Governor Newsom names Esquivel SWRCB Chair, appoints Lauren Firestone Former CDFA Secretary Bill Lyons appointed Agriculture Liaison in the Office of the Governor In his first two months of office, Governor Newsom has made several appointments to his cabinet and various agencies that have a direct impact on the agricultural industry. On February 12, 2019, [...]
Sunkist, Wonderful Citrus, and CCM made the rounds in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday outlining priorities in several Congressional offices. House and Senate Ag Committees and key Congressional offices, including newcomer T J Cox were all given a briefing on priority concerns for the new Congress. “Lots of offices still under renovation,” notes CCM’s Joel Nelsen, [...]
Trying to identify “who is on first” at the federal level has been a challenge because of Republican increases in the Senate and Democratic victories in the House. But this is what we know so far as it relates to our priorities: The Senate Finance Committee holds responsibility on trade matters. A new chair from [...]
On Tuesday evening Governor Newsom released a statement reappointing CDFA Secretary Karen Ross to her existing position. “The Secretary has been a staunch supporter of our industry and specifically the ACP/HLB program,” states CCM President Joel Nelsen. “I have had the pleasure of working with Karen as a colleague with the Wine Grape Growers Association, [...]
Previously we talked about the federal government shutdown and potential impacts to the California citrus industry. Well, today we shift from potential to actual. Our major priority would be the ACP/HLB program sometimes known as CHRP. We are not suffering any major impacts inasmuch so much of the funding comes from growers and the state. [...]
As Governor Elect Gavin Newsom prepares to take office on January 7, 2019; agriculture is one of many industries paying close attention to who will make up the Governor’s administration. CCM is working closely with the other agriculture associations to submit names of individuals for leadership positions at the CalEPA, Department of Pesticide Regulations, State [...]
This week, CCM hosted a delegation of State legislators for a tour of the Central Valley citrus industry. The group included Assembly Members Blanca Rubio, Jim Cooper, Devon Mathis, and Senator Susan Rubio as well as staff for Imperial County Assembly Member Eduardo Garcia. The tour started at the Wonderful Citrus Halo plant where CCM [...]
This time it was for a confab between fresh produce commodity leaders across the country in an attempt to get all parties in agreement specific to guest worker language and legislation in the next Congress. “Last summer the industry was not unified in our message or approach,” states CCM President Joel Nelsen, “and part of [...]
Covered by major news media the visit by Governor-elect Gavin Newsom was designed to visit with as many citizens and stakeholder groups as possible. Ninety minutes were spent with members of the Agricultural and water community. CCM President Joel Nelsen was in attendance and spoke to the regulatory burdens foisted upon businesses and growers which [...]
California Citrus Mutual (CCM) President Joel Nelsen and Executive Vice President Casey Creamer, spent two days in Washington, D.C. last week to attend the USDA-APHIS Citrus Commodity Sector Meeting in addition to continuing advocacy efforts on trade, water, labor, and the Farm Bill. Good news was received in meetings with House Ag Committee staff that [...]
