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San Luis Obispo County Agriculture News

February 27, 2023

www.slofarmbureau.org

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Congressman Panetta, Federal Agencies Help Navigate Disaster Assistance Challenges for Agriculture

February 27, 2023 - Press Release from Congressman Panetta

Paso Robles, CA – In case you missed it, U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) and the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau held a townhall to connect local farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses with federal disaster resources following the recent storms. Local leaders as well as representatives from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and Small Business Administration (SBA) were able to answer questions and provide guidance on navigating disaster related aid and programs.


“The storms caused significant damage to many farms and ranches in our communities, which are so important to the economy, character, and livelihoods of the central coast of California and to our nation’s food supply. I’m proud to have advocated for the critical federal support that our farmers, ranchers, and agricultural business owners will need to repair, recover, and return to normal, but our work is only just beginning,” said Rep. Panetta.  “Now the hard work starts as we move forward and ensure that these federal agencies work with us, not against us, to get my constituents in the 19th Congressional District the appropriate and accessible federal resources.”


“Our local agriculture community is hurting, and federal assistance cannot come fast enough,” said San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett.  “We are grateful for our partnership with Congressman Panetta to push for clarity on what can be a confusing and frustrating application process for farmers and ranchers. We want to continue hearing from those impacted about their experiences with federal relief agencies so we can help cut through red tape to provide relief.”


On January 15, 2023, President Joe Biden granted a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of California following a letter led by Rep. Panetta with the entire California Congressional delegation urging the Biden Administration expedite support. On January 17, 2023, President Biden amended his Major Disaster Declaration to include San Luis Obispo County opening up assistance for farmers, small businesses, and families.


Rep. Panetta encourages farmers, ranchers, small business owners, and residents in need of assistance in navigating storm recovery resources to contact his office at 831-424-2229 or send him an email through his website: here.


Note: if you are in southern SLO County, you can contact Congressman Salud Carbajal's district office in San Luis Obispo at 805-546-8348 or online here.

KSBY - San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau hosts Agriculture Storm Briefing

Representative Jimmy Panetta held a briefing tonight on last month's storms. The congressman was there to hear from his constituents about the damages caused by the January 9 storm and flooding, and the challenges people have had in applying for federal disaster assistance.

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This Week In SLO County Agriculture

In This Week's Issue:

  • Disaster Assistance for SLO County Agriculture: Here's What We Know Today
  • Community: Thieves Steal $9,000 of Tools, Equipment from SLO Farmer 
  • County Government: SLO County Board of Supervisors Meeting Taking Place Tomorrow, Feb 28 at 9AM
  • State Government: California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work Highlights Bills to Keep an Eye On
  • Federal Government: Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Releases Farm Bill Priorities
  • California Farm Bureau News: From The Farm- A Message from Our President, Jamie Johansson
  • Business Member Spotlight: Filliponi & Thompson Drilling
  • USDA: San Luis Obispo County USDA - Farm Service Agency February Newsletter
  • Environmental: Environmental Groups Sue California to Force Regulation of Pesticide-Treated Seeds
  • Produce: Accessibility and Soul are Hallmarks of the Small Farm Conference
  • Labor: Agricultural Labor Relations Board ‘Card Check’ Guidance
  • Livestock: California Mid-State Fair Livestock Newsletter
  • Vineyard & Wine: NEW - Cal Poly TV Show Opportunity for Wineries
  • Water: North County Water District Seeks Seat on Paso Robles Basin Cooperative Committee

February 20 Most-Read

1.  Newsom suspends environmental laws to store more Delta water 

2. Prices soar for SLO County wine grapes

3. Damage control: Some SLO County storm victims don't qualify for FEMA help

4. Over-the-counter livestock antibiotics will require prescription after June 11

5. National Egg Shortage: A grim prediction and a unique egg alternative

6. Wineries on Anderson Road collaborate in beautification project

7.  EV Charging Infrastructure for the Agriculture Industry Interactive Webinar

8.  Community partners propose conservation plan for Diablo Canyon

9.  California’s snowpack is melting faster than ever before, leaving less available water

10.  Biden EPA proposes restoring pesticide protections for farmworkers rolled back under Trump

Executive Director Report

Here are a few things we worked on this week:

