California Farm Bureau-Sponsored Bill Targets Health and Economic Impacts of Wildfire Smoke across California | |
|
PRESS RELEASE
Janueary 18, 2024
Over the past five years, California has experienced unprecedented wildfire activity that has devastated nearly ten million acres across the state. Wildfire smoke has poured in from hundreds of miles away, severely impacting air quality around regions unaffected by the wildfire itself.
This is a direct result of years of mismanaged forest and wildland strategies that have created a new reality for California – one in which wildfires burn faster and hotter than ever before, presenting grave dangers to the environment and residents. As a result, many people suffered from health and economic impacts as they have been forced to shelter in place, with businesses and schools shutting down, and other daily operations coming to a halt.
Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil’s Senate Bill 945 (The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act) would allow state agencies to track and monitor air pollution, population exposure, and cases of adverse health outcomes due to wildfire smoke. Using the compiled data, the appropriate agencies would be able to facilitate future research efforts to better understand the negative impacts of wildfire smoke on the environment and California’s population. Currently, there is insufficient data by the state and medical community on these health impacts.
“Ensuring the well-being of our communities means understanding the true impact of wildfire smoke. Our bill aims to unveil the impacts on our population, emphasizing the urgent need to address forest health for a resilient and healthier California,” Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil stated.
The California Council of Science and Technology recently published a report stating that improving the health of California’s forests not only reduces the risk of wildfire, it can also benefit people’s health.
Shannon Douglass, President of the California Farm Bureau, weighed in on the significance of the bill saying, “Farming and ranching communities have been hit directly by wildfire smoke. At a time when state and federal governments, including private landowners, are making substantial investments to mitigate wildfire hazards in our forests and woodlands, it is imperative that policy makers understand how neglecting to invest in our wildfire-prone communities can impact health outcomes -- from bringing on respiratory illnesses to pregnancy complications -- across the state’s population.”
It is essential that we work with our environmental partners to create and maintain a resilient California, where informed research guides our actions, and a commitment to forest health becomes the foundation for a safer, cleaner, and brighter future for all.
Senator Alvarado-Gil represents the 4th Senate District including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Inyo, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Mono, Nevada, Placer, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.
The California Farm Bureau works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 26,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of 5.3 million Farm Bureau members.
Contact: Peter Hecht, Chief Editor, Publications; California Farm Bureau; news@cfbf.com
| |
This Week In SLO County Agriculture | |
Community: Napa County Farm Bureau CEO Remembered as "Passionate Adocate" for Agriculture | |
Napa County Farm Bureau CEO remembered as 'passionate advocate' for agriculture | |
The Farm Bureau confirmed Ryan Klobas' death Friday morning. He was 45.
The San Luis Obispo County Farm Bureau expresses its' condolences to the Napa County Farm Bureau's loss of a great community leader and advocate for agriculture.
| | | |
YF&R Meeting on Tues., Feb. 13 at 6pm | |  |
Applications Available for California Ag Leadership Program Class 54 | MONTEREY, Calif. -- Applications are now being accepted for Class 54 of the California Agricultural Leadership Program (CALP). Applicants should be mid-career growers, farmers, ranchers,... | | | |
County Government: County Advances Towards Potential Independent Redistricting Commission | |
County advances towards potential independent redistricting commission | The county has advanced closer to potentially having an independent redistricting commission after a special meeting on Tuesday with the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. | | | | |
San Luis Obispo County gears up for March 5 Presidential Primary Election | The San Luis Obispo County Elections Office is in the final stages of ballot preparation for the March 5 Presidential Primary Election | | | |
State Government: California Budget Proposal Includes Funding Reductions and Delays | |
California Budget Proposal Includes Funding Reductions and Delays | Governor Gavin Newsom has presented the 2024-25 state budget proposal which will reportedly close a $37.86 billion shortfall... | | | | |
Biden admin finalizes a $1.1 billion aid package for Diablo Canyon Nuclear Plant | The Biden administration has finalized approval of $1.1 billion to help keep California's last operating nuclear power plant running. | | | |
Federal Government: Interest Expenses Threatening Farm Financial Health | |
Interest Expenses Threatening Farm Financial Health | According to USDA's 2017 Ag Census, about 97% of the United States' 2.1 million farms are considered family farms and 88% of all U.S. farms have a gross cash farm income of less than $350,000 annually, putting them in the small family farm category. This means that most farms in the U.S. | | | | |
Both the House and Senate Ag Committees are still far from hammering out drafts of the massive legislation that's expected to hit $1.5 trillion. | | | |
Business Member Spotlight:
Paso Wine Country Alliance
| |
|
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is a cooperative marketing alliance made up of Paso Robles Wine Country wineries, vineyards, and related businesses. The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is a 501c6 nonprofit organization operated under the guidance of a nine-member board of directors.
