AB 2574: Veteran farmers and ranchers.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2016-06-15
Existing law establishes the Labor and Workforce Development Agency and provides that the agency consists of, among other entities, the California Workforce Investment Board, the Employment Development Department, and the Employment Training Panel. Existing law establishes within state government a Department of Veterans Affairs and a Department of Food and Agriculture. Existing law provides for a variety of state benefits to veterans, including those relating to educational assistance and farm and home purchases, as specified.
This bill, by July 1, 2017, bill would require a collaboration of state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to develop develop, by July 1, 2017, a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information to veterans in California about, among other things, federal and state veteran agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs, as provided. The bill would authorize other public or private sector resources to be included in that dissemination if the resources meet certain requirements. dissemination. The bill would also make findings and declarations in this regard.
Existing law establishes the Labor and Workforce Development Agency and provides that the agency consists of, among other entities, the California Workforce Investment Board, the Employment Development Department, and the Employment Training Panel. Existing law establishes within state government a Department of Veterans Affairs and a State Board Department of Food and Agriculture. Existing law provides for a variety of state benefits to veterans, including those relating to educational assistance and farm and home purchases, as specified.
This bill, by July 1, 2017, would require the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the State Board of Food and Agriculture, a collaboration of state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, to develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information to veterans in California about, among other things, federal and state veteran agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs, as provided. The bill would authorize other public or private sector resources to be included in that dissemination if the resources meet certain requirements. The bill would also make findings and declarations in this regard.
Existing law establishes the Labor and Workforce Development Agency and provides that the agency consists of, among other entities, the California Workforce Investment Board, the Employment Development Department, and the Employment Training Panel. Existing law establishes within state government a Department of Veterans Affairs and a State Board of Food and Agriculture. Existing law provides for a variety of state benefits to veterans, including those relating to educational assistance and farm and home purchases, as specified.
This bill would require the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to consult with other state agencies, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, to mutually explore, in consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture, the potential availability of existing state employment training, outreach, and business development resources and other public or private sector resources, as specified, for purposes of identifying and leveraging federal veteran farmer or rancher as defined, assistance programs and resources as contained in a certain federal law. The bill would also set forth related findings and declarations of the Legislature.
This bill, by July 1, 2017, would require the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the State Board of Food and Agriculture, to develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information to veterans in California about, among other things, federal and state veteran agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs, as provided. The bill would authorize other public or private sector resources to be included in that dissemination if the resources meet certain requirements. The bill would also make findings and declarations in this regard.
Existing law establishes the Labor and Workforce Development Agency and provides that the agency consists of, among other entities, the California Workforce Investment Board, the Employment Development Department, and the Employment Training Panel. Existing law establishes within state government a Department of Veterans Affairs. Existing law provides for a variety of state benefits to veterans, including those relating to educational assistance and farm and home purchases, as specified.
This bill would require the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, to consult with other state agencies, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, to mutually explore, in consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture, the potential availability of existing state employment training, outreach, and business development resources and other public or private sector resources, as specified, for purposes of identifying and leveraging federal veteran farmer or rancher as defined, assistance programs and resources as contained in a certain federal law. The bill would also set forth related findings and declarations of the Legislature.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The United States Census Bureau data for 2015 estimates an approximate global population totaling 7.25 billion people, requiring increased capacity to provide an adequate food supply while global resources for producing food are dwindling.
(b)The average age of farmers across the United States is on the rise. In 1978, 16.4 percent of principal farm operators were over 65 years of age and by 2012, the average age of farmers increased to 33 percent of principal farm operators being over 65 years of age.
(b)The average age of farmers across the United States is on the rise, 58.3 years of age as of 2012. In 1978, 16.4 percent of principal farm operators were over 65 years of age and by 2012 increased to 33 percent.
(c)An 8-percent national decrease in the number of farmers and ranchers is expected to occur between the years 2008 and 2018.
(d)The current social and educational infrastructure is inadequate to serve the needs of farmers and ranchers in California and elsewhere.
(e)According to the 2012 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture, 22 percent of all farmers were beginning farmers in 2012, with minority and historically underrepresented communities constituting part of the continued growth among new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
(f)There is expanding recognition of new populations considering enterprises in farming and ranching that require requires a repositioning of classrooms and targeted educational resources outreach.
