For nearly nine decades, the California Fresh Fruit Association has represented growers and shippers of specialty crops, grapes, kiwi, pomegranates, cherries, blueberries, peaches, pears, apricots, and nectarines. While navigating policy decisions and government regulations in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., the organization supports industry stakeholders.
During a recent dialogue, Papagni inquired about the complexities of operating under California's regulatory framework. Hartwig candidly remarked on their impact, stating, "When you look at some of the regulations that come down, some of these things are just asinine that we're trying to deal with."
In recent years, compliance expenditures for California farmers have notably risen, reportedly increasing 12 to 14 times more than in previous eras. These costs encompass worker safety compliance, administrative documentation, and stringent recordkeeping for water and pesticide usage. According to Hartwig, this regulatory maze places California producers at a disadvantage compared to international peers.
Hartwig commented on global competition, highlighting, "Other places that are sending fruit into the United States don't have any of the same burdens and challenges we have." This discrepancy necessitates high precision and efficiency to maintain competitiveness.
The discourse highlights the concern that policy misalignment could impede agricultural success. Hartwig called for policymakers to understand the tangible effects that legislation imposes on production and farm sustainability, saying, "We have to be so good at what we do here just to be able to compete, really."
Source: AgNet West
