Capitol Farm Connection

Emily and Tricia discuss potential changes to the cap & trade program and the latest information regarding the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) in today's episode of Capitol Farm Connection.  As the Legislature considers changes to the statewide budget, a new climate proposal is being considered that would add additional costs for businesses and residents in California.  On the SGMA front, the Department of Water Resources provided an update to the State Water Resources Control Board regarding the Groundwater Sustainability Plans.  Learn how Ag Council is engaging on behalf of the agricultural community on these issues. 

This week, the governor issued an Executive Order regarding Workers' Compensation and announced updated budget shortfalls, revealing more information on California's fiscal outlook.   Learn about how both of these issues potentially impact California agriculture in today's episode.

Emily and Tricia discuss the parameters required for employees to utilize the new Workers' Comp benefit and the concerns they raised to Administration officials prior to the governor's actions.  A copy of a joint press statement can be found at this link: http://www.agcouncil.org/labor-2.

Governor Newsom's recent Executive Order (EO) regarding supplemental sick leave and his consideration of a potential EO regarding Workers' Comp are the latest issues impacting agricultural businesses.  Emily and Tricia break down these issues, discuss the pros and cons and their engagement with the Administration on these topics.  Tricia highlights recent legislative activities and the political environment in Sacramento as well.

To review a copy of the EO pertaining to sick leave, click here. 

Work in Sacramento may be occurring remotely, but developments are occurring at a rapid pace.  Executive Orders from the Governor, new guidances from CalOSHA and other state regulatory agencies, and shifting priorities in the Legislature are changing the way we do business in California as a response to the pandemic.  Emily and Tricia dive into these issues, and more, in today's episode.  

If you are looking for a way to give back, please consider a contribution to the California Association of Food Banks.  Their website can be located by clicking here.

Ag Council President, Emily Rooney, sits down with Karen Ross, Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture.  Karen and Emily discuss several timely issues impacting agriculture, including the Governor's budget, the PG&E and the utility/wildfire crisis, the future of crop protection materials and the state of the dairy industry.  Karen also highlights the Governor's "California for All," initiative and his dedication to the San Joaquin Valley and inland regions of California, underscored by his work with the San Joaquin Valley Partnership and his plans to create a "Food Innovation Corridor," between UC Merced and Fresno State. Karen wraps-up the episode with her views on the promise of agriculture in California and the unique environment the State provides to continue to enable success for the industry.

Emily and Tricia discuss the major policy themes in the State Capitol including highlights of the Governor's 2020 Water Resilience Portfolio, his proposed budget and the Food Production Investment Program.

With a major focus on the budget, Tricia highlights Governor Newsom’s priorities, agricultural programs funded with climate dollars, water-related funding and the budget process.

Ag Council President, Emily Rooney, interviews Mark Jansen, CEO of Blue Diamond Growers. Mark discusses his plans for continued innovation on the product side, Blue Diamond's new membership policies and the shared philosophies between him and his friendly competitors in the industry.

Mark also discusses his new leadership position at the California Chamber of Commerce and tackles some of the policies coming out of Washington and Sacramento.

Mark and Emily also discuss the benefits of a strong Board of Directors, engaged membership and the collaborative missions of Blue Diamond and Ag Council.

Cannon Michael & Michael Frantz join Emily in a conversation about water and the politics surrounding it in CA.  Cannon Michael is a 6th generation farmer and Chairman of the San Luis & Delta Mendota Water Authority (SLDMWA).  Michael Frantz is CEO of Frantz Wholesale Nursery and a Board Member of Turlock Irrigation District (TID).  

Cannon & Michael discuss local projects, managing conflicting state & federal regulations, & provide insights in areas where they see positive change happening.

For more information on the SLDMWA, please visit:

http://sldmwa.org

For more information regarding TID, please visit:

https://www.tid.org

For additional information, please visit the Water Education Foundation's Website:

https://www.watereducation.org

Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio (D - Baldwin Park) was born in Juarez, Mexico, and came to California with her parents at a young age.  Through perseverance and hard work, she became a teacher, was elected to the local water board, the school board, and now serves as the Assemblywoman for the 48th District in California.  

Assemblywoman Rubio discusses the impacts being an undocumented child has had on her family and the lingering effects throughout the state.  She also goes into detail about the priorities in her district including water, education, domestic violence and issues weighing on foster children and working and immigrant families.

As a Moderate Democrat, Rubio reflects on the manufacturing presence in her district and its uniqueness from the City of Los Angeles.  She also touches on agricultural issues and highlights the areas we all have in common and opportunities to work together.

To learn more about Assemblywoman Blanca Rubio, go to her website at:  https://a48.asmdc.org.

She can also be contacted through the portal on her site, located at:

https://lcmspubcontact.lc.ca.gov/PublicLCMS/ContactPopup.php?district=AD48.  

Emily and Tricia discuss hot topics in the State Legislature this year and how legislation regarding vaccinations impacted the overall climate in the Capitol.  They also cover the recent passage of SB 1, and it's imminent veto by Governor Newsom.  Additionally, Emily and Tricia discuss the outlook for single-use packaging and what it means for food companies heading into 2020.