Sonoma County Farm Bureau:
Your Agricultural Advocate
February 2020
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interests in Sonoma County and beyond. Here’s what we did for you in February:
Animal Rights Activists
DXE on Trial – On February 20th, two of the DxE protesters were in Superior Court for their preliminary hearing on eight felony counts each. These alleged criminal actions stemmed from a protest at a Petaluma chicken farm in September 2018. Over 20 Farm Bureau representatives were in the courtroom to support landowner rights and the rights of our local farmers. Clad in bright green shirts stating, “I Support Local Farmers”, our presence was strong and felt by DxE leadership as evident by a Facebook post made later that day. Unfortunately, the defense attorneys were not prepared for the hearing and it was delayed until Monday, March 23rd. I hope you can join us on that day to support or farmers and to demonstrate that Sonoma County residents are strongly opposed to trespassing, harassment and property theft which seems to be the preferred actions of this international organization.
Diesel Engine Permits
Our stationary diesel engine registration program is underway, and we will be hosting a seminar to further explain our program and BAAQMD’s regulations. Agricultural diesel engines larger than 50 bhp should have been previously registered with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Simply put, if you did not register your engine in the required time frame, your engine is considered out of compliance and registering now through the State’s portal will result in fines. Should you have missed the registration deadline, our free group Registration Program allows you to register your engines without experiencing fines and penalties. Please note that tier 0 or 1 engines must be replaced by December 31, 2020. To further explain this program and other BAAAQMD regulations, we are holding the same seminar in two locations for anyone interested (you are not required to be a Farm Bureau member). BAAQMD staff will be represented at these seminars and will answer questions on any program or regulation managed from their offices.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2020
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, Petaluma
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2020
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Sonoma County Farm Bureau, 3589 Westwind Blvd., Santa Rosa
Meeting with Congressmen Mike Thompson
On Friday, February 21st, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau hosted a lunch meeting for members to discuss federal policy related to agriculture with Congressman Mike Thompson. A strong supporter of agriculture and a Napa viticulturalist, Congressman Thompson encouraged farmers to contact his office with any concerns or requests regarding federal policy.
Split Role Tax Initiative
In conjunction with the California Farm Bureau Federation, SCFB is closely monitoring a potential property tax initiative that could negatively impact rural communities. Known as Initiative 19-0008, the measure would establish a split-roll property tax that would reassess commercial and industrial property, including agricultural facilities. Backers are collecting signatures to qualify the initiative for the November ballot. This initiative weakens Proposition 13, the 1978 tax-reform measure that limits property tax increases. We will keep members informed should the initiative proponents succeed in getting this proposed legislation on the November ballot.
Wildlife Management Seminar
On March 12th at 3 p.m., SCFB will host an informative meeting for livestock producers regarding regulations and best policies related to protecting livestock from wildlife predators. Speakers include representatives from the California Farm Bureau Federation, the Ag Commissioner’s office and Animal Services and Control. Attendees must RSVP to attend this workshop.
Water Demand Management Program (Russian River Frost Protection Water Monitoring Program): A reminder to all vineyard owners/managers that your enrollment application for the Russian River Watershed Conservation Council’s group monitoring program was due on March 1st. If you have not turned your application and fees, please contact SCFB immediately.
SCFB Endorsements and Recommendations:
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Measure I – Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit District: Opposed
Sonoma County Farm Bureau:
Your Agricultural Advocate
January 2019
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interests in Sonoma County and beyond. Here’s what we did for you in January:
Animal Rights Activists
Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) and other animal rights organizations continue to plague our farmers in Sonoma County. Small groups of their followers have been showing up along roadways taking pictures and holding vigils for the animals. In addition, in mid-January their Facebook page reports that the San Francisco Animal Care Commission passed a resolution supporting nonviolent activists. Apparenytly, this was a big deal to DxE but not to anyone else. I cannot find any mention of the Commission’s actions in news stories or other media outlets. Big picture, It is DxE’s desire to have the San Francisco City/County supervisors adopt the Animal Bill of Rights, like the action the City of Berkeley took a few months ago.
On the other hand, Penal Code 597e, the legislation that DxE and other activist groups have used as their defense for trespassing and doing “open” animal rescues was amended by Assemblymember Fong through AB 1553. Assemblymember Fong’s successful legislation replaced references to a “pound” with references to an animal shelter. By more clearly memorializing the intent of this legislation, AB 1553 supports legal opinions of Penal Code 597e that have determined that activists cannot trespass onto farms to perform rescues under this code.
This month we also held our annual Beyond the Fence Line animal activist management training. Our subject matter experts who presented provided a wealth of information and suggested facility hardening and communication practices to our farmers in attendance. Additional information about the workshop is included in this edition of Farm News.
Activists charged in Sonoma County for a variety of crimes last year on our local farms are still going through the court process. We expect some of them to go to trial within the next few months and we will inform you of court dates.
Diesel Engine Permits
Compliance Division Coordinator Denise Facendini is leading our efforts to help farmers with stationary diesel engines become compliant with air quality regulations. Agricultural diesel engines larger than 50 bhp must be registered with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Our free group Registration Program allows farmers to reach compliancy if they register their engines with us. (Operators whose diesel engines are not currently registered with the BAAQMD are out of compliance). Tier 0 and 1 engines must be replaced by December 31, 2020. As part of our program, we will help farmers seek funding or assist with a request for an Alternative Compliance Plan (ACP) if replacement is not possible. Please call 707.544.5575 or email compliance@sonomafb.org for questions or to request our free services.
