Farm Bureau News Releases

RELEASE DATE: March 29, 1999

Farm leader outlines issues for congressional panel

The ability of California farmers and ranchers to compete in the world market hinges on their success in solving problems ranging from availability of cost-effective crop chemicals, adequate water and labor, and fair trade rules. California Farm Bureau Federation President Bill Pauli outlined the organization's 1999 priority issues to a congressional panel today in Stockton.

Pauli, a Mendocino County winegrape and pear grower, appeared before several members of Congress from California, including Rep. Richard Pombo (R-Tracy), chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Livestock and Horticulture. Pauli said the federation's first priority is implementation of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.

"We are strongly committed to ensuring that this implementation includes sound science, transparency, balance and workability," said Pauli. "However, we are convinced that EPA's current implementation plan does not meet these criteria and will severely hamper California's agricultural industry." The law requires EPA to re-evaluate more than 9,700 pesticide tolerances in the next decade. Decisions are to be based on tolerances that meet a new FQPA "reasonable certainty of no harm" safety standard.

Pauli said farmers are concerned EPA's interpretation of the law and reliance on overly conservative default assumptions will result in cancellations of important pesticides. That action could jeopardize compounds used in Integrated Pest Management programs, which aim to reduce pesticide use.

"Arbitrary deadlines established by FQPA are forcing EPA to make critical decisions with little or no scientific justification. August 1999 is EPA's first deadline," said Pauli. "Even though the scientific methodologies have not been determined, the EPA has publicly stated it will meet its deadline. Forcing an agency to complete a specific quantity of work with no regard for the quality is unacceptable."

Pauli said the EPA must be given the time to develop scientifically-peer reviewed methodologies that incorporate the best science and all relevant data. He urged the panel to direct EPA to openly communicate its policy and implementation plan because "only Congress has the authority to insist that EPA re-evaluate its current plan and follow the original intent of the law."

Congressional Hearing Pauli urged Congress to continue its oversight of the process known as Cal-Fed to develop long term water-supply solutions involving the San Francisco Bay/San Joaquin River Delta system. Congress will vote on Cal-Fed funding decisions in the next few months and Pauli said Congress should support studies to provide an incentive and opportunity to bring operational flexibility to the state's water system, particularly through additional groundwater and surface storage.

"We believe storage options would help insulate all water users from degradation of their water rights and their contracts to water," said Pauli. "This operational flexibility also would benefit fisheries and ecosystem requirements by facilitating, among other things, the movement of water at times when natural flows and other system constraints do not provide water when and where it is needed." Pauli made a plea for changes in the current H-2A program to allow foreign workers to fill farm jobs if shortages develop. He said California farmers have already seen shortages occur this year.

"This spring, Imperial Valley asparagus growers have abandoned part of their crops in an effort to keep up with the harvest," Pauli said. "Last year was a below-normal production year in California. If we experience normal or above normal harvests, the situation will get worse. We can't wait for a crisis to develop before we act. We urge this committee to lead the way in working for an H-2A program that is workable."

Pauli also expressed support for country-of-origin labeling of meat products and for legislation that would only allow meat products from animals born, raised and processed within the United States to carry a "domestic" label. Live animals shipped to the U.S. for slaughter are not considered imports under current USDA reporting, according to Pauli.

The Farm Bureau leader stressed the need to grant fast-track authority to President Clinton to help expand foreign markets. Pauli expressed concern that the Asian financial crisis is expected to restrict farm exports this year to Japan, California agriculture's top export market at a time when unfair trade barriers exist in other foreign markets. "California agriculture and our numerous minor crops are often left out of trade discussions or used as the bargaining chip to secure deal," said Pauli. Congress must continue to work towards a global marketplace that respects healthy competition and rejects trading practices designed to negatively impact America's farmers."

The need for flexible and affordable crop insurance for farmers, and increased funding for pest exclusion programs rounded out Pauli's testimony.

Contact: Bob Krauter, office # (916) 561-5550