BOARD AGENDA MEMORANDUM
SUBJECT:
Title
Recommended Position on State Legislation: AB 2166 (Caballero) California Farm Bill Agricultural Technology; AB 2371 (Carillo) Water Use Efficiency; AB 2779 (Stone) Recycling: Single-Use Plastic Beverage Container Caps; and Other Legislation Which May Require Urgent Consideration for a Position by the Board.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
A. Adopt a position of "Support" on: AB 2166 (Caballero) California Farm Bill Agricultural Technology;
B. Adopt a position of "Support" on: AB 2371 (Carillo) Water Use Efficiency; and
C. Adopt a position of "Support" on: AB 2779 (Stone) Recycling: Single-Use Plastic Beverage Container Caps.
Body
SUMMARY:
AB 2166 (Caballero) California Farm Bill Agricultural Technology (A-04-16-2018)
Position Recommendation: Support
Priority: 3
AB 2166 implements several programs to advance the use of technology, streamline regulation, and promote career pathways in agriculture. The bill does the following.
1) Requires the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges to develop a model Agricultural Business and Technology Program, to encourage career pathways that encourage agriculture technology that improves efficient water use, efficient energy use, greenhouse gas reduction, proper fertilizer and pesticide use, or that automate part of the farming process to make farm workers more efficient.
2) Requires the Department of Food and Agriculture to create and maintain a user-friendly website that provides farmers with comprehensive information about the regulatory requirements, and guidance to operate and manage a farm.
3) Requires the County Agriculture Commissioner to include in their annual report to the Secretary of Food and Agriculture on the condition of agriculture in their county, a survey of internet accessibility to identify gaps in internet accessibility on farms.
4) Establishes the Agriculture Growth Council, consisting of the Secretary of Food and Agriculture, ...
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