San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board
Denise is also working on our Vineyard Permit Program. This is a voluntary, group program to assist local farmers to meet two requirements of the General Permit for Vineyards adopted by the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Board-Region 2 (Water Board) 1): payment of the required annual permit fee; and 2) submittal of a required water quality monitoring plan. Participation in the group program will satisfy these requirements in a manner that is less expensive, and simpler than attempting to do so on an individual basis. Farm Bureau is not assuming the role of a regulatory agency, rather we are working in a liaison role to protect farmers from paying higher permit fees, the added cost and challenges of independently attempting to prepare the required water quality monitoring plan, and/or potential penalties of non-compliance.
Hemp
On Monday, January 6, Sonoma County Supervisors took steps toward lifting the ban on hemp cultivation. The supervisors unanimously agreed the county should treat hemp like any other crop and allow it to be grown on properties zoned for agricultural uses with best management practices. Executive Director Tesconi attended the meeting and urged the Supervisors to approve the ordinance and avoid requiring farmers interested in hemp cultivation to go through an expensive and time-consuming process, such as the one required for cannabis cultivation. Hemp, a recognized federally approved crop, should not have undo restrictions puts on it that could morph over to the production of other ag crops. In April, the final presentation on lifting the ban and accepting best management practices for hemp cultivation will go before the board of supervisors for their final approval.
Geyserville Fire District Potential Parcel Tax
On January 15, there was a 2nd public hearing at the Geyserville Fire Station. The proposed special tax, a parcel tax, was discussed and approved. The Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District presented an updated proposal and rates that took into consideration concerns previously expressed by the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. The proposed parcel tax will go to a vote in a special election in May.
Executive Director Tesconi said that she is wary of any tax that does not have a sunset clause on the proposed parcel tax and is concerned about the California Consumer Price Index annual increase built into the measure. Visit https://geyservillefire.com/ to learn more about the proposed parcel tax.
SCFB Endorses the Following Candidates:
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Sonoma County Farm Bureau:
Your Agricultural Advocate
December 2019
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interests in Sonoma County and beyond. Here’s what we did for you in December:
Animal Rights Activists
Several Direct Action Everywhere members are charged with felonies in Sonoma County. Originally, they were scheduled to appear in court on December 18, however, the hearing has been postponed. There has been a heightened effort by the animal rights activist group to gain public support to get the charges against their members dropped. Recently, DXE has been in Sonoma County and in the Coddingtown area encouraging businesses to put up posters to support their mission and to get the felony charges dropped.
Additionally, there was a Berkeley City Council vote – initiated by the Peace and Justice Commission on behalf of Direct Action Everywhere – on a resolution to support the group’s ‘right to rescue’ and oppose prison terms for “rescuers” and “whistleblowers”. The proposed resolution is available at the link below.
The ‘right to rescue’ resolution was passed unanimously by the Berkeley City Council. According to the live stream, it was not a formal vote and the wording in the resolution was changed slightly to be softer, but it ultimately says “rescuers” and “whistleblowers” don’t deserve to go to prison. It was noted by DXE representatives that they’re aiming next to get this passed in San Francisco and Oakland.
We will continue to monitor this situation as it unfolds in the new year.
Diesel Engine Permits
We recently hired our new Compliance Division Coordinator Denise Facendini who will be leading our efforts to help farmers with stationary diesel engines become compliant with air quality regulations. Agricultural diesel engines larger than 50 bhp must be registered with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. Our free group Registration program extends the period in which you must upgrade your Tier 0-2 engines by 5 years. We will help get you registered and on the path towards compliance for free. Please call 707.544.5575 or email compliance@sonomafb.org for questions or to request our services.
Vital Lands Initiative
On December 16, President Carlton sent a letter detailing our areas of concern in the Vital Lands Initiative. Ag + Open Space staff indicated that they would take our key points into consideration. The Ag + Open Space District presented the Vital Lands Initiative to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors on December 17, 2019, in a study session. Tawny Tesconi and Jeff Carlton attended the presentation and provided public comment expressing concerns about the lack of funding going allocated for agriculture. Currently, only 21% of the program funding is for agriculture.
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (Region 2) Vineyard Permits
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is managing a voluntary, group program to assist local farmers to meet two requirements of the General Permit for Vineyards adopted by the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Board-Region 2 (Water Board) 1): payment of the required annual permit fee; and 2) submittal of a required water quality monitoring plan.” Participation in the group program will satisfy these requirements in a manner that is less expensive, and simpler than attempting to do so on an individual basis. Farm Bureau is not assuming the role of a regulatory agency, rather we are working in a liaison role to protect farmers from paying higher permit fees, the added cost and challenges of independently attempting to prepare the required water quality monitoring plan, and/or potential penalties of non-compliance.
North Coast Region Water Quality Control Board (Region 1) Vineyard Permits
The North Coast Region Water Quality Control Board is beginning to create vineyard permit requirements similar to those of the San Francisco Bay Water Quality Control Board. The final draft will be presented to the Water Board in 2021.
