Video & Transcript : 'farm programs' :
Page 36 of 500
HI
Transcript Highlights:
- </c><00:19:11.200><c> that</c> Coffee Farms and many coffee farms that Coffee Farms and many coffee farms
- or surrounding farms.
- livestock farming.
- livestock farming.
- livestock farming.
Committee:
Senate Economic Development and Tourism
Summary:
The committee heard testimony on HB 449 relating to economic development, HB 1006 relating to the Agribusiness Development Corporation, and then began HB 1467 relating to housing resiliency. On HB 449, Director Wayne Enoy of the Hawaii Technology Development Corporation and several business groups, including the Chamber of Commerce and Hawaii Food Industry Association, testified in strong support. They said the measure would help local manufacturers and tech-focused businesses adapt to uncertainty around tariffs and federal funding pauses, diversify Hawaiʻi’s economy, and expand workforce training and apprenticeship efforts tied to innovation and manufacturing.
The bulk of the discussion focused on HB 1006 and proposed agritourism authority for ADC. ADC, the Hawaii Farm Bureau, and other supporters said agritourism can be a value-added tool that helps farmers diversify income while keeping agriculture as the primary use of the land. One testifier opposed the bill’s direction without stronger guardrails, urging that a high percentage of revenue or land use remain tied to actual agricultural production. Committee members questioned ADC and Farm Bureau witnesses about how much land should remain in production, whether agritourism could expand on public lands, how enforcement would work, and whether responsibilities should be shifted from the Department of Agriculture’s marketing functions to ADC. Witnesses said ADC currently has no tenants engaged in agritourism, but would support standards, annual reporting, site visits, and the ability to reclaim land if production requirements are not met.
No votes or final actions were taken in the portion provided. After concluding HB 1006 testimony and questions, the committee moved on to HB 1467 and called the first witness, Luke Meyers, before the transcript ended.
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/05/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> on-farm walkover and then a whole Farm on-farm walkover and then a whole Farm assessment<00:22:56.200
- I farm with my husband on our Century Farm in Lyon County.
- I farm with my husband on our Century Farm in Lyon County.
- Farm Bureau Federation Farm Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation Farm Bureau<01:02:56.799><c> represents<
- </c> program and the fact that this program program and the fact that this program is<01:08:22.560><c
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/03/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- I grew up on a farm, a corn and soybean farm in southwest Minnesota, and I'm currently serving as the
- , whether they're family farms or small organic farms?
- Minnesota has approximately 65,000 farms. The average size of these farms is 400 acres.
- But on our farm and most of the farms I think still was talking to us about, or Farm Bureau was talking
- But on our farm and most of the farms I think still was talking to us about, or Farm Bureau was talking
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/24/25
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- We have a lot of women who come to our programs, and they bring their farm partners, who many times are
- Our special orders of business are passing the farm bill and funding these agricultural programs, ensuring
- down payment assistant grant found farm down payment assistant grant program.<01:10:15.440><c> Section
- Section 60 modifies the farm opportunity loan program to reduce the purposes of the loans.
- Section 61 amends the eligibility for the farm opportunity loan program to require that a borrower's
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 02/25/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> [snorts] like on a farm. [snorts] like on a farm.
- Margin Coverage, DMC, program through USDA's Farm Service Agency.
- This is a good bill, and the key part of it is that it'll let new dairy farms since 2022 get in the program
- players, and that program is called the CLC Market Builders Program.
- farm about since uh farm starting this farm about 10<01:50:43.679><c> years</c><01:50:43.840><c> ago
HI
Hawaii 2026 Regular Session
AEN-WLA-EIG, AEN-WLA-EDT, AEN-GVO, AEN DEFER, AEN, AEN-EDU Public Hearings 02-18-2026
Agriculture and Environment
Transcript Highlights:
- farms become large farms, large farms become bigger farms and new farms. >> So, so I get that, you know
- Farm to school, this one I programs.
- :20.320><c> become</c> become large farms, large farms become become large farms, large farms become
- </c> >> bigger farms and new farms. >> bigger farms and new farms.
