On January 31, 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released the seventh and final major rule under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the Proposed Rule on Sanitary Transportation of Human and Animal Food. Western Growers is currently reviewing these proposed regulations. Comments on this rule are due May 31, 2014.
On January 31, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) announced a zero percent water allocation for State Water Project (SWP) customers if current conditions persist. According to a DWR press release, the new allocation estimate is a direct consequence of Governor Jerry Brown’s state water emergency declaration which was made on January 17. DWR also indicated the zero percent water allocation was made to protect the health and safety of Californians from more severe water shortages in the months ahead.
Three of the Central Valley’s Republican House members joined forces this week and introduced comprehensive legislation to address the severe drought issues plaguing the state. California Congressman David Valadao, House Majority Whip, Kevin McCarthy, and Congressman Devin Nunes introduced The Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Emergency Water Delivery Act (H. R. 3964) on January 29. The three members who have been leading the charge on this issue were also able to garner the support of the rest of the California GOP House delegation. Read Congressman Valadao’s press release.
In a significant development, AB 1164 (Lowenthal, D-Long Beach) was moved to the inactive file today in the Assembly, effectively killing the bill. WG has been part of a multi-industry group providing strong opposition to the bill.
