CRAE members address conflict between food safety and environmental health
Since shortly after the 2006 E. coli outbreak traced to leafy greens in California’s Central Coast region, CRAE has provided a forum for a broad range of stakeholders to build mutual understanding, discuss, and craft widely-supported proposals to enhance food safety while honoring the important conservation role of agricultural producers. Some of the group’s activities are described below.
CALIFORNIA ROUNDTABLE ON AGRICULTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
The California Roundtable on Ag and the Environment (CRAE) is a broad coalition of agriculture, environment, labor, and public agency leaders working to promote an agriculture that is economically viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible.
CRAE was founded in September 2004 to build broad-based support for the expansion of the Environmental Quality Improvement Program in the Federal Farm Bill. Since that time, the group has expanded its efforts to include a broader array of strategic issues at the intersection of agriculture and the environment. New topics for CRAE in 2009 were improving coordination of regulations to facilitate on-farm conservation and restoration, and developing recommendations for state agencies on implementing AgVision 2030. In addition, CRAE has been working on a range of key issues, including:
- Exploring the role of agriculture in climate change mitigation and adaptation
- Promoting Farm Bill reform
- Working with the University of California to address the research needs of agriculture and the environment
- Exploring ways to use third-party certification of farms as a way to improve environmental performance and create regulatory incentives on farms
- Developing a proactive response to food safety issues that protects health and the environment
- Preserving agricultural land in California
- Supporting AgJobs legislation and the resolution of ag labor issues
- Protecting agricultural production and environmental resources from invasive pests
CRAE works primarily at the policy level, providing information and perspective to state and federal legislators and regulators.
Follow the links to the left to learn more about our work and successes.
CRAE Climate Priniciples
July 2010
CRAE member organizations crafted a set of climate principles (pdf) to guide the formulation of potential national climate policy that gives agricultural producers a fair opportunity to participate in a carbon offsets program, conservation programs, and other performance-based incentive mechanisms. CRAE members hope that this policy can provide resources for the research, development, and implementation of practices that will help producers increase their resilience to climate change and be effective climate stewards. A related media release (pdf) was issued on Monday, July 12.
CRAE food safety principles to inform FDA produce safety standards
May 2010
CRAE submitted its guiding principles for national food safety efforts to the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is compiling input for a new regulation in the works to govern the growing, harvesting, and packing of fresh fruits and vegetables. The new rules are slated for release this fall. More information on national produce food safety efforts can be accessed through the Produce Safety Project.
CRAE special session on nitrogen management
April 2010
Recognizing the important role nitrogen plays in healthy farming systems and communities, CRAE members, along with twenty partners, gathered on April 15, 2010, to build a common base of knowledge about nitrogen management and California agriculture. Key scientists and regulators in the field shared their expertise with the group. Below are links to a set of presentations made during the session, which together provide an overview of the current state of knowledge on nitrogen science and management in California. CRAE members will be exploring agricultural nitrogen further in the coming months.
Science and Research
Dr. Kate Scow – Nitrogen in the Agricultural System
Dr. Todd Rosenstock – Nitrogen in California: What is Known, Unknown, and Uncertain
Dr. Graham Fogg – Nitrate and Groundwater Quality Sustainability
Dr. Stu Pettygrove, in conversation with Miriam Volat – Fertilizer Use and Irrigation Management
Dr. Will Horwath – Agricultural N and Climate
Dr. Will Horwath – Overview
of
ARB project:
Research
on GHG
Emissions
from
Fertilizer
Dr. Amrith Gunasekara, California Department of Food and Agriculture – Fertilizer Research Education Program
Regulation
Johnny Gonzales, State Water Resources Control Board – Agricultural Nitrogen Regulations: Water
John Menke, State Water Resources Control Board – Management of Nutrients at Dairies in California: California Dairy Quality Assurance Program
Paul Martin, Western United Dairymen – Agricultural Nitrogen Regulations: Air
CRAE special session on nitrogen management - additional materials
April 2010
In connection with CRAE’s Special Session on Nitrogen Management, the following materials were submitted to amplify presentations made by experts.
- A one-page summary of the UC Davis Agricultural Sustainability Institute’s California Nitrogen Assessment.
- A summary of the research project Collaborative Research to Understand How to Reduce N2O Emissions from Nitrogen Land Application led by UC Davis and CSU Fresno researchers.