(g)According to the USDA, the sales value generated by California agriculture increased by 4.6 percent between the 2012 and 2013 crop years. The states 77,900 farms and ranches received forty-six billion four hundred million dollars ($46,400,000,000) for their outputs, ranking California as the nations largest in cash receipts, with the next leading states being Iowa and Nebraska.
(h)In response to the need to identify new population segments entering farming and ranching-related fields, the federal 2014 United States farm bill, known as the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79), contained various landmark incentives to assist Americas veterans returning from military service to acquire skills needed to start and manage a farm and successfully enter the business of farming and ranching. Incentives include, but are not limited to, education and training, technical assistance, rehabilitation, and eligibility for USDA Microloans offering a simplified application process and favorable interest rates.
(i)More than six million veterans reside in rural America and two million veterans are residents of California.
1168.2.For purposes of this chapter, veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who meets both of the following requirements:
(a)Has not operated a farm or ranch or has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years.
(b)Has served in the Armed Forces of the United States including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard of the United States, Reserves, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.
1168.3.(a)By July 1, 2017, a collaboration of state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information, electronically and through Americas Job Center of California locations and through any other already available means, to veterans in California about state veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs, and federal veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs and resources offered through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) and any other subsequent federal acts related to agriculture.
(b)Other public or private sector resources may also be included in the dissemination described in subdivision (a) if these resources (1) offer guaranteed loans or other support to new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in meeting their needs, including, but not limited to, loans for farm ownership through the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act of 1974, which is known as the Cal-Vet loan program, as well as operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement and other needs, as appropriate, or (2) support eligible traditional and nontraditional organizations serving veterans, or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding authorized by the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) and any other subsequent federal agricultural Acts. (a).
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The United States Census Bureau data for 2015 estimates an approximate global population totaling 7.25 billion people, requiring increased capacity to provide an adequate food supply while global resources for producing food are dwindling.
(b)The average age of farmers across the United States is on the rise. In 1978, 16.4 percent of principal farm operators were over 65 years of age and by 2012, the average age of farmers increased to 33 percent of principal farm operators being over 65 years of age.
(c)An 8-percent national decrease in the number of farmers and ranchers is expected to occur between the years 2008 and 2018.
(d)The current social and educational infrastructure is inadequate to serve the needs of farmers and ranchers in California and elsewhere.
(e)According to the 2012 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture, 22 percent of all farmers were beginning farmers in 2012, with minority and historically underrepresented communities constituting part of the continued growth among new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
(f)There is expanding recognition of new populations considering enterprises in farming and ranching that require a repositioning of classrooms and targeted educational resources outreach.
(g)According to the USDA, the sales value generated by California agriculture increased by 4.6 percent between the 2012 and 2013 crop years. The states 77,900 farms and ranches received forty-six billion four hundred million dollars ($46,400,000,000) for their outputs, ranking California as the nations largest in cash receipts, with the next leading states being Iowa and Nebraska.
(h)In response to the need to identify new population segments entering farming and ranching-related fields, the federal 2014 United States farm bill, known as the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79), contained various landmark incentives to assist Americas veterans returning from military service to acquire skills needed to start and manage a farm and successfully enter the business of farming and ranching. Incentives include, but are not limited to, education and training, technical assistance, rehabilitation, and eligibility for USDA Microloans offering a simplified application process and favorable interest rates.
(i)More than six million veterans reside in rural America and two million veterans are residents of California.
1168.2.For purposes of this chapter, veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who meets both of the following requirements:
(a)Has not operated a farm or ranch or has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years.
(b)Has served in the Armed Forces of the United States including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard of the United States, Reserves, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.
1168.3.(a)By July 1, 2017, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the State Board of Food and Agriculture, a collaboration of state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, shall develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information, electronically and through Americas Job Center of California locations and through any other already available means, to veterans in California about state veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs, federal veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs and resources offered through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) and any other subsequent federal acts related to agriculture.
(b)Other public or private sector resources may also be included in the dissemination described in subdivision (a) if these resources (1) offer guaranteed loans or other support to new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in meeting their needs, including, but not limited to, loans for farm ownership through the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act of 1974, which is known as the Cal-Vet loan program, as well as operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement and other needs, as appropriate, or (2) support eligible traditional and nontraditional organizations serving veterans, or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding authorized by the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) and any other subsequent federal agricultural Acts.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The United States Census Bureau data for 2015 estimates an approximate global population totaling 7.25 billion people, requiring increased capacity to provide an adequate food supply while global resources for producing food are dwindling.
