Dear Members,
As we continue to cope with what is happening in California and around the world, California Citrus Mutual (CCM) will bring you daily updates on relevant topics and impacts to the California citrus industry. Please watch your emails for the latest news, legislation, and actions by CCM.
California Citrus Mutual staff held conference calls today with Senator Galgiani, the office of Assemblymember Eggman, the office of Senate Pro Tem Atkins, the office of Senator Caballero, and Assemblymember Irwin. Our goal for the meetings was to discuss and inform the steps that the industry is taking to balance and protect employee health while meeting consumer needs during this pandemic. We pressed the need for statewide guidance, stating that agriculture and food production is an essential service and must be excluded from quarantine and “self shelter” orders.
USDA Secretary Sonny Perdue announced that the State Department will waive the in-person interview requirement for returning H-2A workers at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City and all U.S. consulates in Mexico. This waiver is critical to maintaining a viable workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic and national emergency. CCM, along with our federal lobbyists, The Russell Group will continue to monitor the situation and provide critical updates.
We will continue to meet with elected officials within the state and the federal governments to address concerns related to and surrounding COVID-19. If you have any questions, concerns, or need assistance please call our office.
Sincerely,
Casey Creamer
President/CEO
