Governor Newsom Signs Farm Bureau-Backed Senate Bill 505 Improving FAIR Plan Insurance Options | |
This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
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Calendar- Upcoming Events & Deadlines:
- September 18 - Deadline to apply for USDA FSA's Emergency Loan Program
- September 23 - Young Farmers and Ranchers Meet-Up at Paso Robles Barrelhouse Oktoberfest from 2-7pm- Purchase your tickets here.
- September 26 - SLO County Farm Bureau Board Meeting at 5pm (4875 Morabito Place SLO; All members welcome, please RSVP to office at 805-543-3654)
- October 3 - In-Person Hazardous Ag Materials Training - English 9-11am, Spanish 1-2:30pm (Free for Farm Bureau Members! Register here.
- October 10 - SLO County Great AGventure at Paso Robles Event Center (Email SLO County Ag Education Committee Exec. Dir. Kim Bradley for more info at kimberlybrad5@gmail.com)
- October 13 - Deadline to apply for the USDA FSA's Emergency Conservation Program for January, February and March 2023 storm damages in SLO County
- October 14 - Young Farmers and Ranchers to participate in Paso Robles Pioneer Day Parade; Meet at 8:30am to decorate float
- October 24 - SLO County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting (details coming soon)
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Community: Join SLO County Young Farmers and Ranchers at Barrelhouse Brewing Company September 23 for Oktoberfest! | |
SLO County Native Plant Nursery closed to public due to COVID. It's finally reopening | Las Pilitas Nursery in Santa Margarita sells California native plants. The San Luis Obispo County business closed to in-person shopping in 2020. | | | |  |
53rd Class Selected for California Agricultural Leadership Program | MONTEREY, Calif. -- Twenty-four individuals have been selected for Class 53 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, an advanced leadership development experience for emerging, mid-career... | | | |
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Join SLO County Young Farmers and Ranchers at Barrelhouse Brewing Company September 23 for Oktoberfest!
All SLO County Farm Bureau members are welcome to join our Young Farmers & Ranchers group for an afternoon of networking at Barrelhouse Brewing Company's Oktoberfest on September 23! Get your tickets directly through Barrelhouse here.
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Nominate California Teachers for Top Ag Educator Award | GALT, Calif. -- Agriculture educators play a vital role within their communities by investing countless hours to prepare and empower students for successful careers in... | | |
California Agritourism News - Sept 2023 | | | |
Local Government: SLO County Board of Supervisors Amends State Legislative Platform Regarding Tax Increases in Contentious Meeting | |
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San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors Amends State Legislative Platform Regarding Tax Increases in Contentious Meeting
Supervisors voted 3-2 (Peschong and Arnold dissenting) last week to modify the county's state legislative platform regarding tax increases. Watch a recording of the September 12 meeting here (Agenda Item 32).
Previous Platform:
- "13. Oppose any measures or legislation that reduces the super-majority vote required to raise taxes from 2/3rd to 55%"
- "14. Oppose any legislation or initiative that proposes to modify Proposition 13. Specifically, oppose any legislation or proposal that would establish a so-called “Split Roll” for property tax, which would thereby reduce protections for commercial property owners. Oppose any legislation that would further the effort to modify Proposition 13 in lieu of the ballot proposition."
Revised Platform as of September 12, 2023:
- 13 [Removed]
- "14. Oppose any legislation or initiative that proposes to modify Proposition 13. Specifically, oppose any proposal that would weaken the homeowner protections of fortified Proposition 13 by increasing or eliminating the 2% cap on annual property tax increases for homeowners. Oppose any legislation or proposal that would establish a so-called “Split Roll” for property tax, which would thereby reduce protections for commercial property owners."
The County's change in its state legislative platform comes as the California state legislature approved two bills last week that could impact taxpayer-protection provisions in Proposition 13. Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association President Jon Coupal describes the two bills, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 and Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13, as "serious threats to Proposition 13."
