CLFP to Serve on Governor Brown's New Food Processing Industry Task Force

California Governor Jerry Brown has formed a Food Processing Industry Task Force to find ways to assist the industry in coping with the compliance costs associated with the state’s greenhouse gas Cap-and-Trade program. The Governor seems to recognize that buying carbon allowances and paying higher energy costs may have a negative long-term effect on the global competitive position of many food processors. California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Secretary Karen Ross is helping to lead the Task Force, and the group includes representatives from the Air Resources Board, California Environmental Protection Agency, Public Utilities Commission and the Energy Commission. CLFP staff were asked to serve on the Task Force along with three CLFP members: Burt Fleischer, Hilmar Cheese Company; Dennis Tristao, JG Boswell Tomato Company; and Mona Shulman, Pacific Coast Producers. The Task Force met on August 22 and the initial focus will be on improving utility energy efficiency programs and Energy Commission research programs. Contact Rob Neenan at CLFP if you have any questions about this initiative.