  • Held a SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Committee meeting;
  • Met with State Senator John Laird;
  • Assisted a member with a compliance question about the Paso Basin Ag Offset Ordinance;
  • Gave a tour of local agriculture for Congressman Panetta’s Washington D.C.-based staff;
  • Did an interview with KSBY on cold weather impacts to agriculture; 
  • Attended the Shandon-San Juan Water District meeting;
  • Attended the Cal Poly Local Economic Development Committee meeting;
  • Did our weekly agriculture update on KJUG 98.1’s The Tom & Becky Show (Thursdays around 9:10am);
  • Hosted an Agriculture Storm Briefing with U.S. Rep. Panetta and federal agencies;
  • Attended the South County Chambers of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee meeting;
  • Participated in an Agriculture Storm Damage Coordination meeting with agriculture organizations and government officials from SLO, Santa Barbara and Monterey Counties; and
  • Reviewed agenda items for the Feb. 28 SLO County Board of Supervisors meeting.


Calendar- Upcoming Events & Deadlines:


  • Feb 28: Farm Bureau Board Meeting (all members welcome, please RSVP for dinner by calling the office at 805-543-3654)
  • March 16 - Deadline to apply for Business Physical Disaster Loans through U.S. Small Business Administration and FEMA assistance for personal property losses (Note: only agriculture businesses that do not produce a commodity are eligible for SBA business disaster loans. Farmers and ranchers must seek assistance through USDA Farm Service Agency)
  • April 14 - Deadline to apply for USDA Farm Service Agency's Emergency Conservation Program
  • September 18 - Deadline to apply for the USDA Farm Service Agency’s Emergency Loan Program

Disaster Assistance for SLO County Agriculture: Here's What We Know Today

Feb. 27, 2023, By SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett  


Applying for federal disaster assistance has been a confusing and frustrating process for SLO County agriculture. Last week, at our Agriculture Storm Briefing with Congressman Panetta we received additional clarity. San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau is here to help. Whether you are a Farm Bureau member or not, you can contact our office for information at 805-543-3654 or info@slofarmbureau.org. Here’s what we know today: 


Small Business Administration and FEMA Assistance 

Farmers and ranchers that raise an agricultural commodity (e.g. cattle, lettuce, winegrapes) are NOT eligible for U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster assistance for their business losses. Damages to personal (not business) property like a residence ARE eligible for SBA loans or Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grants.  


Agriculture-related businesses like a winery, irrigation company, or any other business that does not grow a commodity ARE eligible for SBA assistance. If your business produces a commodity, but also has other non-production operations, you might be eligible for SBA assistance. For example, a business that grows winegrapes and also makes wine might qualify for SBA assistance for the winery operation damages, even though damages to the farming operation are not covered.  

  • The eligibility determination for an agricultural entity that also has a non-agricultural component is made by the SBA loan officer after reviewing the financial information of the entity. “Under § 7(b) of the Small Business Act, SBA may not provide disaster loans to agricultural enterprises.A business may be primarily an agricultural enterprise but also have a non-agricultural, separable component. The non- agricultural venture may be eligible for a business physical disaster loan regardless of the "primary" activity of the overall business structure or affiliated group. To be eligible, the non-agricultural venture must be a separable operation and not just part of the agricultural enterprise, with separable and distinguishable income, operations, expenses, assets, etc.” 


The deadline to apply for SBA and FEMA is March 16, 2023. Apply online for SBA loans at or in person at the SBA Disaster Loan Outreach Center (DLOC) in San Luis Obispo. FEMA staff will also be onsite to assist residents in applying for FEMA disaster assistance in-person and follow up on existing applications. The Disaster Loan Outreach Center is located at the San Luis Obispo Library - 995 Palm Street, SLO, and is open Tuesdays-Wednesdays from 10am-6pm, Thursdays-Fridays from 10am-5pm and Saturdays from9am-2pm.  