SCFB Endorses the Following Candidates:
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Sonoma County Farm Bureau:
Your Agricultural Advocate
October 2019
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interests in Sonoma County and beyond. Here’s what we did for you in October:
City of Santa Rosa, Reclaimed Water Ag User Contracts:
As reported last month, on Thursday, October 3 the City of Santa Rosa’s Board of Public Utilities (BPU) received a staff report on the proposed fees to be charged to ag water users for the reclaimed water available from the Laguna Treatment Plant. Farm Bureau members were strongly represented, and those members present advocated publicly for a one-year reprieve from the fee implementation. In essence, we pushed for no fees charged to any ag water users in 2020, even those currently paying fees. This one-year extension would give farmers an opportunity to plan for the pending costs and give the city staffers time to confirm the accuracy of meters and to repair equipment. In this scenario, the graduated fee schedule would begin on January 1, 2021.
The BPU members expressed their appreciation to our local farmers for being such good partners over the years and for their part in the recent negotiations that resulted in the final agreement. At a 7 to 0 vote, the BPU approved the fee schedule and implementation plan that was advocated for by our farmers.
The City staff did indicate that there were two incomplete addendums to the agreement that deal with equipment and frost protection. We are uncertain what these addendums are about and encourage water users not to sign any agreements yet. Farm Bureau will continue working on behalf of our farmers on the agreement and related addendums.
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board (SFRWQCB) Region 2, Petaluma River TMDL regulations:
We continue to monitor the potential Petaluma River TMDL regulations and have heard that comments made by SCFB, the County of Sonoma and our members were reviewed and positive changes to the proposed regulations are being made. The SFBRWQCB meets on November 13th and it is expected that the staff reports will be out in early November.
DxE, Animal Rights Group:
Hundreds of activists converged in the SF Bay Area for the Animal Liberation California Convergence on September 28-October 1. Everything they do these days hits close to home. According to the DXE Facebook page, attendees were told that if they attended, they would “take action to protect Rose, the chicken we rescued from a factory farm last September, and we will demand that our government respond to the public’s concern for animals by protecting them under the law.” It is not a coincidence that they named the chicken they are using as propaganda “Rose”. She is named in reference to the criminal charges that have been filed in the Sonoma County courts and their visual images actually use the City of Santa Rosa’s iconic rose brand on their materials
The communications going out to DxE members suggested that they would be organizing protests on Monday, September 30 and Tuesday, October 1 somewhere in the vicinity of their Berkeley conference location. SCFB was on standby to alert our local farmers and to provide support if needed, but DxE chose to trespass at a Whole Foods Market in San Francisco on Monday and the SF Board of Supervisors on Tuesday. At the beginning of their protest, their representative live-streamed that Sonoma County officials should learn something from San Francisco law enforcement since they were being allowed to protest without arrest. Their comments were short-lived however – eventually some protesters got arrested at both San Francisco locations.
DxE’s main platform for these protests was to seek legislation to allow open rescues (in essence, legalize trespassing). In addition, they are touting an Animal Bill of Rights that they are demanding to be adopted nationally.
2020 Sonoma County Fair, Fair Date Concerns:
The Sonoma County Fair Board and staff asked for our support in encouraging the California Horse Racing Board (CHRB) to allow the Santa Rosa horse racing meet to keep their traditional race dates in early August. An organization called California Association of Racing Fairs (CARF) is advocating to move the race dates for our local fair to late August. Obviously, holding the fair in late August will be detrimental to fair attendance since students will already be back in school. On behalf of our Farm Bureau, Executive Director Tesconi submitted a letter asking that the CHRB consider keeping the Santa Rosa dates in early August.
SCFB Endorses the Following Candidates:
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Sonoma County Farm Bureau:
Your Agricultural Advocate
September 2019
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interests in Sonoma County and beyond. Here’s what we did for you in September:
Power Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) Informational Meeting
On September 19, Sonoma County Farm Bureau hosted the PG&E Wildfire Safety Shutoff Program Information Meeting at our office. Attendees learned about how to be prepared for a sudden and potentially prolonged power outage from presenters Joe Horak, PG&E Senior Manager and Colin Smith and Kyler Crawford, George Petersen Insurance. PG&E customers are encouraged to register for shutoff notifications and to monitor PG&E’s website (https://www.pge.com/en_US/safety/emergency-preparedness/natural-disaster/wildfires/psps-weather-map.page) Recently, PG&E made it possible for residents who are not on the PG&E account to receive notifications as well.
Regarding insurance coverage, regardless of what type of insurance a farmer may have, because the PSPS is voluntary, most likely any losses would not be covered. Insureds are encouraged to contact their insurance agent to discuss coverage, potential increases in premiums and coverage levels.
Support for the Removal of Z Zoning Restriction
Sonoma County Farm Bureau President Jeff Carlton sent a letter to the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors in September supporting the removal of the Z Zoning restriction, which would limit an ag property owner’s right to build a 1200 sq., ft. ADU on their property. Here is an excerpt from the letter:
On behalf of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, we applaud Permit Sonoma and the Board of Supervisors for considering the removal of the Z Zoning Exclusion on ag lands for ADU units. This zoning exclusion has plagued local ag landowners since 1989, and this forward-thinking termination of this restriction further demonstrates your support of farming and your interest in dealing with the housing shortage in our region.
Too often we learn from our generational farmers that the next generation has decided to abandon farming because of the high cost of living in Sonoma County. The new generation wants to raise their family in a home similar to how they were raised. By allowing an ADU to be built on ag-designated properties, you are supporting the future of farming in our county and allowing for the continuation of the generational farming model we embrace.
