California Grape & Tree Fruit League Annual Report 2010/11 FY
California Grape & Tree Fruit League Annual Report 2010/11 FY
California Grape & Tree Fruit League Annual Report 2010/11 FY
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David Marguleas<br />
Chairman of the Board<br />
Maria Alvarado<br />
Manectar Farms<br />
Anthony Balakian<br />
<strong>California</strong> Growers<br />
Robert O. Bianco<br />
Anthony Vineyards, Inc.<br />
Steve Biswell<br />
Mt. Campbell Development<br />
Nicholas Bozick<br />
R. Bagdasarian, Inc.<br />
Wayne Brandt<br />
Brandt Farms, Inc.<br />
Anton Caratan<br />
Blanc Vineyards<br />
Chris Caratan<br />
M. Caratan, Inc.<br />
Kirk Cerniglia<br />
Royal Madera Vineyards<br />
Carol Chandler<br />
Chandler Farms, LP<br />
David Clyde<br />
<strong>Grape</strong>man Farms dba Stevco<br />
Stan Cosart<br />
W.F. Cosart Packing Co.<br />
Barry Bedwell<br />
<strong>League</strong> President<br />
LEAGUE LEADERSHIP<br />
Chris Caratan<br />
Carol Chandler<br />
<strong>FY</strong> <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
VICE- CHAIRMAN<br />
Steve Hash<br />
Ryan Zaninovich<br />
David Jackson<br />
Louis Pandol<br />
Marko S. Zaninovich,<br />
David Marguleas<br />
Dean Thonesen<br />
Ex Officio<br />
<strong>FY</strong> <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> BOARD OF DIRECTORS<br />
Steve Hash<br />
First Vice-Chairman<br />
Verne Crookshanks<br />
Venida Packing, Inc.<br />
Tim Dayka<br />
Dayka & Hackett, LLC<br />
Jerry DiBuduo<br />
SunValley Farms<br />
Moe DiBuduo<br />
DiBuduo <strong>Fruit</strong> Co.<br />
Edge Dostal<br />
Chiquita Fresh North America<br />
Richard Elliot<br />
David J. Elliot & Son<br />
Ken Enns<br />
Enns Packing Co., Inc.<br />
Tony Fazio<br />
Tri-Boro <strong>Fruit</strong> Co., Inc.<br />
Ron Frauenheim<br />
Ron Frauenheim<br />
Randy Giumarra<br />
Giumarra Vineyards Corp.<br />
Doug Hemly<br />
Greene and Hemly, Inc.<br />
Robert Ikemiya<br />
Ito Packing Company, Inc.<br />
Gabrielle Kirkland<br />
Membership<br />
Marcy Martin<br />
Trade<br />
Ryan Zaninovich<br />
Second Vice-Chairman<br />
David Jackson<br />
Family <strong>Tree</strong> Farms<br />
Casey Jones<br />
Sun Valley Packing<br />
Herbert Kaprielian<br />
CRJ Farming Co. LP<br />
Harold McClarty<br />
HMC Farms<br />
George Nikolich<br />
Gerawan Farming, Inc.<br />
Justin Parnagian<br />
Fowler Packing Company, Inc.<br />
Pat Ricchiuti<br />
P-R Farms, Inc.<br />
Cliff Rolland<br />
Abe-El Produce<br />
Tom Schultz<br />
Chase National Kiwi Farms<br />
Toni Scully<br />
Scully Packing Co.<br />
Jim Simonian<br />
Simonian <strong>Fruit</strong> Company<br />
Brent Smittcamp<br />
Wawona Packing Co., LLC<br />
league staff<br />
Christopher Valadez<br />
Environmental & Regulatory Affairs<br />
Jaclyn Pack<br />
Office Coordinator<br />
Louis Pandol<br />
Secretary/Treasurer<br />
Kent Stephens<br />
Marko Zaninovich, Inc.<br />
Dean Thonesen<br />
Sunwest <strong>Fruit</strong> Company, Inc.<br />
Vicky Jones<br />
Bookkeeper<br />
Jon Tos<br />
Tos Farms, Inc.<br />
Stan Tufts<br />
Tufts Ranch LLC<br />
Scott Wallace<br />
<strong>Fruit</strong> Patch Sales, LLC<br />
Chiles Wilson<br />
All State Packers, Inc.<br />
John D. Zaninovich<br />
Merritt Farms<br />
Jon P. Zaninovich<br />
Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.<br />
Marko S. Zaninovich<br />
Marko Zaninovich, Inc.<br />
Ex Officios:<br />
Micky George<br />
Cliff Sadoian<br />
Erin Ragnetti<br />
Administrative Assistant
Table of contents<br />
TOP TEN ISSUES<br />
1<br />
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT<br />
David O. Marguleas, Chairman<br />
2<br />
PRESIDENT’S REPORT<br />
Barry J. Bedwell, President<br />
3<br />
LEAGUE FINANCIAL SUMMARY<br />
4<br />
AGRICULTURE ISSUES<br />
5<br />
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE<br />
Paul Giboney, Chairman<br />
7<br />
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE<br />
Carol Chandler, Chairman<br />
8<br />
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL BENEFITS COMMITTEE<br />
Ken Enns, Chairman<br />
9<br />
LABOR COMMITTEE<br />
Ryan Zaninovich, Chairman<br />
10<br />
MARKETING COMMITTEE<br />
John Pandol, Chairman<br />
<strong>11</strong><br />
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE<br />
Ryan Zaninovich, Chairman<br />
12<br />
STANDARDIZATION & PACKAGING COMMITTEE<br />
Louis Pandol, Chairman<br />
13<br />
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE<br />
John Rast, Chairman<br />
14<br />
FRUITPAC BOARD<br />
Stan Tufts, Chairman<br />
15<br />
HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST<br />
George Caratan, Chairman<br />
16<br />
LEAGUE COMMITTEE MEMBERS<br />
17<br />
CALIFORNIA LEGISLATIVE REVIEW<br />
19<br />
FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE REVIEW<br />
20<br />
YEAR IN PICTURES<br />
21<br />
LEAGUE’S AG NETWORK<br />
23<br />
PAST CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD<br />
24<br />
To fulfill The needs of The membership while serving as The primary public<br />
policy organizaTion advocaTing on behalf of The fresh grape, berry and<br />
<strong>Tree</strong> fruiT growers and shippers in california.
Page 1<br />
TOP TEN ISSUES<br />
Labor Laws/Card Check<br />
After failed attempts to circumvent the secret ballot process, card check was re-invented to make union representation a remedy for ‘egregious’<br />
employer conduct affecting a secret ballot election. Under a new Administration, the potential for passage of card check legislation<br />
through the Legislature remains high.<br />
Immigration Reform/AgJOBS<br />
The latest attempt to move immigration policy without addressing economic questions related to securing an agricultural labor force<br />
proved ill-fated, ultimately leading to the defeat of the piecemeal attempt. The <strong>League</strong> advocated in favor of a solution which addresses<br />
agricultural labor in the context of both comprehensive and a more focused legislative package in recognition of the need for a stable and<br />
reliable workforce.<br />
Water Supply Issues<br />
In a state divided over questions of water conveyance, available supply, and ecosystem protection, the effort to promote a state water bond<br />
package on the 2012 ballot will begin anew, with messaging focused on providing certainty in future years. The demand on <strong>California</strong>’s<br />
water supply and infrastructure will continue to grow as demand increases in the future.<br />
Labor Costs/Minimum Wage<br />
The costs associated with a dependable workforce for cultural, harvest, and packaging continues to range from 50-70 percent of total production<br />
costs. Because labor costs significantly affect the continued economic viability of <strong>League</strong> members, the potential for government<br />
mandated increases in the minimum wage adds to the challenge of producing the highest quality fruit in the State of <strong>California</strong>.<br />
Invasive Pest Issues<br />
The <strong>League</strong> continued to work on the frontlines with top regulatory agencies to combat the devastating effect of invasive pests, such as the<br />
European <strong>Grape</strong>vine Moth, on the growing and shipping of fresh fruit, while simultaneously working with international trading partners<br />
to avoid unnecessary phytosanitary restrictions.<br />
Health Care Mandates<br />
In the wake of the passage of a massive federal health care proposal, much of the burden of providing health care for the uninsured population<br />
will likely result in added costs for businesses.<br />
Food Safety Regulations<br />
The passage of controversial food safety legislation established a framework for federal agencies to more rapidly respond to instances of<br />
foodborne illness outbreaks in what is an overall safe US food system. The <strong>League</strong> is positioned to work with key regulatory agencies to<br />
shape the implementing language of the nation’s new food safety policy, while maintaining that requirements must be commodity specific,<br />
risk-based, and supported by sound science.<br />
Workers’ Comp Costs<br />
The potential for an increase in the rise of workers’ compensation costs was recognized by <strong>League</strong> members as an important concern, as<br />
carriers have repeatedly sought rate adjustments to cover cost increases associated with rising medical costs.<br />
Energy Costs<br />
The concern over increasing energy costs in the face of climate change policy mandates will force the energy production sector to purchase<br />
new technologies and replace production from fossil fuel sources, which will likely result in higher energy prices passed along to consumers.