Farm Bureau opposes lowering the voter threshold to increase taxes in California from a 2/3 vote to 55 percent. Members may recall we lead a local coalition of agriculture organizations, business groups and County Assessor Tom Bordonaro to oppose Prop 15 (the "Split Roll" ballot initiative) in 2020 that would have increased taxes on agricultural property assets. As these state ballot measures go for voter approval in 2024, Farm Bureau will again be working to educate our members about their impact on farmers, ranchers and property owners.
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Board of Supervisors sparks discussion on independent redistricting commission | The power to redraw district lines could lie in the hands of San Luis Obispo County's constituents. On Sept. 12, with 1st District Supervisor John... | | | | |
Applications for city council vacancy available now | Appointee will serve through the November 2024 election cycle - Applications are currently being accepted for the City Council District 1 vacancy. Applications are available [...] | | | |
State Government: Farm Bureau Remains Opposed to SB-616 Which Increases Madatory Sick Leave from 3 to 5 Days... Read More in This Week's Farm Bureau at Work | |
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California Farm Bureau's Farm Bureau at Work - State Government Affairs Weekly Update- September 15, 2023
Agricultural Employment Policy
SB-616 Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) passed the Senate on concurrence in Assembly amendments on September 13 by a 27-9 vote; the bill now proceeds to the Governor’s desk. SB-616 mandates employers to provide five days of paid sick leave, increasing the three-day paid sick leave mandate first established by AB 1522 (L. Gonzalez) in 2013. No provision was made in SB 616 to allow employers to manage misuse of paid sick leave through requiring written verification that paid sick leave is being used for its intended purpose, limiting abusive use of leave. Farm Bureau remains opposed.
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2024 Statewide Ballot Initiative - Update | Here are a few highlights: The Governor signed Assembly Bill 421 - reforming California's referendum process, which among other things, allows for referendums to be negotiated off the ballot. Labor and the fast food industry struck a deal to raise wages to $20/hour - potentially nullifying the industry's referendum to overturn Assembly Bill 257 . | | | | |
Opinion: With ACA 13, Sacramento Politicians Are Threatening Prop.13 Again | Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13 is cynically designed to undercut the Taxpayer Protection Act, a ballot measure on the November 2024 ballot that will restore some of Proposition 13's critical protections that have been unfairly rolled back by courts. | | | |
Federal Government: CA Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News- Congress Returns with a Bang | |
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This Week in California Farm Bureau's Federal Policy News
September 14, 2023
- Congress Returns with a Bang
- County Leaders Trip Held in DC
- WOTUS Rule Published
- DOL Releases Proposed H2A Rule
- Dumped Milk Disaster Announcement
- Congressional Western Caucus Holds ESA Working Group Forum
- Precision Ag Task Force Seeking Nominations
- President Biden Appoints New Under Secretary for Rural Development
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USDA: USDA Extends Deadline to Oct. 12 for Input on Crop Insurance Coverage for Prevented Planting | |
NRCS Makes $65M Available for Conservation Innovation Grants Program | WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the availability of $65 million through two funding opportunities for new tools, approaches, practices and... | | | | |
USDA Invests about $6.5 Million in Risk Management Education for Farmers | The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is awarding about $6.5 million to 22 organizations to educate underserved, small-scale, and organic producers on farm risk management and climate-smart farm practices. | | | | |
USDA Extends Deadline to Oct. 12 for Input on Crop Insurance Coverage for Prevented Planting | WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for its Request for Information to Oct. 12, 2023, to solicit public comments on... | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Paso Robles Chevrolet
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The team at Paso Robles Chevrolet would like to welcome you to our dealership in Paso Robles, where we’re confident you’ll find the vehicles you’re looking for at a price you can afford. Come and check out our full selection of new Chevrolet vehicles, or get a great deal on a reliable pre-owned model. No matter which vehicle you decide on, our professional finance team will help you get settled with a competitive financing or lease plan.
