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Almond Facts
MAY | JUNE 2015
AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
Agricultural
Council of California
“Fasten your seat belt. It will be a very exciting ride.”
– Governor Brown
EMILY ROONEY,
President
Governor Brown used this quote in the beginning of 2015, when highlighting his objectives for the
coming year. While the Legislature and the Governor now focus their efforts again on the state budget,
the Administration is very active within its agencies specifically in regards to water, air and climate
change. Ag Council’s team is engaged with staff in the regulatory agencies on these fronts and continues
to work to improve outcomes for
Blue Diamond Growers
and all of our members.
Emergency Regulation
MandatingWater Reductions
to go into Effect on June 1
With continued focus on the drought, Governor Brown issued
an Executive Order on April 1 requiring the Board to issue a
mandatory statewide 25 percent reduction of water usage in
urban areas. Implementation of this program begins June 1.
When the State Water Resources Control Board (the Board)
considered the emergency regulation mandating water
reductions in urban areas, I testified to express concerns at
the Board meeting in mid-May about the potential impact
on some of our members. While many think agriculture does
not participate in this program, some of Ag Council’s food
processing members utilize water from municipal sources.
Additionally, as an example, farmers in certain areas utilize
municipal water for agricultural production. I highlighted
the need for water for food safety purposes and emphasized a
willingness to work with the Board in order to address those
needs.
CalRecycle Releases Revised
Composting Regulations
In April, California’s Department of Resources Recycling
and Recovery (CalRecycle) released a revised proposal
for the Compostable Materials, Transfer/Processing
Regulations.
In a May 6 comment letter, Ag Council expressed
appreciation that CalRecycle addressed some of our
members’ concerns, including those raised by the almond
industry, with a revised definition of land application
and the inclusion of the agricultural by-product material
definition.
Ag Council remains concerned about the proposal
adding another layer of regulation where there is already
adequate environmental oversight from another authority.
In particular, Ag Council urged CalRecycle staff to
provide more clarity regarding the need for the proposed
regulations as they pertain to dairy farms and to include our
recommendations.
Full Speed Ahead: Brown
Administration Picks Up the
Pace on Regulations
