CFU Legislative Accomplishments

CFU Delegations Meet with Federal Lawmakers about Farm Bill

California Farmers Union (CFU) members traveled extensively to Washington, DC to lobby federal lawmakers on federal farm bill, trade and other legislation. The CFU delegation joined hundreds of other National Farmers Union (NFU) members from across the country in the nation’s capitol, calling for measures to direct additional resources in the farm bill toward California growers, implement mandatory country-of-origin-labeling (COOL), provide assistance for California producers when disasters strike, invest in local food systems, increase access to fresh, local, and nutritious food, increase resources available to organic farmers, expand renewable fuels and conservation programs, foster greater competition in agricultural markets, support beginning farmers and improve trade agreements.

Farm Bill Passed by Congress Includes Many CFU Priorities

As a result of a nationwide coalition effort by National Farmers Union, the farm bill passed by Congress includes legislation to mandate country-of-origin-labeling (COOL) for meats, fruits and vegetables.

“The farm bill ensures that mandatory country of origin labeling will be implemented so consumers can finally know where their food is produced,” stated CFU President Joaquin Contente. NFU played a vital role in reaching a compromise agreement on mandatory country of origin labeling (COOL). Mandatory COOL was included in the 2002 bill but its implementation has been repeatedly delayed. “California farmers and ranchers will benefit greatly from mandatory COOL because they will be able to distinguish their products in the grocery store,” stated Contente. Mandatory COOL has long been a high priority for CFU. CFU supported state legislation to mandate COOL for meat and it passed both chambers in the state capitol, but it was later vetoed by the governor. 

The farm bill includes many CFU priorities including: substantially increases funding in the farm bill for California producers; includes a competition title to reduce concentration in the marketplace; bans packer ownership of livestock; provides $3.7 billion for conservation programs; and $500 million to promote economic growth in rural America; fosters local food systems and farmers markets; expands organic programs; and increases nutrition funding. CFU worked to defeat proposed legislation that would have prevented states from regulating genetically modified crops.

CFU Increases Its Membership

The California Farmers Union (CFU) welcomed several organizations as affiliate members in 2007. Early in the year, a group of farm leaders in Ukiah, CA formed the Redwood Empire Farmers Union representing the first time CFU has established membership in that region. The Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA) joined CFU last summer adding more than 140 fishermen along the West Coast. The Rice Producers of California which represents more than 150 rice producers throughout the state elected to join CFU in December of 2007. The Community Alliance with Family Farmers (CAFF), representing more than 1000 members statewide, continues to be an affiliate member of CFU. The California Dairy Campaign (CDC), a subdivision of CFU, increased its membership significantly in 2007.

Comprised of more than 1500 farmer, rancher and fishermen members, CFU advocates policies to lawmakers at the state and national levels on behalf of its membership throughout California.  California Farmers Union (CFU) is a member organization of National Farmers Union (NFU) which represents more than 250,000 members nationwide. NFU works to protect and enhance the economic well-being and quality of life for family farmers, ranchers, fishermen and their communities.