BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 654
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 654 (Hall)
As Amended June 26, 2013
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: | |(May 9, 2013) |SENATE: |37-0 |(September 6, |
| | | | | |2013) |
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(vote not relevant)
Original Committee Reference: G.O.
SUMMARY : Extends the sunset date to January 1, 2018, for the
collection of certified farmers' market (CFM) operator fees and
enforcement provisions of direct marketing.
The Senate amendments delete the Assembly version of this bill,
and instead extend the sunset date to January 1, 2018, for the
collection of CFM operator fees and enforcement provisions
related to CFMs.
EXISTING LAW authorizes the California Department of Food and
Agriculture (CDFA) to adopt regulations to permit the direct
selling of certified and non-certified agricultural products to
consumers; authorizes the collection of CFM operators to be used
as specified; provides for civil penalties for violations of
rules; and, provides for an appeal and decision process by CDFA.
The authority for fees and enforcement sunsets on January 1,
2014.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, by extending the current sunset, this measure would
generate about $240,000 annually (special funds), paid to the
CDFA. The funding supports approximately one position at CDFA
that provides coordination and oversight with county
agricultural commissioners. County Agricultural Commissioners
(commissioners) certify markets and producers pursuant to local
ordinances.
COMMENTS : CFM's provide an opportunity for small farmers to
market their products without the added expenses of commercial
preparation. This can increase net incomes and helps farmers to
stay in business. There are approximately 700 certified farmers
markets and approximately 2,200 certified producers. Of these
AB 654
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markets, 51% are year-round markets and the balance is seasonal.
In a typical year, the majority of the seasonal markets operate
from April through October of each year.
According to the author, this bill will allow CFMs to continue
to provide consumers with fresh, nutritious, local products and
allow farmers to earn fair prices by marketing directly to
consumers. CFMs are an important tool to combat obesity and
food deserts in California and to promote healthy lifestyles.
Related legislation : SB 513 (Cannella), Chapter 337, Statutes
of 2011, extends from January 1, 2012, to January 1, 2014, the
collection of CFM fees and related penalty and enforcement
provisions.
AB 2676 (Agriculture Committee), Chapter 440, Statutes of 2006,
extends from January 1, 2007, to January 1, 2012, the collection
of CFM fees and related penalty and enforcement provisions.
AB 1726 (Agriculture Committee), Chapter 444, Statutes of 2004,
extended from January 1, 2005, to January 1, 2007, the
collection of CFM fees and related penalty and enforcement
provisions, and imposed a late penalty charge on operators who
failed to pay the required fee.
AB 593 (Strom-Martin), Chapter 833, Statutes of 1999, codifies
regulations exempting direct marketers from specified packing
and labeling standards, amends fee structures, and authorizes
farmers' markets to establish rules and procedures.
Analysis Prepared by : Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916)
319-2084
FN: 0001707