Top California fresh fruit issues announced

The California Fresh Fruit Association (CFFA) recently announced their Top Ten Issues for 2016. Members were surveyed in December 2015 and ranked the top issues in order of priority for 2016.

President of the California Fresh Fruit Association, Barry Bedwell, stated “Again our membership has given us strong direction in identifying their top priorities for 2016. As in years past, the issues of water, labor, and food safety, will lead our list of issues. CFFA will continue to serve as a liaison between regulatory and legislative authorities by acting as the unified voice for our members.”

Here are the results (listed in order of priority):

1. Water Supply Availability/Drought Impacts (#1 in 2015)

2. Retroactive Labor Regulation Costs & Related Impacts (#6 in 2015)

3. Food Safety Practices & Implementation (#2 in 2015)

4. Immigration Reform (#3 in 2015)

5. Groundwater Management Requirements (#7 in 2015)

6. Labor Regulations (#5 in 2015)

7. Water Quality Regulations (#8 in 2015)

8. Health Care Mandates/Affordable Care Act (#4 in 2015)

9. Invasive Pest Issues (#9 in 2015)

10. Workers’ Compensation Costs (#10 in 2015)

Reflecting the continued impacts resulting from four years of drought and water supply uncertainty, the Association’s top issue remained Water Supply Availability/Drought Impacts. Retroactive Labor Regulation Costa & Related Impacts ranked number two, resulting from the recent passage of AB1513. Food Safety Practices & Implementation remained in the top three, demonstrating the industry’s continued focus on providing a safe food supply.

For more information:

Ian LeMay