Further, having on-site farm labor housing is an added benefit that will attract a scarce labor force to work on our farms and vineyards. The competition for employees is fierce and having family housing available for a potential worker is a significant advantage when compared to other local industries or ag jobs outside of the area.
Surprisingly, CAFF and the Greenbelt Alliance sent letters opposing the removal of the Z Zoning overlay designation. Executive Director Tesconi spoke on behalf of Farm Bureau at the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, September 17 during the public comment period. She emphasized the need for ADUs on ag properties to allow for multigenerational farming, workforce housing and supplemental rental income to support crop production. The Board of Supervisors, with a 5-0 vote, voted to remove the restriction and requested that Permit Sonoma provide new data in six months as to how many new permits were issued for ADUs on these affected parcels. Permit Sonoma will start taking applications for ADUs on these previously constrained parcels beginning October 17.
AB 417
We supported this California Farm Bureau Federation bill that passed both houses unanimously. The bill creates a new position at the California Department of Food and Agriculture for a rural economic advisor.
AB 1066
SCFB rallied against AB 1066, a bill moving through the legislature that would make striking employees eligible for unemployment insurance. The bill didn’t clear the legislature and became a two-year bill.
AB 1783
SCFB joined many other ag interests to voice opposition to AB1783, the “Farmworker Housing Bill of 2019”. Assemblymember Rivas claims the bill will streamline farmworker housing, something we are supportive of, however, the way this bill was written would further restrict landlord rights, restrict the use of public funding to build housing and required a 3rd party, qualified housing authority to manage it.
SB1
Opposed by agriculture, this bill further regulated water in California and would have most likely lead to public agency overreach and additional permitting requirements. Although the bill passed through legislation, it is on Governor Newsom’s desk for signature. From all accounts, he is refusing to sign it and we applaud him for siding with agriculture and other industries on preventing this draconian legislation from becoming law.
Animal Rights Activists (DxE):
Hundreds of activists converged in the SF Bay Area September 28 – October 1 for the Animal Liberation California Convergence. DXE protested at and “locked down” a Whole Foods in the Bay Area. We originally suspected that their mass action as a part of the Animal Liberation California Convergence could take place in Sonoma County but instead focused their efforts in the Bay Area.
As a service for our members, the Sonoma County Farm Bureau will host the event Beyond the Fence Line again this year on October 29 to help farmers learn how to prepare for potential activist activity. Speakers include: Jamie Johansson, CFBF President; Allyson Jones-Brimmer, Animal Agriculture Alliance Director of Industry Relationships; Jim Naugle, Sonoma County Assistant Sheriff; Johnna Miller, American Farm Bureau Federation Director of Media and Advocacy; and Brian Staebell, Sonoma County Chief Deputy District Attorney.
City of Santa Rosa, Reclaimed Water Ag User Contracts:
The City of Santa Rosa is in their final phase of deciding water fee schedules and executing water use contracts with approximately 70 ag water users. The partnership between the City of Santa Rosa and some of our farmers dates back almost 40 years with the agriculture industry accepting water from the wastewater treatment plant.
At the request of SCFB, the ad-hoc ag water-user committee of the Santa Rosa Board of Public Utilities agreed to extend the proposed water rate schedule by one year, giving our farmers more time to adapt to the new fee rates being charged by the City. This committee’s recommendation will go to the BPU on Thursday, October 3 at 1:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the City Council Chambers, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa.
San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board Region 2:
The Region 2 Board is in the public comment phase of a TMDL Action Plan for the Petaluma River. SCFB sent a letter outlining several areas of regulatory overreach with their proposed plan. SCFB will continue monitoring this plan as it moves through the regulatory process.
SCFB Endorses the Following Candidates:
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Your Agricultural Advocate
August 2019
The Sonoma County Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures presented the 2018 Sonoma County Crop Report on August 20 at the Board of Supervisors Meeting. The 2018 Crop
Report represents a significant landmark in that it is the first time that Sonoma County’s gross agricultural crop value has exceeded $1 billion dollars! This year’s crop report theme features our
local dairy industry.
On August 7, 2019, Executive Director Tawny Tesconi joined Pat Kerrigan on the KSRO Morning Show to talk about the recent Cattle Drive, the Sonoma County Fair, and impact the trade war
with China has on agriculture. To listen to the interview visit https://www.ksro.com/2019/08/07/ interview-tawny-tesconi-2/ Animal Rights Activists (DxE)
strategies.
California, Hsiung, along with other activists, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors. Hsiung now faces 85 to 100 years in prison for these criminal activities.
Hsiung wrote in a DxE blog post, “As of September 1, 2019, I will be stepping down as Lead Organizer of the founding SF Bay Chapter and all other leadership roles within the DxE network.
Almira Tanner — who has been on our Steering Committee for over 4 years, has led our Direct Action and Development committees, and is uniquely qualified for the job — will be taking on the
role of Lead Organizer.”
groundbreaking mass action for animals.” Farmers and ranchers in the surrounding area should be aware and alert to potential activist activity on your property.
activity.
In last month’s article, we had indicated that we would report back on the meeting held on July 22nd with the City of Santa Rosa to review the proposed contracts for use of reclaimed water by
local farmers. Unfortunately, one ag water user was able to attend the meeting and it was not held.
In mid-August, the North Coast Regional Water Board acted on two major regulatory plans that have been in the works for many years:
The Board issued General Waste Discharge Requirements for Dairies (GWDR) in the North Coast Region that covers the management of process water, manure and other organic materials
at dairies. The GWDR replaces 2012 permit coverage for about 120 existing cow dairies and adds provisions for regulation of goat, sheep, and water buffalo dairies.
