POLICY :: Programs and ResourcesPublic AffairsCAFF is a strong advocate for family-scale agriculture that cares for the land, sustains local economies and promotes social justice. It is CAFF's goal to change the course of agriculture and to do that, we need to influence institutions like the University of California, commodity boards, state and federal agencies and legislators who set public policy. Each of these institutions has a tremendous impact on food and farming issues. We're proud of our history of successful legislative efforts. There are many opportunities to engage in each of these areas, so we have to be strategic and focused with our limited resources. Take a look at our recent updates on two key pieces of legislation -- Farm to School efforts and the GMO debate.
Our board of directors takes a strong role in setting the organization's policy directions. If you want to know more about
this work, contact Dave Runsten, CAFF's Executive Director
dave@caff.org
CAFF Policy PositionsBiological FarmingWe work to direct additional public resources toward research and extension for biological farming. We advocate additional institutional support for programs that encourage creation of on-farm habitat for wildlife. Water Resources
Urban residential development should not be allowed where local governments cannot demonstrate the availability of a reliable water supply.
Water markets should be structured so that they do not endanger rural communities, family farmers and the natural environment. If water markets are to occur, CAFF advocates regulations that provide:
CAFF supports water quality and efficiency measures that support both farmers and the environment. We advocate programs that provide assistance to farmers as they learn new techniques that reduce the use of chemicals that endanger the water supply. CAFF advocates economic mitigation measures for farming communities impacted by water supply reductions. In 2007-2008, CAFF with the following organizations came together to determine ways in which agriculture can, while remaining profitable, be a better steward of available water resources through better water management, reduced on-farm demand and/or improved water use efficiency and other strategies.
This collaboration lead to the creation of Water Stewardship: Ensuring a Secure Future for California Agriculture . Download the PDF from California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative to learn more about the impact of agricultural water stewardship in California. Farmland ProtectionPublicly subsidized agricultural land retirement programs should include mitigation for impacted communities. Purchase of land from willing landowners is not sufficient because rural communities will be left with few options. CAFF supports stronger land use planning tools at the local level. For example, local zoning and general plan processes should be strengthened to improve the effectiveness and quality of mitigation programs that protect farmland. We support adoption and enforcement of stronger ag elements in County General Plans. CAFF supports restrictions on local general plan annexations. We support urban growth boundaries that limit or control the direction of growth. CAFF advocates a land transfer process that prevents the conversion of farmland to development. We want to ensure that farm operations are valued in ways that minimize conversion to development during the probate, bankruptcy and foreclosure processes. CAFF supports the work of Land Trusts to protect farmland.
Biotechnology CAFF supports a moratorium on genetically engineered food and crops until the following conditions are met:
CAFF is a founding member of the Californians for GE-Free Agriculture coalition.
State LegislationYou can get a copy of bills signed by the governor on the Senate and Assembly Web home pages: www.sen.ca.gov and www.assembly.ca.gov To contact your state senator, you can try to find them on the above home pages or go to www.calvoter.org/legguide/senateroster.html To see your legislative district maps, go to www.sen.ca.gov/~newsen/senators/districtmaps.HTP Federal LegislationYou can get a copy of bills and reports on other activities at the United States Senate and House of Representatives Web home pages: www.senate.gov and www.house.gov To contact your United States Senator or Representative, you can try to find them on the above home pages or enter your zip code below which goes to the congress.org web site. |
What You Can Do about Food Safety, E. coli, & Leafy Green regulations | ||||||
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