Third Annual CLFP Washington, D.C., Fly-In a Success

CLFP conducted its Third Annual Washington, D.C., Fly-In March 28-30. A delegation of CLFP members representing the Morning Star Packing Company, the Horizon Nut Company, Olam Spices & Vegetable Ingredients, Sensient Natural Ingredients, the Wilbur Packing Company and the Campbell Soup Supply Company met with the California Central Valley congressional delegation, as well as with Senator Diane Feinstein and Senator Kamala Harris on issues relating to water, trade, labor and immigration.

The CLFP delegation expressed support for expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California agricultural products abroad and elimination of subsidies and tariffs and non-tariff barriers that impede the international competitiveness of California agricultural products. CLFP urged congressional support of trade agreements that will keep U.S. and California businesses competitive by ensuring that the United States will continue to gain access to world markets.  CLFP member participants also voiced support for improvements to transportation infrastructure, particularly at California ports.

CLFP members voiced concerns about the chronic labor shortage in the agricultural industry. They urged congressional representatives to create a visa program for the entry of a foreign legal workforce that would efficiently admit a sufficient number of willing and able agricultural workers.  CLFP members said that it is critical to modernize and streamline our current legal immigration system, and create a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants currently living in the U.S. who have otherwise followed the law so they can continue to contribute to our economy and society.

The delegation also voiced their concerns about the need for a long-term reliable water supply in California. They urged congressional representatives to help restore water reliability in California in part by providing federal funds for the immediate development of additional storage. In addition, the delegation expressed support for legislation by Congressman David Valadao, R-Hanford, that would add long-term stability to the water system. Known as the GROW Act, for Gaining Responsibility on Water, the Valadao bill would aid in the construction of water-storage projects and enact additional reforms of regulations that limit water deliveries.

The delegation also had the opportunity to meet with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service to discuss trade issues and program opportunities available to assist food processors in exporting.

For more information about this trip, contact Trudi Hughes. 

By Trudi Hughes, CLFP Government Affairs Director