CARB Passes Final End to Agricultural Burning in San Joaquin Valley
While the end has been preordained for some time due to the passage of SB 705 (Florez), the final death sentence was handed down by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) this past week. The decision was in response to the proposed phase-out plan adopted by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District last November. CARB initially said it wasn’t enough and issued a staff report that sped up end dates for certain burning and set an absolute end date on January 1, 2025. It should be noted that even this wasn’t enough for the environmental justice community or some of the CARB Board members, as many called for end to all agricultural burning right now. Association Director of Technical Services Christopher McGlothlin testified on the proposal citing the need for time for newer technologies to come on line that would replace the old biomass facilities. McGlothlin highlighted several companies and technologies that the Association has been working with over the past five years, but have not quite reached the finish line. Association President/CEO Roger Isom also testified and argued that many of the state’s own policies have contributed to the problem with the requirement for biomass plants to burn 80% forestry waste and the waste diversion requirement for landfills that has resulted in landfills not accepting ag waste any longer. Isom also stated we need significant funding to help growers, especially smaller ones, pay for chipping and incorporating the material back into the soil and for the new technologies to get up and running. Thankfully, the CARB did not end burning this year, giving a slight reprieve until 2025 and some board members pledged to help get the funding necessary to solve the problem.
Be on the Lookout: New Form Required for Some NRCS Customers
If you are a producer or landowner who participates in USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation programs, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) may be reaching out by mail with information about a form you’ll need to fill out. Starting this year, all producers and landowners participating or applying to participate in certain NRCS conservation programs must complete form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan. “In California, this new form will be needed for customers who are selected for funding in both EQIP batch periods ending March 3 and June 9,” stated Carlos Suarez, state conservationist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Historically, to participate in these programs, legal entities could file either the CCC-901, Member Information or the CCC-902, while individuals were not specifically required to file the CCC-902 with FSA. Now, to ensure FSA and NRCS are properly determining payment eligibility and maximum payment limitations, all customers must have a CCC-902 on file to establish eligibility. These changes will not affect participants who already have a Form CCC-902 with a “determined” status recorded with FSA. Customers who do not have a CCC-902 on file with FSA will be sent a letter in the mail in the coming weeks with detailed information on what is needed and how to file the form. The letter requests that the form be completed within 30 days of receipt of the letter. For added convenience, USDA is offering options for remote or in-person submission of the CCC-902. Fiscal year 2021 is considered a transition year to ensure all NRCS program participants can meet this updated filing requirement. Beginning in FY 2022, if form CCC-902 is not on file your payments may be impacted.
WAPA Assists with Produce Safety Rule Inspections
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) continues routine inspections on the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) of farms and hullers. Last week, Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA)’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Food Safety assisted a walnut huller member in preparation of and was onsite for an official PSR inspection. The duration of the PSR inspection was brief, lasting only two hours due to the fact that they were prepared with all the proper documentation beforehand. The inspection was successful with no findings. WAPA is prepared and can assist you leading up to a PSR inspection and on the day of the inspection.
You should know:
- Inspections are announced and will be scheduled a week in advance.
- You will receive an FDA Form 482 "Notice of Inspection" at the beginning of the inspection.
- You will receive an FDA Form 4056 at the conclusion of the inspection with any findings. You have 24 hours after the inspection to provide documentation you were unable to provide during the inspection.
Remember if you have an operation with more than $250,000 in average annual sales over the last three years, and are covered by the PSR, you may be inspected by CDFA. All safety protocols for COVID-19 are followed during inspections. The inspections can occur during the growing or harvest season for tree nuts. For more information on key findings from other
Although a food safety plan is not required, we highly recommend having a plan that collects all the necessary documentation. This will also make the inspections go smoother and quicker. If you have any questions or need a food safety plan, please contact our Director of Regulatory Affair and Food Safety Priscilla Rodriguez at (559) 455-9272.
SJV Air District Launches Low Dust Nut Harvester Incentive Fund
This week, the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (Air District) launched another incentive fund targeting low dust nut harvesting equipment. This program makes available $12.5 million dollars for the conversion of older harvesting equipment with new, low dust technology. This program was made available through the application of grants awarded through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and administered through the local Air District. The Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program will pay 50%, or as much as $150,000 per new unit, with the replacement of an older unit. If you are interested in participating, please visit the Low-Dust Nut Harvester Replacement Program website at: http://valleyair.org/grants/low-dust-nut-harvester.htm or contact staff by phone at (559) 230-5800.
WAPA Continues to Ensure Members are ready for Produce Safety Rule Inspections
Last week, the Western Agricultural Processors Association (WAPA)’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Food Safety participated in two On Farm Readiness Review (OFRR) for the Food Safety Modernization’s Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule. During the OFRR, California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) inspectors do a mock inspection to assess the huller/grower’s readiness for the Produce Safety Rule. The mock inspection consists of a conversation about the food safety practices of the farm and how they align with the Produce Safety Rule. Health & hygiene, worker food safety training, sanitation and required records are amongst the topics discussed. At the conclusion of the OFRR, the CDFA inspector will provide any recommendation to the huller/grower.
OFRR’s are being offered to farms that are considered small (less than $500,000 in average annual sales and more than $250,000) or very small (less than $250,000 in average annual sales and more than $25,000). If you are interested in setting up an OFRR for your facility or need help with your PSR required documents, please feel free to reach out to our Director of Regulatory Affairs and Food Safety Priscilla Rodriguez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..