40
Almond Facts
JANUARY | FEBRUARY 2017
On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, the nation took
to the polls and voted in a new President of
the United States. The outcome effected both
Republican and Democratic parties, and will
most certainly bring about policy changes. At the
recent
Blue Diamond
Annual Meeting, attendees
had the opportunity to hear from legislative
advocates on what the outcome will mean at the
federal level and how voters shaped California’s
political future.
New Leadership
Brings Uncertainty
“The most significant thing about this election was that
it had the lowest voter turnout since 1996,” said Julian
Heron of Tuttle Taylor Heron, a Washington D.C.-based
representative for
Blue Diamond
and other cooperatives on
federal policy and regulations. “The RNC (Republican
National Committee) made a real effort to turn out the
vote, particularly in rural areas.”
Heron acknowledged that rural America, namely farmers,
have such a strong influence. “President Trump will
actually be paying close attention to issues of interest to
rural America,” said Heron.
In looking at how the election outcome will impact
policy issues, Heron outlined President Trump’s agenda.
High-priority items include the repeal of Obamacare;
executive action in regulatory oversight; elimination
of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and
the Department of Education; and the renegotiation of
trade deals.
An agricultural agenda has also been identified by the
new President. “President Trump supports the renewable
fuel standard for ethanol and recognizes the unique labor
challenges facing the American farm community,” said
Heron. “He will include farmers and ranchers in the
process of determining the best possible immigration
policies.” Heron also noted that President Trump will
look to repeal Waters of the United States (WOTUS)
within his first 100 days in office and is against the
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).
Heron recognized there will be uncertainty as transitions
within the agricultural industry take place under President
Trump’s leadership. “Stay tuned. Next year is going to be
very exciting,” exclaimed Heron.
Election
Outcome
2016
Election seminar panel
thoughtfully answers
questions from the
audience of Annual
Meeting attendees.
