CEQA Review for Planting New Crops? SLO County Supervisors to Discuss New Regulation on Jan. 26 |
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It's described by the County as a "Potential Land Use Policy Framework" targeting the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin, but farmers across the county fear the new proposed policy requiring a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review before planting new crops could spread to other parts of San Luis Obispo County.
Supervisors are considering developing a new ordinance with a "Three-Tiered Structure" and new "Planting Permits." Any new or expanded crop planting that failed to meet the County's "verifiably water neutral" criteria would be forced to get a discretionary permit and CEQA review. CEQA reviews and the required environmental impact report can cost hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars and take years to complete.
Please help us defeat this misguided new regulation by submitting comments to the SLO County Board of Supervisors.
- When: Tuesday, January 26 starting at 9am
- What: Agenda Item 28 "Request to provide staff direction on land use policy development for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin."
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Watch the meeting live here and review details on Agenda Item 28 here.
- Key points: Tell Supervisors to reject this "tiered approach" because it will set a bad precedent for SLO County agriculture. We don't want the County to have the power to mandate a costly environmental impact review for planting new crops. We all support sustainability in our groundwater basins, but this is the wrong policy direction to take.
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Three Ways You Can Help Defeat This Bad Policy:
1. Email Public Comment- Public Comment can be submitted via email up until 5:00 p.m. on the Monday prior to the Board meeting. Please submit your comment to the Clerk of the Board at: ad_Board_clerk@co.slo.ca.us
2. Voice Mail -Pre Recorded Verbal Public Comment- Call (805) 788-6638; state and spell your name, mention the agenda item number you are calling about and leave your comment. Verbal comments are limited to 3 minutes and must be received no later than 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the noticed meeting.
3. Live Verbal Public Comment –At the start of the meeting or when the item you would like to speak about is called, please call (805) 321-0555. While you wait for your call to be screened, you will be hearing the meeting live on the other end of the phone. Please be prepared with the agenda item number you would like to speak about and your name. Staff will then place you in a queue for your item. When it is your turn to speak, the Clerk of the Board will announce your name and then you can speak for 3 minutes.
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This Week in SLO County Agriculture |
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In This Issue:
- Local Government News: Supervisors Meet January 26
- Community News: Deadline Nears for Ag Scholarships
- COVID-19 News: SLO County Ag Will Need 6,000+ Vaccines
- Business Member Spotlight:The Cliffs Hotel + Spa
- Government Affairs Updates from California Farm Bureau
- Tax & Land News: Who Owns The Most Farmland in the U.S.?
- Labor News: Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard
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Produce News: UCANR - Broccoli Rotations Lower Pathogens
- Vineyard & Winery News: New Winery Wastewater Order
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Water News: AgNet West - Time is Running out for Further Ag Order 4.0 Revisions
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Agriculture Trade News: Farmer's Daughter - How The USDA Views Organic Food From Mexico
- Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch: "Pards" by Skylar Harwood
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January 15 Most Read Stories:
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SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Report
A few things we worked on this week included:
- Held a SLO County Farm Bureau Exec. Committee meeting;
- Attended UC Extension Agritourism Intensive 2021 for the Central Coast Region session on local permitting issues;
- Participated in weekly SLO County COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force and Farmworker Task Force meetings;
- Attended SLO County Fire Safe Council Meeting;
- Met with the Medical Director at Community Health Centers of the Central Coast on vaccine logistics;
- Met with SLO County Supervisor Bruce Gibson;
- Interviewed with KSBY regarding recent rainfall and crop conditions in SLO County; and
- Submitted a comment letter to the SLO County Board of Supervisors on Agenda Item 28 .
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Thank you Murphy Bank for being a SLO County Farm Bureau Platinum Member and supporting our local agriculture industry! |
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Local Government News: Supervisors Meet January 26 |
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The following are items on the agenda that pertain to agriculture:
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Agenda item 12 - Request to reappoint Tom Ikeda as the District 3 representative of the Agricultural Liaison Advisory Committee. All Districts. To learn more click here.
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Agenda item 13 - Request to reappoint Craig Pritchard to the Agricultural Liaison Advisory Committee as a District 1 Representative. All Districts. To learn more click here.