(b)The average age of farmers across the United States is on the rise. In 1978 1978, 16.4 percent of principal farm operators were over 65 years of age and by 2012 it 2012, the average age of farmers increased to 33 percent of principal farm operators being over 65 years of age.
(c)An 8-percent national decrease in the number of farmers and ranchers is expected to occur between the years 2008 and 2018.
(d)The current social and educational infrastructure is inadequate to serve the needs of farmers and ranchers in California and elsewhere.
(e)According to the 2012 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture, 22 percent of all farmers were beginning farmers in 2012, with minority and historically underrepresented communities constituting part of the continued growth among new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
(f)There is expanding recognition of new populations considering enterprises in farming and ranching that require a repositioning of classrooms and targeted educational resources outreach.
(g)According to the USDA, the sales value generated by California agriculture increased by 4.6 percent between the 2012 and 2013 crop years. The states 77,900 farms and ranches received forty-six billion four hundred million dollars ($46,400,000,000) for their outputs, ranking California as the nations largest in cash receipts, with the next leading states being Iowa and Nebraska.
(h)In response to the need to identify new population segments entering farming and farm-related ranching-related fields, the federal 2014 United States farm bill, known as the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79), contained various landmark incentives to assist Americas veterans returning from military service to acquire skills needed to start and manage a farm and successfully enter the business of farming and ranching. Incentives include, but are not limited to, education and training, technical assistance, rehabilitation, and eligibility for USDA Microloans offering a simplified application process and favorable interest rates.
(i)More than six million veterans reside in rural America and two million veterans are residents of California.
1168.1.It is the intent of the Legislature that this chapter accomplish both of the following:
(a)Recognizes the opportunities provided to Californias two million veterans made available through landmark federal funding and technical support for veteran farmers and ranchers through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
(b)Acknowledges further opportunities offered through state and federal partnership to enhance the benefits to Californias veterans resulting from the provisions of the Agricultural Act of 2014.
1168.2.For purposes of this chapter, veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who meets both of the following: following requirements:
(a)Has not operated a farm or ranch or has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years.
(b)Has served in the Armed Forces of the United States including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard of the United States, Reserves, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.
1168.3.(a)The Labor and Workforce Development Agency shall, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, consult with other state agencies, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Employment Training Panel, the California Workforce Development Board, and the State Board of Food and Agriculture, to mutually explore, in consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture, the potential availability of existing state employment training, outreach, and business development resources for purposes of identifying and leveraging federal veteran farmer assistance programs and resources as contained in the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
(b)Resources identified shall be designed to assist the states eligible organizations serving veterans or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014.
(c)
Other public or private sector resources offering guaranteed loans or other support for new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in meeting their needs, including, but not limited to, farm ownership, operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement, and farm storage facilities, may also be identified, as appropriate, to support eligible organizations serving veterans or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014.
1168.3.(a)By July 1, 2017, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency, in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the State Board of Food and Agriculture, shall develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information, electronically and through Americas Job Center of California locations and through any other already available means, to veterans in California about state veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs, federal veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs and resources offered through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) and any other subsequent federal acts related to agriculture.
(b)Other public or private sector resources may also be included in the dissemination described in subdivision (a) if these resources (1) offer guaranteed loans or other support to new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in meeting their needs, including, but not limited to, loans for farm ownership through the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act of 1974, which is known as the Cal-Vet loan program, as well as operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement and other needs, as appropriate, or (2) support eligible traditional and nontraditional organizations serving veterans, or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding authorized by the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79) and any other subsequent federal agricultural Acts.
The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(a)The United States Census Bureau data for 2015 estimates an approximate global population totaling 7.25 billion people, requiring increased capacity to provide an adequate food supply while global resources for producing food are dwindling.
(b)The average age of farmers across the United States is on the rise. In 1978 16.4 percent of principal farm operators were over 65 years of age and by 2012 it increased to 33 percent of principal farm operators being over 65 years of age.
(c)An 8-percent national decrease in the number of farmers and ranchers is expected to occur between the years 2008 and 2018.
(d)The current social and educational infrastructure is inadequate to serve the needs of farmers and ranchers in California and elsewhere.
(e)According to the 2012 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Census of Agriculture, 22 percent of all farmers were beginning farmers in 2012, with minority and historically underrepresented communities constituting part of the continued growth among new and beginning farmers and ranchers.
(f)There is expanding recognition of new populations considering enterprises in farming and ranching that require a repositioning of classrooms and targeted educational resources outreach.