At their August meeting, the North Coast Regional Water Board considered a TMDL Action Plan for the Russian River Watershed. Homeowners, the North Bay Association of Realtors,
Supervisor Hopkins and Executive Director Tesconi all provided public comment suggesting the proposed regulations for OWTS inspections were onerous and overreach. The Board
listened to the concerns, provided feedback and did offer to include language that allows the local jurisdiction (the County of Sonoma) to determine the requirements for the inspectors.
Regardless, it is estimated that there are approximately 7,000 parcels within the designated plan area. Any septic systems on those parcels will need to be inspected every 5 years – which we
estimate will cost landowners about $1,200.
On both these issues, SCFB will continue to work with stakeholders and the agency to work toward clearer and obtainable guidelines and processes.
if certain levels of water quality are achieved but will this be captured in the Action Plan or supporting documents? And, does the agency have the staffing or the resources needed to track
compliance on over 7,000 parcels?
The Region 2 Board is in the public comment phase of a TMDL Action Plan for the Petaluma River. SCFB is preparing a letter in response to the onerous requirements being proposed in this
TMDL. We are finding that few landowners have been notified about this TMDL which will regulate hundreds of parcels. If you have a parcel that is within 600 feet of the Petaluma River, you should review the information and send a comment letter. Letters are due by September 3rd at 5:00 p.m. https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/sanfranciscobay/water_issues/programs/TMDLs/petalumabacterianutrients/petaluma_tmdl_publicnotice.pdf
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Roots of Healdsburg
May 23, 2019 To November 10, 2019
This exhibition focuses on local wine agriculture before Prohibition, providing timelines of regional wine history, ethnic contributions, labor history, context of other crops and local resistance to Prohibition. The Healdsburg Museum is open FREE to the public. Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 221 Matheson Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448.
For more information please visit https://www.healdsburgmuseum.org/
Deadline to Enter: September 30, 2019
Amateur photographers can compete for their share of $2,500 in cash prizes in the 38th annual California Farm Bureau Photo Contest, which opened on June 1.
This year’s theme, “Imagine California,” challenges participants to capture images that celebrate the diversity of the state’s agricultural bounty. Entries will be eligible for one of 12 cash prizes, ranging from $50 up to the $1,000 Grand Prize. The contest is open to members of county Farm Bureaus in California and supporters of the California Bountiful Foundation. For more information or additional forms, contact the CFBF Marketing/Communications Division at 916-561-5550 or at photocontest@cfbf.com.
CFBF created an online tool to help landowners learn about the potential layers of regulation on a particular parcel of land. It’s easy to use!
1. Go to wotus.cfbf.com
2. Enter your Farm Bureau Member ID number and password (watersoftheUS2015)
3. Enter the parcel address on an interactive map to help determine whether the 2015 WOTUS rule might apply to that piece of land. This website is available to Farm Bureau members in California only. Can’t remember your Farm Bureau Member ID? Call the Sonoma County Farm Bureau M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at (707) 544-5575 for help.
Stay safe and fine free: Cal/OSHA’s Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry, which includes specific sections on forklifts and other heavy equipment safety: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/ConstGuideOnline.pdf and Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch, which provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs: https://www.dir.ca.gov/ dosh/consultation.html
Your Agricultural Advocate
July 2019
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interests in Sonoma County and beyond. Here’s what we did for you in July:
And so, the saga continues…. As reported in last month’s advocacy article, protestors with Direction Action Everywhere (DXE) trespassed on to the Reichardt Duck Farm in Petaluma in
early June stealing ducklings, destroying personal property and creating civil unrest to the level that caused almost 100 of the protestors to be arrested. The good news is that none of the criminals
arrested were Sonoma County residents. The bad news is that this radical organization continues to disrupt Sonoma County agriculture.
an interview with KSRO’s Pat Kerrigan during her June 5 morning show. In addition to streaming on Facebook, the three DXE members stated that they were going to “confront” Executive Director Tesconi, but she was out of the office. By early evening they had left the Farm Bureau office and their Facebook post was pulled down, making it unavailable to subscribers.
expressing thanks to local law enforcement for protecting Sonoma County farmers, their property, animals, and the right to farm.
activist activity.
The City of Santa Rosa is working diligently on recalimed water ag user contracts and is willingly taking stakeholder input on the development of standard user agreements for the reclaimed
(recycled) water that they provide to local farmers for grazing, crop production and vineyard frost protection. Working with a small subgroup of water users, the final draft of the agreement
was discussed with all ag water users on Monday, July 22 at the Farm Bureau Office. SCFB was instrumental in getting the City of Santa Rosa representatives to offer this stakeholder meeting. A
synopsis of the meeting will be included in next month’s advocacy report.
Executive Director Tesconi attended the first meeting of the Hemp Advisory Group (HAG) held by Ag Commissioner Tony Linegar. The discussion covered an overview of the challenges
associated with growing hemp and cannabis in proximity of each other. In addition, the lack of staff resources was discussed, and an additional staff person is being added to meet the demand of
hemp cultivation in the county.
SCFB continues to monitor the waste charge permitting process being imposed on Region 1 and Region 2 dairies. We will have representation at the North Coast Regional Water Board’s meeting
on August 14 or 15 when the final draft of the permit requirements will be discussed and most likely adopted.