  • See the SBA Fact Sheet for interest rates and details. FEMA grants may pay for temporary housing, emergency home repairs for the primary residence, uninsured and underinsured personal property losses and medical, dental and funeral expenses caused by the disaster, along with other serious disaster-related expenses.  
  • FEMA may also be able to cover damages to privately-maintained roads and bridges. If multiple residents rely on the road or bridge, the neighborhood may need to coordinate their application to FEMA.   


USDA Farm Service Agency Assistance

Farmers and ranchers should apply to the USDA Farm Service Agency for both cost share programs (grants) and low-interest loans. If you had damages from the flood, do not wait any longer to contact FSA. San Luis Obispo County USDA FSA Service Center in Templeton at 805-434-0396 ext. 2 


One of the main programs of interest has been the Emergency Conservation Program. This is a cost-share program that may cover expenses like debris removal, restoring eroded fields, and installing fences.  The application deadline for the Emergency Conservation Program is April 14, 2023. 

  • NEW INFORMATION: If you have already contacted FSA about damages and are awaiting a site inspection before you can began work (as is usually required by the program), there is a chance you can be approved to begin work before your Emergency Conservation Program application is approved. If you consider it an emergency and cannot wait for an inspection, you should submit a written request to FSA attesting that “Getting this work done is an emergency and needs to begin immediately.”  
  • SLO County FSA has already began conducting site inspections for the more than 300 applications received. The timeline to complete all the inspections is not certain, but 3-4 weeks is FSA’s goal. If you cannot wait, it is worth making this request to FSA.  


FSA’s Emergency Loan Program is now open and applications are due September 18, 2023 for San Luis Obispo County. This low-interest loan program (current rate is 3.75%) finances up to $500,000 in storm-related business damages and losses. Emergency loan funds may be used to: 

  • Restore or replace essential property 
  • Pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year 
  • Pay essential family living expenses 
  • Reorganize the family farming operation 
  • Refinance certain non-real estate operating debts 

You can apply through the FSA office in Templeton, but the FSA office in Santa Maria administers the loan program for San Luis Obispo County. For questions about the Emergency Loan Program contact Gary Troester, FSA Farm Loan Manager for Santa Barbara/Ventura/San Luis Obispo Counties at 805-928-9269 x2 or gary.troester@usda.gov 


See a list of other FSA cost share or grant programs like the Tree Assistance Program (covers crops like citrus and winegrapes), Livestock Forage Disaster Program (grazing losses), and Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish (livestock losses) here. Other FSA programs may have different application deadlines.

Community: Thieves Steal $9,000 of Tools, Equipment from SLO Farmer 

Thieves Steal $9,000 of Tools, Equipment from SLO Farmer

Courtesy of City Farm SLO


Dear Friends of City Farm SLO: 


We need your help! A break-in and theft took place at our Tenant Farmer, Francisco Martinon’s, plot. Over $9,000 worth of cash, tools, and equipment were stolen from locked storage. SLOPD were quick to respond and recovered approximately $3000 worth of stolen goods from a nearby area. 


Frank of MG Farms has been farming with us at City Farm SLO since 2020 and grows 5.5 acres of organic vegetables for local farmers’ markets, local school districts, SLO Veg customers, and for donation to local nonprofits. Frank and his wife, Alma, work tirelessly to bring wholesome foods to our community. Unfortunately, MG Farms has been subject to increasing trespassing, vandalism, and theft. 


In the past year, City Farm SLO has taken strong action in response to security threats. In consultation with SLOPD, SLO Rangers, and SLO Homelessness Manager, we have completed a CPTED assessment; built and repaired fences, locked gates, sheds, and stored equipment; installed motion sensor lights and live security cameras; and developed long-range plans to enhance site security. Despite our extensive efforts, our 19-acre farm is particularly vulnerable to increasing criminal activity. 

We recently submitted a Proposal for Public Safety, Access and Purpose-Critical Infrastructure Support to the City of San Luis Obispo seeking financial support for long-term security infrastructure improvements. 


We are asking for your help in the following ways: 

1. Please consider making a donation to help Frank recover some of his losses. (You can contribute here

2. Please support our Proposal to the City of San Luis Obispo by signing our petition here.


We have set a fundraising goal of $6,000. All proceeds will go directly to Frank to help offset his losses.  Thank you for your support! 

