JULY | AUGUST 2017
Almond Facts
29
SB 730 (Pan, Democrat-Sacramento):
Buy American Requirement in Schools
This bill establishes actions the California Department
of Education must take to monitor compliance with and
enforcement of the Buy American requirement in the
school lunch and breakfast programs in California.
Ag Council is sponsoring this measure.
SB 623 (Monning, Democrat-Carmel):
Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund
SB 623 would establish the Safe and Affordable
Drinking Water Fund and ensure that monies in the
fund are continuously appropriated to the State Water
Resources Control Board to provide water to those
whose drinking water exceeds the standard for nitrates.
The goal of this bill is to provide drinking water to
impacted communities, while creating a pathway to
compliance to prevent future enforcement threats from
state and regional water boards. This bill in its current
form passed off the Senate floor with bipartisan support
and will next be heard in the Assembly Environmental
Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. This is an
ongoing discussion.
The legislature adjourns for a summer recess
July 21st- August 21st.
Federal Report
The new Administration is still making significant changes
in Washington. Congress has been impacted since the
White House, House and Senate are all controlled by the
Republicans, and all parties are still trying to understand
these changes. We are continually working to meet all the
new appointees during this time and stay current with the
major issues being discussed. Trade, the Farm Bill and Water
are just a few issues that have been acted on.
Trade
After the administration change in January, there have been
many changes related to trade. While
Blue Diamond
was
looking forward to the adoption of TPP with the resulting
benefits for almond exports, the United States withdrew
from the agreement. However, the 11 remaining countries
are moving forward to reach an agreement if possible. This
could potentially leave the U.S. on the outside, but the U.S.
has expressed interest in achieving bilateral Free Trade
Agreements with each TPP country.
Additionally, on the trade front, the U.S. will renegotiate
NAFTA, however it is not clear when this will be completed.
NAFTA has been a good agreement for
Blue Diamond
and
the almond industry, and our advocates are working hard
to ensure the renegotiation will not result in any harm to
almond exports.
Farm Bill
Work has begun on the new farm bill, which is expected to
be adopted early next year. It is hoped that additional funds
can be secured for the Market Access Program, which will
support increased
Blue Diamond
exports. Although, this
will be difficult as there will be an overall reduction in funds
available for agriculture programs.
Water
In addition to last year’s water legislation that was passed in
December, an additional bill has passed through the House
and is pending the Senate, while a third bill is pending in
the House. This water legislation will benefit California and
provide much needed support to the state.
The new administration has done what it promised regarding
WOTUS and has started the process of repealing the act.
This is extremely beneficial to not only California almonds,
but all of California and United States agriculture.
Niemela Pappas & Associates,
Blue Diamond Advocacy Team
JULIAN HERON,
Partner – Tuttle Taylor & Heron
