California Food Processors Have Voice in Capitol Via CLFP Washington, D.C., Fly-In

Pictured from left to right: Ligia Bernardo, Olam Spices & Vegetable Ingredients; Richard Wilbur, Wilbur Packing Company; California Senator Dianne Feinstein; CLFP's Trudi Hughes; and Mona Schulman, Pacific Coast Producers. 

CLFP members had the opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on a variety of issues affecting the state’s food processing industry during CLFP’s Fourth Annual Washington, D.C., Fly-In, March 6-8. 

A delegation of CLFP members met with members of California’s Central Valley congressional delegation, as well as the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on issues related to trade, water, immigration and Farm Bill provisions. CLFP members that were part of the delegation represented ConAgra Brands, The Kraft Heinz Company, Olam Spices & Vegetable Ingredients, Wilbur Packing Company, Campbell Soup Supply Company, Pacific Coast Producers and Ingomar Packing Company. 

The CLFP delegation expressed support for the expansion of international trade and investment, fair and equitable market access for California agricultural products abroad and the elimination of subsidies and tariffs and non-tariff barriers that impede the international competitiveness of California agricultural products. CLFP urged the Administration to exempt tinplate steel and aluminum foil from his final steel tariff decision. The domestic food processing industry will face significant increases in food packaging input costs due to aluminum foil and tinplate steel not being available in the U.S.

CLFP members voiced concerns about the chronic labor shortage in the agricultural industry. While CLFP applauded the fact that Congress put agricultural labor reform on the public agenda, the delegation expressed concerns that the Agricultural Guest Worker Act fails to address the status of the existing agricultural workforce in California and across the country. The cap, "touch back" and E-Verify provisions of the bill are problematic in maintaining and growing a vital workforce in California agriculture.

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.

CLFP also expressed support for H.R. 3402 introduced by Representatives Bruce Poliquin (R-ME), which will expand USDA’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program, an important school snack and education program to include all forms of fruits and vegetables, including fresh, frozen, canned, dried and pureed.

In addition, CLFP supports H.R. 1241 by congressional representatives LaMalfa and Garamendi, which would require schools participating in the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs to purchase American food products with U.S. tax dollars and increase monitoring and enforcement of the Buy American Act.

By CLFP Director of Government Affairs Trudi Hughes