SLO Floral Industry Prepares for Mother's Day Demand | |
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San Luis Obispo County's flower growers and florists have been busy this week preparing for Mother's Day. Cal Coast Orchids, owned by Farm Bureau board member Bas van Eijk and Alison Glasco, shared this photo showing their Phalaenopsis orchids grown in Los Osos.
Van Eijk draws from generations of Dutch horticulturalists to fulfill domestic and international demand for orchids. Their orchids are generally available locally at Miner's Ace Hardware, Costco, Spencer's Fresh Markets, Open Air Flowers, and other locations in the county.
In San Luis Obispo County, Nursery Products (including cut flowers and greens, outdoor ornamentals and other specialty plants) had a gross total value of $75.8 million in 2020 (2020 Annual Crop Report). In a recent survey by National Retail Federation, 72% of consumers are expected to purchase flowers for this upcoming Mother's Day, with a total expected spending of $31.7 billion nationally (NRF's Annual 2022 Mother's Day Spending Survey).
Photo courtesy of Cal Coast Orchids
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This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
VIDEO: SLO County Farm Bureau Kicks Off Candidate Forums on May 3rd | |
San Luis County Farm Bureau kicked off its Candidate Forums for the June 7th Primary on Tuesday, May 3rd.
The first forum of the evening was for the 3rd District Supervisor race between candidates Stacy Korsgaden and Dawn Ortiz-Legg. A debate between 2nd District Supervisor candidates followed with Geoff Auslen, Bruce Gibson, Bruce Jones, and John Whitworth.
Farm Bureau Executive Director, Brent Burchett moderated the event facilitating a discussion pointed towards agriculture within the community.
Miss the forums, but want to catch up on what happened? Watch the recording from Tuesday evening here.
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Farm Bureau will host two more forums this week:
Thursday, May 12th - by Zoom
- 4:00pm - 30th State Assembly District– May 12 at 4pm by Zoom (Dawn Addis, Zoe Carter, Vicki Nohrden, Jon Wizard)
- Register in advance here.
Friday, May 13th -by Zoom
- 4:00pm - 4th District Supervisor Friday, May 13 at 4pm by Zoom (Lynn Compton vs Jimmy Paulding)
- Register in advance here.
Confused about which district you are in? The SLO Chamber of Commerce has a video showing where the new County Supervisor district boundaries are located. You can also search your address by going the County's redistricting page here and see a nice visualization of the new versus old district maps here.
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Community: Young Farmers & Ranchers Betteravia Farms Industry Tour Postponed to Saturday, May 21 | |
SLO Food System Coalition Meets May 10 | | |
Adelaida Farm Center Meeting- May 20 | |
YF&R Betteravia Farms Industry Tour Postponed to Sat., May 21 | | |
2022 Memorial Day Weekend BBQ & Car Show - A Shandon Pool & Community Fundraiser | |
County Government: Department of Water Resources Awards $7.6 Million for Paso Robles Groundwater Sustainability Plan Implementation | |
State Government: "Repeal the Death Tax" Petition Fails to Qualify for November Ballot | |
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Repeal the Death Tax collects over 402,000 signatures, Falls short of qualifying for November ballot
The team at Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association has been counting petitions for days, and we now have a final total of 402,175 signatures. That's a very strong showing, but unfortunately it's short of the 997,139 needed to qualify for the November 2022 ballot. We sent out a news release earlier; you can read it below.
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Governor, legislators won't budge in high-speed rail dispute | California Democrats are locked in one of the most consequential disputes in modern state history over the future of the Los Angeles-to-San Francisco high-speed rail project after a decade of troubled construction. | | | | | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work
Legislative & Government Affairs Report from Sacramento
April 29 Highlights:
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Agricultural Employment: Committees continued to hear bills of interest to California agricultural employers this week ahead of today’s deadline for policy committees to hear bills carrying a fiscal tag
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Budget: The State Senate has released a framework for their priority budget items this year, titled Putting Wealth to Work.
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Land Use: A bill by Assemblymember Jim Patterson, AB 1773 passed the Assembly Local Government Committee on Wednesday, April 20th. This bill would appropriate $40 million for subvention funding for counties with lands enrolled in the Williamson Act. Farm Bureau is leading a large coalition in support.