When you’re looking for quality auto maintenance and repairs near Paso Robles, you can always count on the professional technicians in our Chevrolet service department as well, where we handle everything from oil changes and filter replacements to powertrain and drivetrain repairs. Schedule an appointment today, or purchase parts from us to handle maintenance and repairs on your own!
Lots of folks in Paso Robles count on the high-quality vehicles and services found at Paso Robles Chevrolet, and we look forward to living up to our reputation every day. Stop in and see us today, or contact our staff with any questions!
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Environmental: Regenerative Agriculture is the New Farming Buzzword, but Few Can Agree on What it Means | |
Regenerative Agriculture is the New Farming Buzzword, but Few Can Agree on What it Means | Sustainable farming movement is gaining popularity in Australia but still lacks a common definition or accreditation system to help consumers make informed choices | | | | |
California Olive Farmers Embrace Regenerative Agriculture to Combat Climate Challenges | After the initial investment, California farmers say regenerative farming practices enhance soil health, fight pests and improve oil quality. | | | | |
California looks toward renewable future amid contentious power plant decisions | California officials have garnered criticism in recent months over their decisions to prolong the lifespans of natural gas and nuclear facilities despite the state's pledges to shift to cleaner energy. Lawmakers have argued the moves are part of a critical balancing act between California's ambitious renewable energy goals and the need to keep homes heated and powered. | | | |
Produce: State Holds Major California Pesticide Applicator Responsible for Numerous Violations that Endangered Workers and the Public | |
State Holds Major California Pesticide Applicator Responsible for Numerous Violations that Endangered Workers and the Public | SACRAMENTO - Today, the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) announced it reached a settlement with a major agricultural pesticide application business regarding numerous violations of state law that endangered workers and the public. | | |
California Giant Berry Farms details year-round strawberry volumes - Produce Blue Book | An autumn of strawberries is ahead for California Giant Berry Farms, as the company forecasts strong volumes out of Santa Maria. | | | | |
Exotic Fruit Flies Especially Problematic for California This Year | Exotic fruit flies of a variety of different types have been more problematic in 2023. Several quarantines have been issued by... | | |
Fusarium Wilt Race 2: A New Potential Threat in Strawberries | Researchers are working to identify how widespread the fusarium wilt race 2 pathogen is after being discovered in the fall of last year... | | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
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New Agricultural Member
PureSite Corporation
Renewing Agricultural Members
Jeff Buckingham, George Dana, Raymond Wiebe, Charles Okui (Okui Farms), Kenneth Mc Gourty, Domingos Garcia, Dean Porter, Daryn Miller, William Greenough (Saucelito Canyon), Mike Dusi (J Dusi Wines), Brenda Dana, Wanda Weage, Tim Hartzell, Albert Kahler, Dennis Elston, Guidetti Land & Cattle, Stephen Mac Elvaine, and Michael Zohns
Renewing Associate Members
Matt Masia and Amanda Ferrari
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Featured Member Benefit:
Free Airport Parking at the SLO County Farm Bureau
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Flying out of San Luis Obispo? Farm Bureau members are welcome to park next to our office located at 4875 Morabito Place. If we are at the office, we are happy to give you a ride over to the airport. Parking is at your own risk; Farm Bureau is not responsible for damages or theft. | Route from Airport to Office- Approximately 0.7 miles | |
Labor: Upcoming Free Webinars from Farm Employers Labor Service | |
| Upcoming Free Webinars from California Farm Bureau's Farm Employers Labor Service
September 26, 2023: Labor Stability with wafla: a New Opportunity to Use the H-2a Program to Stabilize Your Workforce: Join us for the roll-out of FELS' new subscriber benefit, a new alliance with wafla, the premier West Coast provider member association for farm employers looking to use the H-2a temporary agricultural visa program. wafla's high-touch, extensive customer service approach is uniquely suited to smaller H-2a program users like FELS Newsletter subscribers, FELS clients and Farm Bureau members. FELS COO Bryan Little and wafla CEO Enrique Gastellum will explain how FELS subscribers and clients can access special FELS-exclusive benefits to access the H-2a program the wafla way -- making labor stability your reality!