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is dedicated to the promotion and protection of Paso Robles Wine Country, and the continuous improvement of the quality of its wines, vineyards, and experiences.
| |
Produce: The Clock is Ticking for Specialty Crop Growers | |
The Clock is Ticking for Specialty Crop Growers | My family's fourth-generation farm has been growing asparagus in West Michigan for decades, but that could soon be changing. Simply put, there are too many hurdles that block my path to growing this nutritious crop efficiently and sustainably. The two largest hurdles are surging foreign imports from Mexico and Peru, and disastrous U.S. | | | | |
Watch for Improved Pollinator Habitats in California Citrus Groves | 5 million grant from the California Department of Food and Agriculture to encourage more climate-smart farming practices in 11 counties. | | | |
Environmental: USDA to Reopen Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program | |
USDA to Reopen Signup for Continuous Conservation Reserve Program | WASHINGTON, Jan. 11, 2024 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will begin accepting applications for the Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (Continuous CRP) signup on Jan. 12, 2024. | | | | |
Strauss Wind Energy Project Now Operating, Generating Power in County | Local News | Noozhawk | Wind farm near Lompoc consists of 29 wind turbine generators producing energy to power the equivalent of 40,000 homes | | | |
Thank You Farm Bureau Members | |
Featured Member Benefit:
Jiffy Lube
| |
|
Jiffy Lube service centers offer services beyond the oil change with locations across California. Through a partnership with Jiffy Lube Fleet Care, Farm Bureau members can get their vehicles serviced for less! Take your vehicle to any one of the convenient locations and receive a 10 percent discount off all products and services except tires and batteries.
- No Appointment Necessary
- Convenient hours and open on weekends
- Available services include: Oil change, lights, tire rotation and more
- Jiffy Lube Signature Service Oil Change usually takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish
- FREE fluid top offs between oil changes after your first oil change visit
Visit www.jiffylube.com for the nearest service center location. No appointment is necessary.
| |
Livestock: CDFA Announces Vacancies on Livestock Identification Advisory Board | |
Vineyard and Wine: Tickets Now Available for Paso Wine Fest | |
|
February Vit Tech Seminar: CA Viticultural Trends
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 9:00 - 10:30 A.M.
LA BELLASERA HOTEL & SUITES
206 ALEXA COURT, PASO ROBLES
Often we are focused on what’s happening in Paso, so in an effort to stay up to date on the latest viticultural trends, we have reached out to partners outside of the area to share what’s happening across California and what they are seeing at the state-wide level.
Join us for the February 1 Vit Tech Seminar all about California Viticultural Trends featuring Alison Jordan, Vice President of Environmental Affairs at Wine Institute, Michael Miller, Director of Government Relations for CAWG, and Steve McIntyre, President of Monterey Pacific Inc. who will discuss:
• What’s new in AgTech and regulatory structure
• The latest in vineyard disposal, biochar, carbon sequestration, and healthy soils
• Trends in pest management
• Sustainability, climate action and dry farming/water conservation projects
| |
Tickets available now for Paso Wine Fest | Popular event returns May 16 - 19 - Paso Wine Fest is scheduled to return to North County this year from Thursday, May 16, to [...] | | | | |
Local winery marks 50 years of operation | Initiatives throughout the year will celebrate the anniversary - J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines announces its 50th-anniversary celebration, highlighting five decades in the wine industry. [...] | | | |
Water: Paso Robles GSA Approves County as Contacting Agent for Paso Basin Committee | |
Paso Robles GSA approves county as contracting agent for Paso Basin Cooperative Committee | The Paso Robles Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board acted jointly with the City Council on Tuesday night, Jan. 16, to discuss and approve the County of San Luis Obispo to serve as an additional contracting agent with the Paso Basin Cooperative Committee (PBCC). | | | | |
California could face more atmospheric river 'super-sequences,' study finds | Back-to-back atmospheric rivers in California raise the potential for flooding and other impacts. Here's what that could look like. | | | |
Farm Bureau Membership Matters | | |
|
|
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.
| |
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. | |
|
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
| | |
|
Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!
| | | | |
