By Doug Beretta, President
I can’t believe half of 2024 has passed us by. As I look around the county, there was plenty of rain through the winter that brought wonderful silage, hay, and pasture crops to Sonoma County. Talking with our vineyard operators, grape production is moving along right on time and crops are looking good. The day-to-day advocacy work that Sonoma County Farm Bureau does has not slowed all year and is only getting busier.
The Region 1 Vineyard Permit has been a big topic for nearly a year. With the help of members, both Sonoma and Mendocino County Farm Bureaus have coordinated multiple tours for the Regional Water Quality Board members and staff to see the work already being done and the practices that are already in place on vineyards before they come out with the final language of the Vineyard Order.
We have partnered with several others including the North Bay Association of REALTORS who as lead the charge in reviewing and giving input to the County on Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems rules that will affect most if not all our rural residential and ag members.
We have met with local legislatures working on bills that will affect our local farmers and ranchers. We have interviewed many candidates who are running for elected office to find the right person to support, if any.
With the help of the Farm Bureau Foundation of Sonoma County, we have participated in several parades promoting the support of Sonoma County Family Farms. It’s been fun seeing the support we have in the community, with a lot of people cheering “ Thank you Farmers “. These are just a few of the things we have been working on. Thanks to our staff and our Executive Director Dayna for staying on top of these issues throughout the year. Without their great work and the work of our board of directors, we would not be able to accomplish everything we have.
We have successfully put on two of our major events- The Great Sonoma Crab and Wine Fest and our Golf tournament; both sold out and lots of fun was had. Love of The Land is happening or just happened depending on when you receive your Farm News.
Farm Bureau is working in conjunction with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office on an Agri-Security workshop on July 22 focusing on protecting farms in a modern world. Both cyber (online) and on-farm/facility security will be covered.
We are also partnering with local farmers for Sonoma County Farm Fest on July 21st at Olympia’s Valley Estate in Petaluma to offer an opportunity for the public to connect with local farmers and ranchers. There will be live music, food vendors, Straus Family Creamery ice Cream, Clo, animals, and farmers! Info can be found at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sonoma-county-farm-fest-tickets-935803061147.
Three board members will be attending a mid-year delegate meeting of the California Farm Bureau (CAFB) on August 1st . There is one issue and one issue only that will be discussed: MEMBERSHIP DUES. As we all know the cost of doing business goes up every year and member dues seem to fall behind. We all know that it costs money to continue the advocacy we need to protect our farms. CAFB has not raised dues in many years. It will be our job to listen to CAFB explain the different options of how much and how the dues increase will be implemented. We will review the proposals at the July meeting of our board so we can figure out our strategy when we attend that meeting.
I know the big issue in the county for most animal agriculture is Measure J. We have been working every day on this issue. Muelrath Public Affairs is running the NO on Measure J campaign. Rob comes from an agricultural family here in Sonoma County. He is deeply rooted in agriculture issues and has run campaigns on ballot initiatives and local and state elected officials for over 30 years. He knows Sonoma County and his firm has created a game plan to beat Measure J. The campaign is using the Sonoma County Family Farmers Alliance PAC as the funding source and the committee is working closely with Rob on this initiative. There was a timeline and strategic plan created in the fall and it is on target. Members of the committee and NO on Measure J supporters have been meeting with different groups in the county and the state to garner the support we need to defeat Measure J. If you’re not involved yet, now is the time! Go to www.NoOnMeasureJ.com and sign up to put signs on your property. Sign up to invite neighbors and friends to hear about the NO on Measure J campaign and all of the damage it will do to Sonoma County if it passes. Sign up to volunteer to walk neighborhoods to get the word out about how bad this is for not only Sonoma County farmers and ranchers but for all of Sonoma County!
The toughest thing to do for me is to ask for a donation to the campaign, and the toughest thing for you to do is to write a check. But, if we want to save Sonoma County agriculture and the way of life here in Sonoma County it’s going to take money to run this campaign and to win. So, I am asking whatever amount you can send to the PAC to defeat this measure do so now!! THANK YOU!
