President's Message
President’s Message - April 2010
I don’t have to remind you of the myriad of state and federal standards and regulations that we as growers need to be up to speed on to stay in business today. California Farm Bureau provides a service for a fee through the Farm Employers Labor Service (FELS) that can help you to be sure that your operation is in compliance. In my own dealings with state agencies, I am never surprised that I happen to know more about their regulations than the inspector or compliance representative. Recently, I made the mistake of asking for clarification on a regulation, only to receive a blank stare from a state inspector.
"This year is an opportunity for you to speak out with your vote. Stay engaged."
It is obvious that the legislatures in both Washington D.C. and Sacramento are so busy telling us how to move an inch forward in our lives, and we are expected to be students of these rules. I received another reminder that the Sacramento political scene is a world which is foreign to me, but a necessary evil, as Madera Farm Bureau delves into Ca High Speed Rail project. We met privately with the Chairman of the High Speed Rail Authority, Curt Pringle, who is also currently the Mayor of Anaheim. The mentality of the leadership is to promote progress and growth. We explained eloquently what a high speed rail train moving at 250 mph may do to harm pollination and crop set in our county, in addition to the harmful growth inducing effects of new transportation corridors. It quickly became clear to me that we in agriculture are perceived as just another “interest group” with an agenda, who needs to get with the High Speed Rail program. The idea in Sacramento is that we all need to give something up for the greater good. The problem is that I don’t think that we in the rural areas feel that we can give up much more.
In an election year like 2010, it is important to stay informed before stepping into the ballot box. Bond proposals continue to pop up on the ballot, and we must consider the impact of borrowing against our grandchildren’s future. The Madera County Farm Bureau doesn’t grant endorsements of candidates or initiatives; however the members of our organization are individually some of the more politically active members in the county. This year is an opportunity for you to speak out with your vote. Stay engaged.
Restoration of the San Joaquin River
