ADVOCACY REPORT
with the trade groups across the nation to harmonize the varying state regulations. Otherwise, having a patchwork of regulations would create additional costs and compliance issues for our food producers here at home. Ag Council Works Toward Soft Landing Ag Council is working with Blue Diamond and other members to identify opportunities and gaps within the regulation and the underlying statute. We have also
engaged CDFA Secretary Karen Ross on the issue. It is our hope that — for products requiring the use of plastics and other sanitary materials used for the purposes of food safety, food preservation and shelf life — we can create a clear compliance pathway that does not increase costs to the industry. Workable solutions are not easy to come by but will be found through deep conversations and a commitment to partnerships. Learn more about Ag Council at www.agcouncil.org.
Blue Diamond Team at the Legislative Conference
Meeting with Assemblymember Solache (center)
Blue Diamond Joins Ag Council’s Legislative Day at the State Capitol
Ag Council extends a special thanks to Blue Diamond Growers staff and farmers for participating in Ag Council’s Legislative Conference in Sacramento in early May where attendees connected with over 30 legislators and staff on crucial issues in the State Legislature. The day of outreach is an important tool for members to directly engage with state decision makers on legislation impacting your farm and cooperative. During the morning session, attendees heard from and had a Q&A session with Assembly GOP Leader Heath Flora (R-Ripon). The group also connected with Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Esmeralda Soria
(D-Fresno) as she was recognized with Ag Council’s 2026 Influential Legislator Award for her efforts on water supply, supporting funding for ag-focused emissions reduction programs and pushing back on legislation detrimental to agriculture. Flora is a past recipient of the award. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross spoke with attendees during lunch and covered CDFA’s role in the legislative process and discussed current legislation affecting agriculture before she answered audience questions. Attendees then met with legislators and staff in their offices to discuss critical legislative issues. The
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ALMOND FACTS
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