ADVOCACY REPORT
Blue Diamond Engages with Key State Leaders During Ag Council’s Legislative Conference Agricultural Council of California (Ag Council) held its annual Legislative Conference in Sacramento on May 7, 2024. Blue Diamond Growers ’ Chief Government and Public Affairs Officer, Alicia Rockwell and Government and Public Affairs Manager, Mallorie Hayes helped bring together over two dozen Blue Diamond growers and staff to participate in the conference to educate elected officials on issues surrounding water, crop protection materials and climate programs. Blue Diamond was joined by Ag Council’s other members including Sun-Maid Growers, Land O’Lakes, Dairy Farmers of America, CALAMCO, Four Winds Growers and Bonnie Plants, among many others. “Having our members visit the State Capitol is vital to our advocacy efforts,” Ag Council President, Emily Rooney said. “Our members can provide detailed experiences and expertise about how policies from Sacramento impact our community at the local level. We appreciate Blue Diamond ’s leadership and continued engagement in our Legislative Conference.” This year’s attendees raised concerns regarding harmful legislation relating to groundwater wells and crop protection materials. In addition, participants lent support to two pieces of legislation improving the regulatory requirements for groundwater recharge efforts during flood events. They also expressed support for funding for the Food Production Investment Program (FPIP), which is a grant program providing energy savings and lowering emissions at food processing facilities. Blue Diamond has received funds from FPIP and is a strong supporter of the program. State Senator Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) addressed the conference attendees and discussed his work in the Legislative Problem Solvers Caucus. The goal of the Caucus is to analyze proposals with an objective mindset, while
Kabir Tumber and Christine Ivory (Blue Diamond Growers), Assemblyman Flora, Kelli Evans (Blue Diamond grower), and Jonnalee Dunn (Henderson Farms)
Blue Diamond Growers team and guest attendees
Ashley Dowden (Henderson Farms), Alicia Rockwell (Blue Diamond Growers), Senator Glazer, Dr. Dan Sonke and Beth Miller (Blue Diamond Growers)
considering costs, implementation challenges and realistic outcomes. The Caucus is bipartisan in nature and considers some of the state’s most complex challenges on a whole suite of issues ranging from energy to retail theft. Senator Newman made a commitment to connect with Ag Council members again to learn more about issues impacting agriculture.
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ALMOND FACTS
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