CLFP held its Fifth Annual Capitol Day on June 25, 2013.  The day was very successful and CLFP member companies had the opportunity to meet and converse with their Legislators, as well as legislative and administrative policy staff.  This event gives member companies an opportunity to build relationships and educate policy makers about the issues impacting the food processing industry.   

The day began with a group meeting at the Capitol with guest speakers from the California Environmental Protection Agency, Senate Pro Tempore Office, the Governor’s Office and the Assembly Agriculture Committee.  CLFP hosted a lunch that featured the Undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture speaking to the group.  CLFP members then met with their Assembly and Senate representatives in the afternoon.

The following were among the issues that were discussed in the meetings with legislators and policy staff:

• Reform to Proposition 65  -- Member companies voiced their concerns about Proposition (Prop) 65 and the need for meaningful reform.  Member companies let legislators and policy staff know that they are encouraged by Governor Brown’s attention to Prop 65 and will continue to engage with the Administration and the Legislature on enacting meaningful reforms that will provide protections to food processors and agriculture from "shake-down lawsuits" that do nothing to protect the environment or public health.

• CEQA Reform -- Member companies also discussed the need for reforms to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).  CLFP supports SB 731 (Steinberg) which seeks to establish a broad framework for discussions surrounding CEQA modernization.  CLFP believes that these discussions should be focused on preserving environmental protections, while stamping out litigation abuses that harm responsible economic growth and job-creation. CLFP looks forward to the ongoing dialogue and negotiations to finally achieve meaningful CEQA reform.

• Increased Air Quality Nuisance Violation Penalties -- Finally, member companies voiced opposition to SB 691 (Hancock) which proposes a tenfold increase in penalties for Title V facilities for a one day air quality nuisance violation. This penalty increase will impact food processing facilities with Title V permits in the San Joaquin Air Pollution Control District. 

The day ended with CLFP's first annual legislative reception.  The event was well attended and gave CLFP member companies the opportunity to meet with legislators and staff in a more relaxed environment.  

The member companies that participated in CLFP’s Capitol Day included: Pacific Coast Producers, The Morning Star Packing Company, Mooney Star, Campbell Soup Supply Company, Horizon Nut Company, Olam Spices & Vegetable Ingredients, J.G. Boswell Tomato Co. LLC, Unilever Supply Chain, Inc., and Musco Family Olive Co. CLFP looks forward to increasing participation in this event in the future.

Article written by Trudi Hughes, CLFP Government Affairs Director