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)
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|COMMITTEE VOTE: |4-0 |(September 10, |RECOMMENDATION: | concur |
|(AGRI.) | |2013) | | |
| | | | | |
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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.
AB 654
Page 2
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
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.
Analysis Prepared by : Victor Francovich / AGRI. / (916) 319-2084
FN:
0002749