It<br />
was a pleasure to serve as Chairman for the <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong>, and now<br />
to share some of my impressions of the <strong>League</strong> and its accomplishments<br />
during the past twelve months. It is especially rewarding to<br />
look back on an exceptionally busy year – filled with ample and equal parts of<br />
challenge and success – as we commemorate the 75 year milestone of the <strong>California</strong><br />
<strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong>.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> is viewed as being reliable<br />
and respected, effective and efficient,<br />
dynamic and determined. Each of you<br />
should be proud of our organization . . .<br />
The predecessor to the current day <strong>League</strong> – The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong><br />
<strong>Fruit</strong> Shippers – was formed in 1936 and the original structure of our organization<br />
remains fundamentally unaltered, although the overall political, economic,<br />
and social environment has obviously changed dramatically.<br />
The driving force behind the <strong>League</strong> today is the same as in its early years;<br />
being responsive to its grower members and fervently advocating and protecting the <strong>California</strong> fruit industry’s needs and interests<br />
with regulators, legislators, international trading partners, and others. These same needs led 49 producers to band together<br />
in 1936 to leverage their collective interests to negotiate fair railroad rates, and it is these same needs that make the <strong>League</strong> a<br />
compelling organization for the 300 growers and shippers who, today, rely on this organization to represent their interests in<br />
Sacramento and Washington, DC.<br />
The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong> is known for its pragmatic approach to working with policy makers in Sacramento<br />
and Washington, DC. The organization reflects the collective interest of the industry, where leaders set aside personal convictions<br />
in a bi-partisan political environment. As the primary public policy organization for the fruit industry, the <strong>League</strong> has<br />
adopted a realistic and sensible approach to building bridges with elected and appointed leaders.<br />
It is the <strong>League</strong>’s singular focus on preserving and enhancing growers’ livelihoods that has aided the organization’s survival for<br />
three-quarters of a century. It also ensures that this organization will continue to play a vital role in maintaining a healthy fruit<br />
industry for decades to come.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> is viewed as being reliable and respected, effective and efficient, dynamic and determined. Each of you should be<br />
proud of our organization and equally proud of the exceptional staff that helps to shape it – represented by the three directors<br />
Marcy Martin, Chris Valadez and Gabrielle Kirkland as well as the organization’s President Barry Bedwell.<br />
It has been an honor to chair the Board of Directors and to contribute in some small measure to our growth and success this<br />
past year.<br />
David O. Marguleas<br />
Chairman <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong><br />
Chairman’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
Page 2
Page 3<br />
President’s <strong>Report</strong><br />
The past year for the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong> was<br />
one of transition and helping manage change on behalf of our<br />
membership. The change in Sacramento was primarily brought<br />
on by the conversion of leadership in state government. After<br />
seven years of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, voters in <strong>California</strong><br />
decisively selected Jerry Brown over challenger Meg Whitman to be their<br />
next chief executive, almost three decades after he first served in the office.<br />
The role of the <strong>League</strong> this past year especially focused on making the<br />
organization and our members relevant during this transition period. The<br />
importance of working with other like-minded organizations and finding<br />
common ground on public policy issues became increasingly important.<br />
In addition, the other areas of member service related to the non-public<br />
policy arenas of trade, standardization, packaging, and transportation were<br />
maintained at their historically high levels.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> is also celebrating a significant milestone in 20<strong>11</strong>, with its 75th<br />
anniversary. Accolades go out to the forward-thinking individuals from<br />
the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> and <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> Association and the <strong>California</strong> Growers<br />
and Shippers Protective <strong>League</strong>, who brought together growers and<br />
shippers from all over <strong>California</strong> to address issues of common concern. Every time I look at the names and faces of those<br />
members, both past and present, I feel pride in working for such individuals and being part of this organization.<br />
In accordance with the past practice, the <strong>League</strong>’s Board of Directors was polled on the issues most impacting their sustainability<br />
with the results varying only slightly from the past year. Labor, immigration reform, water, invasive species, health<br />
care, food safety, workers’ compensation, energy costs, and air quality regulations were once again emphasized. While the<br />
education process related to such public policy issues can be frustrating, the <strong>League</strong> made substantive progress in many areas.<br />
We know that we cannot demand respect or recognition of our members’ true value, but we can certainly do our best to<br />
communicate why maintaining the production of our members’ crops is so important to the citizens of this state and nation.<br />
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all volunteer members of the <strong>League</strong> who serve in leadership<br />
positions, whether it is on the Executive Committee, the Board of Directors, or on our many committees. Your efforts<br />
do make a difference. And finally, thanks to the staff for their continued hard work and commitment. Best of luck to all for<br />
a successful and prosperous 20<strong>11</strong> crop year.<br />
Barry J. Bedwell<br />
President<br />
Every time I look at the names and faces of those members, both<br />
past and present, I feel pride in working for such individuals and<br />
being part of this organization.
<strong>League</strong> Financial Summary<br />
Under the supervision of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee, <strong>League</strong> staff maintains tight fiscal control over<br />
expenditures, while maximizing opportunities for increased revenues, which are so vital to the fulfillment of <strong>League</strong> matters.<br />
The following represents the <strong>League</strong>’s revenue and expenditures for the fiscal year ending February 28, 20<strong>11</strong> audited financials.<br />
Page 4
Page 5<br />
Agriculture issues<br />
Serving our Membership...<br />
FIRST QUARTER<br />
MARCH/APRIL/MAY<br />
Taiwan Transit Requirements:<br />
Three Mediterranean fruit fly quarantines in <strong>California</strong> impacted<br />
the transit requirements for exports to Taiwan.<br />
Gubernatorial Race:<br />
<strong>League</strong> President and several Board members met with gubernatorial<br />
candidate Jerry Brown in April to discuss important issues.<br />
Diesel Truck Rule:<br />
Under the <strong>California</strong> Air Resource Board Truck Rule, diesel<br />
trucks that were recognized as agricultural trucks were required<br />
to display proper identification by April 30.<br />
2012 Farm Bill:<br />
Starting in May, Farm Bill hearings<br />
were held across the nation to discuss<br />
the direction of agriculture policy<br />
in advance of the 2012 Farm Bill.<br />
Immigration Reform Proposal:<br />
On April 29, key Senate Democrats unveiled a framework for a<br />
comprehensive immigration proposal, but did not set a deadline<br />
for accomplishing reform.<br />
HIRE Act:<br />
The Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) proposal<br />
was established to exempt employers from paying social security<br />
payroll tax in <strong>2010</strong> and offered a tax credit to employers.<br />
European <strong>Grape</strong>vine Moth Quarantine:<br />
In May, a regulated area of approximately<br />
five miles in radius around each<br />
site was created and encompassed two<br />
Fresno County detections.<br />
Section 18 Issued for Mentor:<br />
At the request of the <strong>League</strong>, Department of Pesticide Regulation<br />
granted an emergency exemption order for the post-harvest<br />
use of Mentor on nectarines and peaches.<br />
Export Database: The <strong>League</strong> secured a grant through<br />
the <strong>California</strong> Department of Food<br />
and Agriculture to expand the tree<br />
fruit export database.<br />
Ag Burn Phase-Out Delayed:<br />
The San Joaquin Air Quality Control District Board voted to delay<br />
a complete phase-out of open burning.<br />
SECOND QUARTER<br />
JUNE/JULY/AUGUST<br />
New Zealand Import Requirements:<br />
Biosecurity New Zealand implemented new import requirements<br />
to mitigate Spotted Wing Drosophila for a number of commodities<br />
from <strong>California</strong>.<br />
Melon <strong>Fruit</strong> Fly Detection:<br />
In August, Melon <strong>Fruit</strong> Flies were discovered<br />
in agricultural production areas in the southern<br />
San Joaquin Valley and resulted in a quarantine<br />
of host commodities.<br />
CGTFL Board Votes to Support Water Bond:<br />
The <strong>League</strong>’s Board of Directors voted to support the Safe,<br />
Clean and Reliable Drinking Water Supply Act of <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
EGVM Federal Order for <strong>Grape</strong>s:<br />
USDA issued a formal Federal Order, effective June 22, which<br />
established a quarantine area for portions of several ag-producing<br />
counties due to European <strong>Grape</strong>vine Moth (EGVM) detections.<br />
Cal/OSHA Revised Heat Illness<br />
Prevention Standard:<br />
Cal/OSHA adopted revisions to the<br />
standard, which required specific provisions,<br />
such as “shade up,” when certain<br />
trigger temperatures are reached.<br />
Export <strong>Grape</strong> and Plum Act:<br />
The Board recommended that the <strong>League</strong> seek an amendment to<br />
the Export <strong>Grape</strong> and Plum Act to allow for quarter-pound minimum<br />
bunch weight in containers less than two pounds.<br />
Ag Overtime:<br />
Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB <strong>11</strong>21 (Florez) known as the<br />
“ag overtime bill” on July 28. The proposed bill would have required<br />
overtime for agricultural workers after 8 hours daily and<br />
40 hours weekly, rather than the current 10 hours daily and 60<br />
hours weekly.<br />
Cargo Screening<br />
Requirements:<br />
Cargo that was transported on passenger<br />
aircraft had to be screened<br />
at 100 percent, effective August 1,<br />
<strong>2010</strong>.<br />
Family Farm Estate Tax<br />
Legislation:<br />
Senator Dianne Feinstein introduced legislation that deferred the<br />
payment of estate taxes for small family farms.
Agriculture issues<br />
One issue at a time<br />
THIRD QUARTER<br />
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER/NOVEMBER<br />
Card Check Vetoed:<br />
Governor Schwarzenegger vetoed SB 1474 (Steinberg), also known<br />
as the “back door” version of card check, because it represented<br />
the same type of assault on the democratic process as previous versions<br />
of card check legislation.<br />
NAPPO <strong>Annual</strong> Meeting:<br />
The <strong>League</strong> was represented as a<br />
participant in the North American<br />
Plant Protection Organization<br />
(NAPPO) annual meeting, which is<br />
a regional organization established by the governments of the US,<br />
Canada, and Mexico.<br />
Senate Food Safety Bill Postponed:<br />
Food safety legislation was postponed until after the November 2<br />
elections.<br />
Williamson Act Legislation Signed:<br />
Governor Schwarzenegger signed AB 2530, under which, counties<br />
will be allowed to implement new Williamson Act contracts,<br />
reduced by 10 percent in both duration and tax relief, for the property<br />
holder.<br />
Japan Proposes Scholar Registration on Stone <strong>Fruit</strong>s:<br />
The <strong>League</strong> worked with Scholar’s registrant, Syngenta Crop Protection,<br />
USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, and Japan’s ministries<br />
to facilitate acceptance of the US maximum residue level for Scholar.<br />
New <strong>California</strong> Governor:<br />
Governor Jerry Brown was elected<br />
as <strong>California</strong>’s new Governor on<br />
November 2, <strong>2010</strong>.<br />
FDA and USDA Form Produce Safety Program:<br />
The US Department of Food and Agricultural and the Food and<br />
Drug Administration (FDA) announced a three-year partnership to<br />
provide produce growers and packers with food safety resources.<br />
Canadian Import Requirements:<br />
The Dispute Resolution Corporation (DRC) issued a notice that,<br />
effective December <strong>2010</strong>, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency<br />
required shipments of fresh fruit and vegetables coming into<br />
Canada, labeled with a federal produce number or Canadian DRC<br />
