August 4, 2023

August Recess Begins for Congress

The House and Senate packed up and went home this past week as legislators entered their normal August recess. Not set to reconvene until the beginning of September, the month off gives Members time to move across their states and districts, holding town halls, campaign events, and meeting with constituents. This is always a great opportunity for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers to reach out to their elected Members of Congress and potentially set up a farm tour or other events. If you’d like to get the best contact information for your House member—as well as details on how to best organize a potential visit—please feel free to contact Matthew Viohl for assistance.

With the recess underway and no draft language being shared at this time, it appears quite likely that the Farm Bill will require an extension of some kind prior to the September 30^th deadline. It is our understanding that they are still aiming to get the legislation wrapped up this year, but it still remains to be seen what kind of timeline House and Senate leaders envision as most realistic. As Members return to their districts this month, we encourage you to push them to work towards getting a Farm Bill done as quickly as possible. We are happy to share resources on the Farm Bill if that would be helpful. 

EPA Pilot Project Could Prevent Farmers from Using Common Pesticides & Other Applicants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently in a review process for a proposed pilot project that would create protection zones for specifically identified endangered species. In their initial round, the pilot would set up these so-called “pesticide use limitation areas” (or PULAs) around a species’ known ranges and habitats, potentially preventing the use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemical agents. Of the 27 species listed on their initial pilot, four are native to California: the Palmate-bracted bird’s beak, the Buena Vista Lake ornate shrew, and two vernal pool fairy shrimp. Please see the below map for impacted zones.

CAFB will be submitting comments in opposition to this proposed pilot project, as the regulatory burdens and expansive nature of the requirements could effectively render farming impractical in many of these areas. Per their existing language, those farming in these potential PULAs would need to consult with US Fish and Wildlife officials in order to assess the potential impacts of chemical applications up to three months in advance. Simply put, these types of regulations are impractical and do not realistically consider the potentially significant monetary costs and labor required to comply with restrictions. To submit your own comments, please follow the link below to file your thoughts. Submissions close this Sunday, August 6^th. 

USDA Extends Deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance through August 11th

Last week, the USDA announced it would be extending the deadline for the Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) through August 11^th. This program helps producers limit the losses incurred by market volatility and higher costs often incurred by the organic dairy industry. Those with organic dairy operations are encouraged to work through their local FSA office to learn more. You can also click here for more information on the USDA’s release. ODMAP is just a portion of the many several dairy support programs that are in place at USDA.

Federal Grants Available for Water Infrastructure Repairs for Communities Directly Impacted by 2022 Disasters 

Recently, the USDA’s Rural Development department announced that California communities would be eligible to apply for grants that would assist in the repair of water infrastructure damaged by presidentially declared disasters from 2022. Funds may be used to not only repair damaged water infrastructure, but also for resiliency projects that help reduce the long-term risks associated with natural disasters.

Per their release, the impacted counties include: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Los Angeles, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Orange, Placer, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Ventura, and Yolo counties and Rohnerville Rancheria (Indian Reservation). For more information on these grants, click the link below.

EPA and USACE Expected to

Narrow WOTUS Definition

The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers have sent their rule implementing the Supreme Court's May wetlands decision to the White House for interagency review. We expect the Administration to work swiftly and have the new rule in place in September 2023. This should lead to a more narrowed definition of “Waters of the US” (WOTUS) per the Sackett ruling.