IRVINE, Calif., (May 7, 2020) — In response to Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom’s Executive Order that extends temporary workers’ compensation benefits for COVID-19, a coalition of California agricultural organizations issued the following statement:

“As a critical infrastructure industry, agricultural businesses have been asked to continue providing our communities with safe and nutritious food during the COVID-19 crisis, and their employees – deemed essential by every level of government – have been asked to continue their critically important work. Agricultural employers have responded by enacting extraordinary measures to protect their employees and the public, all while struggling with major supply chain disruptions.

“This executive order will add more financial weight at a very difficult time. Instead, if the goal is to restart California’s economy, then the added economic burden of medical claims related to COVID-19 should be borne by the government, not the essential industries providing a public good during a global pandemic.

“Amid tremendous uncertainty, the agricultural community is working to protect the health and safety of our essential workforce while we continue a vital mission to grow, harvest, pack, process and ship hundreds of nutritious California commodities for families in our state and across the country.”

Agricultural Council of California

California Farm Bureau Federation

California Fresh Fruit Association

Western Growers

About Agricultural Council of California:
Founded in 1919, Agricultural Council of California is a member-supported organization advocating for more than 15,000 farmers across California, ranging from farmer-owned businesses to the world’s best-known brands. Ag Council works tirelessly to keep its members productive and competitive, so that agriculture can remain California’s number-one industry and members can continue to produce the highest quality food for the entire world.

About California Farm Bureau Federation:
The California Farm Bureau Federation works to protect family farms and ranches on behalf of nearly 34,000 members statewide and as part of a nationwide network of more than 5.5 million Farm Bureau members.

About California Fresh Fruit Association:
The California Fresh Fruit Association is a voluntary, nonprofit agricultural trade association that represents California’s fresh fruit industry. The California Fresh Fruit Association is the key public policy organization that represents the needs and interests of its members by advocating on behalf of its members on legislative and regulatory issues, at state, federal and international levels.

About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers (WG) represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California, Colorado and New Mexico. WG members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations WG members have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers. Connect with and learn more about Western Growers on the association’s Twitter and Facebook. 

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