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Transportation: This week, AB 2415 by Assemblymember Lackey (R – Palmdale) passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee. This bill would extend the exemption for agricultural vehicles from the BIT program until January 1, 2026.
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Water: A measure that would codify the Governor’s Drought Executive Order regarding groundwater well permitting agencies and Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSAs) was amended and passed ou tof the Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee 8-5 this week. AB 2201 (Steve Bennett, (D) Ventura) would have prohibited a groundwater well without a valid permit issued by the Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) and require GSAs to develop, on or before June 30, 2023, a process to issue permits.
- Read the full April 29 report here.
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May 6 Highlights:
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Agricultural Employment: The Assembly Judiciary Committee approved AB 2182 (Wicks) on May 3 by a 7-2 vote. AB 2182 imposes new requirements on employers to not discriminate against, and offer accommodation to, employees with vaguely-defined “family responsibilities.” Farm Bureau opposes as such ambiguities inevitably lead to some employees abusing the program and employers who incur the litigation expense.
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Transportation: Earlier this year, CAFB joined a large coalition to support AB 2406 (Aguiar-Curry – D). This bill would prohibit an intermodal marine equipment provider from imposing per diem, detention, or demurrage charges on an intermodal motor carrier and beneficial cargo owners. Under ordinary circumstances, these fees are designed to encourage the efficient use of containers. However, during our recent and ongoing port congestion crisis, late charges have been imposed on California businesses by international ocean carriers even when containers cannot be returned due to circumstances not within the control of the importer, exporter or trucker. Agricultural exports including almonds, pistachios, dairy products, wine, and walnuts have been severely impacted by the recent COVID-19 pandemic and resulting port complications. ...While detention and demurrage fees have increased across the globe, ocean carriers are charging two to ten times the fees in Los Angeles and Long Beach versus other major ports worldwide. The bill would help alleviate the pressure that these fees put on California businesses and attempt to address one of the many issues facing our ports. This bill has passed out of the Assembly and moves to the Senate.
- Read the full report here.
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Federal Government: Proposed SEC Rule Could Reach Nearly Every Farmer and Rancher | |
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California Farm Bureau Federal Policy News - May 5
- Senators Feinstein and Padilla Send Letter to Shipping Carriers Urging Support for Agricultural Exporters in California
- Emergency Funding Request for Ukraine Would Look to Boost US Agriculture
- May 26 NRCS Service & Funding Program Information Session
- Immigration Takes Renewed Focus in DC
- Last Call for Agricultural Labor Survey Submissions
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Proposed SEC Rule Could Reach Nearly Every Farmer and Rancher | The American Farm Bureau Federation joined 119 other agriculture organizations in sending a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) asking for an extension of time to comment on its proposed rule, "The Enhancement and Standardization of Climate Related Disclosures for Investors." | | | | |
POLITICO - Weekly Federal Agriculture Policy News May 2, 2022 | Lawmakers and ag economists are scratching their heads about President Joe Biden's proposal to boost farm subsidies as a way to increase U.S. crop production and counteract global food shortages stemming from Russia's war in Ukraine. | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Home Ranch Land Realty
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Juan Chavarria-Home Ranch Land Realty
Serving the the Central Coast and Northern California
"We have known Juan for about three and a half years. During this time, he sold our home in Paso Robles, California, helped us purchase or home in Atascadero, California, sold our home in Atascadero, California, and most recently helped us find and purchase our home in Cambria, California. Juan is great about answering his phone and returning phone calls, e-mails and text messages. He always goes the extra mile to make sure that his clients are well taken care of. We highly recommend Juan Chavarria for all of your real estate needs."
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USDA: U.S. agricultural exports supported more than 1 million jobs throughout the economy in 2020 | |
JOB OPENING: Natural Resources Conservation Service in Templeton
The Templeton NRCS office is hiring a General Office Clerk. The position is for 30 hours a week: 23 hours in Templeton and 7 hours in Santa Maria. Learn more here.