- Resources on public health impacts of nitrates: Information on the impacts of nitrates on drinking water has been compiled by the US EPA and the CA Department of Public Health. The State Water Board’s Groundwater Ambient Monitoring and Assessment (GAMA) Program also developed a series of maps indicating nitrate concentrations in groundwater over time, and a presentation by the CA Department of Public Health indicates nitrate effects on public water system wells.
CRAE members rally to preserve Farm Bill conservation funding
March 2010
The Obama Administration has recently proposed substantial budget cuts to hard-won conservation funding including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program, the Farm and Ranch Land Protection Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, Wetlands Reserve Program, and Grasslands Reserve Program. CRAE members are urging the Administration to preserve this funding, which is a vital source of support for the protection of water resources, improved air quality, preservation of open space and wildlife habitat, and greenhouse gas mitigation, among other benefits. In March 2010, CRAE members sent a letter to key leaders calling for renewed support for these Farm Bill conservation programs. CRAE circulated an associated media release entitled Farmers, Labor, Green Groups Unite to Fight Cuts in Conservation Programs. CRAE member Kari Hamerschlag, from the Environmental Working Group, wrote a blog entry on Civil Eats about the group’s efforts.
CRAE produces principles to guide national produce food safety efforts
February 2010
Based on CRAE’s experience holding ongoing dialogues at the intersection of food safety and environmental health in California, CRAE members collaborated to produce 10 principles for safe and sustainable produce. These principles are equally relevant to industry-led, legislative and governmental agency efforts, and are intended to provide guidance both to existing and newly emerging food safety programs and requirements. CRAE has submitted the principles to inform a current FDA initiative to create industry guidelines for tomatoes, leafy greens and melons, the President’s food safety working group efforts to enhance food safety laws, and the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service consideration of a National Leafy Greens Food Marketing Agreement.
CRAE tackles regulatory barriers to environmental enhancement
October 2009
In recent months, CRAE members have been investigating the nature, breadth, and depth of regulatory hurdles that hinder, and often prevent, beneficial environmental conservation or restoration projects on California’s farms and ranchland. CRAE has been talking with agency leaders, technical support groups, and others in an effort to get a lay of the land and formulate solutions that benefit farmers, the environment, and the smooth functioning of regulatory agencies. CRAE’s work will be published on this site as it becomes available. In the meantime, contact info[at]craegroup.org with any questions.
CRAE members rally around need for strong CDFA
June 2009
California’s dramatic fiscal crisis has led to proposals to drastically consolidate and cut many state programs and departments, including the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). CRAE members have stressed the extreme importance of CDFA programs, UC agricultural research and the activities of Cooperative Extension relative to the production of a healthy, stable and sustainable food supply. The activities of both these vital institutions are preventative in nature and protect California from more onerous financial burdens. While CRAE members recognize that significant cuts must be made, CRAE sent a letter to the Legislative Budget Conference Committee urging it to ensure that any cuts being made to CDFA, as well as the University of California, be done on an unallocated basis, thereby enabling administrative experts within both agencies to prioritize and allocate funds as necessary to address the most pressing and vital programs and services. CRAE members followed this move with another letter to the Senate Committee on Food and Agriculture, which held a hearing on June 16, 2009, to consider the elimination of CDFA. Here, CRAE reiterated the need for continued General Fund support for CDFA and the need to further strengthen the Department to serve the needs of Californians.
Farm Bill Conservation Programs Threatened
May 2009
President Obama’s proposed budget fell $700 million short of the promise for farm bill conservation program funding. In the proposed budget, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) takes the biggest hit, falling $250 million short of the funding promised in the 2008 farm bill. The Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP) is targeted to be cut by over 138,000 acres, equivalent to a $350 million cut in funding for restoring wetlands. CRAE members joined forces to call for full funding for farm bill conservation programs, which are a critical mechanism for helping rural landowners steward the environment.
CRAE calls for reintroduction of AgJOBS
May 2009
CRAE members joined in a plea to Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Sam Farr to support the passage of the Agricultural Jobs, Opportunities and Benefits Act (AgJOBS). AgJOBS, a bill that been in negotiation for a decade, would pilot the legalization of a segment of the population of undocumented agricultural workers and reform the H-2A guest worker program. Coincidentally, the legislation was reintroduced by Senator Feinstein the following day. CRAE will continue to work for the passage of AgJOBS this session.
UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources develops strategic plan
March 2009
The University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources recently finalized its strategic plan to guide its research, education and service programs to meet the needs of California in the coming years. CRAE members worked with the University to provide input to, and feedback on, the plan. Rick Standiford, Associate VP of UC’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, joined CRAE in March to present ANR’s preliminary strategic plan and to give CRAE an opportunity to comment. The final strategic plan can be accessed here.
CRAE hosts bus tour and seminar on ag labor issues
October 2008
CRAE hosted a day-long session on ag labor issues to build understanding among its diverse constituents on issues facing the agricultural labor force and to identify opportunities for common action. Several migrant workers joined CRAE to share their experience as guest workers. Participants visited three sites, including a Farmington Fresh apple packing plant, Harney Lane Migrant Center, and Taganelli Farm to experience first-hand some of the issues and solutions being put into practice. CRAE members and guests then had an opportunity to discuss the various issues at hand, from migrant housing to workplace health and safety to legal issues, and move toward a common vision for a healthy future for California agricultural labor. Special thanks to CRLAF, San Joaquin RCD, the Catholic Diocese, US EPA and NRCS for making this important event happen.
CRAE continues efforts to bridge food safety and environmental goals in the E. coli aftermath
April 2009
CRAE members have been working to identify opportunities for resolution of food safety and environment conflicts that arose in the wake of the 2006 E. coli outbreak. A CRAE committee has been holding meetings with buyers, handlers, growers, and other key stakeholders in an effort to craft a process to meet multiple objectives, including halting unnecessary environmental damage and ensuring a high level of food safety for Californian leafy green products. Significant headway has been made and CRAE member organizations have forged substantial levels of trust and mutual understanding.
CRAE calls for coordinated invasive species strategy for California
April 2009
Climate change and the increased trans-border movement of goods conspire to greatly exacerbate the threat of invasive pests to California agriculture. In August 2008, CRAE members called on California Secretary of Food and Agriculture A.G. Kawamura and Resources Secretary Mike Chrisman to move forward with establishing an inter-agency California Invasive Species Council to better coordinate pest exclusion and management. In February 2009, the formation of the California Invasive Species Council was announced by state officials. CRAE applauds the move and looks forward to collaborating as the Council becomes established.
Federal funds for managing invasive species must focus on areas of risk
September 2008
The 2008 federal farm bill includes a landmark provision to improve early detection and surveillance of invasives, with $12 million earmarked for 2009, rising to $50 million/year by 2012. CRAE wrote a letter to USDA Secretary Ed Shafer applauding the move and requesting that the funds be allocated based on the risk posed by invasives in various regions of the country. Such a risk-based allocation would greatly improve the effectiveness of the program in excluding and responding to invasive pests.
Regulatory coordination needed for effective implementation of Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006
May 2008
CRAE recently asked for support from CalEPA in its efforts to protect the environment and facilitate proactive greenhouse gas reduction efforts. CRAE called on CalEPA agencies to work toward improved regulatory approval processes to help implement AB 32 in a way that serves as an example for other states and countries. Improved regulatory coordination and partnerships among government agencies, environmental groups and private industry partners are needed to streamline the permitting process for greenhouse gas mitigation technologies related to agriculture. CRAE’s letter to CalEPA is available here.
CRAE convenes panel on LBAM
June 2008
CRAE held a panel discussion on the light brown apple moth to build understanding and help guide future action. Panelists included Robert Leavitt from CDFA, Ted Batkin from the Citrus Research Board, Paul Schramski from Pesticide Watch, and James Carey, an entomologist from UC Davis. The panel was also joined by Nan Wishner from the City of Albany. The discussion served to illuminate diverging perspectives on the infestation and ideal responses. CRAE launched a project to better safeguard against invasive pests in the future and promote improved and well-coordinated responses.
Climate Change key target for group
January 2008
In August 2007, CRAE hosted an expert panel on AB 32 and the role of agriculture in meeting emissions targets. The panel included Dale Shimp of the California Air Resources Board, Steve Shaffer of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Cynthia Cory from the California Farm Bureau Federation, and Karen Douglas from Environmental Defense. Since then, CRAE has been engaged in sharing members’ work and perspectives on AB 32 and is developing an action plan to address the nexus of agriculture and climate change.
