Longer-Term Permits On a positive note, the SWRCB decided to allow some water rights holders and water managers the option to apply for five-year water diversion permits at the same cost as 180-day permits. We are optimistic that the longer-term permits will provide more opportunities for groundwater recharge projects to help better manage flood and drought events in the future. Water Quality Fees Water quality fees were adopted in September. Both wastewater discharge and irrigated lands fees will increase between 5.3 and 5.5 percent. Ag Council previously attempted to offset SWRCB fees through the budget process. However, the current state budget deficit prevents such offsets. Ag Council will continue to engage on water fees and will participate in any stakeholder sessions with the SWRCB. Packaging Regulation Under Development Ag Council is closely engaged in the rulemaking process and regulatory implementation of SB 54 (Allen), the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Producer Responsibility Act, to advocate on behalf of California’s agricultural and food processing industries, including Blue Diamond Growers and its almond producers. The intent of SB 54 is to shift the responsibility of packaging from consumers to producers and reduce plastic material in the state. It requires all single-use packaging to be reusable, compostable or recyclable by 2032. One area of concern is the law’s potential impact on food safety through limitations on plastic seals and packaging adhesives, which are critical to prevent contamination, spoilage and foodborne illness. Plastic components, such as seals, are essential in safeguarding food quality by protecting against moisture and oxygen.
50 TH ANNIVERSARY 1974-2024
Thank you!
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Ag Council and a broad coalition of other agricultural stakeholders submitted detailed public comments to CalRecycle urging careful consideration of food safety implications when making packaging decisions and requested that essential packaging components be exempted until safe and reliable alternatives are available. In addition, Ag Council President Emily Rooney is a non-voting member of an advisory board providing guidance from the food and agricultural perspective to the Producer Responsibility Organization (PRO). Under SB 54, the following must occur by 2032: 100 percent of packaging in California is recyclable or compostable, 25 percent of plastic packaging is source reduced statewide, and 65 percent of all single-use plastic packaging is recycled.
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NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2024
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