County Planning Commission Considers Changes to Distilleries, Guest Ranches, Urban Wineries This Week | |
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On Thursday, August 10, San Luis Obispo County Planning Commissioners will consider amending portions of the County's Land Use Ordinance (LUO) pertaining to the Distilleries Ordinance, Guest Ranch Ordinance, and Small Urban Wineries Ordinance. If approved by the Planning Commission, the changes move on for final approval by the Board of Supervisors.
SLO County Farm Bureau is in support of the changes, along with the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Paso Robles Distillery Trail, Visit SLO Cal and others. Review details of the proposed changes here and see a summary below.
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Distilleries Ordinance
This ordinance amendment would allow for distilleries as an agricultural processing use similar to wineries. ...
Definition: The proposed ordinance update defines a Distillery in LUO Section 22.30.070.D.2 as: an agricultural processing facility used for the processing (fermentation when combined with any of the following: crushing, mashing, barrel aging, blending, and bottling) of fermentable raw materials into distilled spirits. This definition does not include the storage of case goods in the absence of processing (included under Warehousing).
Permitting Requirements: Permitting requirements for distilleries are outlined in updates to LUO Section 22.30.070. A minor use permit would be required for any new distillery unless a conditional use permit was required by LUO Section 22.08.030.
Distilleries would be subject to substantially the same standards as wineries including setbacks ..., signage, parking, and design standards. Section 22.30.070.D.2.h. has been amended to allow two tasting rooms, one for each the winery and the distillery, on sites that include both a winery and distillery.
The proposed ordinance provides that, when a distillery is proposed on a site with an existing permitted winery, it may be deemed consistent with the approved winery land use approvals ... .
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Guest Ranch Ordinance
This ordinance amendment includes updates to Section 22.30.520.B - Rural Recreation and Camping - to include guest ranches to be consistent with the existing Rural Recreation and Camping Definition contained in Article 8 (Definitions) of the LUO, which lists the use as dude and guest ranches.
This update would allow for commercial lodging facilities incidental to working agricultural operations, subject to a Conditional Use Permit. Under the current definition, such facilities would only be allowed on working cattle ranches. This proposed revision would open sites with agricultural operations, such as wine grape vineyards, to commercial lodging facilities.
Proposed lodging facilities under this section would require discretionary land use permit approval and would need to be found consistent with applicable specific use standards in Section 22.30.520.B as well as General Plan policies.
This includes consistency with Agriculture Element Policy 6, which states that visitor-serving and retail commercial uses and facilities shall be clearly incidental and secondary to the primary agricultural use of the site.
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Urban Wineries
The amendment would allow wineries in the Commercial Retail Land Use Category where the majority of production is used for on-site retail. Wineries would be subject to permit requirements and specific use standards required by Section 22.30.070.
The proposed ordinance amends Table 2-2, Allowable Land Uses and Permit Requirement to include Ag Processing Uses as an “A2” use subject to footnote 12 in the Commercial Retail (CR) Land Use Category. A2 uses are allowable uses, subject to the land use permit required by the specific use standards for wineries contained in Section 22.30.070. At minimum, a Minor Use Permit would be required.
Footnote 12 has been added to Table 2-2 to limit Ag Processing Uses in the CR Land Use Category to wineries, distilleries, and olive oil processing facilities where the majority of the production is for on-site retail. This means that wineries, distilleries, and olive oil processing facilities would be allowed in the CR Land Use Category when the majority of production would be used for on-site retail. These processing facilities would be subject to the Specific Use Standards in Section 22.30.070 which would require a Minor Use Permit at a minimum or Conditional Use Permit if Section ... .
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Community: Rep. Carbajal Hosts Town Hall at SLO County Farm Bureau August 17 | |
36 livestock donated to SLO Food Bank through Mid-State Fair live auction, partners | Thirty-six livestock were donated to the SLO Food Bank via the California Mid-State Fair live auction and partner stakeholders, part of the food bank's community-driven initiative. | | |
Hambly Farms bids farewell to lavender U-pick season while unveiling new lavender oil * Paso Robles Press | Paso Robles Press is the daily online news source and weekly print newspaper for the Paso Robles area, serving the community since 1889. | | | |  |
Attendance, revenues increase year over year at California Mid-State Fair | Attendance numbers and revenue totals for the 77th annual California Mid-State Fair have been released by the organization, showing year-over-year increases for certain sectors. | | |
Rep. Carbajal Hosts Town Hall at SLO County Farm Bureau August 17 | |
From Congressman Salud Carbajal
I want to hear from you!