(g)According to the USDA, the sales value generated by California agriculture increased by 4.6 percent between the 2012 and 2013 crop years. The states 77,900 farms and ranches received forty-six billion four hundred million dollars ($46,400,000,000) for their outputs, ranking California as the nations largest in cash receipts, with the next leading states being Iowa and Nebraska.
(h)In response to the need to identify new population segments entering farming and farm-related fields, the federal 2014 United States farm bill, known as the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79), contained various landmark incentives to assist Americas veterans returning from military service to acquire skills needed to start and manage a farm and successfully enter the business of farming and ranching. Incentives include, but are not limited to, education and training, technical assistance, and eligibility for USDA Microloans offering a simplified application process and favorable interest rates.
(i)More than six million veterans reside in rural America and two million veterans are residents of California.
1168.1.It is the intent of the Legislature that this chapter accomplish both of the following:
(a)Recognizes the opportunities provided to Californias two million veterans made available through landmark federal funding and technical support for veteran farmers and ranchers through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
(b)Acknowledges further opportunities offered through state and federal partnership to enhance the benefits to Californias veterans resulting from the provisions of the Agricultural Act of 2014.
1168.2.For purposes of this chapter, veteran farmer or rancher means a farmer or rancher who meets both of the following:
(a)Has not operated a farm or ranch or has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years.
(b)Has served in the Armed Forces of the United States including the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard of the United States, Reserves, Army National Guard, and Air National Guard.
1168.3.(a)The Labor and Workforce Development Agency shall, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, consult with other state agencies, including, but not limited to, the Employment Development Department, the Employment Training Panel, the California Workforce Development Board, and the State Board of Food and Agriculture, to mutually explore, in consultation with the United States Department of Agriculture, the potential availability of existing state employment training, outreach, and business development resources for purposes of identifying and leveraging federal veteran farmer assistance programs and resources as contained in the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113-79).
(b)Resources identified shall be designed to assist the states eligible organizations serving veterans or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014.
(c)Other public or private sector resources offering guaranteed loans or other support for new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in meeting their needs, including, but not limited to, farm ownership, operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement, and farm storage facilities, may also be identified, as appropriate, to support eligible organizations serving veterans or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Apr 28, 2016 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| Aug 11, 2016 | In committee: Held under submission. |
| Aug 8, 2016 | Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| Jun 21, 2016 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 15, 2016 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on AGRI. |
| Jun 14, 2016 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on AGRI. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 14). Re-referred to Com. on AGRI. |
| May 23, 2016 | Withdrawn from committee. |
| May 23, 2016 | Re-referred to Coms. on V.A. and AGRI. |
| May 5, 2016 | Referred to Coms. on AGRI. and V.A. |
| Apr 28, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0.) |
| Apr 28, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 4596.) |
| Apr 28, 2016 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Feb 19, 2016 | Introduced. To print. |
| Apr 21, 2016 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Apr 20, 2016 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (April 20). |
| Apr 13, 2016 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 12). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 12, 2016 | Re-referred to Com. on V.A. |
| Apr 11, 2016 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on V.A. Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 7, 2016 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on V.A. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 6). Re-referred to Com. on V.A. |
| Mar 29, 2016 | Re-referred to Com. on L. & E. |
| Mar 28, 2016 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on L. & E. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 8, 2016 | Referred to Coms. on L. & E. and V.A. |
| Feb 22, 2016 | Read first time. |
| Feb 21, 2016 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 22. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 8, 2016 | Placed on suspense file | Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Jun 21, 2016 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture |
Passed |
|
| Jun 14, 2016 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Agriculture] | Senate Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Apr 28, 2016 | AB 2574 CHÁVEZ Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 20, 2016 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 12, 2016 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] | Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs |
Passed |
|
| Apr 6, 2016 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Veterans Affairs] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Labor and Employment |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| American Legion- Department of California | * Support | Apr 12, 2016 |
| AMVETS- Department of California | ** Support | Apr 12, 2016 |
| California State Guild | ** Support | Apr 12, 2016 |
| Military Officers Association Of America, California Council Of Chapters | ** Support | Apr 12, 2016 |
| Moms Across America Organization | * Support | Apr 12, 2016 |
| The American Legion Department California | * Support | Apr 12, 2016 |
| VFW- Department of California | ** Support | Apr 12, 2016 |
SENATE COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Senator Ricardo Lara, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular Session
AB 2574 (Chávez) - Veteran farmers and ranchers
Version: June 15, 2016 | Policy Vote: V.A. 5 - 0, AGRI. 5 - 0 |
Urgency: No | Mandate: No |
Hearing Date: August 8, 2016 | Consultant: Debra Cooper |
This bill meets the criteria for referral to the Suspense File.
