Association Continues Pressure for FARMER Tractor Replacement Funding

 At a press conference held this past week at Bruno’s Recycling in Fresno to celebrate the success of the California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) Funding Agricultural Replacement Measures for Emission Reductions (FARMER) Program, Association President/CEO Roger A. Isom spoke on the immediate need to get the FARMER program funded again.  Isom commented that agriculture is different from any other industrial sector stating “We cannot pass along this cost! Our prices have remained the same for more than 20 years.“ At the same time, Isom reminded the crowd that this isn’t a freebie.  “While the state has put $762 million into FARMER, farmers themselves have contributed $603 million of their own!” Isom stated. Isom finished his comments by urging the state to “fund FARMER now!”. Other speakers included Assemblywoman Esmeralda Soria, CARB Chairwoman Lauren Sanchez, CARB and SJVAPCD Board Member Dr. Tania Pacheco-Werner, SJVAPCD Air Pollution Control Officer Samir Sheikh and farmers Diane Laub, and David Frea. The press conference ended with several old tractors being crushed. The event also culminated 3 days of tours and meetings with SJVAPCD and CARB personnel of local farms, packing houses and processors. Representing the Association on the tour was Assistant Vice President Priscilla Rodriguez and WTNA grower member Agriworld Cooperative, who was one of the sites visited.  The tour was organized by the Nisei Farmers League, as was the press conference.