I have two town halls coming up this August, hope to see you at one of them.
San Luis Obispo Town Hall
Thursday August 17
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau (Meeting Room)
4875 Morabito Place, SLO
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Local Government: SLO County Board of Supervisors to Recognize Local Agriculturalists at August 8th Meeting | |
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SLO County Board of Supervisors Meets Tuesday, August 8th
The meeting will occur on July 18th starting at 9:00am. The meeting agenda can be found here and additional item documents here. The meeting can be viewed at this link.
Items of Interest to Agriculture:
6 - Submittal of a resolution honoring Erin Amaral as the San Luis Obispo Wine Industry’s 2023 Wine Grape Grower of the Year.
7 - Submittal of a resolution honoring Mike Massey as the San Luis Obispo County Cattlemen’s Association 2023 Cattleman of the Year.
9 - Submittal of a resolution honoring Mike Sinor as the San Luis Obispo Wine Industry’s 2023 Wine Industry Person of the Year.
11 - Submittal of a resolution honoring Linda Cooks with the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance’s 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award.
12 - Submittal of a resolution honoring Suze Evenson as the San Luis Obispo Cattlewomen’s Association 2023 Cattlewoman of the Year.
13 - Submittal of a resolution honoring Matt Trevisan as the San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry 2023 Winemaker of the Year.
15 - Submittal of a resolution honoring George Donati as the San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau 2023 Agriculturalist of the Year.
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San Luis Obispo County Office of Emergency Services launches new countywide evacuation zones * Atascadero News | The Atascadero News is your daily online news source and the only printed newspaper dedicated to Atascadero, since 1916. | | | | |
San Miguel CSD board member calls for new utility rate calculations | When Anthony Kalvans looks out into the small town of San Miguel he sees many things. He sees his home. He sees where he has... | | | |
State Government: Registration is Open for 31st Annual Fertilizer Research and Education Program and Western Plant Health Nutrient Management Conference | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work - State Government Affairs Weekly Update- August 4, 2023
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR 31ST ANNUAL FREP/WPH NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE Registration is now open for the 31st Annual Nutrient Management Conference, hosted by the California Department of Food and Agriculture’s (CDFA) Fertilizer Research and Education Program (FREP) and Western Plant Health (WPH). This year’s conference will be held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Modesto, California, November 8-9, 2023, and includes a pre-conference tour of Duarte Nursery in Hughson, CA on November 7.
The Nutrient Management Conference brings together industry professionals and academic researchers to learn about and share the latest research and innovative management practices for fertilizing materials. This year’s conference agenda includes information on irrigation and nitrogen management in carrots, industrial hemp, and olives, nitrogen and phosphorus management in recycled almond orchards, nitrate leaching reduction in vegetable production, site specific nitrogen fertilization for annual crops, educational videos on 4R crop nutrient management and fertigation practices, Comanage, and green ammonia production. In addition, there will be a panel discussion on the challenges of nitrogen and water management in a wet year as well as workshops on pump efficiency testing and salinity management.
Early conference registration (through October 27) is $215, and currently enrolled students pay $130. Late registration fees (after October 27) are $245, and $140 for students. Continuing education units (CEUs) for Certified Crop Advisers and Self-Certified Growers will be available for the conference.
Upon registration, conference attendees can sign-up for a free nursery tour on November 7 (limited space available). A poster session will be held the evening of November 8 for undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and industry members to present their ongoing California research, outreach and/or demonstration projects related to irrigation and nutrient management. Submissions must include poster title, author names and affiliations, and an abstract (350-word limit). FREP does not accept abstracts/posters related to proprietary product development, testing or promotions. To present a poster at the conference, submit your abstract(s)to FREP@cdfa.ca.gov by October 27, 2023. One presenter per accepted abstract will receive complementary conference registration.
To view the agenda and register online, please visit the conference website: HERE. For more information, please contact FREP staff at frep@cdfa.ca.gov or (916) 900-5022.
