The vast majority of California's family farms and ranches—more than 90%—are family-owned businesses. Our state's farmers and ranchers face regulatory compliance costs, employer mandates and fees far higher than those in other states and nations, making it increasingly difficult to remain in business and provide consumers with products grown here in California.
Enhancing California's business climate will improve the overall health of the economy, trigger job development and provide needed revenue to help solve the ongoing state budget crisis. For every 100 jobs in agriculture, including the food industry, there are an additional 94 jobs created statewide. California's business climate will also be improved by reforming the business of government and increasing government accountability to voters.
Farm Bureau Encourages
- Efforts to take into account the direct, indirect and cumulative economic impacts of regulatory compliance
- A requirement that new regulations go through a cost-benefit analysis
- Improved government efficiency through legislation and regulation based upon sound, peer-reviewed science
- Preservation of the two-thirds vote requirement to increase taxes and fees
- Maintaining equitable insurance and workers compensation insurance rates that allow California businesses to remain competitive
- Regulatory reform that results in the development and use of efficient and cost-effective forms of energy and fuels
- State budget reform to end excessive government spending, taxes disguised as "fees," and the raiding of county coffers in response to state budget deficits
- Fair and competitive elections, thereby restoring a truly representative form of government where voters can hold their elected officials accountable
