“The Measure J campaign started tens of thousands of conversations across Sonoma County.” —Cassie King
One example is the Alternative Manure Management Program, a program of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. This is a permanent program that focuses on manure management for small and medium- sized dairies to reduce methane emissions. “When farmers have resources to make environmental improvements, it can result in a global benefit—curbing climate change,” says Brillinger. Another shift regarding the legislation was opponents of Measure J expanded the list of organizations to which they presented. Ghirardelli says engagement began early with local, state and nationwide organizations. “The Sonoma County Farm Bureau spoke to over 60 organizations about Measure J. Numerous organizations were interested because they saw the measure could be a steppingstone to broader legislation,” says Ghirardelli. Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers, says CAWG saw the legislation as having the potential to impact agricultural land use and the broader farming community. “While Measure J primarily targeted concentrated animal feeding operations, it posed restrictive policies that, if passed, could have set a harmful precedent for
supply and the local economy,” says Wiig. Renata Brillinger is the co-founder and executive director of the California Climate and Agriculture Network (CalCAN), a Sacramento-based statewide coalition to advocate for climate solutions offered by sustainable and organic agriculture. CalCAN also opposed Measure J. Brillinger, who is a resident of Sonoma County, monitored both sides’ campaigns. “I saw a shift among some local voters, including some of my friends. They came to see that members of Direct Action Everywhere were centered on animal rights and veganism. It put the activists in conflict with those who make their living in animal agriculture. It seemed pretty irreconcilable,” says Brillinger. She says future discussions about animal agriculture could focus on understanding the economic ecosystem in which farmers operate. “The current marketplace means that profit margins are very slim for dairy producers. Their choices are so limited,” says Brillinger. She says the public should veer away from shutting down animal agriculture businesses. Instead, they should offer incentives for continual improvement.
DUNCAN GARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY Food + Wine, Portraits, Landscapes, Architecture, Events and Editorial
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March 2025
NorthBaybiz 47
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