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San Luis Obispo County Farm Service Agency Monthly Update | The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) encourages producers and landowners to enroll in the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Landowners and producers interested in Grassland CRP should contact Jody at the San Luis Obispo County FSA Office to learn more or to apply for the program before the May 13, 2022 deadline. | | | | |
U.S. agricultural exports supported more than 1 million jobs throughout the economy in 2020 | In 2020, U.S. agricultural exports supported the equivalent of more than 1.13 million jobs on and off the farm. With U.S. agricultural exports valued at more than $150 billion in 2020, every $1 billion of exports is estimated to create 7,550 jobs. Farm activities generated by U.S. exports—mainly crop and livestock production—supported a total of 439,500 jobs. | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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New Members
LaVerne Watkins
New Business Members
Vine Shepherd Vineyard Management
Renewing Members
Manetta Bennett, Heather Billing, David Edwards, Ed Evenson,
French Camp Vineyards, Home Ranch Land Realty, Patrick Molnar, Mike Mooney, Nicholas Negranti, Wade Negranti, Gerald Schaffer, SLO Chamber of Commerce, and Paul Wolcott
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Featured Member Benefit:
Grainger Industrial Supply
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Grainger: 365 days to save! | |
Don’t waste time searching for promo codes and coupons for tools and supplies…Grainger gives Farm Bureau members special pricing and free shipping 365 days a year!
Sign up at Grainger.com/FarmBureau to start enjoying year-round savings.
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Ag Economics: Fertilizers double and even triple in price due to war, pandemic, inflation | |
Fertilizers double and even triple in price due to war, pandemic, inflation | Pacific Coast Business Times | A strawberry farm in Ventura. (File photo) California farmers have had their share of troubles, with persistent drought and the COVID-19 pandemic shaking the industry... | | | | |
Port delays worsen as harvest of new crops approaches | As ongoing port congestion and persistent shipping obstacles continue to block movement of California agricultural goods, farmers and exporters face bulging warehouses and dwindling cash flow that threaten to sink some businesses. | | | |
Produce: KSBY - Demand holding steady for strawberries as farmers worry about drought | |
KSBY - Demand holding steady for strawberries as farmers worry about drought | It's peak season for strawberries but a lack of rain has many farmers worried. San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau's executive director, Brent Burchett, says they expect the strawberry crop on the Central Coast to be on the rise, adding that demand is holding steady, but in the long run, they are worried about where to get groundwater. | | | | |
California Has 4th Largest Organic Farmland Share in the U.S. - California Ag Network | As the force that feeds and nourishes the population, agriculture is one of the most vital industries in the U.S. economy. To accommodate the country's growth over the years, agricultural practices have evolved to become more efficient, capable of reliably meeting the population's daily needs. | | | |
Avocado: Morro Bay Farmer Gives His Perspective on Growing Avocados Locally | |
Imports play dominant role as U.S. demand for avocados climbs |  | |
U.S. consumers’ fondness for avocados has taken off since the early 2000s. From 2000 to 2021, the quantity of avocados available per person, a proxy for consumption, tripled to more than 8 pounds per person. The United States has produced an average of about 400 million pounds of avocados each year since 2000, but production has slowly declined since 2011 with a decline in U.S. avocado acreage. Imports have risen to support year-round demand. Imported avocados now account for 90 percent of the domestic supply compared with 40 percent in the early 2000s. In the 2020/21 marketing year, U.S. avocado imports reached a record high of 2.675 billion pounds.
Mexico is the leading global producer of avocados, and the United States is the main destination for Mexico’s avocado exports. The United States imported an annual average of 2.25 billion pounds from Mexico in 2019–21 compared with 55 million pounds in 2001–03. From 2019–21, 88 percent of all shipments came from Mexico, while 7 percent came from Peru, 3 percent from the Dominican Republic, and 1 percent from Chile. This chart appears in the USDA, Economic Research Service’s Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, March 2022.
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Ag Alert- From the Fields |  | |
By Arby Kitzman, SLO County Avocado Farmer
My main concern is making sure I have adequate water for my trees. In our little basin, it's a fairly shallow aquifer, so there's not a lot of water, so it could be another issue like it was during the last drought. A lot of my neighbors stumped trees because they just did not have the water. Nobody has done that so far.
