IRVINE, Calif. — Statement by Western Growers President and CEO Tom Nassif praising Senators Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer for introducing the California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2015:
“We want to express our thanks to Senators Feinstein and Boxer for re-introducing much needed legislation aimed at alleviating the short and long-term impacts of the historic drought in California. The bill that has been submitted today provides a basis to reconcile their bill with the recently passed House legislation. There is no time to waste as the impacts of the drought — exacerbated by an unbalanced regulatory scheme — are deepening in California and throughout the West. It’s time to advance reasonable legislation before more family farms and communities are forced into economic disaster.
Our attention must also turn to passage of a western water bill to address the needs of other states being affected by the drought. Any effort aimed at helping California must be combined with efforts to devise solutions to problems faced throughout the West as a result of long-term drought. For example, the Colorado River Basin is currently experiencing its driest period in 50 years. While recent atypical summer rain storms have provided some relief, it is clear that members of the Senate must come together to address common concerns throughout the West. Western Growers urges the Senate to act quickly.”
About Western Growers:
Founded in 1926, Western Growers represents local and regional family farmers growing fresh produce in Arizona, California and Colorado. Our members and their workers provide half the nation’s fresh fruits, vegetables and tree nuts, including nearly half of America’s fresh organic produce. For generations we have provided variety and healthy choices to consumers.
Source: Western Growers
