California Fresh Fruit Association Comments on Governor Newsom's $100 Billion California Comeback Plan
FRESNO, CA - The past week has been one of major announcements coming from both the State of California and Governor Gavin Newsom in regard to the fresh produce industry. As we reported earlier, several agricultural associations commented on the state’s recent expansion of its emergency drought proclamation, and now Governor Newsom has released a “$100 Billion California Comeback Plan,” to which the California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) has released a statement.
Governor Newsom’s new plan will allocate a portion of funding to support the food and agricultural industry while also continuing to invest in drought resiliency efforts across the state. According to a press release, the governor announced that he plans to make significant investments in California’s Central Valley, a prominent ag hub, to promote a more resilient, healthier, food and agricultural system.
“Over the last several years, California’s farmers and ranchers have continued to be faced with unprecedented challenges. Through labor and water shortages, to increased regulatory burdens, growers have continued to rise to the occasion to ensure the nation and world continue to have a safe and reliable food supply,” stated Ian LeMay, President. “While today’s announcement will not alleviate many of the issues the industry is dealing with, the additional funding for programs will help producers comply to meet the standards that have been put in place. The Association is appreciative of the continued focus on the California agricultural industry.”
The $100 Billion California Comeback Plan proposes a $531 million package to improve drought resiliency with investments being made to the Sustainable Water Management Act implementation, the State Water Efficiency & Enhancement Program, and to provide technical assistance with on-farm water use efficiency.
It was also announced that funding for emission reduction programs, such as the FARMER and the Healthy Soils Program, would also be increased as part of the potential package.
As more information becomes available in regard to this proposed plan, AndNowUKnow will continue to report the latest details.
