As the California statewide election nears, CalCAN is working directly with our farmer network to oppose Proposition 23. This ballot measure — funded almost entirely by Texas oil companies — would derail California’s climate change and clean energy policies and slow the growth of our burgeoning green tech economy.

Many farmers understand what’s at stake.

We’ve been repeatedly inspired by the number of growers, from Ventura to Napa, who have taken time out from the fall harvest season to voice opinions in local newspapers. One recent example is Jon-Mark Chappellet, owner and manager of Chappellet Vineyard, who  wrote an  opinion article in the Napa Valley Register.  He wrote: “California leads the world in many ways. Our agricultural economy is productive and diverse, we have made big gains in the quality of our air and water, and we are at the forefront of the clean energy industry. We should be using this leadership and innovation to keep moving forward and to help with our economic recovery. Proposition 23 takes us backward because it would derail California’s landmark clean air and energy policies and slow the growth of the clean energy economy.” [Read more...]