Thursday Night was incredible at our Local Winemakers Fundraiser Dinner! Chef John McDevitt from Central Coast Catering served an unforgettable meal that included Harris Ranch Ribeye and Mighty Cap Mushrooms. The dinner was perfectly paired with Pomar Junction’s wine handpicked by the winemaker himself, Jim Shumate. 🍷✨ We had a fantastic time and are so grateful for everyone who came out to support us. We can’t wait for more amazing events like this in the future! 

Stop the Unnecessary Pesticide Notification System

The California Department of Pesticide Regulation has the most transparent pesticide regulatory system in the world. A Notice of Intent (NOI) is a permitted application that requires a licensed applicator and is subject to additional review by local agricultural commissioners based on local conditions. The public can inquire at any California Agricultural Commissioner’s office throughout California when a restricted use material will be applied in that respective county on any given day.

This new notification system, named "Spray Days", will provide information about applications of restricted use material, including active ingredients, permit and county numbers, application date range, relevant label information, method of application, and the acres treated on a public website. DPR has not specified actions that should be taken after an alert is sent, which we fear will only lead to greater confusion and excessive appeals of NOIs.

Currently, California provides a pesticide use reporting system that also affords information to the public on the materials applied in the state, making this notification system unnecessary. Notifying residents within a 1-mile radius of application of a restricted use material does not enhance current safety measures.

Write DPR today and ask them to reject this system.

This Week In SLO County Agriculture

Community: SLO Young Farmers and Ranchers Meeting on August 13th at Shanley Farms

County Government: SLO County Seeking Poll Workers for Upcoming November General Election

State Government: State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss 'State of Industry' Tomorrow

Federal Government: EPA Seeks Farmers and Ranchers for Advisory Committee

Produce: State Plans to Start Pesticide Notifications Early Next Year

Business Member Spotlight:

Blaze N' Bear Insurance

Blaze ‘n Bear Insurance Services, Inc. is locally owned by Barry Fisher. We are dedicated to protecting what matters to help clients achieve their strategic financial goals & objectives:

• We guide business owners in the areas of key-person business protection, succession and estate planning utilizing a secure online business valuation tool that helps them grow and manage their business.
• We mentor individuals and families to help them strengthen and protect their financial standing with the appropriate use of various life, and disability insurance products. and
• We work with those approaching retirement who are interested in fixed annuities and planning for long-term care needs.

blazenbear.com

805-635-7200

Thank You Farm Bureau Members

New Agricultural Members

Kenny Enney

Renewing Business Support Agricultural Members

Simplot Grower Solutions and Community Bank of Santa Maria

Renewing Agricultural Members

Stephen Quaglino, Kimberley Mulligan, Jaguar Farm Labor Contracting Inc, Audra Cooper, Sandy Ahearn, Laird Foshay, Greenheart Farms Inc, and Joan Garcia

Renewing Associate Members

Labor: Webinar on 2024 H-2A Farmworker Protection Final Rule to be Held on August 7th

The Department of Labor Announces Helpful Filing Tips and Recommendations Webinar for the 2024 H-2A Farmworker Protection Final Rule to be Held on August 7, 2024

On August 7, 2024, the Department of Labor will host a public webinar to educate stakeholders, program users, and other interested members of the public on the changes to the H-2A program made by the 2024 H-2A Farmworker Protection Final Rule. Participants of this webinar will receive helpful tips on the new forms, filing instructions, and explanation of the transition process. The Final Rule became effective June 28, 2024, and OFLC will begin accepting applications subject to the provisions of this rule on August 29, 2024.

The meeting details are below. *Please note – there is an attendee maximum of 1000 and both the webinar recording and a copy of the presentation will be placed on our website for review at a later date.

Wednesday, August 7, 2024

3:00 PM | (UTC-04:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada) | 1 hr

Join from the meeting link:

https://usdol.webex.com/usdol/j.php?MTID=m58015af37f0bc1748261c4591aabad6b

Join by meeting number:

Meeting number (access code): 2828 285 0217

Meeting password: OFLC2024

Join by phone:

1-877-465-7975 US Toll Free

1-210-795-0506 US Toll

Wildfire: California's Park Fire is 25% Contained, Now the 4th Largest in State History

Featured Member Benefit:

Grainger

Safety on the farm is essential, which is why Grainger offers a wide array of personal protection equipment such as eyewear, headgear and safety alarms & warnings. Farm Bureau members can receive discounts on these products and more.

Livestock: SLO County Cattlemen's PAC Fundraiser to be Held on September 14

Vineyard and Wine: Booker Expands Estate with New 27-acre Vineyard in Willow Creek

Water: Biden Administration to Pay Western Farmers to Conserve Water

Farm Bureau Membership Matters

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.

SLO County Agriculture News is distributed by SLO County Farm Bureau for information purposes only. Stories written by SLO County Farm Bureau may be reprinted with attribution. Some outside story links may require site registration. Opinions expressed in stories, commentaries or editorials included in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of SLO County Farm Bureau. For information on advertising opportunities, please email info@slofarmbureau.org or call our office at 805-543-3654.

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