Bill Summary:
AB 2574 would require state departments to develop, by July 1, 2017, a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information to veterans in California about federal and state veteran agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs.
Fiscal Impact:
Unknown, but potentially significant cost to create the plan and direct outreach efforts to disseminate the information. (GF)
Background:
The federal Agriculture Act of 2014 (known as the 2014 Farm Bill) provides loans, education, apprenticeship, and training, and partners with other organizations and nonprofits to provide resources and support for farmers and ranchers. As a result of the 2014 Farm Bill, the first United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Military Veterans Agriculture Liaison position was created in 2014. According to the USDA, more than 6 million veterans live in rural communities. The liaison coordinates USDA’s leadership across USDA to provide information, resources, and support for active duty military and veterans interested in agriculture. The liaison also has authority to facilitate formal relationships between USDA and other government agencies and non-profit organizations to strengthen USDA support for veterans.
The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) works closely with local communities in its efforts to serve veterans. CalVet designates eight Local Interagency Network Coordinators (LINCs) throughout the state to bridge the gap between CalVet and the federal, state, county, and non-governmental agencies that provide services to the state’s veterans. CalVet has dedicated outreach campaigns to inform various groups, including but not limited to, minority, women, and homeless veterans, about available resources.
Proposed Law:
This bill would define “veteran farmer or rancher.” This bill would also require that by July 1, 2017, state departments, including, but not limited to, the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), and CalVet, develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to inform veterans, electronically, through America’s Job Center of California locations and via any other already available means, about state veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs and would authorize other public or private sector resources to be included in the dissemination.
Staff Comments:
This bill does not clarify what state entities would be the lead agency or department responsible for coordinating and developing the plan nor does it specify the particular responsibilities of the implementing state entities. The bill also does not specify the types of opportunities or resources that should be identified. As such, it is difficult to accurately determine a fiscal estimate.
If CDFA were to be the lead department, costs for the plan cannot be absorbed in the CDFA’s current budget and would be borne by the General Fund. If LWDA were to be the lead agency, LWDA would likely delegate the responsibilities of this bill to the Employment Development Department (EDD), especially since information is to be disseminated through EDD’s America’s Job Center of California network. Staffing needs, estimated to be approximately $70,000 per year, would be borne by the General Fund.
Additional costs would include methods for disseminating information. The bill specifies for dissemination “electronically and through America’s Job Center of California locations and through any other already available means.” Printed outreach materials would be considered other available means, and could cost tens of thousands of dollars.
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE
Senator Cathleen Galgiani, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: AB 2574 Hearing Date: 6/21/16
Author: | Chávez | ||
Version: | 6/15/16 | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Anne Megaro | ||
Subject: Veteran farmers and ranchers
SUMMARY
:
This bill would define “veteran farmer or rancher” and require, by July 1, 2017, state departments to develop the New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to inform veterans in California about agricultural education, training, and assistance programs available through government agencies or other public or private resources.
BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW
:
The federal Agricultural Act of 2014, known as the 2014 Farm Bill, directs the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to assist beginning farmers and ranchers with overcoming hurdles to entering the agriculture industry (H.R. 2642; Public Law 113-79). USDA achieves this by providing loans, education, apprenticeships, and training and also partners with other organizations and nonprofits to provide additional resources and support.
Specific to veterans, the USDA Military Veterans Agricultural Liaison provides information, resources, and support for active duty military and veterans interested in agriculture. The Liaison focuses on fully leveraging USDA programs to support veterans and their families. A short list of these programs and resources include:
- USDA loans: Provide funds for land, capital, equipment, supplies, or land improvements.
- Transition Incentive Program: Provides for the transfer of expiring Conservation Reserve Program land from a retiring owner to veterans or other new farmers or ranchers.
- Value-Added Producer Grant: Supports the development of business plans, new products, and marketing activities.
- Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP): Provides financial and technical assistance to help implement conservation practices.
- Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant: Provides grants to organizations providing training, education, outreach, and technical assistance to beginning farmers and ranchers with a priority for veterans.
- Hiring our Heroes: USDA partnered with this nationwide initiative to help veterans access farming and ranching opportunities.
