July 14, 2023

CAFB Submits Additional Comments on BLM Public Lands Conservation Rule

Last week, California Farm Bureau submitted comments on a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) proposed rule that would likely expand conservation protections at the expense of farmers, ranchers, and foresters. The comments pointed out many faults within the proposal, including its likely overreach of the Federal Land Management Policy Act, lack of local coordination and economic analyses, and several other critical issues. In addition, CAFB and other groups called for a more extended public comment period as well as stakeholder meetings—neither of which have been granted during this short period. CAFB, other state farm bureaus, and AFBF staff met with the Principal Deputy Director of BLM on Wednesday to discuss some of these issues in detail as well. It is our hope that those conversations, comments, and other agricultural industry input can help alter the approach that BLM is taking with this proposal. CAFB will continue to update members on our efforts with this rule. For more information, see the comments below.

Torres Small Confirmed as USDA Deputy Secretary

On Tuesday, the Senate confirmed Xochitl Torres Small as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Agriculture in a 84-8 vote. She has previously served as the Undersecretary of Rural Development for the last two years but was nominated by President Biden to serve as the Department’s #2 figure after the resignation of Jewel Bronaugh earlier this year. Prior to joining the USDA, Torres Small served in the US House member from New Mexico. She has received praise from both parties during the confirmation process, including a unanimous vote out of the Judiciary Committee. In this new role, Torres Small will help oversee more of the day-to-day functions of the agency, assisting with ensuring the USDA’s core missions (and subagencies’) are being met.

USDA Risk Management Agency Announces Expanded Insurance Options Using Great Enterprise Unit Options

Last week, USDA announced that it would be expanding insurance coverage options for specialty crops and others with APH crop programs. They will expand the availability of “enterprise units,” which allows a producer to insure all acres of the specific crop within the county together—as opposed to other structures that separate acreage for insurance purposes. Beginning with the 2024 crop year, alfalfa seed, cultivated wild rice, forage production, mint, and onions will be added. Potatoes are planned for 2025 in California. Given the technical elements to this, potentially applicable producers are encouraged to click the release below to learn more details.

USDA To Host Virtual Meeting on Urban Ag

On August 1^st, the USDA is planning to hold a virtual meeting on urban agriculture, specifically under the Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production Federal Advisory Committee. It will run from 12:00 – 3:00 PST, with registration open for anyone to listen in. Originally established back in the previous 2018 Farm Bill, the committee helps promote urban ag priorities within the USDA’s many agency and subagency endeavors. As a state with a growing urban agriculture footprint, CAFB will be participating and contributing comments in support of producers in such environments. If you have any feedback you’d like to provide to our federal team directly, please feel free to message Matthew Viohl.