Membership number, to be part of the submission of import documentation.<br />
Southern <strong>California</strong> Assemblyman-Elect<br />
Visits Valley:<br />
Assemblyman-elect Ricardo Lara flew<br />
into Fresno in November to meet with<br />
<strong>League</strong> staff and tour member operations.<br />
FOURTH QUARTER<br />
DECEMBER/JANUARY/FEBRUARY<br />
DPR Announced Decision to Register Methyl Iodide:<br />
December <strong>2010</strong>, <strong>California</strong> Department of Pesticide<br />
Regulation announced the registration of<br />
methyl iodide under emergency regulations.<br />
Congress Completes Food Safety Bill:<br />
Late December, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid worked with<br />
Senate Republicans to pass a standalone food safety bill by voice<br />
vote, sending it to the house.<br />
Federal Estate Tax Update:<br />
President Obama signed into law an $858 billion tax package that<br />
included estate tax language which will allow a married couple to<br />
jointly protect up to $10 million of assets from federal estate tax.<br />
CARB Approves Truck Amendments:<br />
The <strong>California</strong> Air Resources Board passed the on-road truck rule<br />
proposed amendments on December 17 by a unanimous vote,<br />
which delayed implementation dates of the compliance schedule.<br />
Schwarzenegger, Brown Administrations Make<br />
Appointments:<br />
Outgoing Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed former<br />
State Senator Carole Migden to the Agricultural Labor Relations<br />
Board. Governor Jerry Brown announced an early key appointment<br />
of Assemblyman John Laird.<br />
CA Requirements for Refrigerant Management:<br />
On January 1, 20<strong>11</strong>, operators of refrigeration systems that use<br />
more than 50 pounds of high global warming potential refrigerants<br />
were required to comply with the new <strong>California</strong> Air Resources<br />
Board regulation.<br />
Mexican Tariff Update:<br />
January 20<strong>11</strong>, US Department of Transportation Secretary Ray La-<br />
Hood shared with Congress and the government of Mexico an<br />
initial concept document for a long-haul cross-border Mexican<br />
trucking program.<br />
Extreme Card Check Bill Introduced:<br />
SB 104 was introduced on January 12 by Senate President Pro Tem<br />
Darrel Steinberg. This proposal differed from previous versions of<br />
card check in that the Agricultural Labor Relations Board would be<br />
required to make a non-appealable administrative decision.<br />
USDA Secretary Chief of<br />
Staff Karen Ross Named<br />
CDFA Secretary:<br />
Governor Brown announced the appointment<br />
of Karen Ross to Secretary<br />
of the <strong>California</strong> Department of<br />
Food & Agriculture.<br />
Page 6
Page 7<br />
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE<br />
POLICY WORK<br />
The Committee reviewed the Safe, Clean and Reliable Water Supply<br />
Act of <strong>2010</strong>, which was designed to provide funding for water<br />
infrastructure. The Act drew broad support from agriculture and<br />
was regarded as a key policy priority area for the Schwarzenegger<br />
Administration. The Board voted to support the Act during its<br />
June <strong>2010</strong> meeting.<br />
The Federal Endangered Species Act maintained its status as a<br />
prime focus in the environmental policy arena because of court<br />
cases requiring biological opinions for mitigation measures to<br />
protect endangered or threatened species or habitats as part of<br />
a consultation requirement. The US Environmental Protection<br />
Agency (EPA), the US Fish & Wildlife Service, and the National<br />
Marine Fisheries Service were charged with reviewing more than<br />
three dozen active ingredients. The Committee worked to assess<br />
impact from the resulting biological opinion decisions and potential<br />
chemical use restrictions on agricultural production.<br />
The Committee worked to provide comment to state and regional<br />
air regulators regarding the need to maintain agricultural burning.<br />
Due to data received from Committee members on production<br />
costs, frequency of burn disposal practice and comparative<br />
analysis of cost differences between continuing the burn disposal<br />
practice, versus alternatives, the <strong>League</strong> was instrumental in earning<br />
support from the district to extend the limited practice for<br />
segments in agriculture beyond the June <strong>2010</strong> deadline for the ag<br />
burn rule.<br />
The Committee analyzed the debate at the Federal level on food<br />
safety legislation. The back and forth maneuvering in both the<br />
US House and Senate set up a pathway to moving what became<br />
known as the Food Safety Modernization Act. The Committee<br />
guided staff on legislative proposals, which included rejecting the<br />
proposal to provide the US Food and Drug Administration with<br />
the broad authority to institute a quarantine of a food based on a<br />
broad geographic area. The <strong>League</strong> was able to work as part of a<br />
coalition to communicate disapproval and terminate the effort to<br />
extend broad quarantine authority.<br />
December <strong>2010</strong>, the <strong>League</strong> learned of an effort by Costco that<br />
would require its suppliers to participate in a social compliance<br />
audit program. The <strong>League</strong> worked with other agricultural organizations<br />
to address the shared concerns from membership. A joint<br />
letter from agricultural organizations (including the <strong>League</strong>) was<br />
sent to Costco regarding initiatives mandated for its vendor base.<br />
Costco management and representatives from a handful of ag organizations,<br />
including the <strong>League</strong>, met to discuss potential alternative<br />
approaches for verification.<br />
Overseen by Chairman<br />
Paul Giboney (M. Caratan, Inc.)<br />
The Environmental Resources Committee is the most active<br />
committees, due to the tremendous regulatory oversight<br />
that exists in <strong>California</strong>.<br />
INVASIVES<br />
The <strong>League</strong> represented grapes and “fruits other than grapes” during<br />
the <strong>2010</strong> and 20<strong>11</strong> seasons during the European <strong>Grape</strong>vine<br />
Moth (EGVM) quarantine. After EGVM detections in Fresno<br />
County, a regulated area of approximately five miles in radius was<br />
established. About six weeks later, US Department of Agriculture<br />
(USDA) issued a formal Federal Order which established a quarantine<br />
area for portions of several ag-producing counties.<br />
August <strong>2010</strong>, Melon <strong>Fruit</strong> Fly was discovered in agricultural production<br />
areas in the southern San Joaquin Valley and resulted in a<br />
quarantine of host commodities. The <strong>League</strong> worked with regulatory<br />
agency officials and trading partners to mitigate the impact of<br />
the quarantine.<br />
The presence of the Spotted Wing Drosophila in 23 <strong>California</strong><br />
counties caused some trading partners to implement mitigation<br />
requirements for the movement of several host commodities. The<br />
<strong>League</strong> worked with the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> Agreement to address<br />
stone fruit phytosanitary issues.<br />
A single Light Brown Apple Moth detection was made in August<br />
<strong>2010</strong> in Fresno County. The single find did not trigger a quarantine,<br />
although delimitation activities were started immediately by<br />
CDFA and were monitored throughout the season.<br />
PLANT HEALTH MATERIALS<br />
At the request of the <strong>League</strong>, Department of Pesticide Regulation<br />
granted a Section 18 (emergency exemption) order for the postharvest<br />
use of Mentor on nectarines and peaches.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> worked with Scholar’s registrant, Syngenta Crop Protection,<br />
USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, and Japan’s ministries<br />
to facilitate the acceptance of the US maximum residue level for<br />
Scholar.<br />
December <strong>2010</strong>, <strong>California</strong> Department of Pesticide Regulation<br />
announced the registration of methyl iodide under emergency<br />
regulations.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> continued to work with DuPont since 2007, following<br />
a request that the manufacturer withdraw the cancellation of<br />
Lannate (Methomyl) usage on table grapes until the industry could<br />
respond to the EPA’s risk assessment. The <strong>League</strong> provided technical<br />
comments which permitted the use on grapes to continue.<br />
Subsequently, EPA published a cancellation notice on all grape<br />
crops in early 20<strong>11</strong>. DuPont was allowed to continue to sell and<br />
distribute all existing stock through June 2012.<br />
PLANT HEALTH IRRIGATED LANDS INVASIVE SPECIES AIR QUALITY
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS COMMITTEE<br />
Overseen by Chairman<br />
Carol Chandler (Chandler Farms, LP)<br />
Committee members meet with legislative and regulatory officials<br />
to discuss top issues on an annual trip to Sacramento, handles tax<br />
issues, and interfaces with <strong>Fruit</strong>PAC.<br />
The Government Relations Committee was responsible for coordinating<br />
an annual trip to Sacramento, analyzing issues pertaining<br />
to taxation and increasing the <strong>League</strong>’s visibility in both Washington,<br />
DC and Sacramento.<br />
Under direction from the Government Relations Committee, the<br />
<strong>League</strong> coordinated its <strong>Annual</strong> Sacramento <strong>Fruit</strong> Delivery Trip<br />
on August 25, <strong>2010</strong>. This trip was an opportunity to increase visibility<br />
by providing legislators, regulators, and legislative staff with<br />
a reminder of the value of our fresh grape, berry, and deciduous<br />
tree fruit communities. For <strong>2010</strong>, State leaders were presented<br />
with a uniquely designed <strong>League</strong> container packed delicately with<br />
delicious fruit. More than <strong>11</strong>5 <strong>League</strong> fruit deliveries were made.<br />
A key priority for the<br />
Committee was a review<br />
of the impact of<br />
the <strong>California</strong> state budget<br />
on agriculture. The<br />
Committee identified<br />
key concerns, which<br />
included the proposed<br />
elimination of general<br />
fund dollars for the <strong>California</strong><br />
Fair Network, a<br />
significant $15 million<br />
cut proposed for the<br />
Department of Food<br />
and Agriculture, as well<br />
as an additional $12.8<br />
million general fund reduction<br />
for the State Water Resources Control Board; the impact<br />
of which could lead to significant fee increases.<br />
Fifteen <strong>League</strong> members participated in the 20<strong>11</strong> Government<br />
Relations trip to Sacramento. On March 1, <strong>California</strong> Natural Resources<br />
Agency Secretary, John Laird, provided a briefing, which<br />
reflected on his past engagement on invasive species issues and<br />
current efforts, through the Department of Water Resources, on<br />
the Bay/Delta Conservation program, to make water availability<br />
and environmental restoration equal goals.<br />
Labor & Workforce Development Agency Undersecretary, Doug<br />
Hoffner, met with the <strong>League</strong> group and offered caution on the<br />
challenges ahead with managing the State’s unemployment insurance<br />
program (through the Employment Development Department),<br />
recognizing that the program was insolvent. <strong>California</strong><br />
Environmental Protection Agency Undersecretary, Cindy Tuck,<br />
provided an overview of agency initiatives, which included an<br />
overview on the Department of Toxic Substances Control Green<br />
Chemistry Initiative. The initiative affects companies and chemical<br />
manufacturers in their design and creation of products and<br />
processes with the goal of reducing or eliminating the use of hazardous<br />
substances.<br />
Newly-appointed <strong>California</strong> Department of Food and Agriculture<br />
Secretary, Karen Ross, also met with trip participants and<br />
shared that, given challenges with resources and funding, the Department<br />
was tasked with placing a high priority on protecting<br />
<strong>California</strong> agriculture from invasive pest threats.<br />
<strong>League</strong> members were<br />
joined by various<br />
members of the Legislature<br />
and key figures<br />
from regulatory agencies<br />
during its evening<br />
reception event. A<br />
highlight of the evening<br />
was a special visit<br />
made by Governor<br />
Jerry Brown during<br />
the <strong>League</strong>’s dinner<br />
event on the evening<br />
of March 1. On<br />
March 2, trip participants<br />
were joined by<br />
Assemblyman Henry<br />
T. Perea (D-Fresno) for breakfast and met with Senator Anthony<br />
Cannella (R-Ceres), Assemblywoman Linda Halderman (R-Clovis),<br />
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), and Senator<br />
Michael Rubio (D-Bakersfield) at the State Capitol.<br />
Participants included: David Marguleas, Sun World International,<br />
LLC; Carol Chandler, Chandler Farms, LP; Jerry DiBuduo, Sun<br />
Valley Farms; John Tos, Tos Farms, Inc.; Ken Enns, Enns Packing<br />
Co., Inc.; Maria Alvarado, Manectar Farms; Micky George; Monte<br />
Peckinpah, Valent USA Corporation; Nick Bozick, R. Bagdasarian,<br />
Inc.; Pat Ricchiuti, P-R Farms, Inc.; Peter Baldwin, AON Risk<br />
