California Farm Bureau Cohosts Gubernatorial Candidate Forum on Rural Affordability
Published Friday, April 3, 2026
Agriculture was a central focus of a gubernatorial candidate forum at California State University, Fresno, this week, with candidates addressing key issues impacting farmers and ranchers, including water, regulation, energy costs, food prices and long-term industry stability. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring California agriculture remains viable in an increasingly challenging economic and regulatory environment.
Notably, multiple candidates acknowledged that some well-intended policies have produced unintended consequences. This included discussion of the state’s 2016 agricultural overtime law, with several candidates agreeing it has resulted in “farmworkers earning less—not more.”
California Farm Bureau continues to advance solutions to address these challenges, including Senate Bill 921, which proposes an agricultural overtime tax credit aimed at helping agricultural employers manage rising labor costs while supporting increased earning opportunities for farmworkers.
Farm Bureau looks forward to continuing engagement with candidates and policymakers to advance practical, effective solutions for agriculture and rural communities.
Watch the full forum: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecuIRt5zXws
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