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CDFA Extends Application Period for Biologically Integrated Farming Systems Grant Program | UPDATE - July 31, 2023: The deadline for the Biologically Integrated Farming Systems (BIFS) grant program has been extended from Monday, July 31, 2023, to Thursday, August 31, 2023. The application period will close at 5 pm PST on August 31, 2023. | | | | |
Governor Newsom Signs Executive Order to Prepare for the Next Wet Season | California Governor | WHAT TO KNOW: Governor Newsom signed an executive order to streamline levee repairs and debris removal to help local communities recover from flooding and prepare for the next wet season. | | | |
Federal Government: EPA Pilot Project Could Prevent Farmers from Using Common Pesticides & Other Applicants | |
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California Farm Bureau's Weekly Federal Policy News - August 4, 2023
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August Recess Begins for Congress
- EPA Pilot Project Could Prevent Farmers from Using Common Pesticides & Other Applicants
- USDA Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance through August 11th
- Federal Grants Available for Water Infrastructure Repairs for Communities Directly Impacted by 2022 Disasters
- EPA and USACE Expected to Narrow WOTUS Definition
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Thompson says House farm bill to address animal welfare law - Roll Call | The House Agriculture chairman said the next farm bill will address California's law setting a minimum on the size of enclosures for sows. | | | | |
Who's buying up land around major Air Force base in California? 'We have no idea' | A mysterious investment company is buying up large tracts of land around a California Air Force base, raising questions about who is behind the firm - and its intentions - amid growing fears about Chinese businesses acquiring land near American military sites. The investment firm Flannery Associates has bought around $800 million worth of land... | | | |
USDA: California Farm Service Agency July Newsletter | |
USDA, Community College Alliance for Agriculture Advancement Strengthen the Rural Workforce | WASHINGTON -- U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Acting Rural Development Under Secretary Roger Glendenning announced that USDA is partnering with the Community College Alliance for Agriculture... | | | | |
California Farm Service Agency July Newsletter | California farmers and ranchers have until Aug. 1, 2023, to nominate candidates to serve on the their local County Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) accepts nominations each year in certain Local Administrative Areas (LAAs) for individuals to serve on these locally led committees. "The Aug. | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Quinn Company
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NEW AND USED EQUIPMENT, RENTALS, POWER SYSTEMS, PARTS & SERVICE AND LIFT TRUCKS — SANTA MARIA
Quinn Company is an authorized Cat® dealer in Central and Southern California providing comprehensive heavy equipment solutions for a broad range of local businesses. Located at 1655 Carlotti Dr., just off US-101 at exit 172 and Donovan Rd, we offer the complete lineup of new Cat equipment for sale in Santa Maria, as well as cost-effective used and rental machines, forklifts and power systems. Whether you need parts for telehandlers and skid steer loaders or maintenance and repairs for generators and off-highway trucks, we’re the single source for everything you require.
For more information, get in touch with your local Quinn Sales Representative today.
Services We Provide:
- New Parts
- Rentals: Compact construction equipment, heavy rents, generators
- Sales: New and used construction machines, ag and lift equipment, electric power generators and engines
- Service: Construction, ag and lift equipment, generators and engines
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Orchard: Luna UCR: 'Already Adapted to a High-Density Planting Setting' | |
Luna UCR: 'Already Adapted to a High-Density Planting Setting' | The new Luna UCR avocado variety developed at the University of California, Riverside offers valuable attributes for growers... | | | | |
Latest Citrus Forecast Shows a Nominal Decline from Early Expectations | The recent citrus forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) highlights a small decline in overall production... | | | |
Produce: Imports Make Up Growing Share of U.S. Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Supply | |
Strawberries could improve heart and brain health, researchers say | Adding more strawberries to your diet could improve your heart or brain health. | | |
Cal Poly students, teachers introduce new technology to help CA strawberry growers | Hundreds of strawberry growers and researchers from across California gathered in San Luis Obispo for the Annual Strawberry Center Field Day. | | | | |
Imports make up growing share of U.S. fresh fruit and vegetable supply | Imports play a vital and increasingly important role in ensuring that fresh fruit and vegetables are available year-round in the United States. Since the 2008 completion of the transition to tariff- and quota-free trade among Mexico, Canada, and the United States under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), U.S. | | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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Renewing Platinum Member
Treasury Wine Estates
Renewing Business Support Members
Cogan Compliance and Consulting, Jaguar Farm Labor Contracting, Inc., and Poor Richards Press
Renewing Agricultural Members
Joel Twisselman, Danna Stroud, Michael Myers, Craig Gill, Martinez Farming LLC, Santa Margarita Ranch LLC, Gary Wilson, and Audra Cooper
Renewing Associate Member
Twisselman Trading Company, Lynne Althouse, and Lowell McDonnell
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Featured Member Benefit:
Choice Hotels
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Farm Bureau members save 20 percent off published rates at almost 6,300 Choice Hotels® worldwide! Save at participating Comfort Inn®, Comfort Suites®, Quality Inn®, Sleep Inn®, Clarion®, Cambria Suites®, MainStay Suites®, Suburban Extended Stay®, EconoLodge®, Rodeway Inn® and Ascend Hotel Collection®.For more details, call 1-800-258-2847 or visit www.choicehotels.com. Call the office at 805-543-3654 for the discount code! | |
Labor: U.S. Customs and Immigration Service Releases New Form I-9 | |
Farm Bureau Extension Vertebrate Pest Management Class- August 24th | | |
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Ag Employment News
USCIS Releases New Form I-9: The U.S. Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) has released a new Form I-9 that is substantially different from the prior version:
The revised Form I-9:
•Reduces Sections 1 and 2 to a single-sided sheet.