Services; Randy Giumarra, Giumarra Vineyards Corporation;<br />
Stan Tufts, Tufts Ranch LLC; Virginia Hemly Chhabra, Greene<br />
and Hemly, Inc.; and Wayne Brandt, Brandt Farms, Inc.<br />
SACRAMENTO WASHINGTON, DC TAX<br />
Page 8
Page 9<br />
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL BENEFITS COMMITTEE<br />
Under the leadership of Committee Chairman Ken Enns<br />
(Enns Packing Co., Inc.), this Committee worked through numerous<br />
meetings, as directed by the Executive Committee, beginning<br />
in the spring of <strong>2010</strong>, to review the <strong>League</strong>’s workers’<br />
compensation program.<br />
The review process began with the formation of an Ad Hoc<br />
Committee, and included: Ken Enns (Chair), Steve Biswell (Mt.<br />
Campbell Development), Tony Fazio (Tri-Boro <strong>Fruit</strong> Company),<br />
and Doug Reader (<strong>Fruit</strong> Patch Sales, LLC). The purpose<br />
of the Ad Hoc Committee was to establish a workers’ compensation<br />
program that provides a discount and high quality<br />
service to individual <strong>League</strong> members, while providing an incremental<br />
revenue stream back to the <strong>League</strong>.<br />
Together, the Committee created a list of the most important<br />
elements to <strong>League</strong> grower-shipper members to include/offer<br />
via a workers’ compensation group program:<br />
» Provide Risk Management Assessment<br />
» On-Site Inspections<br />
» Ability to offer tailored safety program(s) applicable<br />
to packing and growing operations<br />
» Group rate pricing<br />
» Loss prevention<br />
» Flexibility related to renewal dates<br />
» Discount available, based on reduction of loss class<br />
» Provide updates to <strong>League</strong> members about industry<br />
safety success stories<br />
» Offer coverage for both packinghouse and field<br />
operations<br />
» Access to legal department related to loss time<br />
After the priorities were created, a memo was distributed to<br />
the <strong>League</strong>’s Associate broker members to request assistance to<br />
obtain the names of workers’ compensation insurance carriers<br />
as candidates for an endorsement program. Of those brokers<br />
recommended, a letter of request for proposal was submitted<br />
to each carrier. There were four carriers who responded and a<br />
meeting was held with each “carrier”. The Insurance & Financial<br />
Benefit Committee heard from leading carriers during a<br />
meeting and planned to offer a recommendation to the Board<br />
of Directors for consideration prior to 2012.<br />
Overseen by Chairman<br />
Ken Enns (Enns Packing Co., Inc)<br />
This committee oversees the group property insurance<br />
program, crop insurance endorsements, workers’ compensation<br />
insurance group program, and group retirement program.<br />
GROUP PROPERTY INSURANCE<br />
Through the Group Property Insurance Program, <strong>League</strong><br />
members realize considerable cost savings and enhanced coverages<br />
when compared with existing insurance policies; in<br />
some cases offsetting the cost of annual <strong>League</strong> membership.<br />
The program is marketed by Buckman-Mitchell, Inc. The underwriter<br />
of the program, Farmland Insurance/Nationwide<br />
Agribusiness, is an A+15 rated agribusiness insurance specialist.<br />
Group participants are eligible to receive dividends based<br />
on overall group performance results.<br />
RETIREMENT PROGRAM<br />
<strong>League</strong> members are eligible to participate in a full-service retirement<br />
program with Alerus Retirement Solutions. This specialized<br />
program offers tremendous value to participants because<br />
members receive additional services without the added<br />
charges and fees.<br />
WORKERS’ COMP<br />
<strong>League</strong> members are eligible to receive a six percent discount<br />
on their workers’ compensation coverage through State Compensation<br />
Insurance Fund.<br />
CROP INSURANCE<br />
The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong> has endorsed Rain<br />
and Hail Insurance Service, L.L.C. for 14 consecutive years and<br />
bases the value of the partnership on the top quality service<br />
and their solid dedication to <strong>California</strong> specialty crops. There<br />
are plenty of crop insurance providers to choose from, although<br />
all insurance rates and procedures are the same. Rain<br />
and Hail works with numerous agencies throughout <strong>California</strong><br />
to provide this coverage.<br />
From left: David Zanoni (USDA Risk Management<br />
Agency) took a field tour and is shown talking with<br />
<strong>League</strong> Director Ken Enns, Enns Packing Co., Inc. in<br />
August <strong>2010</strong>. The <strong>League</strong> arranged the tour to provide<br />
the Kansas City-based representatives with an understanding<br />
of fresh fruit production.<br />
Quality Group Program Discount Added benefit
Overseen by Chairman<br />
Ryan Zaninovich (V.B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.)<br />
This committee monitors the complex set of agricultural labor<br />
regulations on state and federal levels.<br />
The <strong>League</strong>’s Labor Committee was strongly engaged in efforts<br />
ranging from opposition to card check legislation at the State<br />
level to grassroots campaign efforts to secure agricultural labor<br />
through Federal legislation.<br />
In <strong>2010</strong>, the Committee worked to improve heat illness regulatory<br />
compliance throughout the industry by emphasizing participation<br />
in heat stress prevention workshops. The Committee,<br />
through <strong>League</strong> staff, provided strong endorsement of a series<br />
of workshops held statewide, in conjunction with the <strong>California</strong><br />
Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA), to<br />
educate growers, field supervisors, and farm labor contractors on<br />
the regulations and proper training. Additionally, the Committee<br />
worked to review and assess proposed modifications to the<br />
heat stress regulations which clarified natural means of shade,<br />
access to water, and shade requirements, as well as new requirements<br />
for high-heat procedures. The <strong>League</strong> was able to provide<br />
comment to the Cal/OSHA Board, endorsing the interpretation<br />
respecting trees and vines as quality shade, in addition to added<br />
flexibility for employees for whom providing a shade structure<br />
may be infeasible.<br />
The Committee recommended swift action against Senate Bill<br />
<strong>11</strong>21, which would require overtime for agricultural workers after<br />
8 hours daily and 40 hours weekly, rather than the current<br />
10 hours daily and 60 hours weekly. Similarly, the Committee<br />
strongly moved to recommend opposition to Senate Bill 1474,<br />
the <strong>2010</strong> version of card check. In September, the <strong>League</strong>, together<br />
with a coalition of agricultural and business organizations,<br />
worked to secure a veto of the card check legislation.<br />
In 20<strong>11</strong>, the Committee assessed new challenges at the State level<br />
as a result of a new gubernatorial administration. The <strong>League</strong>,<br />
with direction from the Labor Committee, worked to quickly is-<br />
LABOR COMMITTEE<br />
sue opposition to legislative proposals designed to increase the<br />
minimum wage on <strong>California</strong>’s employers. They also worked to<br />
build new relationships with key Brown Administration appointees,<br />
including Labor Secretary Marty Morgenstern, a longtime<br />
confidant of Governor Brown on labor-related issues. Not surprisingly,<br />
the <strong>League</strong> prepared for the introduction of another<br />
card check proposal from the Legislature. On January 12, the<br />
most insidious version of card check legislation was introduced,<br />
SB 104, which jeopardized the ability of farm employees to utilize<br />
the secret ballot election process. With support from the Committee,<br />
the <strong>League</strong> embarked on an aggressive plan to develop a<br />
relationship with Governor Brown to impress upon him the importance<br />
of maintaining the secret ballot election and willingness<br />
to work with the Administration to review and discuss concerns<br />
related to the Agricultural Labor Relations Act and its protection<br />
of the farm<br />
employee, while<br />
Despite the bill’s creative language, the Governor understood<br />
that at its core, the proposal represented the same<br />
type of assault on democracy, business and workers as in<br />
previous legislative proposals.<br />
-Barry Bedwell, <strong>League</strong> President<br />
maintaining balance<br />
in application<br />
to both the<br />
employer and<br />
union organizations.<br />
<strong>California</strong> Farmers & Businesses Applaud Governor’s Veto of Card Check<br />
Legislation<br />
Governor Protects Jobs and Farm Worker Rights By Rejecting Senate Bill 1474<br />
Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) October 1, <strong>2010</strong> -- A coalition of business and agricultural organizations today<br />
praised Governor Schwarzenegger’s veto of Senate Bill 1474 (Steinberg), which they said would have imposed<br />
a backdoor method for unionizing workers through an undemocratic card check program.<br />
“Despite the bill’s creative language, the Governor understood that at its core, the proposal represented the<br />
same type of assault on democracy, business and workers as in previous legislative proposals,” said Barry<br />
Bedwell, president of the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong>, a coalition member.<br />
“Every <strong>California</strong> farmer and farm employee should be grateful to Governor Schwarzenegger for standing up<br />
for the right to a secret ballot,” said Tom Nassif, President and CEO of Western Growers.<br />
In his veto message, the Governor echoed the concerns of farmers and the business community, saying that the<br />
“provisions of SB 1474 represent a serious departure from existing law . . . Overturning and reversing secret<br />
ballot election results should not be taken lightly and may be appropriate in only the most egregious cases. For<br />
these reasons, I am unable to sign this bill.”<br />
The <strong>California</strong> Farm Bureau Federation said the Governor’s veto also sends a strong signal about getting the<br />
state’s economy back on track.<br />
“The Governor understood that signing a bill like SB 1474 into law would have sent the wrong message to all<br />
businesses – not just those of us in agriculture,” said Rich Matteis, the Administrator for the Farm Bureau. “His<br />
action protects our fragile economy and makes a strong statement about his concern for business and jobs.”<br />
Coalition Against SB 1474: Agricultural Council of <strong>California</strong>, Alliance of Western Milk Producers, Allied<br />
<strong>Grape</strong> Growers, <strong>California</strong> Association of Wheat Growers, <strong>California</strong> Association of Winegrape Growers,<br />
<strong>California</strong> Bean Shippers Association, <strong>California</strong> Chamber of Commerce, <strong>California</strong> Citrus Mutual, <strong>California</strong><br />
Farm Bureau Federation, <strong>California</strong> Grain and Feed Association, <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> and <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong>,<br />
<strong>California</strong> Pear Growers Association, <strong>California</strong> Seed Association, <strong>California</strong> State Floral Association,<br />
<strong>California</strong> Warehouse Association, <strong>California</strong> Women for Agriculture, Grower Shipper Association of Central<br />
<strong>California</strong>, Grower-Shipper Association of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties, Family Winemakers<br />
of <strong>California</strong>, Nisei Farmers <strong>League</strong>, Pacific Coast Renderers Association, Pacific Egg & Poultry Association,<br />
Ventura County Agricultural Association, Western Growers, Western United Dairymen, Wine Institute.<br />
PRWeb ebooks - Another online visibility tool from PRWeb<br />
card check heat illness prevention “no-match” regulation<br />
###<br />
Page 10
Page <strong>11</strong><br />
Marketing Committee<br />
As of August 1, <strong>2010</strong>, all cargo transported on passenger aircraft<br />
would be screened at 100 percent. <strong>League</strong> provided information<br />
to members about the change in protocol and anticipated implementation<br />
date.<br />
<strong>League</strong> staff worked with US Department of Agriculture (USDA)<br />
Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to resolve industry<br />
concerns in a review of the current work plan requirements<br />
and restrictions for <strong>California</strong> stone fruit to Chile, as the<br />
trading partner continued to monitor imports of US stone fruits<br />
for the presence of Brown Rot during the <strong>2010</strong> season.<br />
The <strong>League</strong>’s Board of Directors voted, during its March 22,<br />
<strong>2010</strong> meeting, to support the date (April 10) that Chilean table<br />
grapes would have to meet US No. 1 grade standards.<br />
The <strong>League</strong>’s export database provides current information for<br />
25 key international markets for <strong>California</strong> stone fruit, which provided<br />
shippers/marketers with the market intelligence necessary<br />
for meeting import requirements.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> worked with Scholar registrant, Syngenta Crop Protection,<br />
