News on Policy
CRAE testifies before Cannella Panel
Nov. 2011 The newly re-formed Cannella Environmental Farming Act Science Advisory Panel held their inaugural meeting on November 7, 2011, with the main focus being ecosystem services. CRAE partner Casey Walsh Cady, with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, provided the Panel with an update on the Roundtable’s efforts on the subject, which include identifying key elements of ecosystem services frameworks, compiling a list of pilot projects in California, and building a strategy for creating an enabling policy environment for growing ecosystem services markets in California.
FSA Recognized by Board of Supervisors
Oct. 2011 On October 4th, San Mateo’s Board of Supervisors made a Proclamation acknowledging and supporting the Food System Alliance in their work to combat hunger, increase the health and well-being of all San Mateo residents, preserve and expand local agriculture and sustainable fisheries and continue their role as a primary source of sustainable food system policy recommendations. This followed the June 14 award of a Certificate of Commendation to the San Mateo Food System Alliance for their invaluable service to the community.
Open Letter to Board of Supervisors
Sept. 2011 Sonoma Food System Alliance member, James Johnson, wrote an Open Letter to the Board of Supervisors, published on September 21 in The Windsor Times.
Read More »New Report on Organic Farming
Sept. 2011. The Santa Cruz-based Organic Farming Research Foundation announced the country’s first comprehensive, data-driven report on the social, economic and environmental benefits of organic farming on Sept. 19. Entitled Organic Farming for Health and Prosperity, the document backs anecdotal findings up with a review of the American scientific literature concerning organic farming in the United States.
Continuing Resolution, H.R.1
Mar. 2011 As part of its Farm Bill work, CRAE membership sent a letter to Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer opposing disproportionate funding cuts.
Read More »Utah Legislature Passes Immigration Legislation
Mar. 2011 In the past week, Utah’s legislature has passed three immigration-related bills, two of which attempt to establish guestworker programs and one of which is an enforcement bill similar to Arizona’s law. Utah Governor Gary Herbert has not yet signed the measures but is expected to do so.
Read More »Sonoma County Food Forum a Huge Success
Feb. 2011 Over 300 people participated in Sonoma County’s largest ever gathering of people interested in a better food system.
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