We are probably more blessed than others with getting labor. The cost for electricity, fertilizer and everything that we use is going up. Little surcharges are getting tacked on for certain things that we didn't have before. We're definitely in an inflationary trend.
In our little area of Morro Bay, we're pretty fortunate because we don't normally have really hot temperatures. We're pretty lucky as far as being able to pick and sell our fruit. Because of our cooler temperatures, our fruit lags behind what comes out of Southern California because they ripen sooner. We just watch and hopefully pick it at the right time. In the last few years, pricing has been best for a lot of us on the Central Coast around July.
As far as avocados are concerned, Mexico is a real driver. California avocados make up less than 10% of all the avocados consumed in the United States. Pricing for California avocados is pretty decent right now. Some of the crops coming out of Mexico are not up to their normal volume, so that helps.
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Labor: Immigration Reform Can Ease Labor Shortages | |
Immigration reform can ease farm labor shortages | It's no secret that U.S. farmers have been burdened with ongoing labor shortages for years. The pain points of this issue include immigration laws in their current form and a declining interest in agricultural employment. COVID-related border closures compounded these issues, as farmers grappled with securing the farm labor necessary amid historic supply chain disruption. | | | | |
Farmworkers in Santa Maria demand higher wages amid rising inflation | With the cost of living continuing to climb, farmworkers at J&G Berry Farms in Santa Maria are demanding a pay increase. They say right now, they make $2.10 per box of strawberries. They are asking for an increase to $3.50. "The things we are earning, it's not enough for food," said farmworker Rosalina Sebastian. | | | | |
Farming in 40 hours: As states mandate overtime for agricultural workers, Good Fruit Grower continues to examine the impacts on the fruit industry. Overtime mandates for agricultural workers make the H-2A guest worker program more attractive - and more expensive - for employers who continue to find the pool of domestic workers shrinking. | | | |
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Personal Protective Equipment Safety Webinar
May 12- 9-9:45 a.m. (English), 10-10:45 a.m. (Spanish)
The purpose of a PPE Program is to help employees understand the types of PPE, learn the basics of conducting a hazard assessment, select the appropriate PPE for a variety of circumstances and to understand what kind of training is needed in the proper use and care of PPE.
Register Here
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Environmental: Possible Extension for California's Last Nuclear Plant Draws Cheers from Supporters, Jeers from Opponents | |
Possible extension for California's last nuclear plant draws cheers from supporters, jeers from opponents | Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered a potential jolt to the state's electric grid late last week when he called for possibly extending the life of the Diablo Canyon Power Plant, the last remaining nuclear facility in California. While the specifics of what is required to keep Diablo Canyon open are still unclear, supporters of nuclear power welcomed Newsom's remarks. | | | | |
2020 EPA Emissions Inventory Demonstrates Agriculture's Advancements in Sustainability | |
U.S. agriculture consistently represents just 10% of total U.S. emissions when compared to other economic sectors.
U.S. agriculture not only minimally contributes to the overall U.S. greenhouse gas footprint, but the sector also sequestered more carbon in 2020 compared to 2019.
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Land conservancy protects 7,628 acres near Lake Nacimiento | On Dec. 21, 2021, The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County completed three contiguous conservation easements on the Attiyeh Ranch near Lake Nacimiento. The easements permanently protect a whopping 7,682 acres of oak woodland, annual grasslands, and chaparral, as well as significant freshwater resources and wildlife habitat. | | | |
Livestock: SLO County Releases Official Advisory on Avian Flu | |
Satellites detect California cow burps, a major methane source, from space | WASHINGTON, April 29 (Reuters) - Satellites have detected methane emissions from belching cows at a California feedlot, marking the first time emissions from livestock - a major component of agricultural methane - could be measured from space. | | |
USDA updates livestock insurance options | WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has updated three key crop insurance options for livestock producers: the Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), Livestock Gross Margin (LGM), and Livestock Risk Protection (LRP)... | | | | |
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SLO County Avian Flu Advisory
For several months, avian influenza (H5N1) has been spreading among wild and domestic birds in the U.S. Now, CDC has announced that the first person in the U.S. has tested positive for this virus, after working closely with infected poultry. -The risk to the general public remains low. The full advisory is located here.
