Latest Advocacy Updates - July 11, 2025
California Farm Bureau President Shannon Douglass joined state Farm Bureau presidents in Washington, D.C., for the American Farm Bureau Federation's Council of Presidents. Highlights included a meeting with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and timely discussions on workforce, trade and the passage of key tax provisions for agriculture.
Assembly Bill 1156 passed the Senate Local Government Committee after the author accepted revised amendments. Despite minor changes, the bill still allows industrial solar projects on prime agricultural land without exit payments. Farm Bureau remains opposed.
Assembly Bill 1362 passed Senate Judiciary and heads to Appropriations. It would require H-2A farm labor contractors to also register as foreign labor contractors. Farm Bureau opposes, citing redundant requirements and added burdens on legitimate businesses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture launched Stage 1 of the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program aid, covering insured or Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program-enrolled producers. Broader access won't open until mid-September. California Farm Bureau is pushing for a faster Stage 2 rollout and adequate funding for all affected growers.
USDA reversed its decision to expand Mexican livestock imports after detecting New World Screwworm in Veracruz. The pest, absent from the U.S. since the 1960s, raises concerns about spread. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is making increasing efforts to contain the threat.
USDA announced the National Farm Security Action Plan to address risks from foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land. The plan includes reforms to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act, supply chain risk assessments and steps to prevent fraud in USDA programs.
Contact
- Phone: (916) 561-5500
- Fax: (916) 561-4507
- Email: cfbf@cfbf.com
- 2600 River Plaza Dr.
- Sacramento, CA 95833
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