SLO Food System Coalition Non-Profit Mondays at SLO Provisions

Ag Alert - County Corner: In land of farms and surf, we help agriculture thrive

Four years ago, with my vintage bourbon collection and a beautiful woman in tow, I said goodbye to my native Kentucky and journeyed west to San Luis Obispo County, accompanying my wife as we moved to her family homeland.

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KSBY - Farmers throughout the region preparing for cold temperatures and more rain

Winter weather has arrived on the Central Coast causing concern among farmers about their citrus crops. “Here at Talley Farms the cold weather is going to impact us tremendously," said Ryan Talley...

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Registration Now Open for Winemaking Competition

The Central Coast Home Winemaking Competition hosted annually by the California Mid-State Fair is now accepting entries. The competition will take place in May ...

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County Government: SLO County Board of Supervisors Meeting Taking Place Tomorrow, Feb. 28 at 9AM

SLO County Board of Supervisors Meeting Taking Place Tomorrow, Feb. 28 at 9AM


The meeting will take place tomorrow morning at 9am and can be viewed online here. The agenda for the meeting can be found here. Additional item details can be found here.


Items of interest to Agriculture:

6. Request to approve an agreement with Mixteco Indigena Community Organizing Project allocating a total of $5,100 from Districts One, Two, and Three Community Project Funds - Fund Center #106 to be used for expenses associated with providing incentives for survey and focus group participants on February 15, 2023. Districts 1, 2, & 3.


7. Submittal of resolution honoring Eric Jensen as the 2022 Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Wine Industry Person of the Year. All Districts.


12. Request to approve the appointment of Neil Havlik, Jean-Pierre Wolff, and Jessica Crutchfield to the Coastal San Luis Resource Conservation District Board of Directors with terms that will expire on November 27, 2026. Districts 2, 3, 4, and 5.


20. Request to appoint eleven members to the Water Resources Advisory Committee (WRAC) of the San Luis Obispo County Flood Control and Water Conservation District. All Districts.

  • Appointments to WRAC include : Jim Guthrie as Member for the City of Arroyo Grande; Clint Weirick as Member for the City of Grover Beach; Robert Robert as Alternate Member for the City of Grover Beach; Cyndee Edwards as Alternate Member for the City of Morro Bay; Stacy Inman as Alternate Member for the City of Pismo Beach; Emily Francis as Alternate Member for the City of San Luis Obispo; Doug Groshart as Alternate Member for the Heritage Ranch Community Services District; Allene Villa as Member for Oceano Community Services District; Beverly Joyce-Suneson as Alternate Member for Oceano Community Services District; Tayler Simpson as the Development At-Large Member; and Tim Walters as the Development At-Large Alternate Member.


30. It is recommended that the Board receive and file a presentation regarding the Fiscal Year 2023-24 County and State Budgets, and provide direction to staff as necessary. All Districts.


31. Request to receive and file the County’s temporary events update regarding rules, regulations, and enforcement. All Districts.

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State Government: California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work Highlights Bills to Keep an Eye On

California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work

February 24, 2022

Air Quality

Assemblymember Garcia introduced AB 1401 would require the CARB to give additional preference to air quality improvement projects under the Air Quality Improvement Program (AQIP) based on the project’s ability to promote the use of clean alternative fuels, biofuels, and vehicle technologies. The bill would also require the state board to include certain information relating to renewable fuels and biofuels in its biennial report to the Legislature on the program.


SB 768 by Senator Caballero was introduced last week. The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires a lead agency, as defined, to prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the completion of an environmental impact report on a project that it proposes to carry out or approve that may have a significant effect on the environment or to adopt a negative declaration if it finds that the project will not have that effect. CEQA also requires a lead agency to prepare a mitigated negative declaration for a project that may have a significant effect on the environment if revisions in the project would avoid or mitigate that effect and there is no substantial evidence that the project, as revised, would have a significant effect on the environment. This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would create a new transportation impact analysis for rural areas for purposes of CEQA.