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Agenda item 28 - Request to provide staff direction on land use policy development for the Paso Robles Groundwater Basin. Districts 1 and 5. To learn more click here.
To review the entire agenda for the January 26th meeting, click here.
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Community News: Deadline Nears for Ag Scholarships |
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The Community Foundation of SLO will be awarding over $250,000 to more than 60 students in our local area. The application deadline is February 7th, 2021:
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Vineyard and Farm Worker’s Scholarship - $1,500 - $10,000 Open to graduating seniors from a San Luis Obispo County or Santa Maria basin high school whose parents are farm workers living or working in San Luis Obispo County. The minimum GPA is 2.8 and the applicant must demonstrate financial need. Click here to apply!
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Burt and Virgina Polin Farm Bureau Scholarship - $1,500 Open to graduating seniors from a San Luis Obispo County high school planning to pursue a degree in the field of agriculture at an approved community college or four-year university. Click here to apply!
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Richard K. Sauret Viticulture and Enology Scholarship - $12,000 Open to graduating seniors from a San Luis Obispo County high school who plan to major in viticulture or enology at a four-year university. Preference is given to students attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal State Fresno and UC Davis. The applicant must demonstrate financial need. Click here to apply!
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California Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation
Apply before February 1, 2021 by clicking here.
- The California Farm Bureau Scholarship Foundation was organized to give aid to students with a desire to pursue a career in the agricultural industry. Scholarships are awarded annually based upon academic achievement, career goals, extracurricular activities, determination, leadership skills, and a commitment to study agriculture.
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Upcoming Harvests! 🍎🍊🍋🍏🍆 Join us on a Glean!
GleanSLO's volunteers rescued over 270,000 lbs of fresh, local produce in 2017 alone, and almost 2 Million pounds since our beginning in 2010! Through the act of harvesting and sharing food, we connect and nourish our community to build stronger...
Read more
mailchi.mp
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COVID-19 News: SLO County Ag Will Need 6,000+ Vaccines |
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Farm Bureau continues to represent the agriculture industry on the SLO County COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force. You can review minutes and the presentation from this week's meeting.
- Read the latest info from the County here.
- Dignity Health will be holding a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Discussion on Feb. 3 from 6-8pm, learn more here.
- Today, people age 75 or older can make appointments for next week by visiting www.RecoverSLO.org/vaccineregistration or by calling the County’s Phone Assistance Center at (805) 543-2444, which is now available 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thank you to the 150+ local agriculture employers who completed our Ag Industry Vaccine survey last week. Initial results show SLO County's ag industry will need about 6,000 vaccines. The timeline for agriculture to receive the vaccine remains unknown, with estimates of March depending on vaccine supply levels.
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Who is 'essential'? Food and farm workers left in limbo...
The CDC's guidelines designate meat processing...
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www.politico.com
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Auditor Report: SLO Among Counties Who Got Less Aid
Assessment of the State’s management of federal funds...
Read more
auditor.ca.gov
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50 Bay Area restaurants, wineries sue Gavin Newsom over...
In their latest fight against the ban on outdoor dining...
Read more
www.sfchronicle.com
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Farmworkers trying to get COVID-19 vaccine face...
BRAWLEY, Calif. - In California, farmworkers are having ...
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kyma.com
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Severe reactions put some Moderna vaccines on hold |...
The problems keep racking up for California's...
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calmatters.org
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Business Member Spotlight:
The Cliffs Hotel + Spa
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We invite you to take in the state’s stunning Central Coast at Pismo Beach. Perched on an oceanfront bluff overlooking a beautiful beach, our hotel features inviting spaces, the area’s premier spa and delicious coastal cuisine. Throughout your visit, you’ll find thoughtful touches and details that create a unique seaside stay. Next door, you’ll find world-class hiking, championship golf courses and some of the world’s best wineries. It all comes together to offer a true coastal escape.
Meet the perfect pit stop on your epic coastal road trip. Located right off the 101 and overlooking the sea you can sip tiki cocktails Oceanside, take a trek down to shell beach and dip your toes in the water or hike the Pismo preserve to take in the most gorgeous scenery the coast has to offer.
