At The Capitol is Blue Diamond’s legislative newsletter that provides an overview of the cooperative’s advocacy activities on legislative and regulatory issues that affect our grower-owners. Please visit our government affairs page for more information and to learn more about our political action committee.
Blue Diamond’s Salida Facility Recognized for Outstanding Safety
Earlier this month, Blue Diamond Growers received the “Star Site” designation through Cal/OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) at our Salida, CA, facility. The designation recognizes employers who have voluntarily managed outstanding safety and health programs. Only 63 California worksites, including Blue Diamond, share the “Star Site” recognition.
“Blue Diamond’s success as the world’s largest almond company hinges on the safety of our operations and the wellbeing of our team members. I am proud that this milestone achievement validates our commitment to safety culture,” said Jeff Hatfield, SVP of Manufacturing for Blue Diamond.
Blue Diamond hosted a flag-raising ceremony and luncheon at the Salida site to celebrate the employee-driven recoginition. Guests included Modesto Mayor, Sue Zwahlen, Director Katie Hagen, Department of Industrial Relations, and Cal/OSHA Cheif Debra Lee. Blue Diamond President and CEO Kai Bockmann and Salida’s Site Director Victor Gomez Terres gave remarks congratulating the Cooperative on its high safety scores and its dedication to the wellbeing of grower-owners and employees alike.
Final California Legislative Outcomes for 2024
By the end of California’s 2024 legislative session, hundreds of bills were approved by the Legislature and sent to Governor Newsom’s desk. Of those sent, the Governor signed 1,017 bills and vetoed 189 bills. Below are the final outcomes of the bills referenced in the Sept/Oct Almond Facts, which at the time of print, did not have the outcome of the Governor’s veto/sign decision.
AB 1963 – Paraquat Evaluation – Requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation to reevaluate the herbicide paraquat dichloride by January 1, 2029, and determine whether to retain, cancel or suspend its registration or place new restrictions on the herbicide. This could have an impact on agriculture’s ability to utilize the herbicide. Status: Signed by Governor
AB 2113 – Pesticide Tax Increase – The governor’s budget included a proposal to increase the mill tax paid for by farmers on pesticides. While the mill tax was passed, agriculture was able to negotiate a deal that brought some long-sought-after wins to agriculture, including an increased timeline from two years to four years for the increase, expedited timelines required for DPR to register new products and active ingredients, and that new staffing hires be for registration of new products. The increase will begin immediately upon passage. Status: Signed by Governor
SB 399 – Employer Communications – Restricts how businesses communicate with their employees. The aim is to limit discussions between employees and employers on “political matters,” though it could impact employers’ ability to discuss new law or regulations with their employees. Status: Signed by Governor
AB 98 – Warehouse and Logistics Measure – Prohibits cities and counties from approving a new or expanded logistics use unless specific standards are met. Requires logistics facilities to submit truck routing plans that prioritize routes designed for heavy duty and other commercial vehicles. Status: Signed by Governor
SB 366 – CA Water Supply Plan – Creates a water supply planning target of nine million acre-feet of additional water, water conservation, or water storage capacity to be attained by 2040, as part of the 2028 update to the California Water Plan. Status: Vetoed by Governor
Election Countdown: One Week
Election day is in one week, and will likely bring many new faces and names to Sacramento and Washington. A new president, new congressional members, and in the state legislature, at least 34 seats will turn over – representing 25 percent of each house.
Coming out of the elections, Blue Diamond will begin building our relationship with these newly elected officials to increase their understanding of the Cooperative and our issues.
Congressional Seats to Watch
The entire nation will be watching these central valley races as they will help decide the fate of a Republican or Democratic held House of Representatives.
CA 13 – Adam Gray (D) vs Rep. John Duarte (R)
All or parts of Merced, Madera, Stanislaus, Fresno and San Joauqin Counties
This is a re-run of 2022. Congressman John Duarte is the current incumbent. He is a Republican, a businessowner and farmer. Adam Gray is a moderate Democrat, has agricultural roots, and previously served in the California legislature.
CA 22 – Rudy Salas (D) vs Rep. David Valadao (R)
Kern, Kings and Tulare Counties
In another re-run of 2022, Congressman Valadao and former assemblymember Rudy Salas head off. David Valadao is a Republican and the incumbent for this seat. He is a farmer and was first elected in 2012. Rudy Salas is a moderate Democrat who previously served in the California legislature and Bakersfield City Council. Prior to elected office, he was a school counselor.
CA 9 – Rep. Josh Harder (D) vs Kevin Lincoln (R)
San Joaquin County
Both candidates are young and could have a long career. Congressman Josh Harder is currently the incumbent, first elected in 2019. Harder is a democrat, a businessman and taught at Modesto Junior college prior to Congress. Kevin Lincoln is a republican and the former Stockton Mayor. Before serving as Mayor, Lincon served in the U.S. Marine Corp.
Don’t miss the Government Affairs Almond Meeting Session – “Preparing for 2025: How Almonds Win!”
The coming year will be a pivotal year for policy and politics in California and across the nation. Join Blue Diamond’s Government Affairs team at the 114th Annual Meeting as they discuss legislative priorities for 2025 and how the Cooperative will be advocating for almonds in the coming year. Panelists include Blue Diamond state and federal representatives and Agricultural Council of California President, Emily Rooney!
Registration for the Annual Meeting is complimentary and open to all Blue Diamond members. Haven’t signed up yet? Visit our Annual Grower Meeting site.
The Almond Conference returns to Sacramento
The Almond Board’s Almond Conference will return to the Safe Credit Union Convention center in Sacramento December 10 to 12. To register for the conference visit ABC’s Almond Conference website.
Registration for The Almond Conference 2024 is complimentary and open to all almond industry professionals, including and especially almond growers. Conference sessions are open to all registrants, both attendees and exhibitors/sponsors. Meal tickets are available for purchase during the online registration process and are optional.
