CLFP Members Urge Legislators to Act on Key Industry Bills at Capitol Day

Leading California food processors met with key California legislators on June 21 to urge them to act on bills that would help support a favorable business environment for the state’s food processing industry.

The meetings were part of the California League of Food Processor’s (CLFP) eight annual Capitol Day on June 21. Bills discussed included those related to labor, water, energy and the environment.

Capitol Day also included several legislative and industry speakers addressing issues of importance to the food

processing industry. Reoccurring themes were the need for an adequate water supply and misconceptions about how water is used in the industry, including the industry’s commitment to water conservation and its necessity to produce a safe and high quality product. Another theme was the importance of keeping food processors, and agriculture, in California and not leaving to do business in another state.

"Food processing is such a critical component to the state," Jim Houston, undersecretary, California Department of Food and Agriculture said. "We have seen food processors move and agriculture move with them."

State Senator Jean Fuller (R-Bakersfield) echoed that sentiment in her remarks to the Capitol Day group and also thanked the food processors for staying in California stating that "California is such a rich state – it’s worth fighting for."

Participants in CLFP’s Capitol Day included representatives of CLFP member companies: Bell-Carter Foods, Inc., Campbell Soup Supply Company, J.G. Boswell Tomato Company, The Morning Star Packing Company, Olam Spices & Vegetable Ingredients, Pacific Coast Producers, Sensient Natural Ingredients, Stanislaus Food Products and The Wonderful Company.

California League Of Food Producers