Utilities commission explores ways to mitigate high natural gas prices

Lea este artículo en español. Gas prices have spiked in California. That may sound like old news after months of high prices at the pump, but this time another kind of gas is running up the tab: natural gas, which fuels stoves and heats water and homes.

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CDFA Announces Vacancies on Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee

PUBLISHED ON SACRAMENTO - The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is announcing vacancies on the Certified Farmers Market Advisory Committee (CFMAC). The CFMAC advises the CDFA Secretary on all matters pertaining to the Direct Marketing Program, including legislation, regulations, enforcement, and administrative policies and procedures pertaining to the direct marketing of California-grown agricultural products at Certified Farmers' Markets (CFMs).

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Federal Government: Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Releases Farm Bill Priorities

California Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News -

February 16, 2023


  • U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Releases Initial Central Valley Project Allocation
  • President Johansson, CAFB Members Attend AFBF Issue Advisory Committee Meetings in DC
  • 2023 Farm Bill: Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Releases Recommendations, CBO Releases Baseline
  • Senate Farm Bill Hearing Draws Nutrition into Focus
  • USDA Joint Chiefs Announcement on the Landscape Restoration Partnership
  • Pollinator Participation Opportunities
  • General Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) Signup Begins February 27
  • USDA Will Continue to Accept Census Responses Beyond Deadline
  • FDA Proposed Rule Under Fire for Guidance on Labeling of Non-Dairy “Milks”

Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance Releases Farm Bill Priorities

Clements: The Food and Agriculture Climate Alliance's 2023 Farm Bill policy recommendations offer voluntary bipartisan climate solutions. The American Farm Bureau Federation is a founding member of the alliance, which includes a diverse group of more than 80 organizations. AFBF Senior Government Affairs Director Andrew Walmsley says the recommendations focus on a few key priorities.

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Weekly Agriculture

Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack says he wants a farm bill for the "many and most," and calls on Congress to see the "wisdom" of the spending it appropriated in recent stimulus bills. - Top ag trade officials in the Agriculture Department and U.S. Trade Representative urged diversification away from reliance on China.

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California Farm Bureau News: From The Farm- A Message from Our President, Jamie Johansson

CAFB Legal Service Division Newsletter February 2023

From The Farm- A Message from Our President, Jamie Johansson

Business Member Spotlight:

Filliponi & Thompson Drilling

Filipponi & Thompson Drilling, Inc. has been serving the central coast from Monterey to Ventura since 1974, providing complete water systems. They specialize in drilling both Domestic and Irrigation wells. They are skilled in constructing top of the line solar and electrical pump systems, as well as submitting water samples.  Filipponi & Thompson Drilling, Inc. has worked diligently to build a reputation of integrity, experience and quality customer service. The company’s motto is “No one ever lost business because quality was too high, or service too good.” Upholding these values ensures continued business, which in turn gives Filipponi & Thompson Drilling, Inc. the ability to give back to the community they cherish.

ftdrilling.com

PHONE: BUSINESS: 1-805-466-1271

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Thank You Farm Bureau Members

Renewing Platinum Agricultural Member

Limoneira Company


Renewing Agricultural Members

Reymondo Manuel, Vineyard Team, Brent Burchett, Barbara Parsons, Susan Warren, John Jones, Johansing Farm LLC, Bejo Seeds Inc, and Hope Family Wines


Renewing Associate Members

Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg and Erich Schaefer


Renewing Collegiate Member

Chelsea Rogell

SLO County Farm Bureau Business Support Member List

USDA: San Luis Obispo County USDA - Farm Service Agency February Newsletter

Webinar: USDA Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) presents Schedule F (Profit or Loss From Farming)

The Schedule F is used to report taxable income earned from farming, ranching, and agricultural activities.


Join USDA and Guido van der Hoeven, President, Land Grant University Tax Education Foundation, Inc. (LGUTEF), for a line-by-line review of this tax form.