September 29, 2023: The In's and Out's of H-2A Farm Employee Housing in California: As more California ag employers look to use the H-2A temporary agricultural employee visa program, provision of housing compliant with California's very specific employee housing regulations will be a challenge. Matthew Weise, Chief of Field Operations for the California Department of Housing and Community Development's Employee Housing Program will guide webinar participants through California-specific requirements for H-2A employee housing.
October 6, 2023: Cal/OSHA Consultation: Resources for California Ag Employers: The Cal/OSHA Consultation Program presents opportunities for California ag employers to learn from agency experts about pertinent occupational requirements with assurance that asking questions will not result in citations or questions from Cal/OSHA enforcement. Carmen Cisneros, Area Manager for Cal/OSHA Consultation Services, will educate webinar participants about resources California ag employers can access by working with Consultation.
Register for these free webinars here! | | |
Wildfire: California Lawmakers Failed to Fix the Insurance Market. So What Comes Next? | |
California Lawmakers Failed to Fix the Insurance Market. So What Comes Next? | Despite agreement that the California insurance market needs fixing, legislators weren't able to find a compromise this session. | | | | |
CAL FIRE Strategic Plan 2024 | CAL FIRE is planning for its future and setting a direction for the what the coming years should look like for all levels of the department. | | | |
Livestock: Certified Angus Beef Launches Direct-to-Consumer Program | |
Some consumers okay with higher prices if Prop 12 is the reason | While price is the key concern for grocery shoppers at the meat case, a Purdue survey indicates that consumers are more willing to accept higher pork prices if they are the result of meeting animal welfare standards such as California's Proposition 12 | | | | |
Cal Poly officials report several incidents involving people trespassing into closed-off horse pens | The Cal Poly Oppenheimer Family Equine Center is reporting more trespassers near its horses causing several safety issues not only for the animals but for the public. | | | | |
Certified Angus Beef Launches Direct-to-Consumer Program | WOOSTER, Ohio - Could your freezer beef carry the Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB) brand logo? Perhaps. With the launch of a new program, Angus... | | | |
Vineyard and Wine: 2023 PRWCA Wine Awards Nominations - Due Sept. 29 | |
2023 PRWCA Wine Awards Nominations - Due Sept. 29 | Nominate your coworker for a PRWCA Wine Award recognizing the Environmental Stweard, Vineyard Worker of the Year, Cellar Worker of the Year, and Hospitality Star. - Powered by Paperform™ | | | | |
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Water: Lake Nacimiento Lawsuit Advances to Hearing Stage | |
Northstate cattlemen concerned about groundwater acreage fee | Cattle producers who own and manage land in Butte, Colusa, Glenn, and Tehama counties are gravely concerned with the approach adopted by Groundwater Sustainability Agencies (GSA's) in our respective basin/counties, | | | | |
Federal funds upgrade Morro Bay monitoring sensors and improve research opportunities | News Channel 3-12 | The Morro Bay National Estuary Program, a non-profit dedicated to protecting and restoring Morro Bay, received just over $900,000 annually for the next five years through the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. | | | | |
Arroyo Grande Creek cleanup begins with $1.2 million boost from the state | Construction repairs began on Arroyo Grande Creek in Oceano the week of Sept. 11 and are expected to take several months to complete. The project's... | | | |
Lake Nacimiento Lawsuit Advances to Hearing Stage | In a legal battle that has been ongoing since 2019, the Nacimiento Regional Water Management Advisory Committee is gearing up for a court hearing [...] | | | | |
Water, sewer bills in this SLO County city could rise by nearly 20% due to deficit | Water and wastewater bills in Grover Beach could increase because the city may fall short of its share of the Central Coast Blue project. | | | |
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. | | | | |
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