| Economic Impacts Facing California's Agricultural Community
The California Farm Bureau Federation’s “Crisis on the Farm” (April 2001) identifies major issues contributing to the current economic crisis facing California agriculture. Increased imports, reduced water supplies, higher taxes and increased regulation, higher operation costs compared to those outside California are the key issues the CFBF is currently addressing. The report indicates that problems are especially acute for selected commodities and regions. Many rural communities are dependent on agriculture for jobs, sales revenues, and tax base. For most rural communities, agriculture is the hub of economic activity. Agriculture generates nearly nine percent of California’s jobs in production, transportation, processing, and marketing. The health of the State’s farm economy is vital to the state and the nation. California produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables. The Crisis on the Farm report also makes recommendations to help Calfornia’s farmers become more competitive. Some ideas have been adopted by the Legislature and implemented, yet some of these issues remain unresolved. It will take strong partnership between the agricultural community and federal, state, and local governments working together to improve the economic climate for California’s agricultural community. California Biodiversity News: Volume 8, Number 2 |