Ag Council and the California League of Food Processors Sponsor Climate Change Workshop
In October, California Air Resources Board adopted the final climate change regulations for implementation of the AB 32 California Global Warming Solutions Act. The regulations take effect in 2012 with enforcement starting January 1, 2013.
As a result of the new regulations, Ag Council and the California League of Food Processors hosted a joint workshop on December 15, 2011 at the Hilton Garden Inn Sacramento/South Natomas. Presented by the Climate Action Reserve, this workshop provided an overview of the Climate Action Reserve program, California's offsets program, the approved project types, and the state of the California carbon market as the state prepares to implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program in 2013.
The workshop was held for companies regulated under the California cap-and-trade program, potential project developers and others interested in learning more about the California carbon market.
Ag Council Holds Successful Legislative Day
More than 25 Agricultural Council of California (Ag Council) members made their way to the state capitol in June to visit with legislators about important issues impacting farmer-owned businesses and cooperatives in California. Of note, Governor Jerry Brown, First Lady Anne Gust Brown, Agriculture Secretary, Karen Ross, and other state officials joined Ag Council members at their legislative reception.
Gov. Brown, Ag Council Pres., Emily Rooney, and board member Peter Hunn
“Agriculture is California’s most important industry and has the potential to help put the state back on good financial footing. However, we need help from our legislators to push back unnecessary regulation that hinders our ability to conduct business and provide jobs to Californians,” said Emily Rooney, president of Ag Council. “Our membership represents every aspect of food production in California from the farmers that raise the crops to the processors who help make those commodities market-ready.”
Board members Nat DiBuduo & Carl Hoff with Assemblyman Nielsen (far right)
Ag Council’s Legislative Day kicked off with a briefing on June 7 that included an update on budget negotiations from Assemblywoman Connie Conway who represents the 34th District and is Assembly Minority Leader. Sandra Schubert, newly appointed undersecretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), provided Ag Council members an update on activities within the department. Ag Council also heard from Secretary of Natural Resources John Laird and discussed key water issues with him.
Gov. Brown, Emily Rooney, and Ag Council member, Kelly Covello
Ag Council members met with elected officials in the afternoon to discuss current and pending legislation related to water, land use, as well as food safety and nutrition programs. “The current budget negotiations are at a critical time,” said Jon Marthedal, chairman of the board for Ag Council and chairman of Sun-Maid Growers of California. “The opportunity for our members to meet face-to-face with elected officials is critical to help those legislators understand how the decisions they make in Sacramento impact California’s most economically valuable industry, and the farmer-owned businesses that drive the economy.”
Gov. Brown and Ag Council board member, Jeana Hultquist
The Legislative Day concluded with a reception at the Citizen Hotel where more than 25 legislators and staff members had an opportunity to visit with Ag Council members. CDFA Secretary, Karen Ross, was also in attendance. The evening was highlighted by an appearance from Governor Jerry Brown and First Lady Ann Gust Brown who spent more than an hour visiting with Ag Council members about issues important to agriculture.
Assemblywoman Galgiani (top center) with Kelly Covello, Susan Brauner, & George Goshgarian
*Photos courtesy of Holly Foster with Crescent Communications Consulting