Time:

Mar 22, 2023 03:00 PM in Eastern Time (US and Canada)

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San Luis Obispo County USDA - Farm Service Agency February Newsletter

California Farm Service Agency (FSA) offers disaster assistance and low-interest loan programs to assist you in your recovery efforts following recent heavy rains and flooding. Available programs and loans include:

  • Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) - provides financial assistance to producers of non-insurable crops when low yields, loss of inventory, or prevented planting occur due to natural disasters including excessive wind and qualifying drought (includes native grass for grazing)....
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Still time to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture, USDA to follow up with producers who have not yet responded

USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service Information. NASS publications cover a wide range of subjects, from traditional crops, such as corn and wheat, to specialties, such as mushrooms and flowers; from calves born to hogs slaughtered; from agricultural prices to land in farms. The agency has the distinction of being known as The Fact Finders of U.S.

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Environmental: Environmental Groups Sue California to Force Regulation of Pesticide-Treated Seeds

Environmental Groups Sue California to Force Regulation of Pesticide-Treated Seeds

"Because DPR did not give notice to the public of this policy, allow members of the public to request hearings or comment on it, or otherwise comply with the requirements of the APA in adopting the treated-seeds policy, it constitutes an 'underground regulation' in violation of the APA.

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Pipeline debate at center of California carbon capture plans

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - In its latest ambitious roadmap to tackle climate change, California relies on capturing carbon out of the air and storing it deep underground on a scale that's not yet been seen in the United States. The plan - advanced by Democratic Gov.

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California Joins White House Partnership on Offshore Wind Energy | California Governor

SACRAMENTO - Today, the White House announced California joined a crucial effort to accelerate offshore wind development across the country. California signed onto the 13-state Federal-State Offshore Wind Implementation Partnership - adding the West Coast to the regions represented by the partnership.

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Featured Member Benefit:

RespondR

Keeping California Farm Families Safe


As a Farm Bureau member, you now have access to RespondR, the most cutting-edge emergency response platform on the market today. California Farm Bureau members receive a discounted rate for RespondR – the only personal safety app that automatically sends life-saving information to 911 in an emergency. You can SAVE 50% on membership prices with the special annual rate for Farm Bureau members.


Visit https://parrothealth.com/cafb/

Produce: Accessibility and Soul are Hallmarks of the Small Farm Conference

Research links strawberry consumption with heart health

As attention focuses on heart disease this February for American Heart Month, the latest research on strawberries, including potential heart health benefits, was presented at the ninth biennial Berry Health Benefits Symposium in Tampa, Fla.

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Accessibility and Soul are Hallmarks of the Small Farm Conference

SACRAMENTO - Now in its 35 th year, the Small Farm Conference will be held this year from February 26 to March 6. Organized each year since 2018 by the Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), this year's conference will once again be a hybrid event, said Evan Wiig, CAFF's director of membership and communications.

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Labor: Agricultural Labor Relations Board ‘Card Check’ Guidance

Agricultural Labor Relations Board ‘Card Check’ Guidance

From California Farm Bureau’s Farm Employers Labor Service


The Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) has released guid­ance on actions it has taken to implement Assembly Bill 2183 (Stone), the “card check” bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in Septem­ber and that took effect on Jan. 1. 

 

The guidance webpage includes a description of AB 2183, a form an employer may use to register for a "labor peace" election, a form to allow employees and unions to order mail voting kits (if you have opted for "labor peace") and petition forms for unions to petition the ALRB for a "labor peace" mail ballot election or a "non-labor peace" card check election.

 

(Editor's Note: FELS strongly urges farm employers not to opt for "labor peace" status [or if you are considering it, to seek legal counsel before doing so to fully understand the legal obligations you are taking on], as it requires you to give up your rights to keep union organizers off your property and to speak with your employees about why you believe a union is not beneficial. See Card Check; Opt for Labor Peace or Not? , FELS Newsletter, November 2022 and a webinar recorded October 27, 2022: Card Check and Ag Employers: What Does AB 2183 Mean for You?

 

The webpage also includes a link to the online list maintained by the ALRB of employers who have opted for "labor peace"–employers who will likely be early targets of union-organizing efforts.