On the state level, the California Department of Veterans Affairs Home Loans Program assists veterans in purchasing farm properties that will provide a livelihood for veterans and their families. However, programs that assist veterans entering the agricultural sector by providing education, technical support, and agricultural expertise exist mainly through non-profit organizations and other private entities.
PROPOSED LAW
:
This bill:
- States findings and declarations in regards to the need for an adequate food supply, farmer demographics, value of the agriculture industry, and the need to identify new populations of future farmers, such as veterans.
- Defines “veteran farmer or rancher” to mean a farmer or rancher who has not operated a farm or ranch for more than 10 years and has served in the Armed Forces of the United States.
- Requires, by July 1, 2017, that state departments, including CDFA, Labor and Workforce Development Agency, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, develop the New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to inform veterans about agricultural education, training, and assistance programs available through government agencies or other public or private resources.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT:
According to the author, “There is a big lack of knowledge about federal funding through the Federal Farm bill of 2014 to help veterans become farmers and ranchers. While the state has a program, the home and farm loan program (act of 1974), this federal money is going greatly under-utilized and not being drawn down to help California veterans and California as a whole. With 33% of farmers and ranchers, nationwide, reaching 65 years of age we need to start finding and encouraging creative ways to incentivize (with the readily available federal money) and support a new generation of farmers and ranchers. Farming and ranching can also be a very good future career for former military, being helpful for some suffers of PTSD and other service related issues.”
COMMENTS
:
Farmer and veteran demographics. According to USDA, rural Americans comprise only 16% of the population but about 40% of our military. According to the 2012 USDA Census of Agriculture, over 33% of farmers are 65 years or older, and the average age of the American farmer is 58. These demographics demonstrate the presence of veterans in rural areas as well as the opportunity and the need for the agricultural sector to attract and train new farmers and ranchers.
USDA loans. According to USDA, they are referred to as the “Lender of First Opportunity” because they make and guarantee loans to beginning farmers and ranchers, including veterans, who might otherwise not be able to secure a loan through traditional means. USDA offers four different types of loans: 1) farm ownership loans; 2) operating loans (to purchase livestock, equipment, supplies); 3) microloans; and 4) farm storage facility loans to build or improve on-farm storage (silos, barns).
PRIOR ACTIONS
:
Senate Veterans Affairs Committee: Assembly Floor: | 5 - 0 76 - 0 |
Assembly Appropriations Committee: | 16 - 0 |
Assembly Labor and Employment Committee: | 7 - 0 |
SUPPORT
:
California Guild (Sponsor)
American Legion, Department of California
AMVETS, Department of California
California Workforce Association
Center for Land-Based Learning
Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters
Organic Sacramento
Rudolph Steiner College
Rural County Representatives of California
VFW, Department of California
Vietnam Veterans of America, California State Council
OPPOSITION
:
None received
-- END --
SENATE COMMITTEE ON
Senator Jim Nielsen, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: Hearing Date: 6/14/16
Author: | Chávez | ||
Version: |
| ||
Urgency: | Fiscal: | ||
Consultant: | |||
Subject:
DESCRIPTION
Summary:
Requires – by July 1, 2017 – a collaboration of state departments to develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information to veterans in California about, among other things, federal and state veteran agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs,
Existing law:
- Provides for a variety of state and federal benefits to veterans including those related to educational assistance and farm and home purchases, as specified.
- Establishes the Federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (the Act), which, among other things, provides and prioritizes federal funding and technical assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers.
This bill:
- Requires – by July 1, 2017 – a collaboration of state departments to develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information to veterans in California about, among other things, federal and state veteran agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs, as provided.
- Requires the “collaboration of state departments” to include, but not be limited to:
- Department of Food and Agriculture.
- Labor and Workforce Development Agency.
- Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Authorizes other public or private sector resources to be included in that dissemination if the resources meet certain requirements.
- Makes findings and declarations regarding
- The importance of the agricultural industry.
- Challenges facing the industry, including the aging of a large portion of principal farm operators.
- The Act, which contained various incentives to assist America’s veterans returning from military service to acquire skills needed to start and manage a farm and successfully enter the business of farming and ranching.
BACKGROUND
The Federal Agricultural Act of 2014
The Act is codified in Public Law 113-79. Among many other things, the Act invests in programs and services that help existing farmers stay prosperous and stay on their land. The Act also authorizes the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to offer priority preference to veterans seeking assistance under existing programs, including the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program.