As previously reported, Executive Director Tesconi submitted comments at the end of June in response to the TMDL Action Plan. The SCFB and several business organizations are aligned
in their concerns with the number of parcels that will be subject to the monitoring and reporting requirements suggested in the draft TMDL Action Plan. SCFB will attend the North Coast Regional
Water Board’s meeting in mid-August where the initial staff report will be given regarding the Action Plan.
The BAAQMD just released a draft of their ordinance governing small compost operations and onsite compost activities. The regulations suggest total overreach of government with most small
composters indicating the proposed regulations will put them out of business. Executive Director Tesconi submitted comments regarding the onerous tone of the proposed regulations and President Carlton signed a multi-agency coalition letter that offered a redline version of the regulations.
Waste Management Agency, UC Cooperative Extension Marin, Daily Acts Marin County Public Works, UC Cooperative Extension Sonoma, Community Alliance of Family Famers, The Farmers
Guild, Grab n Grow, Soiland Company, Inc, Bolinas Community Public Utility District, Poncia Fertilizer, Inc., Straus Family Creamery, West Marin Compost, Sonoma Compost Co., LLC
Renewable Sonoma, LLC, and The Carbon Cycle Institute to develop more acceptable policies and regulations for local composting efforts.
“The North Coast Water Quality Control Board mandates composting by agricultural producers in the dairy industry while Rule 13-2 makes it near impossible, either in costs or requirements,
for producers to meet these proposed changes. Farmers are striving to reduce methane and VOCs through composting and will not be able to afford to compost if Rule 13-2 is left as is. Why can’t
Rule 13-2 use the industry standards already working for composting efforts defined by CalRecycle? Further, northern California farmers are actively participating in the Healthy Soils Initiative
grants. Should our local composting facilities not be able to remain in business or reduce the amount of compost materials produced, the opportunity for grantees to get soil-enhancement
materials at a cost point that is realistic will be compromised. CalRecycle has set out thoroughly encompassing definitions and requirements on the subject, which Rule 13-2’s language and
ideology vary widely from.
overburden the composting industry that is already working on shoestring margins. The composting industry is vital to our farmers, landscapers and many other small business owners in northern California.”
In conjunction with California Farm Bureau Federation and other Farm Bureau counties, SCFB President Carlton submitted a letter to Senator Wiener expressing our opposition to AB 1783, a bill
that was touted as an affordable housing bill for farm labor. In addition to mixing tenant housing rights with employee housing rights, the bill also too strictly defined what type of housing could benefit from the proposed permitting and planning exemptions and would further discourage construction of workforce housing because of the strings attached to using public funding for projects.
President Carlton submitted a letter of support for the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission, et. Al. partnership to Kimberly D. Bose, Secretary, of the Federal Energy
Regulatory Commission (FERC). The letter strongly expressed our approval of the regional entity formed by the Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (Mendocino County
IWPC), Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water), California Trout, Inc. (CalTrout), and the County of Humboldt, California (together, NOI Parties) and their filing of a Notice of Intent
to file an application for new license for the Potter Valley Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC or Commission) Project No. 77 on June 28, 2019.
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Agricultural Resources
August 2019
Roots of Healdsburg
May 23, 2019 To November 10, 2019
This exhibition focuses on local wine agriculture before Prohibition, providing timelines of regional wine history, ethnic contributions, labor history, context of other crops and local resistance to Prohibition. The Healdsburg Museum is open FREE to the public. Wednesday – Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., 221 Matheson Street, Healdsburg, CA 95448. For more information please visit https://www.healdsburgmuseum.org/
Santa Rosa Junior College Shone Farm is hiring a new Farm Manager to fill a retirement vacancy. They are seeking a dedicated individual, passionate about agricultural education, to manage one of the premier community college farms in the nation.
Salary: $7,798 – $9,479 per month Job Type: Full-Time
Closing: 8/14/19
Questions may be addressed to Dean Benjamin Goldstein (bgoldstein@santarosa.edu) with a CC to rsmith@santarosa.edu.
Deadline to Enter: September 30, 2019
Amateur photographers can compete for their share of $2,500 in cash prizes in the 38th annual California Farm Bureau Photo Contest, which opened on June 1. This year’s theme, “Imagine California,” challenges participants to capture images that celebrate the diversity of the state’s agricultural bounty. Entries will be eligible for one of 12 cash prizes, ranging from $50 up to the $1,000 Grand Prize. The contest is open to members of county Farm Bureaus in California and supporters of the California Bountiful Foundation.
CFBF created an online tool to help landowners learn about the potential layers of regulation on a particular parcel of land. It’s easy to use!
1. Go to wotus.cfbf.com
2. Enter your Farm Bureau Member ID number and password (watersoftheUS2015)
3. Enter the parcel address on an interactive map to help determine whether the 2015
WOTUS rule might apply to that piece of land.
This website is available to Farm Bureau members in California only. Can’t remember your Farm Bureau Member ID? Call the Sonoma County Farm Bureau M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at
(707) 544-5575 for help.
Stay safe and fine free: Cal/OSHA’s Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry, which includes specific sections on forklifts and other heavy equipment safety:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/ConstGuideOnline.pdf and Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch, which provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation.html
Free Help for Farmers and Ranchers Dealing with Credit, Debt or Other Issues. The California Agricultural Mediation Program (www.calamp.org) is here to help. CALAMP provides FREE mediation for farm credit issues; farm loans; federal farm and conservation programs; wetlands determinations; grazing permits on national forest system lands; and rural housing loans.