•Is designed to be a fillable form on tablets and mobile devices.
•Moves the Section 1 Preparer/Translator Certification area to a separate, standalone supplement that employers can provide to employees when necessary.
•Moves Section 3, Reverification and Rehire, to a standalone supplement that employers can print if or when rehire occurs or reverification is required.
•Revises the Lists of Acceptable Documents page to include some acceptable receipts as well as guidance and links to information on automatic extensions of employment authorization documentation.
•Reduces Form instructions from 15 pages to 8 pages; and
•Includes a checkbox allowing employers to indicate they examined Form I-9 documentation remotely under a DHS-authorized alternative procedure rather than via physical examination.
Employers may begin using the new form immediately, but the pre-existing form can be used until October 31, 2023. Employers must use the "Edition 8/01/23" version (bottom left corner) beginning November 1, 2023. It is not necessary to replace valid existing Forms I-9 with the new Form, but you must use the new Form for new hires as of November 1.
You can find the new Form I-9 here; you can find instructions for use of the new form here.
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Santa Barbara County's Farmworker Resource Center is now on the road | Santa Barbara County now has a mobile resource center for farmworkers known as Proyecto Campesino. It's an office on wheels that provides support to farmworkers and their employers by bringing resources to the agricultural community. | | | | |
California Farm Labor Contractor Association - Ag Labor Forum | 13th annual Ag Labor Forum is coming to the central coast for 2023! The forum provides vital resources and crucial updated information to help employers, managers, HR, and other key team members understand the critical regulatory requirements and challenges facing our industry. | | | |
Wildfire: UPDATE: Shell Fire Near Creston is Now 100% Contained | |
Here's a closer look at efforts done by PG&E to reduce wildlife risk | This week PG&E crews were out on aerial patrols throughout San Luis Obispo County as part of the company's vegetation management program. | | | | |
UPDATE: Shell Fire near Creston is now 100% contained | The Shell Fire which burned on HWY 58 and Shell Creek Road near Creston is now 100% contained, Cal Fire officials announced. | | | |
Livestock: Reports Detailing 2022 National Beef Quality Audit Results Now Available | |
Reports Detailing 2022 National Beef Quality Audit Results Now Available | Approximately every five years, the beef cattle industry undergoes a National Beef Quality Audit (NBQA), funded by ... | | | | |
Farm animals in Sutter County fatally shot by crossbows, deputies say | Investigators in Sutter County are looking into why farm animals are being fatally shot by crossbows. | | | | |
Northern California livestock owners taking precautions following VSV outbreak in SoCal | A viral disease affecting livestock in Southern California has people up north on high alert. | | | |
Vineyard and Wine: Paso Robles Wine Collective Releases Study, Outlines Plan for Sustainable Future Amid Climate Change | |
Ditch Napa for a Trip to This Lesser-Known Wine Country | Here's why you should plan a visit to Justin Winery in Paso Robles, California over Napa. Plus, what to do in Paso Robles wine country. | | | | |
Paso Robles Wine Collective Releases Study, Outlines Plan for Sustainable Future Amid Climate Change | It's no secret that wine is an iconic part of Central Coast culture. But in the midst of an evolving climate, those wines are facing... | | | |
Water: Approved Groundwater Sustainability Plans Now Totals 40 | |
Approved Groundwater Sustainability Plans Now Totals 40 | The Department of Water Resources (DWR) recently announced the approval of additional groundwater sustainability plans (GSPs)... | | | | |
Tribe fights to preserve California coastline - and its own culture | The Chumash tribe's fight for federal protection is emblematic of the struggle many Indigenous people face as they attempt to reclaim pieces of their heritage. | | | | |
Whose water?Commercial carrot growers sued Cuyama Valley residents over groundwater and the first hearing is coming up | Commercial carrot growers sued Cuyama Valley residents over groundwater and the first hearing is coming up | | | |
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.
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Thank You Platinum Members | |
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. | | | | |