CRAE helps find common ground on food safety and environmental quality conflict
January 2008
In February 2007, CRAE held an expert panel and stakeholder dialogue to better understand the issues and opportunities for collective action. In December, CRAE hosted a meeting for key stakeholders. Participants numbered around 50 and included more than a dozen leading buyers, handlers and growers of leafy greens, as well as key scientists, regulators and representatives of conservation groups focused on the issues. This meeting represented a groundbreaking dialogue between conservation and industry interests that served to illuminate the complex issues at play, build trust and mutual understanding, and develop common recommendations for action to simultaneously meet food safety and environmental quality goals. A summary of the meeting can be accessed by clicking here.
Dan Dooley meets with CRAE to discuss ag research and collaboration
June 2008
The new Vice President of UC’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources met with CRAE this month to share his vision for the Division and to discuss collaboration with leaders from agriculture and the environment across California. CRAE looks forward to working with ANR to further ensure synergies between the University and various stakeholder groups across California.
LBAM and management of invasive pests new focus
May 2008
For several months, CRAE has been discussing the discovery and treatment of the invasive pest Light Brown Apple Moth (LBAM) in the greater San Francisco Bay area. The problem of invasive pests that are likely to affect California agriculture is expected to increase as products are increasingly being shipped across state and federal borders. CRAE is currently working to develop recommendations to mitigate against these impacts in the future.
CRAE moves to identify scale of impact of "ranchettes" on Central Valley ag lands
April 2008
CRAE representatives met with the California Department of Conservation and urged it to expand their Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program (FMMP) to map rural residential areas to all eight counties in the San Joaquin Valley. As California’s most productive agricultural area, the San Joaquin is particularly at risk for loss of agricultural lands as a result of ranchette development. The completion of this mapping project will pinpoint the extent of ranchette development in recent years and help guide effective future land use decisions and policies. CRAE applauded the Department for its work in advancing this mission.
CRAE supports H-2A comment extension
April 2008
Members of the California Roundtable on Ag and the Environment have called for a 45 day extension for the comment period for pubic input to the proposed rules for the 2008 H-2A Temporary Foreign Agricultural Worker Program.
The H-2A program is an important part of the agricultural labor force in California and Roundtable members sought additional time to offer suggested improvements to the proposed rules.
Senator Feinstein leads the way with AgJOBS
November 2007
CRAE members applauded Senator Dianne Feinstein in taking leadership to gain passage of AgJOBS as part of the 2007 Farm Bill.
CRAE argues for stable agricultural workforce
October 2007
One of CRAEs key policy objectives is to develop a legal agricultural workforce. As part of our federal advocacy, CRAE urged Congress to support the AgJOBS legislation that will provide a pathway for workers to live and work here legally.
CRAE urges support for increased funding for agricultural research and extension
October 2007
Funding for the University of California’s Cooperative Extension and Agriculture Experiment Station has sustained deep cuts, shrinking by more than $31 million in state support since 2003. CRAE has urged UC President Dynes to support baseline budget augmentation for ANR’s research and extension programs. This funding is necessary to help producers address environmental challenges and attain stewardship goals. CRAE’s letter to UC President Dynes can be accessed here.
New waste discharge rules for California dairies
September 2007
CRAE member Paul Martin of Western United Dairymen gave a presentation to the Roundtable on the new dairy waste discharge regulations that will affect dairies throughout the Central Valley. The presentation can be viewed here.
CRAE calls on Senators Boxer and Feinstein to take leadership for improved conservation funding
October 2007
In September 2007, CRAE members sent a letter calling on Senators Boxer and Feinstein to take leadership in efforts to improve federal farm policy to provide adequate support for California agriculture and the environment. This letter calls for increased support for conservation funding for specific programs to prevent the loss of agricultural land and associated habitat, encourage good stewardship of working lands and facilitate collaborative solutions to regional environmental problems.
CRAE investigates Light Brown Apple Moth conflict
October 2007
John Connell, Division Director for Plant Health and Pest Prevention at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, gave a presentation to CRAE about the light brown apple moth infestation in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Department’s eradication efforts. CRAE members initiated a work group to further investigate key issues related to the LBAM infestation.
CRAE urges Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi to act
September 2007
Over the past few months, CRAE members have continued their bid to secure increased funding and improved conservation initiatives through the 2007 Farm Bill. In May, CRAE sent a letter calling on Congresswoman Pelosi to offer important leadership in crafting a Farm Bill that rewards farmers for their land stewardship and meets the health, environmental and economic needs of California’s communities. In July, CRAE representatives met with Pelosi’s staff to offer recommendations on elements of a strong Farm Bill that meets these needs. In September, CRAE thanked Pelosi in a letter for her role in addressing the concerns of California agriculture in the House version of the Bill.
