Barry Bedwell and California Fresh Fruit Association Announces Its Top Ten Industry Issues
FRESNO, CA – The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) has named its Top Ten Issues for 2016, reflecting its members top priorities for the year.
“Again our membership has given us strong direction in identifying their top priorities for 2016,” said CFFA President Barry Bedwell. “As in years past, the issues of water, labor, and food safety, will lead our list of issues. CFFA will continue to serve as a liaison between regulatory and legislative authorities by acting as the unified voice for our members.”
Members were surveyed in December 2015. The results of that survey, listed in order of priority, are as follows, according to a press release:
- Water Supply Availability/Drought Impacts (#1 in 2015)
- Retroactive Labor Regulation Costs & Related Impacts (#6 in 2015)
- Food Safety Practices & Implementation (#2 in 2015)
- Immigration Reform (#3 in 2015)
- Groundwater Management Requirements (#7 in 2015)
- Labor Regulations (#5 in 2015)
- Water Quality Regulations (#8 in 2015)
- Health Care Mandates/Affordable Care Act (#4 in 2015)
- Invasive Pest Issues (#9 in 2015)
- Workers’ Compensation Costs (#10 in 2015)
The top issue two years running is Water Supply Availability/Drought Impacts, reflecting the continued impacts resulting from four years of drought and water supply uncertainty. Retroactive Labor Regulation Costs & Related Impacts ranked number two, resulting from the recent passage of AB1513. Food Safety Practices & Implementation remained in the top three, demonstrating the industry’s continued focus on providing a safe food supply.