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Thank You Farm Bureau Members |
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New Member
Halcyon Vineyards
Renewing Business Support
Renewing Members
Carl Grieb, JoAnn Jones, Janet Andrews, Johansing Farm LLC, Canyon Creek Ranch, James Green, Wayne Lamb, Mark Jones, Field Gibson, Jerry Reaugh
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Government Affairs Updates from California Farm Bureau |
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California Farm Bureau's State Legislative & Government Affairs Updates - January 22 |
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California Farm Bureau - Federal Policy Team
January 22, 2021 - H-2A Update
As many of you may have seen, late last week, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced their final rule on the Temporary Agricultural Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in the United States. The rule was over 722 pages long and included some of the following changes:
- Improves on processing of applications and moving to an electronic platform.
- Permits employers to stagger employees entry for up to 120 days.
- Allows H-2A employers 14-day arrival window.
- Creates new standards applicable to rental housing and public accommodations.
- Allows state workforce agencies to inspect housing every twenty-four months.
Late last night, as we awaited the official publication of the rule in the federal register, the Department of Labor instead withdrew the Final Rule prior to its publication for the purpose of reviewing issues of law and policy raised by the rule, therefore it will not take effect. DOL will notify the public of any further actions once it completes its review process. Watch for updates next week.
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American Farm Bureau Sets 2021 Policy Objectives
Farm Bureau delegates voted on policy priorities for 2021...
Read more
www.fb.org
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California Eyes Novel Risk-Based Pesticide Fees to Help...
California wants to change the way it charges fees on pesticide sales by switching from...
Read more
news.bloomberglaw.com
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Tax & Land News: Who Owns The Most Farmland in the U.S.? |
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Bill Gates: America's Top Farmland Owner | The Land Report
By ERIC O'KEEFE Call it a hunch, but the story did not jibe. I scanned the headline for the umpteenth time and then read and reread the pertinent details. Something was missing. Either that or I had a screw loose.
Read more
landreport.com
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Commentary: Proposition 19 complicates farm property...
Known as The Home Protection for Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire or Natural Disasters Act of 2020, and passed by California voters last November, Proposition 19 affects taxes on homes and inherited property-and poses ...
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www.agalert.com
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Labor News: Cal/OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard |
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Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Emergency Temporary Standard became effective on November 30, 2020, and questions from employers, lawyers, and consultants are coming every day. Does it really require you to test your staff twice a week? And to pay people to not work?
Bryan Little with Farm Employers Labor Service and Seth Mehrten of FELS' Group Legal Service Program partner law firm Barsamian & Moody presents a webinar to help you understand how to implement and comply with the Emergency Temporary Standard, and how to protect your employees.
When: January 26, 10 a.m.-noon
For more information, or to register, click here.
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Patrick Moody of Barsamian & Moody and Jason Resnick of Western Growers Association recently presented a 2021 Labor Law Update. This presentation covers new legislation and up-to-date information on COVID-19.
To view the presentation, click here.
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Joe Biden to propose 8-year citizenship path for immigrants
WASHINGTON (AP) - President-elect Joe Biden plans...
Read more
www.pbs.org
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Biden immigration plan: Undocumented farmworkers could...
Undocumented farmworkers could qualify to apply for green...
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www.desertsun.com
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Produce News: UCANR - Broccoli Rotations Lower Pathogens
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Tiny helpful wasps are coming to save your citrus
To prevent the spread of the devastating citrus greening disease...
Read more
www.mercurynews.com
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Arguments slated for Thursday in hydroponics organic case
Oral arguments are set for Thursday in a case addressing...
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www.agri-pulse.com
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USDA Economic Research Service - Vegetable and Pulses Outlook - Dec. 17, 2020 - Read More
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Vineyard & Winery News: New Winery Wastewater Order |
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Wine Institute Fights for Changes to Winery Wastewater General Order |
A coalition of agriculture and wine industry organizations led by the Wine Institute were able to secure several important changes to the State Water Board's winery wastewater general order this week. Noelle Cremers, Wine Institute Director of Environmental and Regulatory Affairs explained the Board's action and shared a change sheet summarizing the policy changes.
"The change sheet includes some helpful technical changes and created an optional regional groundwater monitoring plan that allows Tier 4 wineries that would otherwise be required to do individual groundwater monitoring for their land application areas to participate in representative regional groundwater monitoring instead. Unfortunately the change sheet did not address our significant concerns around effluent limits for subsurface disposal systems or changing the tier structure for Tier 4 wineries."