CRAE Calls for Budget Increase for Pest Management
July 2007
CRAE members recently called on Governor Schwarzenegger to support the budget augmentation of $1.5 million to county agricultural commissioners for pest detection and exclusion, and $0.7 million for border inspection stations. You can find the letter here. This is an important first step in protecting California agriculture from invasive pests such as the Light Brown Apple Moth. CRAE will continue its efforts to promote pest management approaches that support a healthy future for agriculture in California.
CRAE Farm Bill Resources Compiled
July 2007
The battle over the 2007 United States Farm Bill is well underway. The Farm Bill is a sprawling complex of programs that affects all parts of our food system. The 2002 Farm Bill had ten titles and covered everything from commodity programs, trade, and conservation to energy and credit. From here until the adoption of the Farm Bill sometime this fall, you will be hearing a steady stream of news about proposals, bills, and calls to action. For those interested in understanding more about the Farm Bill and receiving action alerts from a spectrum of Farm Bill stakeholders, we have put together this short resource guide.
CRAE Submits Priorities to University of California
April 2007
The University of California is in the middle of a world-wide search for a new Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR). The office of the Vice President is responsible for programs critical to agriculture and the environment, particularly UC Cooperative Extension. The California Roundtable on Agriculture and the Environment has long been interested in increasing the resources devoted to and efficiency of services provided by ANR.
The Roundtable has submitted a letter to UC President Robert Dynes asking that he consider four four priorities for the incoming Vice President:
- Foster more effective internal coordination and collaboration;
- Enhance external partnerships;
- Improve and accelerate knowledge transfer; and
- Increase external funding opportunities
The letter identifies several critical skills that the University should consider in their potential candidates for the position and requests a role for stakeholders in the selection process.
The full text of the letter is available here.
CRAE Provides California Voice on the 2007 Farm Bill
December 2006
The CA Roundtable has provided recommendations and guidance on the 2007 Farm Bill. CRAE has been corresponding with Congressman Cardoza, who has taken a leadership role in the California delegation addressing the Bill (click here to read CRAE’s letter to Cardoza that launched this communication). In November 2006, CRAE submitted priority recommendations on federal farm policy to California Secretary of Agriculture A.G. Kawamura. The CA Roundtable has maintained ongoing dialogue with legislative leaders as this key piece of legislation has developed.
CRAE working with UC administration
August 2006
The CA Roundtable has been working with the University of California administration to help ensure that agricultural research is in line with the needs of the agriculture sector in California. This collaboration was initiated with a letter to UC President Dynes, which you can read here.
CA Dairy Quality Assurance Program
January 2006
You may download the presentation given by Dr. Michael Payne on the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program here.
Please note this is a large (7.2 mb) PowerPoint file.
Lodi Rules Presentation Powerpoint
December 2005
You may download the presentation by Dr. Cliff Ohmart made to the California Roundtable on the Lodi Rules wine grape grower certification program here.
Please note this is a large file (18 MB) in PowerPoint format.
California Roundtable Members
Members as of May 2010
Regulatory and institutional partners
| Agency | Name |
|---|---|
| CA Department of Conservation | Brian Leahy |
| CA Department of Food & Agriculture | Casey Walsh Cady |
| USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service | Luana Kiger |
| US Environmental Protection Agency Region 9 | Kathy Taylor |
CRAE Mission Statement
The California Roundtable on Agriculture and the Environment (CRAE) is an alliance of agricultural, environmental, labor, and public agency leaders seeking to promote an agriculture that is economically viable, environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. Roundtable participants strive to learn from each other about agricultural, environmental, labor and regulatory issues, identify common interests and advocate in support of the group’s common goals and principles.
By “economically viable,” we mean agriculture that is profitable and long-lasting.
By “environmentally sustainable” we mean the production, processing, transport, and consumption of agricultural products in such a way that conserves natural resources and protects human and ecosystem health.
By “socially responsible,” we mean contributing to the needs of the community, including farm families and employees, protecting consumer and worker health and safety, and supporting state, regional and local agriculture in the marketplace.
We believe that agricultural producers, consumers, policymakers and public interest organizations must all play a critical role in achieving these objectives.
CRAE’s Charter can be downloaded here.