along with USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, and Japan’s<br />
Ministries of Health and Foreign Affairs to facilitate acceptance<br />
of the US maximum residue level for scholar. Scholar (Fludioxonil)<br />
is a post-harvest fungicide used on a number of agricultural<br />
commodities including: apricots, peaches, plums, and nectarines.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> worked with the <strong>California</strong> Table <strong>Grape</strong> Commission<br />
to advocate for resolve from the current administration to end<br />
Mexican Retaliatory tariffs, which were instituted on American<br />
products in March 2009, in response to the elimination of the<br />
cross-border trucking program agreed to under the North American<br />
Free Trade Agreement.<br />
There were 20 participants in the <strong>2010</strong> Stone <strong>Fruit</strong> Mexico Export<br />
Program and the total volume of stone fruit exported into<br />
Mexico was more than 2.8 million cartons. Exports by commodity:<br />
apricots 98,034 cartons; peaches 1,640,000 cartons; plums<br />
669,699 cartons; and nectarines 478,538 cartons.<br />
Biosecurity New Zealand issued an amendment to the US in May<br />
<strong>2010</strong>, as emergency mitigation to the risks posed by Spotted Wing<br />
Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii. The <strong>League</strong> worked to provide<br />
USDA APHIS with additional data to support the uncertain<br />
host status of stone fruits and provided pest detection data to<br />
Overseen by Chairman<br />
John Pandol (Pandol Bros., Inc.)<br />
Committee Focus is on market access at domestic and<br />
international levels, along with other issues such as<br />
the Mexico Stone <strong>Fruit</strong> Export Program, proposed<br />
phytosanitary measures, and foreign trade issues.<br />
support the absence of detections of SWD from within commercially<br />
produced apricots, peaches, plums, and nectarines from<br />
<strong>California</strong>.<br />
USDA published a proposed rule to establish, under the Perishable<br />
Agricultural Commodities Act (PACA), that a supplier forfeits<br />
its trust rights if it enters into a post-default payment agreement,<br />
unless the agreement was in writing and less than 180 days<br />
from the date due. The <strong>League</strong> submitted comments to USDA<br />
that emphasized that PACA trust protections were created to assure<br />
that the proceeds from produce are used to pay produce<br />
suppliers.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> represented members with the Produce Traceability<br />
Initiative by providing input via the Association Interest Group,<br />
of which the <strong>League</strong> was a member.<br />
The Specialty Crop Farms Bill Alliance (SCFBA) was reactivated<br />
in preparation for the 2012 Farm Bill. The <strong>League</strong> was an active<br />
participant in the Trade, Research, and Conservation groups as<br />
well as a member of the SCFBA steering committee.<br />
<strong>California</strong> exports to Taiwan were restricted through the Los Angeles<br />
and Long Beach ports of exit, due to the Mediterranean<br />
fruit fly quarantine. The restrictions were rescinded on September<br />
20, following <strong>California</strong>’s successful eradication of the Mediterranean<br />
<strong>Fruit</strong> Fly.<br />
Historical Stone <strong>Fruit</strong> Export<br />
Shipments - Mexico<br />
10-Year <strong>Annual</strong><br />
Average is 2.23<br />
million cartons<br />
Exports Phytosanitary Tariffs International Markets<br />
<strong>2010</strong><br />
Exports<br />
2.9 Million<br />
Cartons
Overseen by Chairman<br />
Ryan Zaninovich (V.B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.)<br />
This committee explores membership opportunities and oversees<br />
the communication to current and prospective members about the<br />
value of membership.<br />
Despite the difficult economic<br />
climate, membership in the<br />
<strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> CHANGES IN MEMBERSHIP<br />
<strong>League</strong> has remained strong and<br />
yielded a net gain of 14 mem-<br />
35<br />
bers. We believe this strength is<br />
evidence that the <strong>League</strong> demonstrates<br />
the value of being part of<br />
30<br />
an organization where the member’s<br />
resources are used in the<br />
25<br />
most efficient manner to maximize<br />
benefits.<br />
20<br />
In preparation for the 75th Anniversary<br />
of the <strong>League</strong>, the<br />
15<br />
Membership Committee created<br />
a Historical Sub-committee to<br />
10<br />
manage the creation of a presentation<br />
that reviewed the <strong>League</strong>’s<br />
5<br />
history. The information was<br />
in a format that could be easily<br />
shared with non-members to<br />
provide a communication piece<br />
which related to the history of<br />
the organization and the many<br />
0<br />
2006/07 <strong>FY</strong> 2007/08 <strong>FY</strong><br />
New Members<br />
2008/09 <strong>FY</strong> 2009/10 <strong>FY</strong><br />
Resignation/Terminations<br />
<strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong><br />
individual stories of those involved in fresh fruit production<br />
in <strong>California</strong>.<br />
The Sub-Committee Chairman Cliff Sadoian led the committee’s<br />
main projects: to create a historical video and<br />
booklet, both of which reviewed the organization’s “75<br />
Years of Achievement”. The video was first shown during<br />
the 75th <strong>Annual</strong> Membership Meeting, held on March 14.<br />
Members could also view the video on the <strong>League</strong>’s web<br />
site (www.cgtfl.com) or obtain a free copy from the office.<br />
Outreach efforts to non-members were focused on cherry<br />
operations in the north Valley, as well as fresh berry growers<br />
and shippers. Membership Committee Chairman Ryan<br />
Zaninovich focused his year as chairman on exploring a<br />
broader commodity representation, which led to a thoughtful<br />
analysis of each respective industry. As a result, the organization<br />
welcomed 30 new members to the <strong>League</strong>.<br />
Membership Committee<br />
The <strong>League</strong>’s 75 Years of Achievement video presentation was shown during the<br />
75th <strong>Annual</strong> Meeting on March 14, 20<strong>11</strong> at the Rancho Las Palmas Resort.<br />
Recruitment Value Outreach Retention<br />
Page 12
Page 13<br />
STANDARDIZATION & PACKAGING COMMITTEE<br />
The <strong>League</strong>’s Board of Directors voted to take action to amend<br />
the Export <strong>Grape</strong> and Plum Act. A proposal was submitted<br />
to the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service to propose a reduction<br />
in the minimum bunch weight requirements for table<br />
grapes from a one-half-pound to a one-quarter-pound minimum.<br />
The proposal was approved in March 20<strong>11</strong>.<br />
The <strong>League</strong> initiated a discussion recognizing that there may be<br />
interest from within the industry to obtain separate PLU codes<br />
for table grape varieties currently under a “catch-all” code.<br />
Should the industry provide guidance on the value and need<br />
for additional codes, the <strong>League</strong> would be in a position to support<br />
a PLU code request application. Before moving forward,<br />
the <strong>League</strong> planned to provide outreach to industry in order to<br />
determine interest. Some discussion took place related to the<br />
desire among shippers to include information on the PLU that<br />
was “color” specific, not “variety” specific.<br />
The United Fresh Produce Association, Produce Marketing<br />
Association, and Canadian Produce Marketing Association adjusted<br />
milestones for the Produce Traceability Initiative. Milestones<br />
4 and 5, which call for case labeling, were adjusted to fall<br />
in line with Milestone 6, which calls for receivers to record or<br />
capture the data from case labels. Milestones were established<br />
under the premise that different sectors of industry would be<br />
able to incorporate various practices along a timeline leading to<br />
a full supply chain implementation in 2012.<br />
<strong>League</strong> members have continued to provide valuable service<br />
to the industry as volunteers on the Shipping Point Inspec-<br />
Overseen by Chairman<br />
Louis Pandol, (Pandol Bros., Inc.)<br />
This committee oversees federal and state regulations<br />
that apply to fruit maturity, quality standards, packaging<br />
standards, container, and product handling research.<br />
tion Advisory Committee and the Standardization Advisory<br />
Committee. Both committees make recommendations to the<br />
<strong>California</strong> Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) secretary<br />
on the annual budget and necessary fees of the program<br />
it oversees. Specifically, the Standardization Advisory Committee<br />
oversees the department’s Standardization Program, which<br />
enforces laws and regulations governing minimum standards<br />
for maturity, quality, size, and packaging of more than 30 major<br />
agricultural commodities. The Shipping Point Inspection<br />
Advisory Committee supervises the Shipping Point Inspection<br />
Program, which provides third party grading and certification<br />
services to the fruit, nut, and vegetables industries. The industry-funded<br />
program supports agricultural producers, packers,<br />
shippers, and processors by providing a nationally and internationally<br />
recognized grading and certification service.<br />
<strong>League</strong> members include: Maria Alvarado (Manectar Farms),<br />
Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee, Louis Pandol<br />
(Pandol Bros., Inc.), Chairman of the Shipping Point Inspection<br />
Advisory Committee and Standardization Advisory Committee;<br />
Dennis Parnagian (Fowler Packing Company, Inc.),<br />
Shipping Point Inspection Advisory Committee; and Kerry<br />
Whitson (Golden Maid Packers), Standardization Advisory<br />
Committee.<br />
Labeling Supply Chain Packaging Minimum
Overseen by Chairman<br />
John Rast (Rast Produce Company, Inc.)<br />
This committee monitors the Interstate Commerce<br />
Commission regulations, railroad operating practices,<br />
loading rules, and claim procedures.<br />
The <strong>2010</strong> season served as the third successful season for a growing<br />
partnership between CH Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (CHR)<br />
and the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong>. The partnership<br />
is under the guidance of the Traffic Committee, which is responsible<br />
for transportation issues such as Interstate Commerce Commission<br />
regulations, railroad operating practices, loading rules,<br />
and claim procedures.<br />
Through the partnership with CH Robinson, a rebate is provided<br />
to CGTFL for each load moved by a shipper member that uses<br />
their service, which further strengthens the organization’s advocacy<br />
efforts. More than $125,000 in rebates has been provided<br />
to the <strong>League</strong> since the partnership was started in 2008. For the<br />
shipper, the benefit is realized in competitive pricing and access<br />
TRAFFIC COMMITTEE<br />
to the resourceful CHR representatives, who are tuned-in to the<br />
needs of the fresh grape, berry, and tree fruit industries.<br />
All members benefit from the weekly transportation reports provided<br />
by CH Robinson via email and through the <strong>League</strong>’s web<br />
site. <strong>Report</strong>s include the latest developments in the transportation<br />
market regarding factors that are influencing availability and pricing.<br />
Additionally, CH Robinson representatives keep a pulse on<br />
the transportation market, and provide quarterly reports to the<br />
Board of Directors with detailed market characteristics.<br />
Refrigerated shipments Demand Regulation Equipment shortages<br />
Page 14
Page 15<br />
<strong>Fruit</strong>PAC Board<br />
<strong>Fruit</strong>PAC is the <strong>League</strong>’s Political Action Committee, which raises funds through three annual activities – the Harvest<br />
Event in the fall, the <strong>Annual</strong> Meeting Raffle in the spring, and the positive check-off program, which allows <strong>League</strong><br />
members to authorize up to eight percent of their membership dues for political expenditures. For <strong>2010</strong>, <strong>Fruit</strong>PAC<br />
contributed over $47,000 combined to both State and Federal races. <strong>Fruit</strong>PAC successfully raised $18,000 from the <strong>2010</strong><br />
Harvest Event, $<strong>11</strong>,400 from the <strong>2010</strong> <strong>Annual</strong> Meeting Raffle, and $25,000 from the positive check-off program.<br />
Gloria and George Soares (Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP)<br />
purchased winning ticket No. 16 for the October <strong>2010</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong>PAC<br />
Harvest Event reverse raffle.<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Stan Tufts (Tufts Ranch LLC)<br />
VICE CHAIRMAN<br />
John D. Zaninovich (Merritt Farms)<br />
SECRETARY<br />
David Jackson (Family <strong>Tree</strong> Farms)<br />
Robert Ikemiya (Ito Packing Company, Inc.)<br />
Herbert Kaprielian (CRJ Farming Co. LP)<br />
David Marguleas (Sun World International, LLC )<br />
Louis Pandol (Pandol Bros., Inc.)<br />
Cliff Sadoian (Cliff Sadoian & Associates)<br />
From left: George Caratan (Blanc Vineyards), Rep. Jim Costa<br />
(D-CA), and Jon P. Zaninovich (Jasmine Vineyards) pictured at a<br />
<strong>League</strong> event March 20<strong>11</strong>.
