As reported in our September newsletter and blog, we are tracking Proposition 23, a November 2nd ballot initiative. Prop 23 is largely funded by out of state oil companies, and it would essentially freeze California’s landmark clean air and energy law, AB 32 (the Global Warming Solutions Act). Prop 23 is opposed by a large bipartisan group of businesses, organizations and farms including CalCAN, Community Alliance with Family Farmers, American Farmland Trust, Ecological Farming Association, Organic Valley, Earthbound Farm, and more (a complete list can be found at the No on Prop 23 website).

California producers have been publicly expressing their opposition in newspapers around the state, emphasizing the connection between climate change, clean energy policy and agriculture. Here are some examples:

• Russ Lester, an organic walnut farmer and processor in Winters, had a compelling piece on October 15 in the Capital Press
• Zeke Grader, executive director of the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations, wrote an op-ed in the October 9 Eureka Times Standard
• Jon-Mark Chappellet, an organic Napa County wine grape grower, spelled out wine industry reasons to oppose Prop 23 in the Sept. 21 issue of the Napa Valley Register
• Cindy Lashbrook of Riverdance Farms, and a Board member of Community Alliance with Family Farmers and CCOF, spoke at a press conference in Fresno on Sept. 23, making the farming case for opposing Prop 23