Legislators to Resume Activity in the State Capitol on Aug. 18

As legislators conclude their summer recess and return to the State Capitol on August 18, the countdown to the September 12 adjournment begins. Meanwhile, priorities abound in the food and agriculture space.

Notably, Ag Council has been involved in negotiations on the ultra-processed food bill, AB 1264 (Gabriel), and has worked to advocate for critical amendments to narrow the scope of the measure that are now incorporated in the bill.

Cap-and-trade reauthorization is also a priority for Ag Council, both because we support extending the existing market-based program to lower greenhouse gas emissions and because crucial ag programs are funded through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF), which exists through cap-and-trade dollars.

Ag Council and over 30 other ag organizations are working collaboratively to support the following GGRF priorities: the Food Production Investment Program (FPIP), FARMER (ag equipment upgrades), dairy methane reduction programs, and Sustainable Ag Waste Management (mulching, chipping, biochar, and composting for orchard and vineyard ag waste).

Legislation regarding water, endangered species, and workplace surveillance is also on the docket when legislators return. Those and many other measures await consideration in the Senate and Assembly fiscal committees.

This is all taking place against the backdrop of redistricting, which will be front and center when legislators return given the Secretary of State has said legislative approval of a redistricting plan is needed by August 22 in order for a special election to be held on November 4.

To read more about the measures that could impact food and agriculture, please click HERE.