Cremers thanked industry leaders who testified to the Board. "While today was not the outcome we had hoped for, we’ll continue to work with staff to urge a shifting in the Tier structure to find additional cost savings for California wineries." To read a press release from the Board click here.
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The 2020 wildfires could cost California's wine industry ...
The damage to the state's wine companies by last year's fires, according to one industry analyst, may amount to as much as $3.7 billion. That makes it all the more crucial for the wine industry to invest in research to mitigate future destruction.
Read more
www.sfchronicle.com
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Rethinking Online Sales For Premium Wineries:...
Why would a premium Sonoma winery risk selling their Pinot Noir for $18 when usually they sell it for $60? Two reasons. One, it's the same brand but a different Pinot Noir. And two, they're trying to manage COVID. Ana Keller of Keller Estate in...
Read more
www.forbes.com
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Water News: AgNet West - Time is Running out for Further Ag Order 4.0 Revisions
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Water games: Madera farmers set to test market - SJV Water
Madera County farmers are getting ready to play what could be the "game" of their livelihoods. The county groundwater sustainability agency will launch a groundwater market simulation, or game, next month as a way for growers to see if selling...
Read more
sjvwater.org
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Scientists worry that California's 'fossil water' is...
A dinosaur bone. The footprint of a woolly mammoth. An ancient shell imprinted on a rock in your backyard. These are the images the word "fossil" calls to mind. But, buried deep within the earth, there's another kind of fossil you might not...
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www.mercurynews.com
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Time is Running Out for Further Ag Order 4.0 Revisions
The deadline to make any further Ag Order 4.0 revisions is quickly approaching. The Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board is currently working on another draft of the measure. The Irrigated Lands Regulatory Program known as Ag Order...
Read more
agnetwest.com
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Agriculture Trade News: Farmer's Daughter - How The USDA Views Organic Food From Mexico
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Farmer's Daughter: How the USDA views organic food from...
What's it like to grow organic produce in Mexico? It isn't something we normally talk much about. But if you purchase organic produce here in the United States, it's a question you should be asking. That's because food grown in Mexico often finds ...
Read more
www.agdaily.com
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Advertise with SLO County Farm Bureau |
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Get Your Message in Front of Over 1000 San Luis Obispo Countians!
Our weekly E-News is sent out every Friday to our membership. If you're interested in an effective, low-cost advertising campaign ($150 a month) please give us a call or send an email to SLO County Farm Bureau Executive Director Brent Burchett.
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Wisdom From the Farm & Ranch: "Pards" by Skylar Harwood
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No words can express
How ya feel deep inside
Of the blessing God grants us
To cowboy and ride
There’s no other job
Come the end of the day
Where your pride and your lifestyle
Mean more than your pay
There’s jobs where they give ya
A nice car to drive
If bein’ backed up in traffic
Makes you feel alive
But for folks like ourselves
That just ain’t enough
Include laptops and cell phones
And all a’ that stuff
Were spoiled, I know it
Though it’s tough to see
But there’s things more important
To you and to me
Like the privilege of sittin’
There high in your kak
Cinched to your old pard
Lettin’ him have the slack
All the memories made
As your workin’ your spread
“Lord, please let me cowboy.
Or let me be dead”
But of all the great blessings
That come with this life
Most important of course
Is my kids and my wife
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Then I have other help
That I won’t fail to mention
Who’s only pay is some vittles
And the slightest attention
Just a scratch on the ear
Or a pay on the head
For my old dog and horse
And to keep em both fed
There’s not a soul as ambitious
As Hank or Ol Blaze
Who’d be as dedicated
To work all their days
They’ve both earned my trust
And when things do get wild
They take care of me
As if I were a child
And for all that they do
I try and be fair
By keepin’ em healthy
For this hard workin’ pair
I keep Ol Blaze shod
And they both getta rest
Though the days are so long
But I’m doin’ my best
We all work together
We have each other’s back
Never draggin’ our tails
Or not pullin’ our slack
And they never complain
They just love what they do
So take care of your pards,
And they’ll take care of you
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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 some assistance with membership, 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 San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau
Platinum Members
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