AGRICULTURAL COUNCIL OF CALIFORNIA
28
Almond Facts
NOVEMBER | DECEMBER 2016
Moving Forward into 2017
It’s been a contentious and sometimes acrimonious election. With the dust settling, we are able to gain
perspective. At the state level, out of 120 legislators, about 20 percent are incoming freshman. With 12-
year term limits, new legislators could be in office through 2028 if they prevail in subsequent elections.
This is why Ag Council prioritizes outreach and communication on our key issues, particularly given
that the majority of new legislators represent urban and suburban districts.
As a result of the election, Assembly Democrats have a
supermajority where the party holds two-thirds of the
votes allowing for easier passage of tax hikes, changes
to ethics rules and the placement of constitutional
amendments on the ballot. However, it is yet to be
determined whether the supermajority significantly
impacts policy issues. Democrats retain a majority in
the Senate; however, it is not a supermajority pending
the outcome of a close race currently leaning in favor
of the Republican.
Despite the results of the national election, a progressive
agenda remains the focal point in the Legislature. It is
more important than ever to build bridges with legislators,
advocate our viewpoint and communicate that we
represent more than 15,000 California farmers who grow,
produce and process an impressive array of healthy, local
products including more than 90 percent of the almonds
processed in California.
We are preparing upcoming tours with legislators to
ensure they hear first-hand from our members about
the critical issues facing agriculture. We appreciate
Blue
Diamond
’s past and continued participation in these
outreach efforts. The positive relationships fostered during
such tours are invaluable and result in lasting connections
for years to come.
Legislative & Regulatory
Issues at the Forefront
As we transition into 2017, Ag Council continues to work on
pragmatic solutions with a politically balanced approach,
which is in the farming community’s best interest.
Climate Change
Ag Council is highly engaged as the Air Resources Board
(ARB) moves to implement SB 1383 by Senator Lara
(D-Bell Gardens). Ag Council sought passage of SB 1383
in the Legislature this year because it creates needed
parameters around ARB’s efforts to regulate manure
methane emissions from dairies and gives more certainty to
dairy farming families. On another climate change front,
Ag Council is emphasizing cost-effectiveness, feasibility
and the need to avoid duplication as ARB develops its 2030
Scoping Plan, which is a strategy outlining how to achieve
greenhouse gas emissions reductions of 40 percent below
1990 levels by 2030 now required by law.
Buy American Requirement
The Joint Legislative Audit Committee recently approved
Ag Council’s audit request, sponsored by Senator Galgiani
(D-Stockton), to determine compliance and enforcement
of the Buy American requirement in California schools.
The audit helps ensure our children consume food of the
highest quality and safety, and supports locally grown
products, as well as our economy.
Water
A solution to nitrate in drinking water is crucial,
as those in affected disadvantaged communities need
help to ensure their families have safe, clean drinking
water. And, as many farmers already know, the legal
implications are serious. Ag Council is actively engaging
with other organizations and state officials to help push
toward a solution for agriculture and the communities
that need drinking water improvements.
Agricultural
Council of California
EMILY ROONEY,
President