Requesting mediation is easy! Go to www.calamp.org and click on “request mediation,” or CALL (916) 330-4500 and dial ext. 101, or EMAIL: matts@emcenter.org, maryc@emcenter.org, or juliag@emcenter.org
Your Agricultural Advocate
June 2019
Sonoma County Farm Bureau is hard at work to support our member’s interests in Sonoma County and beyond. Here’s what we did for you in June:
Animal Rights Activists Protest:
On Monday, June 4, hundreds of activists from the animal rights activist group Direct Action Everywhere’s (DXE) Animal Liberation Conference were bussed to Reichardt Duck Farm in Petaluma, CA. According to the activists, they stole 30 ducklings and attempted to “shut down” the facility by having individuals chain themselves to gates and block the main entrance. After several hours and calls for activists to disperse, law enforcement officers began making arrests. Nearly 100 protesters were arrested, including DXE leader Wayne Hsiung. The incident was broadcast live on Direct Action Everywhere’s Facebook page. After a DXE spokesperson went on the KSRO Morning News Show, on Wednesday, June 5, Executive Director Tawny Tesconi did the same and spoke with host Pat Kerrigan to advocate for Sonoma County farmers and ranchers. Visit the Sonoma County Farm Burea’s Facebook page to watch the full video to hear Tawny speak in support of agriculture in Sonoma County. We appreciate KSRO for presenting both sides of the argument.
On Monday, June 24th, three DxE members sat outside of the Farm Bureau office in their car streaming on Facebook attempting to discredit Tawny’s answers to Pat Kerrigan’s questions during the radio interview. They attempted to “confront” Tawny in the Farm Bureau office but she was out of the office.
The Sonoma County Farm Bureau will host the event Beyond the Fence Line again this year on October 29 to help members learn how to prepare for potential activist activity. We appreciate local law enforcement for supporting Sonoma County farmers, their property, animals, and the right to farm.
Groundwater Sustainability Agencies: Executive Director Tawny Tesconi has been meeting individually with county supervisors and the GSA staff to correct irrigation use data being used to access fees and to encourage the County’s financial support for this basin similar to the level of support provided in the other two GSAs in our county. On Thursday, June 13, the Board of Directors of the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency approved a groundwater sustainability fee and adopted a groundwater user registration ordinance. The groundwater sustainability fee of $19.90 per acre-foot of groundwater pumped annually will go into effect on July 13, 2019. While the fee is calculated on actual or estimated groundwater use of everyone in the Santa Rosa Plain subbasin (an area extending from Santa Rosa west to Sebastopol and from Windsor south to Cotati), the fee will be assessed only on major municipal groundwater pumpers: the cities of Cotati, Rohnert Park, Santa Rosa and Sebastopol; the Town of Windsor; and Sonoma Water. Fees paid by municipal water providers will total $101,885 annually.
A three-year financial contribution of up to $240,000 annually to the GSA by the County of Sonoma and Sonoma Water will offset the fees of residential, agricultural, schools and other groundwater users in the unincorporated areas of the Santa Rosa Plain basin. In May, the Board of Directors of the Sonoma County Water Agency (Sonoma Water Board) and the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors (County Board) approved a plan to offset a fee that is likely to be imposed on groundwater users in the Santa Rosa Plain (an area extending from Santa Rosa west to Sebastopol, north to Windsor and south to Cotati). Under the plan, the County and Sonoma Water would contribute a total of up to $240,000 annually for three years to the Santa Rosa Plain Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA). Farm Bureau was effective in working to get the County to cover the fees required of our members and all rural land owners. We will continue to closely monitor GSA updates and weighin on any policies or procedures that will affect our members.
Onsite Waste Treatment Systems
The County of Sonoma is updating County regulations for septic systems (OWTS Manual) in order to meet the state-mandated policy that protects water quality and public health. Sonoma County Farm Bureau representatives have met with Permit Sonoma staff outlining various concerns we have with the new manual. On June 4, the draft manual came before the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors for approval. ED Tesconi had emailed the board indicating that they revised policies still did not accurately reflect the changes suggested by Farm Bureau that had been accepted by the Board. The Supervisors pulled the item from the agenda to have it corrected and it passed on consent at their June 11th meeting. Once again the Board of Supervisors have shown their support of rural landowners, particularly our farmers.
Potter Valley Project:
On June 5, Janet Pauli spoke about the Potter Valley Project at the Sonoma County Alliance General Membership Meeting at the Santa Rosa Golf & Country Club. The Mendocino County Inland Water and Power Commission (MCIWPC) submitted their pre-application document and a notice of intent to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) on June 28, to enter the relicensing process. MCIWPC has been working with other entities, like SCFB to build a broad-based coalition to establish regional control of the Potter Valley Project. The Sonoma County Farm Bureau continues to work with the Mendocino Farm Bureau as the Potter Valley Project re-licensing process unfolds.
Hemp Moratorium:
Executive Director Tesconi attended the first meeting the Hemp Advisory Group (HAG) held by Ag Commissioner Tony Linegar. The discussion covered an overview of the challenges associated with growing hemp and cannabis proximity of each other. In addition, the lack of staff resources was discussed and an additional staff person is being added to meet the demand of hemp cultivation in the county.
