mar-apr-2019

ADVOCACY REPORT Energetic Start to 2019 Almond Alliance has hit the ground running in 2019 and has no intention of slowing down. Below is a snapshot of the work Almond Alliance is doing on behalf of the almond industry. State In February, leaders of the California ag community had the opportunity to sit down with Governor Newsom, Secretary Karen Ross and three newly-elected members of the California State Senate and Assembly to provide them with an overview of important industry issues. We expressed our concerns regarding unimpaired water flows, SGMA implementation, the need for clean drinking water, the importance of steady labor, innovative methods of handling our co-products, standards of identity, integrated pest management, pesticide use, good practices around bee health and border stations, and worker health and safety. We requested to meet regularly with the administration and have the opportunity to provide feedback on inspections and regulatory oversight. The recent appointment of Almond Alliance member and almond grower Bill Lyons as the Agriculture and Water Liaison to Governor Newsom will be extremely beneficial to our organization and industry. Federal Recently, I returned from Washington, D.C. While there I met with our California delegation and key members of the Ag Committee. The USDA briefed us on the current trade negotiations, and we articulated how the almond industry has been impacted. We continue to communicate the importance of international trade to the California almond industry. As the U.S. and China negotiations are ongoing, we expressed our support of the United State Mexico Canada Agreement and the need for strong trade agreements to access customers around the world; while reiterating the importance of stable and reliable markets for continued industry growth. We were advised that India and Turkey will no longer qualify as beneficiary developing countries under GSP which has provided emerging economies with duty- free access to the U.S. market for certain exports. Seeing these countries are two very important markets for our industry, we expressed that the impacts of this decision will likely be significant. We also reported to the Administration that, as promised, we made sure that the California almond industry applied for the Market Facilitation Program. To date, approximately 2,280 growers have applied and received $17.2 million, and another 700 applications are expected to be funded for around $25 million in direct payments. Almond Alliance is advocating for the balance of mitigation funds to be awarded to a direct marketing program specific to almonds. Overall, the clear takeaway is that the California almond industry needs a strong presence in D.C., and needs your help to make our presence strong. While Almond Alliance continues its advocacy efforts on the State and Federal front, it is essential that we show Congress our value and overall impact. There are approximately 45 bills that we are closely watching that 3 0 A L M O N D F A C T S