HEALTH BENEFITS TRUST<br />
The Trustees oversee the program that provides subsidies in relation to healthcare premiums for two basic employee<br />
health plans designed for farm workers. The plans continued to be available during the <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong> and were exclusive<br />
to <strong>League</strong> members through United Agricultural Benefits Trust (UABT), a nonprofit healthcare cooperative based<br />
in Irvine that provides insurance to about 15,000 <strong>California</strong>ns and Arizonans, mostly those employed in agriculturerelated<br />
positions.<br />
The Affordable Care Act was signed by Congress in March <strong>2010</strong>, with one element of the act mandating that employers<br />
and insurance carriers transition toward coverage that sets no annual limits on essential benefits. In 20<strong>11</strong>, the<br />
annual limit on essential benefits was set at $750,000. However, the annual limit for UABT plans remained the same<br />
as currently established because UABT successfully obtained<br />
a waiver for the restricted annual limits requirements. This<br />
waiver was granted to UABT in September <strong>2010</strong> and applied<br />
to existing plans with an effective date of January 1, 20<strong>11</strong>.<br />
The current provisions under the waiver are good for one<br />
year and will require that the carrier reapply for the waiver<br />
through 2014. To qualify for the waiver, UABT demonstrated<br />
to the Department of Health and Human Services that the health plans were already in place prior to September 23,<br />
<strong>2010</strong> and that individuals on the plan would experience either a substantial increase in premiums or decrease in access<br />
to benefits as a result of the mandated annual coverage requirements (e.g. employers dropping/cancelling employee<br />
health plans).<br />
The Affordable Care Act has instituted a “phased-in” approach to increase the annual limits. Limits are set to progress<br />
to $1.25 million in 2012, $2 million in 2013 and no annual limits on essential benefits coverage by 2014.<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Chairman George Caratan (Blanc Vineyards)<br />
Jim Bates (Fowler Packing Company, Inc.)<br />
John Colbert (Green Leaf Farms, Inc.)<br />
Phil Herbig (Enns Packing Co., Inc.)<br />
Jim Simonian (Simonian <strong>Fruit</strong> Co.)<br />
Page 16
Page 17<br />
<strong>League</strong> Committee members<br />
ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Paul Giboney, M. Caratan, Inc.<br />
VICE CHAIRMAN<br />
Steve Hash, Steve Hash Farms<br />
Jim Bryan, Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.<br />
Moe DiBuduo, DiBuduo <strong>Fruit</strong> Co.<br />
Nat DiBuduo, Allied <strong>Grape</strong> Growers<br />
Eugene Enns, Wes Pak Sales, Inc.<br />
David Fenn, Sun World International, LLC<br />
Steve Frauenheim, Scattaglia Growers & Shippers<br />
Micky George, Micky George<br />
Virginia Hemly Chhabra, Greene and Hemly, Inc.<br />
Mike Hemman, DuPont Crop Protection<br />
Cheryl Herbig, Enns Packing Co., Inc.<br />
Cindy Ibrahim, La Vina Ranch<br />
Robert Ikemiya, Ito Packing Company, Inc.<br />
Richard Machado, Agrian Inc.<br />
Andrew J. Pandol, Pandol Bros., Inc.<br />
Cliff Rolland, Abe-El Produce<br />
Cliff Sadoian, Cliff Sadoian & Associates<br />
Judy Stewart-Leslie,<br />
CCV Table <strong>Grape</strong> Pest & Disease Control District<br />
Gary Van Sickle, <strong>California</strong> <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> Agreement<br />
John D. Zaninovich, Merritt Farms<br />
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Carol Chandler, Chandler Farms, LP<br />
Maria Alvarado, Manectar Farms<br />
Peter Baldwin, Aon Risk Services<br />
Moe DiBuduo, DiBuduo <strong>Fruit</strong> Co.<br />
Micky George, Micky George<br />
Randy Giumarra, Giumarra Vineyards Corp.<br />
David Jackson, Family <strong>Tree</strong> Farms<br />
Herbert Kaprielian, CRJ Farming Co. LP<br />
Drake Larson, Drake Larson Ranches<br />
David Marguleas, Sun World International, LLC<br />
Pat Ricchiuti, P-R Farms, Inc.<br />
Blair Richardson, Wes Pak Sales, Inc.<br />
Cliff Rolland, Abe-El Produce<br />
Cliff Sadoian, Cliff Sadoian & Associates<br />
Todd Sanders, <strong>California</strong> Apple Commission<br />
Toni Scully, Scully Packing Co.<br />
John Tos, Tos Farms, Inc.<br />
Stan Tufts, Tufts Ranch LLC<br />
INSURANCE & FINANCIAL BENEFITS<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Ken Enns, Enns Packing Co., Inc.<br />
Ed Bolger, Wells Fargo Insurance Services<br />
Joe Cacace, Enns Packing Co., Inc.<br />
Tony Fazio, Tri-Boro <strong>Fruit</strong> Co., Inc.<br />
Brian Laird, Rain and Hail Insurance Service<br />
Nelda Lewis, Pan American Insurance Agency<br />
Doug Reader, <strong>Fruit</strong> Patch Sales, LLC<br />
Brent Swanson, Buckman-Mitchell, Inc.<br />
Lyle Willems, Lyle & Becky Willems<br />
LABOR<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Ryan Zaninovich, V. B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.<br />
FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN<br />
Nicholas Bozick, R. Bagdasarian, Inc.<br />
SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN<br />
Kerry Whitson, Golden Maid Packers<br />
Maria Alvarado, Manectar Farms<br />
Ron Barsamian, Barsamian & Moody, Attorneys at Law<br />
Carol Chandler, Chandler Farms, LP<br />
Greg Feaver, Enns Packing Co., Inc.<br />
Dan Gallegos, Marko Zaninovich, Inc.<br />
Joe Garcia, Jaguar Labor Contracting<br />
Micky George, Micky George<br />
Bob Greiner, HMC Farms<br />
Nelda Lewis, Pan American Insurance Agency<br />
Rick Milton, Rick Milton<br />
Cliff Rolland, Abe-El Produce<br />
David Ysusi, DiBuduo & Defendis Insurance Brokers<br />
Andy Zaninovich, Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.<br />
John D. Zaninovich, Merritt Farms<br />
MARKETING<br />
David Berg, David H. Berg & Co., Inc.<br />
Chris Caratan, M. Caratan, Inc.<br />
Edge Dostal, Chiquita Fresh North America<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
John Pandol, Pandol Bros., Inc.<br />
VICE CHAIRMAN<br />
Harold McClarty, HMC Farms
Tony Fazio, Tri-Boro <strong>Fruit</strong> Co., Inc.<br />
Mark Flaming, Maxco Supply Inc.<br />
Darrel Fulmer, Sun Fresh International LLC<br />
Steve Hash, Steve Hash Farms<br />
Charlene Hightower-Wylie, Marko Zaninovich, Inc.<br />
David Jackson, Family <strong>Tree</strong> Farms<br />
Michael Little, V.B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.<br />
Rodney L. Milton, Rodney L. Milton<br />
Kathleen Nave, <strong>California</strong> Table <strong>Grape</strong> Commission<br />
John Rast, Rast Produce Company, Inc.<br />
Michael Reimer, Brandt Farms, Inc.<br />
Pat Ricchiuti, P-R Farms, Inc.<br />
Michael Sarabian, Sarabian Farms<br />
David Silva, Dayka and Hackett, LLC<br />
Gordon Smith, <strong>California</strong> <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> Agreement<br />
Sam Stewart, Wes Pak Sales, Inc.<br />
David Stone, Valhalla Sales & Marketing Co.<br />
Scott Wallace, <strong>Fruit</strong> Patch Sales, LLC<br />
Kerry Whitson, Golden Maid Packers<br />
Brian Wright, Del Mar Farms<br />
Jon P. Zaninovich, Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.<br />
MEMBERSHIP<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Ryan Zaninovich, V. B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.<br />
VICE CHAIRMAN<br />
Ron Frauenheim, Ron Frauenheim<br />
Nicholas Bozick, R. Bagdasarian, Inc.<br />
Anton Caratan, Blanc Vineyards<br />
Chris Caratan, M. Caratan, Inc.<br />
Carol Chandler, Chandler Farms, LP<br />
Verne Crookshanks, Venida Packing, Inc.<br />
Ken Enns, Enns Packing Co., Inc.<br />
Tony Fazio, Tri-Boro <strong>Fruit</strong> Co., Inc.<br />
Luke Gowdy, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.<br />
Steve Hash, Steve Hash Farms<br />
David Jackson, Family <strong>Tree</strong> Farms<br />
David Mann, Sunridge Nurseries, Inc.<br />
David Marguleas, Sun World International, LLC<br />
Louis Pandol, Pandol Bros., Inc.<br />
Cliff Sadoian, Sadoian & Associates, Inc.<br />
Jim Simonian, Simonian <strong>Fruit</strong> Company<br />
Dean Thonesen, Sunwest <strong>Fruit</strong> Company, Inc.<br />
Marko S. Zaninovich, Marko Zaninovich, Inc.<br />
Jon P. Zaninovich, Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.<br />
<strong>League</strong> Committee Members<br />
STANDARDIZATION & PACKAGING<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
Louis Pandol, Pandol Bros., Inc.<br />
VICE CHAIRMAN<br />
Wayne Brandt, Brandt Farms, Inc.<br />
Anthony Balakian, <strong>California</strong> Growers<br />
Scott Boyajian, Marko Zaninovich, Inc.<br />
Nicholas Bozick, R. Bagdasarian, Inc.<br />
Jim Bryan, Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.<br />
Chris Caratan, M. Caratan, Inc.<br />
George Caratan, Blanc Vineyards<br />
Stan Cosart, W. F. Cosart Packing Co.<br />
Edge Dostal, Chiquita Fresh North America<br />
David Fenn, Sun World International, LLC<br />
Ron Frauenheim, Ron Frauenheim<br />
Randy Giumarra, Giumarra Vineyards Corporation<br />
Ed Johnson, Specialty Bags, Inc.<br />
Casey Jones, Sun Valley Packing<br />
Kathleen Nave, <strong>California</strong> Table <strong>Grape</strong> Commission<br />
Doug Phillips, Phillips Farms Marketing<br />
Pat Ricchiuti, P-R Farms, Inc.<br />
David Sarabian, Sarabian Farms<br />
Gary Van Sickle, <strong>California</strong> <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> Agreement<br />
Galen Van Aalsburg, PPS Packaging Company<br />
Scott Wallace, <strong>Fruit</strong> Patch Sales, LLC<br />
TRAFFIC<br />
CHAIRMAN<br />
John Rast, Rast Produce Company, Inc.<br />
David Berg, David H. Berg & Co., Inc.<br />
Jim Bryan, Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.<br />
Tyler Durant, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.<br />
Luke Gowdy, C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.<br />
Drew Johns, Marko Zaninovich, Inc.<br />
William Johnson, Johnson Orchards, Inc.<br />
Chance Kirk, V. B. Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.<br />
Jaydee Martin, PCC Logistics<br />
Janice Simmons, Sensitech, Inc.<br />
Page 18
Page 19<br />
<strong>California</strong> Legislative Review<br />
The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong> has taken the following positions with the<br />
respective legislation based on the recommendation of the Board of Directors.<br />
Environmental Resources<br />
AB 634 – SUPPORT Huber (D-El Dorado Hills):<br />
Would authorize the use of carbon monoxide (CO) for the control<br />
of vertebrate pests and allow farmers and ranchers to use CO for<br />
the control of vertebrate pests such as gophers and ground squirrels,<br />
which is currently prohibited.<br />
AB 691 -- SUPPORT Perea (D-Fresno):<br />
This bill designates the Secretary of the <strong>California</strong> Department of<br />
Food and Agriculture as an ombudsman responsible for reviewing<br />
all regulations promulgated by the state and other government agencies<br />
that affect agriculture.<br />
