New federal farm legislation includes many top priorities outlined by the California Farm Bureau Federation. Josh Rolph with the California Farm Bureau Federation said the farm bill preserves conservation programs in the Golden State and also maintains investments in trade development and organic agriculture.
Rolph adds it also preserves programs to aid production of specialty crops. The measure also encourages research into using machines on the farm, which offers a partial remedy for employee shortages on farms and ranches. The Bureau also wants the federal government to adjust its definition of the term “rural,” so more California communities could qualify for programs to improve facilities in rural regions.