Government Affairs

Almond Board Holds Ag Policy and Legislative Briefing

As part of an ongoing effort to provide a forum for industry members to learn more about legislative and regulatory issues of concern, the Almond Board of California (ABC) initiated a series of ag policy and legislative briefings. The first briefing, on March 15, featured state and federal updates from Dee Dee D’Adamo, senior policy adviser to Rep. Dennis Cardoza (D-Merced), and Jim Collin, chief consultant, State Assembly Agricultural Committee.

Industry members participated “live” at the Almond Board’s Modesto offices, in addition to participating by conference call. Budget concerns dominated both the federal and state outlooks, with both Collin and D’Adamo highlighting the impact budget cuts will have in agricultural policy areas. Environmental concerns — water and air quality — were also discussed.

The second briefing was a webinar on the Food Safety Modernization Act and its implications for the almond industry. It is anticipated that briefings will be organized quarterly, covering a variety of topics.

For more information on the issues discussed in either of the meetings or to propose more topics of interest for future briefings, please contact Caroline Stringer at (209) 343-3256.