Here is the email from the ALRB to stakeholders announcing the guid­ance:

ALRB Releases Guidance and Information Regarding Implemen­ta­tion of AB 2183

 

On December 28, 2022, the Agricultural Labor Relations Board (ALRB) released guidance regarding the implementation of recently adopted amendments in AB 2183 to the Agricultural Labor Relations Act. Agricultural employers may now register to enter into a labor peace compact pursuant to new Labor Code section 1156.35 using the ALRB’s website. A list of employers who enter into a labor peace compact also will be available on the ALRB’s website. The ALRB also has released updated procedural forms applicable to the labor peace and non-labor peace election alterna­tives adopted in AB 2183, including a form for requesting mail-ballots for a labor peace election.

 

The AB 2183 guidance, updated forms, and employer labor peace compact registration page are avail­a­ble on the Procedural Forms page on the ALRB’s web site.

 

FELS is preparing training and information materials for FELS Newsletter subscribers and FELS' clients, which will be available soon. FELS also has four bilingual Labor Management Consultants who can help educate you and your super­visors about card check and the hazards to your employees of signing authorization cards or petitions (which will no longer signify merely an interest in voting in an election but are effectively a vote for a union in a card-check scenario).

 

For more information, or if you have questions, please email info@fels.net or call us at 800-753-9073. 

Federal Court Strikes Down AB 51, Upholds Mandatory Arbitration

The federal Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has held that the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) preempts AB 51, passed in 2019, prohibiting employers from requiring applicants or employees to waive agree to arbitration employment-related disputes. Rather than directly prohibiting arbitration agreements (an approach federal courts have already barred in striking prior attempts by California and other states to do so) the California Legislature attempted a work-around to evade the FAA by declaring in the text of AB 51 that “[n]othing in this section is intended to invalidate a written arbitration agreement that is otherwise enforceable under the [FAA]” and by declaring violations of its provisions a crime.


The Ninth Circuit's action means employers are still free to use arbitration agreements as a condition of employment -- for now. While it's possible the California Attorney General may seek U.S. Supreme Court review, it seems unlikely SCOTUS would grant that review, or rule in AG's favor. It may, however, be possible that SCOTUS would grant review and use that as an opportunity to slap down -- once and for all -- attempts by employer-hostile states like California to impose limitations on arbitration.

CA Minimum Wage and Overtime for Small Employers Changed on 1/1/23; Are You Up-to-Speed? 


The California Legislature passed legislation in 2016 to raise the state's minimum wage to $15 per hour in 2023 for all employers in California. That legislation also included an inflation "escalator" increasing the minimum wage in tandem with increases in the Consumer Price Index (CPI). As a result of inflationary pressures in 2021 and 2022, that escalator clause was activated with Governor Newsom's May 2022 announcement that the state's minimum wage would rise to $15.50 on January 1, 2023. While this constituted a $.50 increase for employers of 26 or more employees, smaller employers saw their minimum wage obligation jump from $14 per hour to $15.50.


January 1 also brought the implementation of the final step in implementation of California's agricultural employment overtime law, which also passed in 2016. Employers of 25 or fewer employees must now pay their non-exempt ag employees one and one-half times their regular rate of pay for hours worked after nine in a workday or after 50 hours in a workweek. Larger employers must comply with the same overtime requirements as non-agricultural employers: overtime after 8 hours in a workday, and after 40 hours in a workweek.

Livestock: California Mid-State Fair Livestock Newsletter

Tips for Raising Chickens Free Clinic- March 4

California Mid-State Fair Livestock Newsletter

Vineyard & Wine: NEW - Cal Poly TV Show Opportunity for Wineries

NEW - Cal Poly TV Show Opportunity for Wineries

Courtesy of Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance


Attention all wineries! Are you ready to showcase every aspect of your winery that makes you unique to the new generation of wine drinkers? Look no further than “Between the Wines”, a TV show being produced by the Cal Poly Wine and Viticulture department and Ag Communications Dept.

Hosts, Camilla Mcfall and Phoebe Bartoldus (WVIT students), are eager to visit your winery and capture every detail that sets you apart from the rest. “Between the Wines" is aimed at the younger generation who are curious about wine but may be intimidated by the traditional perception of the wine industry. Your winery will have the opportunity to share your unique stories, whether they come from family tradition, community involvement, or any other distinguishing factors. Additionally, it is an excellent chance for wine and viticulture students to learn and connect to the wineries in Paso Robles, and to get to know their potential employers.

