Imperial County Farm Bureau Issues
Click on the link that you would like to further read about.  Issues will be updated as much as possible. 

Fighting for Sound Farm Animal Agriculture
An initiative headed for the November ballot, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and others, while emotionally appealing, is a prime example of the unintended consequences that arise when politics are allowed to trump sound policy.

The initiative proposes to ban certain crates for veal calves and pregnant pigs, and conventional cages for egg-laying hens. Further, the ambiguous wording of the measure could result in a ban on most cage-free egg facilities as well.

Higher Risks to Hen and Human Health
What’s best for the hens? California’s farmers and ranchers are committed to caring responsibly for their hens, employing methods based on sound scientific research. Most have voluntarily adopted the United Egg Producers Certified husbandry science-based standards for laying hens, assuring that hens receive adequate space, nutritious food, clean water, proper lighting and fresh air each day, and improve the flock’s livability and production rates.

It has been scientifically proven that housing hens in cages enhances food safety. The proponents’ ultimate goal of elimination of cages altogether would expose hens to disease, the elements, predators and aggression from other birds.

Many scientists, veterinarians and animal welfare experts believe the benefits of the current cage system far outweigh the behavioral restrictions targeted by the initiative.

“Confinement rearing provides many opportunities to enhance the health and welfare of food animals by protecting them from adverse environmental conditions and predators, ensuring provision of adequate food and water, reducing aggression in many species and enhancing the producer’s ability to observe and access animals when they require care or handling.” American Veterinary Medical Association

Higher Costs + Lower Production =  Higher Consumer Prices
These burdens are likely to force farmers to significantly curtail production, and even drive some out of business.

Lower Production = Lost Jobs and Lost Tax Revenues for State & Local Government
In addition to threatening the livelihood of California egg ranchers, this measure could also result in a loss of jobs in related agriculture sectors such as grain, feed and transportation.

It also means a reduction in the tax revenues ranchers and others generate for the state general fund and for local and regional governments. In the midst of a growing budget crisis, California can’t afford to lose these valuable jobs and revenues.

The Marketplace is Already Making Adjustments Based on Consumer Choice
California farmers and ranchers are already shifting some of their production to meet consumers’ desire for alternative food choices and will continue to do so as the market demands.

Science, Not Emotion, Should Drive Animal Welfare Policy
The promoters of this initiative are not experts in farm animal or poultry care. But they are experts at pushing emotional hot-buttons.

Policy makers should take seriously this threat to responsible treatment of laying hens and the unintended economic and public health consequences that are likely to result.

Animal welfare policies belong in the hands of experienced scientists, veterinarians and farmers who are best qualified to protect farm animals and the food they provide.

Proposed CARB Rules for Diesel Engines
Diesel Engine Survey
Stationary Diesel Engine Fact Sheet  90kb PDF
New Requirements for Stationary Diesel Engines  79kb PDF
Stationary Diesel Engine Registration Form  143kb PDF
(You may fill in this form and print it using your computer, however, due to limitations of the PDF file format, you will not be able to save the completed form on your computer. Be sure to print the completed form for your records.)

CUPA
Informational Article

Local Entity
Article from Winter/Spring2006 Newsletter
Application Cover Letter
Local Entity Application Letter
Application for Summary of Impacts
Application for Grower Certification
Budget & Timeline Spreadsheet
8-5-05 Application Crop Based Impact Invoices

Air Quality
No Dust Speed Limit Signs ($2, available at Farm Bureau Office)
Air Quality Brochure
Sample Plan
Rules 800-806