- </c> into somebody else's farm. into somebody else's farm.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture and Environment
Summary:
The committees first heard SB 2371, which would prioritize lease offers on agrivoltaics parcels for beginning farmers, require annual compliance reports to DAB, authorize penalties for noncompliance, and allow solar facilities on certain agricultural lands. DAB, the State Energy Office, PUC, and Hawaii Farm Bureau generally supported the intent, while OPPSD recommended amendments to preserve agricultural lease affordability and strengthen food-production language. Members questioned whether the bill would meaningfully encourage solar on ag lands, whether beginning farmers would have enough information to use such parcels, and how the bill would interact with Land Use Commission review. The Farm Bureau said agrivoltaics remains challenging and largely in pilot form, and noted the Mililani project as a promising example of dual use. The committees voted to pass SB 2371 with amendments, with one member expressing a preference that it be opened to all farmers rather than only beginning farmers.
The next measure, SB 2800, appropriates funds to DAB, DLNR, and ADC for acquisition, repair, and maintenance of irrigation systems. All testifying agencies and the Farm Bureau supported the bill, and members pressed them for estimates of needed funding and the condition of existing systems. DAB cited major repair needs, including Waimea, Molokai, Kahuku, and Kawailoa, and said its backlog could total roughly $65 million; ADC estimated about $35 million for several systems; and DLNR said its current needs for three systems were about $35 million, with the largest cost tied to piping in Kekaha. The committees amended the bill to defer its effective date to July 1, 2050 and to blank out the appropriation amounts in the bill text, with the agencies’ requested amounts to be included in the committee report for consideration. SB 2800 then passed in AEN, Water and Land, and EIG.
The final measure discussed was SB 2718, a food hub pilot program beginning in 2028 that would require state departments and UH to source 30% of certain food purchases from local agricultural products, create a nutrition- and ʻāina-based school program, and have DAT partner with a regional aggregator for Native Hawaiian staple crops. DAT, DOH, the Farm Bureau, Food Plus Policy Group, HAPA, and others supported the bill’s intent, while the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation opposed it, saying it is already struggling to meet the current local procurement percentage and faces procurement and quantity barriers, especially for staple items used daily. The testimony focused on whether agencies could realistically meet the higher local purchasing target and whether smaller farms could supply the needed volumes.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 22nd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- We farm north of Grandview.
- So it varied what we had to do for each program. So it varied what we had to do for each program.
- multigenerational farm.
- The first is the farm. The current DOH fee for our farm is $798.
- department. ...the farming component that is irrelevant to the Department of Health's current program
Summary:
The committee heard public testimony on Senate Bill 5816, which would add juice grapes to Washington’s Agricultural Marketing and Fair Practices Act. Staff explained that the bill would allow juice grape producers to form an accredited association to negotiate with processors under the same timelines used for pears, and the prime sponsor said the measure was intended to help growers obtain fairer prices. A grape grower testified that Washington producers face a small number of buyers, little real negotiation, and prices far below New York’s, arguing the bill would give growers a way to bargain collectively. The public hearing closed with 47 people noted in support and one in opposition.
The committee then heard Senate Bill 5971, which would create a green fertilizer incentive program for low-carbon nitrogen fertilizer production and use in Washington. Staff described the bill as directing WSDA to establish the program, adopt rules by 2028, and report to the Legislature, with costs shown in the fiscal note. The prime sponsor and several supporters, including Atlas Agro, a port representative, labor, NRDC, WSDA, the League of Women Voters, and the Washington State Potato Commission, said the bill could reduce greenhouse gas emissions, support local manufacturing and jobs, stabilize fertilizer supply and prices for farmers, and help Washington compete for federal clean hydrogen tax credits. WSDA said the program was implementable with consultation and that the Climate Commitment Act could be a funding source, though it noted rulemaking costs.
The committee then held a work session on commercial shellfish fee assessments after the Department of Health adopted major fee increases for shellfish licensing and certification. Shellfish growers and association representatives said the increases—described as ranging from roughly 233% to 789% overall, with some individual licenses rising much more—would hit small and family farms hardest, could force closures, and were based on a fee structure they said is outdated and not tied well to production. DOH explained that the program has long relied on general fund support, that federal shellfish safety requirements must be maintained, and that the new fees are intended to move the program toward full cost recovery after years without increases. The department said it had used a phased approach, reopened rulemaking to look for a fairer structure, and would continue working with industry and the Legislature; no vote was taken during the work session.
MN
Transcript Highlights:
- It's going to take us a while, and the certification program also goes on to those farms and confirms
- </c><00:52:37.760><c> and</c> program also goes on to those farms and program also goes on to those farms
- I farm alongside my family near Northfield, and this tax credit program has been significantly beneficial
- </c><01:06:15.920><c> I</c><01:06:16.039><c> farm</c> turned away from the program I farm turned away
- from the program I farm alongside<01:06:16.960><c> my</c><01:06:17.160><c> family</c><01:06:17.480><
Committee:
Senate Taxes
FL
Transcript Highlights:
- close farms overnight.
