthy Soils Program. Language in SB 859 builds upon two prior bills SB 1350 and SB 367. LEARN MORE HERE
SWEEP: STATE WATER EFFICIENCY & ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
In 2014, under an emergency drought declaration, Governor Brown authorized a new program called the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program(SWEEP). The money comes from the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, raised from cap-and-trade allowance revenue. SWEEP is run by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to provide financial assistance to growers for on-farm improvements that both reduce GHG emissions and save water. LEARN MORE HERE.
In 2014, under an emergency drought declaration, Governor Brown authorized a new program called the State Water Efficiency and Enhancement Program(SWEEP). The money comes from the state’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, raised from cap-and-trade allowance revenue. SWEEP is run by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) to provide financial assistance to growers for on-farm improvements that both reduce GHG emissions and save water. LEARN MORE HERE.
LOCAL
SONOMA COUNTY:
MEASURE K: Community Separators Protection Ordinance
In order to preserve rural open space and agricultural land, maintain community identities, and prevent sprawl, the "Community Separators Protection Ordinance" would amend the Sonoma County General Plan to require voter approval of changes to the General Plan that increase the allowed density or intensity of development within Community Separators until December 31, 2036, and to repeal Ordinance 5145R.
MEASURE M: Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance
The "Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance" would 1) prohibit the propagation, cultivation, raising, or growing of genetically engineered organisms in the unincorporated County, as defined in the ordinance and excluding for use in medicine and controlled research; 2) require the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner to enforce the ordinance by assessing a civil monetary penalty or pursuing an injunction against violators; and 3) provide for fines and fees for each violation.
VESCO: Grading, Drainage, Vineyard & Orchard Site Development
This department administers the Sonoma County Grading, Drainage, & Vineyard & Orchard Site Development Ordinance, also known as VESCO. Growers planting new vineyards, orchards or replanting existing vineyards or orchards are required to meet standards within the Sonoma County Code and comply with requirements including best management practices (BMPs) as established in the Agricultural Commissioner's BMP guidelines.
MEASURE K: Community Separators Protection Ordinance
In order to preserve rural open space and agricultural land, maintain community identities, and prevent sprawl, the "Community Separators Protection Ordinance" would amend the Sonoma County General Plan to require voter approval of changes to the General Plan that increase the allowed density or intensity of development within Community Separators until December 31, 2036, and to repeal Ordinance 5145R.
MEASURE M: Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance
The "Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Prevention Ordinance" would 1) prohibit the propagation, cultivation, raising, or growing of genetically engineered organisms in the unincorporated County, as defined in the ordinance and excluding for use in medicine and controlled research; 2) require the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner to enforce the ordinance by assessing a civil monetary penalty or pursuing an injunction against violators; and 3) provide for fines and fees for each violation.
VESCO: Grading, Drainage, Vineyard & Orchard Site Development
This department administers the Sonoma County Grading, Drainage, & Vineyard & Orchard Site Development Ordinance, also known as VESCO. Growers planting new vineyards, orchards or replanting existing vineyards or orchards are required to meet standards within the Sonoma County Code and comply with requirements including best management practices (BMPs) as established in the Agricultural Commissioner's BMP guidelines.
NAPA COUNTY:
Measure Z: Water, Parks and Open Space, Restoration and Prevention Measure
Water, Parks and Open Space, Restoration and Preservation Measure. To protect drinking water by preserving and restoring watersheds, rivers, creeks; protect natural open spaces and wildlife habitat; reduce wildfire risk; and maintain parks and trails; shall Napa County enact a 1/4 percent sales tax for the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District raising an estimated eight million dollars annually for fourteen years with citizen oversight, annual audits, and funds that cannot be taken by the State? LEARN MORE HERE.
Measure Z: Water, Parks and Open Space, Restoration and Prevention Measure
Water, Parks and Open Space, Restoration and Preservation Measure. To protect drinking water by preserving and restoring watersheds, rivers, creeks; protect natural open spaces and wildlife habitat; reduce wildfire risk; and maintain parks and trails; shall Napa County enact a 1/4 percent sales tax for the Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District raising an estimated eight million dollars annually for fourteen years with citizen oversight, annual audits, and funds that cannot be taken by the State? LEARN MORE HERE.
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