The Act creates the USDA Military Veteran Liaison (MVA Liaison), who will coordinate USDA leadership in the Department to provide information, resources and support for active duty military and veterans interested in agriculture. The MVA Liaison will have the authority to facilitate formal relationships between USDA and other government agencies and non-profit organizations to strengthen USDA support for veterans.
COMMENT
Author’s Comments:
Lack of knowledge about federal funding and assistance in the Act available to help veterans become farmers and ranchers has led to the federal funds being underutilized or drawn upon to assist California veterans and our state as a whole. The author states, nationwide there are a large percentage of farmers and ranchers reaching the age of 65, and with this bill seeks to encourage and support a new generation of veteran farmers and ranchers to utilize the federal Act through outreach and assistance.
Sponsor’s Comments:
California is an agricultural leader in the United States and wants our state to thrive and maintain agricultural production and innovation. This bill offers our state the opportunity to strengthen our agricultural industry while helping to ensure that California veterans receive information to obtain skills and assistance to successfully enter farming and ranching careers thereby also securing our food needs in the 21st century.
POSITIONS
Sponsor: California State Guild.
Support: California Workforce Association; Center for Land-Based Learning/California Farm Academy; Organic Sacramento, Rudolf Steiner College, Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC)
Oppose: None on file.
-- END --
Date of Hearing: April 20, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2574
Author:(Chávez) – As Amended Ver:April 11, 2016
Policy Committee: | Labor and Employment | Vote: | 7 - 0 |
Veterans Affairs | 9 - 0 |
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires, by July 1, 2017, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA), in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the State Board of Food and Agriculture, to develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan to disseminate information about state and federal veteran and agricultural education, training, and other assistance programs. Specifically, this bill:
- Authorizes LWDA, pursuant to the plan, to disseminate information to veterans electronically and through America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) locations or through other already available means.
- Authorizes other public or private sector resources to be disseminated as part of the plan if these resources:
- Offer guaranteed loans or other support to new veteran farmers or ranchers, including, but not limited to, loans for farm ownership through the Cal-Vet loan program, as well as operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement and other needs
- Support eligible traditional and nontraditional organizations serving veterans, or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding authorized by the federal Agricultural Act of 2014.
FISCAL EFFECT:
General Fund administrative costs in the range of $80,000 to $100,000 to develop a plan and disseminate information about veteran farmer and rancher education, training and assistance programs. According to LWDA, workload would likely primarily fall on the Employment Development Department (EDD) since they oversee AJCCs.
COMMENT:
- Purpose. The federal Agricultural Act of 2014 invests in programs and services that help existing farmers stay prosperous and stay on their land. According to the author, the lack of knowledge about federal funding and assistance to help veterans become farmers and ranchers in our state has led to the federal moneys from the Act to be under-utilized. This bill seeks to encourage and support a new generation of veteran farmers and ranchers to utilize the federal Act through outreach and assistance.
- American Job Centers. America’s Job Center of California (formerly One-Stop Career Center's) was established by the federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA). AJCC's offer a comprehensive range of workforce development activities through statewide and local organizations. The Employment Development Department (EDD) has primary responsibility over the 250 AJCC sites in California.
- Comments. Although EDD has access to veterans through the AJCC network, it does not have expertise in the area of farmer education, training, and assistance programs. Consultation with agriculture and farm business development organizations is critical to the plan's success. LWDA notes that it may be more appropriate for the California Department of Food and Agriculture to take the lead on plan development.
Analysis Prepared by: Misty Feusahrens / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 12, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AFFAIRS
Jacqui Irwin, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2574 (
Author:Chávez) – As Amended Ver:March 28, 2016
SUBJECT: Veteran farmers and ranchers
SUMMARY: Requires a collaboration of state departments to develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan (plan) to disseminate information electronically through America's Job Centers of California (AJCC's), as specified. Specifically, this bill:
- Requires, by July 1, 2017, the Department of Food and Agriculture, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (Agency), in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) to develop a plan to disseminate information electronically through AJCC's and through any other already available means, to veterans in California about state and federal veteran and agricultural education, training, other assistance programs and resources offered through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Act) and any other subsequent federal acts related to agriculture.
- Specifies that other public or private sector resources may also be included in the dissemination of the specified information if these resources a) offer a guaranteed loans or other support to new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in meeting their needs, including but not limited to, loans for farm ownership through the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act of 1974, also known as the Cal-Vet loan program, as well as operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement, other needs as appropriate, or b) support eligible traditional and nontraditional organizations serving veterans, or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding authorized by the federal Act and any other subsequent federal agricultural acts.