General Waste Discharge Requirements for Dairies in the North Coast Region
On Friday, May 31st, Director Beretta and ED Tesconi attended a public meeting held by the North Coast Regional Water Board to discuss General Waste Discharge Requirements for Dairies in the region. The new requirements are proposing that dairies do bacterial sampling in addition to the water monitoring currently done under the existing plan. This not only adds significant financial burden to the dairies, but logisitically would be challenging while offering very little return. We also opposed the requirement to submit Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMP) as part of pemit compliance. These plans continually are updated and are just as their name applies – plans, not necessarily actual information. Other worksheets were discussed that would more appropriately provide the information tht the Board is looking for in response to a request from enviromenttal groups. The Board will hold a public hearing to adopt the order on August 14 or 15.
Russian River TMDL Action Plan & Staff Report:
Executive Director Tesconi submitted comments at the end of June in response to the TMDL Action Plan. She called out that much of their concern associated with dairy runoff into the Russian River was base on a hypothesis not in science and that dairies were not being treated fairly in the plan. In addition, she questioned the 600 foot standard measurement that was being used to determine APMP boundaries. This expansive boundary will require septic system testing every 5 years on thousands of rural properties. It is anticipated that the Board will hold a public hearing about this new plan in August.
Bay Area Air Quality Management District, Organic Material Handling – Compost Operations Regulations:
The BAAQMD just released a draft of their ordinance governing small compost operations and onsite compost activities. The regulations suggest total overreach of government with most small composters indicating the proposed regulations will be put them out of business. Public comments will be accepted to July 8th and the SCFB will be working with other stakeholders to find common ground in the regulations. Stay tuned.
SCFB Endorses the Following Candidates:
Shirlee Zane: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 3rd District Supervisor
Lynda Hopkins: Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, 5th District Supervisor
Agricultural Resources
July 2019
2019 CFBF Photo Contest
Deadline to Enter: September 30, 2019
Amateur photographers can compete for their share of $2,500 in cash prizes in the 38th annual California Farm Bureau Photo Contest, which opened on June 1.
This year’s theme, “Imagine California,” challenges participants to capture images that celebrate the diversity of the state’s agricultural bounty. Entries will be eligible for one of 12 cash prizes, ranging from $50 up to the $1,000 Grand Prize. The contest is open to members of county Farm Bureaus in California and supporters of the California Bountiful Foundation. For more information or additional forms, contact the CFBF Marketing/Communications Division at 916-561-5550 or atphotocontest@cfbf.com.
New Online Tool for Landowners
CFBF created an online tool to help landowners learn about the potential layers of regulation on a particular parcel of land. It’s easy to use!
- Go to wotus.cfbf.com
- Enter your Farm Bureau Member ID number and password (watersoftheUS2015)
- Enter the parcel address on an interactive map to help determine whether the 2015 WOTUS rule might apply to that piece of land.
This website is available to Farm Bureau members in California only. Can’t remember your Farm Bureau Member ID? Call the Sonoma County Farm Bureau M-F 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at (707) 544-5575 for help.
Do You Use Heavy Equipment?
Stay safe and fine free: Cal/OSHA’s Pocket Guide for the Construction Industry, which includes specific sections on forklifts and other heavy equipment safety:
https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/dosh_publications/ConstGuideOnline.pdf
and Cal/OSHA’s Consultation Services Branch, which provides free and voluntary assistance to employers to improve their safety and health programs: https://www.dir.ca.gov/dosh/consultation.html
CA Agricultural Mediation Program (CALAMP)
Free Help for Farmers and Ranchers Dealing with Credit, Debt or Other Issues
The California Agricultural Mediation Program (www.calamp.org) is here to help. CALAMP provides FREE mediation for farm credit issues; farm loans; federal farm and conservation programs; wetlands determinations; grazing permits on national forest system lands; and rural housing loans.
Mediation is a voluntary process where an impartial person, called a mediator, brings parties together to resolve a challenge and identify a path forward. Mediation is voluntary, confidential, and the outcome remains fully in the parties’ control. While the mediator can help parties identify options, the mediator does not tell the participants what to do or issue a “ruling.” The final decision always belongs to the participants. Approximately 75% of mediations end in a mutually agreed-upon settlement.
Requesting mediation is easy!
Go to www.calamp.org and click on “request mediation,”
or CALL (916) 330-4500 and dial ext. 101,
or EMAIL: matts@emcenter.org, maryc@emcenter.org, or juliag@emcenter.org
GOOD READS
The Southern Sonoma Storm-Water Resource Plan (SWRP)
The Southern Sonoma Storm-Water Resource Plan (SWRP) draft is available for public review. The Plan identifies and prioritizes projects that capture, treat, or reuse storm-water runoff. It applies to the Petaluma and Sonoma Creek watersheds. Information on the planning process and plan can be found here: www.scwa.ca.gov/swrp
Sonoma RCD: California Native Plant Society Fire Recovery Guide
What should you do with your land after a wildfire? The CNPS Fire Recovery Guide addresses that question in an easy-to-use booklet, a collaborative effort between CNPS, North Bay partner organizations, and some of the best fire experts in the state.
DOWNLOAD AT: https://www.cnps.org/give/priority-initiatives/fire-recovery
Sonoma RCD: Slow It, Spread It, Sink It, Store It
Guide to Beneficial Stormwater Management and Water Conservation Strategies is now available in Spanish and English.
DOWNLOAD AT: http://sonomarcd.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Slow-it-Spread-it-Sink-it-Store-it.pdf
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