 

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to showcase your winery and introduce your winery to the new generation of consumers and potential employees. To contact us, please email betweenthewines.cp@gmail.com, follow us on Instagram @betweenthewinesofficial, or call us at (669) 500-3406.


Ag Alert - Grape Crush Report reveals decade's lightest wine crop

By Caleb Hampton California winegrape growers last year harvested the smallest crop of any year within the past decade, according to the California Department of Food and Agriculture's Preliminary Grape Crush Report, an annual benchmark for the winegrape and bulk wine sector. The overall 2022 winegrape crush of 3.35 million tons was the lightest since 2011, the Feb.

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More vineyards opt to send in the machines

Matt Milkovich // February 13, 2023 One of the biggest concerns for Michigan grape growers now is the rising cost of production, especially labor. To combat those rising costs, more growers, especially juice grape growers, are adopting mechanization in their vineyards, said Esmaeil Nasrollahiazar, a viticulture extension educator with Michigan State University.

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Meet makers of natural wine, a movement gaining steam in Sonoma County

The Natural Wine Movement in Sonoma County is gaining momentum with an uptick in millennials producing these wines while their generation is clamoring to buy them. Natural wine is generally understood to be made from organically grown grapes with few or no additives.

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March 15th Seminar: Rodent Control

Seminar is free for Independent Grape Growers of Paso Robles Area (IGGPRA) Members and $30.00 for Non-Members. If you are a current Associate Member who would like to speak at one of our seminars, please let us know. We'd love to feature your company and services!

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Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship

Water: North County Water District Seeks Seat on Paso Robles Basin Cooperative Committee

Nacimiento water management committee questions proposed interlake tunnel

Water management committee accuses Monterey County and its agencies of mismanagement - The Nacimiento Regional Water Management Advisory Committee (NRWMAC) has challenged Monterey County and [...]

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Ag Alert - Commentary: 'Waters of the U.S.' rule unworkable for family farms

The American Farm Bureau Federation says the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's new rule creates confusion about "navigable waters" and burdens farmers and private property owners. By Zippy Duvall Last month, the American Farm Bureau Federation filed a new lawsuit ...

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North County Water District Seeks Seat on Paso Robles Basin Cooperative Committee

Five years after it was "sidelined" from discussions about the future of the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, the Estrella-El Pomar-Creston (EPC) Water District is taking a second crack at joining the committee that's implementing the policies and projects to balance the basin. On Feb.

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California storms improve initial federal water allocations

LOS ANGELES (AP) - After early winter storms put a dent in California's drought, officials Wednesday cautiously announced a jump in initial allocations of federally controlled water to agricultural, municipal and industrial users of the Central Valley Project system. Nine atmospheric river storms from late December into January greatly improved the water supply outlook following three years of record drought, U.S.

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Proposed Legislation Would Grant the State Water Resources Control Board New Authority Over All Surface Water Diversions

A pair of bills introduced last week propose sweeping new authorities for the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) that would increase state oversight of surface water diversions. AB 460 (Bauer-Kahan) and SB 389 (Allen) would create new administrative enforcement processes that would allow the SWRCB to make binding determinations on water rights.

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Amid well-drilling and pumping, calls grow for stronger California water regulation

In 2014, California adopted a landmark law aimed at combating excessive groundwater pumping, especially in farming areas of the San Joaquin Valley where many families were seeing their wells sputter and run dry. More than eight years later, many local agencies are still working on long-term groundwater sustainability plans.

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Farm Bureau Membership Matters

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We cannot support your freedom to farm and ranch without your membership.


Join SLO County Farm Bureau now or renew your membership online. Go to slofarmbureau.org to join, or download the membership form PDF.


Have your renewal notice available to speed up the process; you will need to enter your membership number, name and ZIP code. Renewal dues may be paid online or over the phone by credit card.


We're here to help! Call us if you need us to lookup your member number or we can process your membership for you, at 805-543-3654.


All California county Farm Bureau memberships are processed through the California Farm Bureau Federation, but please reach out to our SLO County office if you need your membership number or have questions.

Join or Renew Your San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau Membership

Thank You Platinum Members

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