- I grew up on my family's dairy farm, which was located two and a half miles from the farm my wife and
- It is important to note that we operate two businesses on our farm: a traditional dairy farm where we
- It is important to note that we operate two businesses on our farm: a traditional dairy farm where we
- The arterial highway and arterial widening programs are both statewide programs.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture
Summary:
The Committee on Agriculture convened, took roll, and heard Senate Bill 58 by Senator Harrow, which would create regulation for companion animal cremation. Harrow described a case involving mishandled pet remains and said the bill would require written service descriptions, prohibit false or misleading statements, require certification with returned remains, authorize Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services rulemaking, and impose civil penalties for violations. With no questions or public opposition, the committee voted the bill favorably.
The committee then heard presentations on robotics in agriculture and aquaculture. Dr. Nathan Boyd of UF/IFAS discussed the rapid growth of agricultural robotics, including AI-driven weed detection, targeted spraying, autonomous tractors, and harvesting technology, emphasizing reduced pesticide use, lower input costs, and labor-saving automation. Dr. Nicole Kirchoff of Live Advantage Bait and Adrian Johnson of the Florida Shellfish Aquaculture Association highlighted aquaculture’s economic and environmental value, Florida’s strong position in the industry, and challenges including hurricane losses, lack of insurance, land-use instability, capital access, and water quality. They urged support for working waterfronts, risk mitigation, and policies to help the sector commercialize and expand.
The committee also heard from dairy producers Kevin Lusher and Jacob Larson. Lusher described his family’s dairy and artisan cheese business, noting reliance on USDA grants, rising costs, labor shortages, and regulatory burdens, and asked for more grant support, marketing for Fresh From Florida products, and permanent funding for Farmers Feeding Florida. Larson discussed the broader dairy market, declining herd sizes due to efficiency gains, high production costs in Florida, and competition from out-of-state processing, suggesting incentives for local processing and supply management. Finally, FDOT Chief Planner Wayway Schen presented on arterial and local road funding programs, including ART, ARTW, SCOP, SCRAP, CIGP, and TRIP, and said rural road needs remain significant, with more than $16 billion in unfunded or partially funded project needs. The committee adjourned after brief discussion and thanks to the presenters.
KY
Kentucky 2025 Regular Session
Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture (2-18-25) - Part 2
Transcript Highlights:
- We have our Kentucky Proud program or BCAL programs.
- We have our LFPA programs that are federally funded, our farm-to-school programs, and we're trying to
- Chairman, to enjoy farming. None of my family ever farmed.
- /c><00:03:26.640><c> have</c><00:03:26.720><c> our</c> program or bcal programs we have our program or
- funded our farm to school programs<00:03:39.720><c> and</c><00:03:39.799><c> we're</c><00:03:39.959>
Summary:
The committee heard extended testimony from Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell and several senators about using agriculture economic development funds to make Kentucky farms more profitable and attract related businesses. Discussion focused on expanding markets for corn, soybeans, beef, dairy, and other products through biofuels, sustainable aviation fuel, feedlots, processing plants, transportation, and other infrastructure that would keep more value in-state. Members also discussed the profitability pressures on farmers, high land prices, and the need for small-farm support and aggregation programs such as Kentucky Proud, BCAL, KOAP, CAP, food-is-medicine efforts, LFPA, and farm-to-school initiatives.
Senators raised specific ideas and concerns, including raw milk and food-freedom innovation, support for 5-acre and other small farms, and the possibility of a beef processing plant in Kentucky. Shell said raw milk testing is not currently a department function but could be explored with legislative direction, and he emphasized that Kentucky must first prove it can feed cattle at scale before a processor is likely to locate here. He also argued that changing conditions in the West and Midwest, including water limits, workforce shortages, and regulatory pressure, could make Kentucky increasingly competitive for beef processing and feedlot operations.
Several senators shared personal farming experiences to underscore the difficulty of making a living in agriculture and the need for off-farm income or value-added businesses. They cited examples such as grain storage, dairy products, chicken and hog operations, and restaurant or rental income supporting farm operations. Commissioner Shell said the fund is intended to fill gaps and attract businesses that need Kentucky agricultural products, creating premium markets and more local jobs.
After questions concluded, the committee took up the bill, with a motion by Senator Richardson and a second by Senator Nunn. The roll call was taken, and the bill passed unanimously. The committee then moved to adjourn.