AB <strong>11</strong>76 – OPPOSE Williams (D-Santa Barbara):<br />
Requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to perform<br />
complex scientific analyses and risk assessments in extremely short<br />
periods of time and would replace the interdepartmental pesticide<br />
prioritization process initiated in 2004 by DPR with the Office of<br />
Environmental Health and Hazards Assessment<br />
(OEHHA) and Air Resources Board and would<br />
require a mandatory review of every federal Hazardous<br />
Air Pollutant that is identified as a toxic air<br />
contaminant.<br />
SB 900 – SUPPORT Steinberg (D-Sacramento):<br />
This bill would address conflict of interest requirements<br />
and the 10 percent rule that governs the State<br />
Water Resources Control Board and Regional Water<br />
Quality Control Board members. Currently, Water<br />
Board members are subject to both the Political Reform Act (PRA)<br />
and Porter/Cologne conflict of interest requirement provisions. SB<br />
900 would hold the Water Board members to the same standard as<br />
other board members/appointees in the State.<br />
Government Relations<br />
AB 66 – SUPPORT Chesbro (D-Arcata):<br />
It would extend the funding (of 0.15 percent of the vehicle license<br />
fee) for local public safety programs including rural sheriff grants,<br />
rural crime prevention programs and CalMeth among others.<br />
AB 1265 – SUPPORT Nielsen (R-Gerber):<br />
This bill would add in the provisions of the Williamson Act that<br />
were inadvertently deleted in the budget bill and authorize a county<br />
to revise the term for newly renewed and new contracts and require<br />
the assessor to value the property, as specified, based on the revised<br />
contract term.<br />
SB 653 – OPPOSE Steinberg (D-Sacramento):<br />
The bill would expand the taxing authority of local governments.<br />
Specifically, this bill would grant all <strong>California</strong> counties the authority<br />
to tax personal income up to one percent, raise applicable sales and<br />
use tax rates, and impose a new ‘local’ vehicle license fee up to 1.35<br />
percent, as well as a variety of new excise taxes.<br />
Traffic<br />
AB 907 – OPPOSE Ma (D-San Francisco):<br />
This bill would impose higher pilot rates on vessels and create a new,<br />
special 50 percent charge on all larger vessels calling on the Port of<br />
Oakland. Of further concern is the bill’s recommendation that larger<br />
ships coming into the Port of Oakland start to pay a 50 percent surcharge<br />
over and above the unnecessary rate increase itself.<br />
AB 950 – OPPOSE Perez (D-Los Angeles):<br />
The bill, sponsored by the Teamsters, would require all port truck<br />
drivers to be employees rather than independent contractors, which<br />
would allow for the unionization of all drivers involved in port<br />
trucking in <strong>California</strong>.<br />
Labor<br />
AB 10 – OPPOSE Alejo (D-Salinas):<br />
This proposal would raise the state minimum wage to<br />
$8.50 per hour in January 2012, and then automatically<br />
index the wage rate upwards every year thereafter.<br />
AB 26 – OPPOSE Donnelly (R-San Bernadino):<br />
This bill would prohibit an employer from knowingly<br />
or intentionally employing an unauthorized alien. The<br />
bill would require every employer to verify the employment<br />
eligibility of employees through the federal E-<br />
Verify program and require employers to participate in the Federal<br />
E-Verify program in order to be eligible for economic development<br />
incentives.<br />
AB 130 – SUPPORT Cedillo (D-Los Angeles):<br />
The bill would provide students at the university level (CSU, UC,<br />
Community College), who are exempt from paying non-resident<br />
tuition (in-state students), eligibility to receive scholarship monies<br />
from non-state funds.<br />
AB 243 – OPPOSE Alejo (D-Salinas):<br />
Existing law requires an employer to furnish each employee with an<br />
accurate itemized statement showing, among other things, the name<br />
and address of the legal entity that is the employer. This bill would<br />
require an employer who is a farm labor contractor, to disclose in<br />
the itemized statement the name and address of the legal entity that<br />
secured the employer’s services.<br />
AB 400 – OPPOSE Ma (D-San Francisco):<br />
Mandates that all employers, except those with collective bargaining<br />
agreements, provide any employee who has worked in <strong>California</strong> for<br />
seven days with paid sick leave, at the accrual rate at one hour for<br />
every 30 hours worked.
Environmental Resources<br />
HR 872 – SUPPORT Gibbs (R-OH):<br />
Based on a court ruling in the National Cotton Council v. EPA (6th<br />
Cir. 2009), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and delegated<br />
states must now establish a program to require<br />
Clean Water Act National Pollutant Discharge Elimination<br />
System (NPDES) general permits for aquatic pesticide<br />
applications. For most of the past four decades,<br />
water quality concerns from pesticide applications were<br />
addressed during the registration and labeling process<br />
under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide<br />
Act (FIFRA) rather than a Clean Water Act permitting<br />
program. HR 872 would uphold FIFRA primacy<br />
and not require NPDES permitting.<br />
HR 910 – SUPPORT Upton (R-MI):<br />
This legislation, also known as the Upton bill, would prevent the<br />
Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases<br />
under the Clean Air Act.<br />
HR 1582 – SUPPORT McCarthy (R-CA):<br />
The Commonsense Ozone Regulation Act repeals a $29 million<br />
fine levied on the Central Valley for an air quality standard violation<br />
and postpones the implementation of new, stricter ozone standards<br />
until a Local Advisory Committee can study compliance feasibility.<br />
labor<br />
Federal Legislative Review<br />
AB 1236 – SUPPORT Fong (D-Sunnyvale):<br />
This bill would prevent the State of <strong>California</strong>, cities and counties<br />
from mandating employers to use the federal E-Verify system. The<br />
bill prohibits businesses from being required to use E-Verify to obtain<br />
a business license, secure a contract for goods or services, or as<br />
a penalty for violation of licensing or other related laws.<br />
AB 1398 – SUPPORT Chesbro (D-Arcata):<br />
This bill extends the sunset of SB 319, which permits 16- and<br />
17-year-old teens to work in Lake County pear sheds up to 10 hours<br />
per day for a limit of 60 hours per week when school is not in session.<br />
SB 1474– OPPOSE Steinberg (D-Sacramento):<br />
The Bill would similarly establish the card check mechanism as a<br />
means of selecting a labor representative.<br />
SB 104 – OPPOSE Steinberg (D-Sacramento):<br />
The bill would permit the circumvention of the secret ballot election<br />
process and unlike previous versions of card check legislation;<br />
the bill adds that within five days after receiving a petition, the<br />
ALRB would be required to make a non-appealable administrative<br />
decision. This version of card check is perhaps the most insidious<br />
version introduced to-date.<br />
Government Relations<br />
HR XXXX – SUPPORT Nunes (R-CA):<br />
This bill would authorize the creation of a new type of charitable,<br />
tax-exempt organization to allow private monies to fund Ag research.<br />
Each organization would work in conjunction<br />
with agricultural and land-grant colleges and<br />
universities to conduct research.<br />
Traffic<br />
HR 761 – SUPPORT Nunes (R-Tulare):<br />
This bill, also called the San Joaquin Valley Transportation<br />
Enhancement Act of 20<strong>11</strong>, would permit<br />
federal funding, made available to the State of <strong>California</strong>,<br />
to be used for any project or activity to improve<br />
or maintain <strong>California</strong> State Route 99 between<br />
the cities of Sacramento and Bakersfield.<br />
Labor<br />
HR 800 – OPPOSE Carter (R-TX):<br />
The Jobs Recovery by Ensuring a Legal American Workforce Act<br />
of 20<strong>11</strong> amends the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant<br />
Responsibility Act of 1996 to make use of the Federal E–Verify<br />
program mandatory.<br />
State Legislation<br />
SB 829 – OPPOSE DeSaulnier (D-Concord):<br />
This bill makes sweeping changes to the procedures of the <strong>California</strong><br />
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Cal/OSHA)<br />
Appeals Board (Board), putting employers at a disadvantage and increasing<br />
costs to the board and to employers. Currently, employers<br />
have the right to appeal a Cal/OSHA citation and proposed penalty<br />
for any number of reasons.<br />
SB 883 – SUPPORT Correa (D-Santa Ana):<br />
This bill would permit an employer to raise, as an affirmative defense<br />
that, at the time of an alleged violation, the employer was<br />
acting in good faith and in compliance with or reliance upon an<br />
applicable employment statute or regulation. An employer would<br />
not be liable or subject to punishment for any violation this code<br />
(Labor code) or wage order of the Industrial Welfare Commission.<br />
Page 20
Page 21<br />
YEAR IN PICTURES<br />
From Left: The <strong>League</strong>’s Executive Committee <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong> - Louis Pandol (Pandol Bros. Inc.), Dean Thonesen (Sunwest <strong>Fruit</strong> Company, Inc.),<br />
Carol Chandler (Chandler Farms, LP), Chris Caratan (M. Caratan, Inc.), Steve Hash (Steve Hash Farms), David Marguleas (Sun World International,<br />
LLC), Ryan Zaninovich (VB Zaninovich & Sons, Inc.), David Jackson (Family <strong>Tree</strong> Farms) and Marko S. Zaninovich (Marko Zaninovich,<br />
Inc.).<br />
From left: Martin Zaninovich (Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.), Jon P.<br />
Zaninovich (Jasmine Vineyards, Inc.), Cliff Sadoian (Cliff Sadoian<br />
& Associates), Bruce Obbink (retired, <strong>California</strong> Table<br />
<strong>Grape</strong> Commission), Nick Buratovich (Wildwood Produce,<br />
Inc.) and Judy Obbink participated on the Membership Committee’s<br />
Historical Sub-Committee.<br />
From left: Ardith and Howard Marguleas<br />
(Juele I) with David and Robin Marguleas<br />
(Sun World International, LLC.) at the<br />
CGTFL 75th <strong>Annual</strong> Meeting, held in<br />
Rancho Mirage, CA.<br />
Bottom Left: <strong>League</strong> Staff- Chris Valadez,<br />
Gabrielle Kirkland, Barry Bedwell,<br />
Marcy Martin. Top Left: Vicky Jones,<br />
Jaclyn Pack, and Erin Ragnetti.<br />
The changing of the Chair: David Marguleas (right), Chairman<br />
<strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong> passes the gavel to Steve Hash, Chairman<br />
20<strong>11</strong>/12 <strong>FY</strong>.<br />
From left: <strong>League</strong> Director Nick<br />
Bozick (R.Bagdasarian, Inc.), Assemblymember<br />
Brian Nestande (R-Palm<br />
Desert), and Chairman David Marguleas<br />
(Sun World International, LLC)..