People who have a lot of close contact with birds – such as through agriculture work or caring for backyard hens – should be aware of the signs and take precautions. Here’s the situation:
• Since February, USDA has identified 240+ outbreaks among commercial and backyard bird flocks, involving more than 35 million birds in 29 states.
• The virus does not appear to have spread from person to person – only among birds or, less commonly, from birds to people.
• If you have contact with poultry through agriculture or backyard flocks, you should avoid direct contact with sick or dead birds, feces, or litter from potentially infected poultry. Wear recommended PPE (including N95 respirators, eye protection, and gloves) and wash your hands afterwards.
• Anyone who has close contact with a sick or infected bird should watch out for flu-like symptoms and contact your doctor right away if you start to feel sick, so you can get testing and treatment. Be sure to tell your doctor that you have had close contact with a sick bird. If you do not have a regular doctor, contact the Public Health Department.
• Treatment is available for people who become sick and may also be available to prevent infection if you’ve had a close exposure.
• You cannot get avian flu from eating properly cooked chicken or eggs.
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Vineyard & Wine: Napa wine company buys 265-acre vineyard in Paso Robles | |
Vineyard Team- Vine Mealybug Management in a Changing Environment Tailgate Event | |
May 13: 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Managing Vine Mealybug is challenging with ever-changing science, technology, and available materials. Learn about evolving Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies from experienced growers so you can improve your monitoring and treatment decisions
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Napa wine company buys 265-acre vineyard in Paso Robles | Duckhorn Portfolio announced Tuesday it has acquired the Bottom Line Ranch in the San Miguel District sub-appellation of the Paso Robles AVA. Planted with 265 acres of cabernet sauvignon, the vineyard features seven clones on three drought-tolerant rootstocks. Bottom Line Ranch is located in the San Miguel District AVA, near the borders of both the Estrella and Adelaida districts. | | | | |
Paso Wine Fest- May 19-22 | After a two-year hiatus, Paso Wine Fest Grand Tasting returns this month featuring 100 wineries, three bands, two winemakers seminars, chefs and food trucks, a makers market filled with artisan purveyors, and a NEW VIP Lounge. Multiple events precede the Grand Tasting event with a selection of winemaker dinners and the all-new Sparkling Paso experience. Get ready to taste some of the finest California wines, crafted right here in Paso Robles, and honor this 40-year... | |
Floral News : Flowers Top the List of Anticipated Mother's Day Gifts | |
NRF: Flowers Top the List of Anticipated Mother's Day Gifts | The National Retail Federation has good news for the floral industry. Flowers ranked second on a list of top gifts for Mother's Day, just behind greeting cards, with 72 percent of those surveyed saying they would purchase flowers for the mothers in their lives, up from 68 percent last year. | | | | |
Ocean Freight Helps Meet Demand | According to a National Retail Federation survey, 72 percent of consumers intend to buy Mom flowers this weekend, representing approximately $2.9 billion in spending. To help fulfill that huge demand, floral importers and other professionals used ocean freight to transport as many stems as possible. | | | |
Water: Ag well drilling still under a cloud of confusion from Newsom's drought order | |
Ag well drilling still under a cloud of confusion from Newsom's drought order | Gov. Newsom's emergency drought order that singled out agricultural wells for extra scrutiny is continuing to cause confusion and angst in some parts of the San Joaquin Valley, while other areas are stutter-stepping forward. | | | | |
Water Rights, and Wrongs, in California | California's water laws and history are a fascinating reflection of the values of our State. On the one hand, we have some of the most progressive, far-reaching laws on the books - laws that direct that water be used... | | | |
GUEST COMMENTARY: As the drought worsens, there are two plans to protect water: one keeps water flowing for now, the other for decades to come | Guest commentary by Ruth Martinez (Ducor Water Board Member) and Roger Dickinson (Co-author of SGMA) The California town of Ducor, with a population of just over 600 residents... | | | | |
Newsom gets it right on desalination | Kudos to Gov. Gavin Newsom for increasing his support for the $1.4 billion Poseidon Water desalination in Huntington Beach. "We need more tools in the damn tool kit. We are as dumb as we want to be," he said Friday in a meeting with the Bay Area News Group editorial board. | | | |
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 | | | | |
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