US
US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session
Hearings to examine the nominations of Stephen Vaden, of Tennessee, to be Deputy Secretary, and Tyler Clarkson, of Virginia, to be General Counsel, both of the Department of Agriculture. Apr 8th, 2025 at 09:00 am
Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee
Transcript Highlights:
- I come from a farming family.
- in farming his entire life.
- In the Farm Bill, we of course, I want to thank Secretary Rollins for standing up the emergency program
- lending programs.
- That is why today's efforts to increase equitable participation in our farm lending program by farmers
Keywords:
USDA, nominations, Judge Vaden, Tyler Clarkson, agriculture policy, rural America, tariffs, farmer advocacy
Summary:
The meeting focused on the nominations of Judge Stephen Alexander Vaden for Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Mr. Tyler Clarkson for General Counsel at the USDA. Members expressed concerns regarding the challenges farmers and ranchers face, especially in navigating the impacts of recent tariffs imposed by the President. Significant attention was given to how these nominations could influence agriculture policy and support rural communities amidst economic uncertainty. The committee emphasized the necessity for strong leadership in the USDA to advocate for farmer needs and ensure the proper implementation of assistance programs.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 4th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- They raise pheasants for release to support hunting programs. I support maintaining a game farm.
- I support the programs that the game farm supports. That's why the bill is not to shut it down.
- First, with respect to the commodities donation program, that's renamed to the Washington Farm Donation
- Moving to the Farm-to-Food Pantry Program, it modifies the stated purpose of that program to provide
- Moving to the Farm to Food Pantry Program, it modifies the stated purpose of that program to provide
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee met on February 4, with public hearing and executive action on several bills. The main public hearing was on House Bill 2668, as proposed substitute, which would direct the Department of Fish and Wildlife to identify and pursue relocation of the Bob Oak Game Farm and to plan remediation of the current site. Testimony from the bill sponsor, Centralia city officials, Lewis County public health staff, a tribal member, and residents strongly supported relocation, citing nitrate contamination in a sole-source aquifer, risks to drinking water for Centralia and nearby households, and the need for long-term public health protection. The committee also heard that interim mitigation measures such as point-of-use filters and water/sewer extensions were underway, but witnesses said relocation was the only durable solution. The bill was added to the day’s executive session as an unusual late addition, then later passed out of committee on a voice vote with a due pass recommendation.
During executive session, the committee also acted on House Bill 2598, creating a Salmon Advisory Commission; House Bill 2619, creating a legislative task force to reduce regulatory stress in agriculture; House Bill 2199, dealing with derelict vessels and disposal timelines; House Bill 2463, which revises agricultural donation and farm-to-food pantry programs; and House Bill 1735, which prohibits force-feeding birds and related foie gras sales. Amendments were considered on several bills, including a DNR amendment to the vessel bill and a narrowing amendment to the force-feeding bill, which failed. The committee approved House Bill 2598 by a 6-5 vote, and House Bill 2619, House Bill 2199, House Bill 2463, House Bill 1735, and House Bill 2668 all received due pass recommendations, with some on voice votes and others by recorded roll call. The chair noted that moving House Bill 2668 in executive session the same day as public hearing was highly unusual and done because of the bill’s urgency and bipartisan support.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 23rd, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Our regional markets program was tasked with implementation of the local farms, workers, and food overtime
- Our regional markets program is not only grant programs, but technical assistance programs that support
- small and direct marketing farms.
- produce farms and farms selling to local markets and schools.
- pantry and other types. ...of procurement programs, including the purchasing grants for farm to school
Summary:
The Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee reviewed several House bills in executive session. Staff briefed bills on aviation assurances for wildland fire response (HB 2104), derelict vessels (HB 2199), irrigation district director spouse employment conflicts (HB 2223), statewide food security strategy (HB 2238), water quality and game farms (HB 2343), timber sales efficiencies (HB 2348), treaty reserve fishing rights and repeal of Initiative 456 (HB 2554), and a task force on reducing regulatory stress in agriculture (HB 2619). Members noted that HB 2238 had been heard previously as a striker but was now being considered as the engrossed substitute. Several bills had no amendments and little or no fiscal impact, while others carried modest fiscal notes.
The committee took action on most bills: HB 2104, HB 2199, HB 2238, HB 2348, HB 2554, and HB 2619 all received due pass recommendations and were sent either to Ways and Means or Rules, with votes recorded by voice and no opposition noted. The committee took no action on HB 2223 or HB 2343. Members also thanked staff and acknowledged departing senators for their service.