From left: <strong>League</strong> President Barry<br />
Bedwell poses with Brian Laird (Rain and<br />
Hail Insurance Company, LLC), who was<br />
awarded with the Ag Industry Award during<br />
the Suppliers Event on March 14 at<br />
Rancho Las Palmas Resort.<br />
YEAR IN PICTURES<br />
From left: John Tos (Tos Farms), Pat Ricchuiti (P-R Farms), Monte Peckinpah (Valent), Virginia Hemly Chhabra (Greene and Hemly, Inc.), Randy<br />
Giumarra (Giumarra Vineyards), Gov. Jerry Brown, and Barry Bedwell (<strong>League</strong> President) pictured during the 20<strong>11</strong> GR Trip in Sacramento.<br />
Assemblymember Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco), pictured with<br />
<strong>League</strong> Director Wayne Brandt (Brandt Farms, Inc.) when Ma<br />
visited the Reedley-based operation to learn more about the<br />
tree fruit industry.<br />
From left: Suppliers Committee Chairwoman<br />
Nelda Lewis (Pan American<br />
Insurance Agency) announced the<br />
“Supplier of the Year” award on March<br />
14, during the Suppliers Event. John<br />
Atwood (API Kirk Containers) was selected<br />
by his peers as the 20<strong>11</strong> receipent<br />
of the Supplier of the Year award.<br />
From Left: Secretary of the Labor and Workforce Development<br />
Agency Victoria Bradshaw, <strong>League</strong> President Barry<br />
Bedwell, <strong>League</strong> Director Pat Ricchiuti, and <strong>League</strong> Lobbyist<br />
Louie Brown at the June <strong>2010</strong> Legislative reception.<br />
During the Sacramento Board meeting<br />
in June, fresh fruit donated by members<br />
was displayed during the legislative<br />
reception to showcase the high<br />
quality fruit produced in <strong>California</strong>.<br />
Page 22
Page 23<br />
<strong>League</strong>’s ag network<br />
The <strong>League</strong> employs a collaborative approach to maximize its effectiveness by working together with other agricultural organizations or associations on issues that<br />
affect <strong>League</strong> members. Listed below are the group efforts in which the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong> participated in during the <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong>.<br />
Agribusiness President’s Council<br />
Description: To coordinate public policy issues among <strong>California</strong><br />
agricultural associations and commissions.<br />
Members: 33<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: Included in CGTFL’s regular government<br />
relations expenses.<br />
Air Coalition Team<br />
Description: Agricultural organizations that work together<br />
on issues related to air quality litigation.<br />
Members: 17<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $5,000<br />
Alliance for Food and Farming (AFF)<br />
Description: Works in the areas of public relations, messaging,<br />
and outreach related to food safety and pesticide use related<br />
issues.<br />
Members: 53<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $9,000<br />
Crop Protection Coalition (CPC)<br />
Description: Coalition of national, regional and local agricultural<br />
organizations seeking to obtain critical use exemptions<br />
for methyl bromide, as well as funding for alternatives<br />
research.<br />
Members: 14<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $3,000.<br />
Minor Crop Farmer Alliance (MCFA)<br />
Description: An alliance of agricultural organizations dedicated<br />
to addressing pesticide registrations.<br />
Members: 18<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $5,000.<br />
Specialty Crop Farm Bill Alliance<br />
(SCFBA)<br />
Description: A broad alliance with the purpose of influencing<br />
the scope and efficiency of national agricultural policy.<br />
Members: 130<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $5,000<br />
Agricultural Coalition for Immigration<br />
Reform (ACIR)<br />
Description: To serve as a leading advocate, seeking legislative<br />
reform addressing the short and long-term labor needs<br />
of the nation’s agricultural interests.<br />
Members: 75<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $10,000.<br />
Invasive Species Coalition (ISC)<br />
Description: ISC was reformed in 2008, given the challenges<br />
with the emergence of new pests. This coalition provides a<br />
professional public relations response and outreach program<br />
in dealing with invasive plants and pests coming into <strong>California</strong>.<br />
CGTFL President served as the Co-Chair.<br />
Members: 15<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $5,000.<br />
Coalition Against Card Check<br />
Description: This coalition was formed under the leadership<br />
of the <strong>League</strong> to fight SB 104 (card check bill).<br />
Members: 29<br />
<strong>2010</strong> Contribution: $10,000<br />
The <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong> is known for its pragmatic approach to<br />
working with policy makers in Sacramento and Washington, DC. The organization<br />
reflects the collective interest of the industry, where leaders set aside personal<br />
convictions in a bi-partisan political environment. As the primary public policy organization<br />
for the fruit industry, the <strong>League</strong> has adopted a realistic and sensible<br />
approach to building bridges with elected and appointed leaders.<br />
- <strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong> <strong>FY</strong> Chairman David Marguleas
Past Chairmen of the Board<br />
1936/43<br />
A. Setrakian<br />
1943/45<br />
L. R. Hamilton<br />
1945/46<br />
J. M. Prentice<br />
1946/47<br />
Robert Taylor<br />
1947/48<br />
E. L. Barr, Sr.<br />
1948/49<br />
Harold Butcher<br />
1949/50<br />
John J. Kovacevich<br />
1950/51<br />
David J. Elliot, Sr.<br />
1951/52<br />
William A. Hamilton<br />
1952/53<br />
William A. Lambert<br />
1953/54<br />
Virgil E. Rasmussen<br />
1954/55<br />
W. C. “Jerry” Day<br />
1955/56<br />
Martin Zaninovich<br />
1956/57<br />
Alfred Tisch<br />
1957/58<br />
Julio Perelli-Minetti<br />
1958/59<br />
J. A. DiGiorgio<br />
1959/60<br />
Leonard LeBlanc<br />
1960/61<br />
M. A. Nielson<br />
1961/62<br />
Franklin Gindick<br />
The past Chairmen who have directed the work of the <strong>California</strong> <strong>Grape</strong> & <strong>Tree</strong> <strong>Fruit</strong> <strong>League</strong><br />
1962/63<br />
Edward M. Zeller<br />
1963/64<br />
Jack Pandol, Sr.<br />
1964/65<br />
Grove E. Dye<br />
1965/66<br />
George Sadoian<br />
1966/67<br />
Marion P. Newton<br />
1967/68<br />
Nick Buratovich, Sr.<br />
1968/69<br />
E. L. Barr, Jr.<br />
1969/70<br />
R. K. Sanderson<br />
1970/71<br />
Robert A. Grant<br />
1971/72<br />
Howard A. Hall<br />
1972/74<br />
David J. Elliot, Jr.<br />
1974/75<br />
Allan Corrin<br />
1975/76<br />
Franklin Debuskey<br />
1976/77<br />
Dean Morrison<br />
1977/78<br />
Milan Caratan<br />
1978/79<br />
Tony Tranel<br />
1979/80<br />
Lucille Tidwell<br />
1980/81<br />
John Giumarra, Jr.<br />
1981/82<br />
James Ruby<br />
1982/83<br />
Howard Mason<br />
1983/85<br />
Jack G. Zaninovich<br />
1985/86<br />
Darrel Fulmer<br />
1986/87<br />
Verne Crookshanks<br />
1987/88<br />
Micky George<br />
1988/89<br />
Louis S. Caric<br />
1989/90<br />
Sarkis Sarabian<br />
1990/91<br />
Craig Rasmussen<br />
1991/92<br />
Doug Hemly<br />
1992/93<br />
Dennis Parnagian<br />
1993/94<br />
Kent Stephens<br />
1994/95<br />
Wayne Brandt<br />
1995/96<br />
Cliff Sadoian<br />
1996/97<br />
Steve Biswell<br />
1997/98<br />
Rick Widhalm<br />
1998/99 Ken Enns<br />
1999/00<br />
Nicholas Bozick<br />
2000/01<br />
Fred Berry<br />
2001/02<br />
Jim Simonian<br />
2002/03<br />
Jon P. Zaninovich<br />
2003/04<br />
David Elliot III<br />
2004/05<br />
Tony Fazio<br />
2005/07<br />
Louis Pandol<br />
2007/08<br />
Jerry DiBuduo<br />
2008/09<br />
John D. Zaninovich<br />
2009/10<br />
Marko S. Zaninovich<br />
<strong>2010</strong>/<strong>11</strong><br />
David O. Marguleas