Farmers Rally in Fresno

August 30, 2006

At a news conference in Fresno, family farmers rallied to support Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and criticize his opponent, Democratic candidate Phil Angelides.

Debbie Jacobsen

California Farm Bureau Director Debbie Jacobsen called the coming election critical to the future of farming and ranching in California.

"Governor Schwarzenegger is genuinely concerned with protecting farms and ranches," Jacobsen said. "He understands that Californians will enjoy quality products as long as farmers have access to reliable water, expanding markets and a healthy business climate."

Jacobsen, a past president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau, said Angelides doesn't understand the dynamics of family farming. She noted that the Democratic candidate had called for repeal of a tax-relief measure reducing state sales taxes on farm equipment and fuel. Angelides has referred to the "tractor tax" relief as a corporate tax loophole.

"Our 'corporate' family farm, as the opponent in this race calls farms like ours, is a partnership with my parents, my sister and my husband and me," Jacobsen said. "Our family has the same challenges and dreams that any other working family has, of raising our children and sending them off to college with their dreams and hopes for their futures. We have worked hard to provide a good life for them--along with keeping the farming way of life alive for them to enjoy."

Bill Chandler

Another speaker at the news conference, farmer Bill Chandler of Selma, said he purchased a new tractor and almond harvester last year. Chandler, who grows almonds, tree fruit and grapes, said the sales-tax relief was a big help.

"It's a tight market--a world market--and the competition is tough," he said. "Things like this (tractor tax relief) can help us stay competitive."

The California Farm Bureau Federation has endorsed Gov. Schwarzenegger for re-election, based in part on his pledge not to raise taxes during his term in office. Farm Bureau has also launched a No Tractor Tax campaign to emphasize the sharp differences between Schwarzenegger and Angelides.