In the work session, the Washington State Department of Agriculture presented an overview of the 2024 local farms, workers, and food overtime reimbursement grant. WSDA described how it used targeted outreach, cross-agency coordination, and a streamlined application to administer the one-time program, which reimbursed qualifying overtime wages for hand-harvest vegetable farms selling to local markets and schools. The agency reported that 24 farms received about $213,000 total, and members asked about lessons learned, including how the experience might inform future grant design and broader agricultural support programs.
HI
Hawaii 2025 Regular Session
AEN, AEN-HWN Public Hearings 01-24-2025
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> compliance with the agiculture farm compliance with the agiculture farm standards<00:07:41.639><
- Next is Brian Mamoto from Hawaii Farm Bureau in support, Larry Jeffs from Larry Jeffs Farms LLC also
- each county to determine the type of farms protected by the Right to Farm law.
- each county to determine the type of farms protected by the Right to Farm law.
- each county to determine the type of farms protected by the Right to Farm law.
Summary:
The Senate Agriculture and Environment Committee heard five bills on January 24, 2025. SB 1 would phase out disposable air filters and require reusable air filters by 2030; testimony was limited, with one supporter urging clearer definitions of fiberglass and paper and several opponents listed, and the committee later deferred the bill indefinitely for lack of support testimony. SB 13 would create an aquaculture investment tax credit beginning in 2026; state agencies and several industry groups supported it, while the Tax Foundation raised concerns about loose definitions, internal inconsistencies, and blanks that made the bill hard to estimate or vet. The committee passed SB 13 with amendments and technical changes, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2015 as stated on the record.
SB 177 would shift aquatic livestock import and movement permitting to the Department of Agriculture’s Animal Industry Division, require a risk-based assessment and biocontainment standards, and seek a $1 million appropriation for research and staffing. The Department of Agriculture said the bill would help expand aquaculture while managing risks to native species; aquaculture and farm groups supported it, while Animal Rights Hawaii was listed in opposition. The committee passed SB 177 with amendments, blanking the appropriation for committee report consideration, and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050.
SB 184 would raise the beverage container deposit and refund from 5 cents to 10 cents. Supporters said the higher deposit could improve recycling and environmental outcomes, while opponents, including the Tax Foundation, cited fraud concerns, the program’s existing fund balance, and practical challenges in redemption; the Department of Human Services also noted potential impacts on blind vendors. The committee took the bill up but deferred decision-making until Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:01 p.m. in Room 224.
The committee also heard SB 250, which would increase the income tax credit for interisland transportation costs for agricultural products. Agricultural and industry witnesses supported the bill as a way to offset rising shipping costs and preserve access to markets, while the Tax Foundation preferred direct appropriations over tax credits and objected to missing bill details. The committee passed SB 250 with amendments from the Department of Agriculture and deferred its effective date to July 1, 2050. Separately, a joint hearing on SB 240, the Right to Farm bill, drew mixed testimony: the Department of Agriculture supported further study and raised concerns about the bill’s fragmented approach, while farm, cattle, and other industry witnesses split between support for protecting customary Native Hawaiian subsistence farming and opposition to excluding CAFOs and certain business structures. No vote was taken on SB 240 in the portion provided.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee Mar 11th, 2026
Housing and Community Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The LITECH program, Joe CERNA farm worker housing grant, and Cal Home program are the leading resources
- But the H-2A program has a lot of issues. The H-2A program has a lot of issues.
- programs.
- And so I don't challenge that priority, but it doesn't fit the CERNA program because farm workers do
- While not targeted exclusively to farm workers, the program is known to support agricultural workers
Committee:
House Housing and Community Development
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
House Agriculture & Natural Resources Feb 12th, 2026
Transcript Highlights:
- Chinook Farms, whose photos I shared earlier, Chinook Farms, whose photos I shared earlier, is home to
- I like to brag about my farm, and so I thought I'd start with a picture of my lovely farm.
- and regulating farms.
- programs, his point was, is I don't think we're recognizing the impacts on the farm worker families.
- floods program.
Summary:
The House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee held a work session on the December 2025 flooding in Washington and its impacts on agriculture, with no public testimony. Emergency Management Division Director Robert Azel described the storm sequence, record rainfall, widespread river flooding, landslides, power outages, evacuations, rescues, and damage to homes, roads, flood control infrastructure, and agricultural land. He said the state was preparing a major disaster declaration request and noted that mitigation investments and interagency coordination helped reduce losses, while debris removal and federal reimbursement remain important next steps.
Snohomish County Emergency Management Director Lucia Schmidt focused on farm impacts in Snohomish County, where tens of thousands of acres were underwater. She described damage to equipment, fences, hoop houses, feed, hay, nurseries, and perennial crops, and said many small farms face losses not well covered by existing federal disaster programs. She urged funding for the Washington State Conservation Commission’s disaster assistance program and emphasized the importance of helping small-scale farms recover to preserve the local agricultural community.
WSDA Assistant Director Kelly McLean outlined the department’s disaster response role, including food and feed safety, animal health, livestock sheltering, and coordination of resources. She described efforts to keep feed and dairy products moving, support dairies and livestock producers, connect farmers to relief and mental health resources, and distribute food assistance. She also said WSDA is working on a report due in July with recommendations for small and mid-sized farms and noted interest in developing a broader agricultural disaster assessment tool. Washington State Dairy Federation policy director Jay Gordon described repeated flooding in the Chehalis Basin and other areas, praised state and local partnerships, and argued that continued flood mitigation, storage, levee adjustments, and basin-specific planning are needed because these events are becoming more frequent and severe. Committee members asked about debris removal, federal disaster assistance, insurance challenges, farmworker impacts, and future mitigation projects, and the chair adjourned the meeting after thanking the presenters.
CA
California 2025-2026 Regular Session
Assembly Agriculture Committee Apr 9th, 2025
Transcript Highlights:
- This first allocation from this program provided over $23 million in 2022.
- The resolution also notes the Local Food Purchase Assistance program.
- Farm-to-school programs not only improve the quality of school meals, but also help shift perceptions
- about the value of school nutrition programs.
- they live in than the dollars spent on the programs.
Summary:
The Assembly Committee on Agriculture met with an initial quorum delay, then heard four items: AJR 6 on protecting federal funding for the Local Food for Schools and Child Care program, AB 732 on abandoned agricultural land, AB 1042 on honeybee health, and consent item AB 1506. The chair reviewed hearing procedures and public comment rules before moving through the file in order.
AJR 6, authored by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry, urged federal officials to preserve funding for local food programs that connect California farmers with school meals and food banks. Supporters, including a farm owner and a school nutrition director, said the program benefits children’s nutrition, helps small farms, and strengthens local economies. There was no opposition, and the committee members who were present voted to adopt the resolution; later absent members were added, bringing it to eight votes and sending it out.
AB 732, by Assemblymember Macedo, would give county agricultural commissioners a faster enforcement tool against abandoned or neglected orchards and vineyards by allowing civil penalties instead of relying only on liens. Testimony from growers and a county agricultural commissioner described pest infestations, economic losses, and high abatement costs tied to neglected land, and the bill was presented as a response to SGMA-related fallowing and low commodity prices. The committee voted due pass to the Judiciary Committee, and after absent members were added it also reached eight votes.
AB 1042, by Assemblymember Ransom, proposed a Managed Honeybee Health Program with grants, research, technical assistance, and an expanded advisory committee to support pollinators essential to California crops. Witnesses from the fresh fruit and beekeeping sectors emphasized that bee declines threaten crop production and the broader agricultural economy. The committee voted due pass to Appropriations, and the bill ultimately received eight votes. The consent calendar item, AB 1506, was also approved and sent to Appropriations.
KY
Transcript Highlights:
- </c> existing farms? existing farms?
- We farmed at night. We farmed on the weekends.
- We farmed at night. We farmed on the weekends.
- We farmed at night. We farmed on the weekends.
- We farmed at night. We farmed on the weekends.
Committee:
Joint Agriculture
MN
Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session
Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development - 03/18/26
Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Transcript Highlights:
- The purpose of this bill is to support WEI's farming program that provides affordable access to their
- The purpose of this bill is to support WEI's farming program that provides affordable access to their
- ><c> order</c> its farming incubator program in order its farming incubator program in order to<00:45
- Programs like Big River Farm and Women's Environmental Institute will help initiate people like me who
- Programs like Big River Farm and years.
WA
Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources Jan 22nd, 2026 at 01:30 pm
Agriculture & Natural Resources
Transcript Highlights:
- We farm north of Grandview.
- Within this section, we’ve got multiple programs. One is the marine biotoxin program.
- Within this section, we've got multiple programs. One is the marine biotoxin program.
- multi-generational farm.
- The first is the farm. The current DOH fee for our farm is $798.
Committee:
Senate Agriculture & Natural Resources