- Makes related findings and declarations.
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes the state Labor and Workforce Development Agency (Agency) and the state Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), the Department of Food and Agriculture (Department).
- Provides for a variety of state and federal benefits to veterans including those related to educational assistance and farm and home purchases, as specified.
- Establishes the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 which, among other things, provides and prioritizes federal funding and technical assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: According to the author:
The lack of knowledge about federal funding and assistance in the Act available to help veterans become farmers and ranchers in our state has led to the federal moneys from the Act to be under-utilized or drawn upon to assist California veterans and our state as a whole. The author states, nationwide there are a large percentage of farmers and ranchers reaching the age of 65, and with this bill seeks to encourage and support a new generation of veteran farmers and ranchers to utilize the federal Act through outreach and assistance.
This bill promotes veteran employment and increased veteran participation in federal, state, or private veteran benefit opportunities and it promotes the agricultural industry of California. It is aligned with current policy.
Double referral: The previous version of this bill, similar in concept to the current version, was heard in the Labor and Employment Committee. It passed unanimously.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California State Guild (sponsor)
AMVETS- Department of California
American Legion- Department of California
Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters
VFW- Department of California
Vietnam Veterans of America- California State Council
Opposition
None on File.
Analysis Prepared by: John Spangler / V.A. / (916) 319-3550
Date of Hearing: April 6, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT
Roger Hernández, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2574 (
Author:Chávez) – As Amended Ver:March 28, 2016
SUBJECT: Veteran farmers and ranchers
SUMMARY: Requires the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (Agency), with others, to develop a New Veteran Farmer and Rancher Outreach and Assistance Plan (plan) to disseminate information electronically through America's Job Centers of California (AJCC's), as specified. Specifically, this bill:
- Requires, by July 1, 2017, the Agency in consultation with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) and the State Board of Food and Agriculture (Board) to develop a plan to disseminate information electronically through AJCC's and through any other already available means, to veterans in California about state and federal veteran and agricultural education, training, other assistance programs and resources offered through the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 (Act) and any other subsequent federal acts related to agriculture.
- Specifies that other public or private sector resources may also be included in the dissemination of the specified information if these resources a) offer a guaranteed loans or other support to new veteran farmers or ranchers to assist in meeting their needs, including but not limited to, loans for farm ownership through the Veterans' Farm and Home Purchase Act of 1974, also known as the Cal-Vet loan program, as well as operating loans, loans for land acquisition and improvement, other needs as appropriate, or b) support eligible traditional and nontraditional organizations serving veterans, or veteran applicants applying and qualifying for federal funding authorized by the federal Act and any other subsequent federal agricultural acts.
- Makes related findings and declarations.
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes the state Labor and Workforce Development Agency (Agency) and the state Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), the State Board of Food and Agriculture (Board).
- Provides for a variety of state and federal benefits to veterans including those related to educational assistance and farm and home purchases, as specified.
- Establishes the federal Agricultural Act of 2014 which, among other things, provides and prioritizes federal funding and technical assistance to veteran farmers and ranchers.
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: According to the author, the lack of knowledge about federal funding and assistance in the Act available to help veterans become farmers and ranchers in our state has led to the federal moneys from the Act to be under-utilized or drawn upon to assist California veterans and our state as a whole. The author states, nationwide there are a large percentage of farmers and ranchers reaching the age of 65, and with this bill seeks to encourage and support a new generation of veteran farmers and ranchers to utilize the federal Act through outreach and assistance.
The sponsor of this bill, the California State Guild writes in support stating that California is an agricultural leader in the United States and wants our state to thrive and maintain agricultural production and innovation. They point out this bill offers our state the opportunity to strengthen our agricultural industry while helping to ensure that California veterans receive information to obtain skills and assistance to successfully enter farming and ranching careers thereby also securing our food needs in the 21st century.
There is no known opposition on file.
This bill is double referred to the Veterans Affairs Committee upon passage out of this Committee.
The Federal Agricultural Act of 2014
The Act, among many other things, invests in programs and services that help existing farmers stay prosperous and stay on their land. The Act also authorizes the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to offer priority preference to veterans seeking assistance under existing programs, including the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program. Additionally, the Act creates the USDA Military Veteran Liaison (MVA Liaison), who will coordinate USDA leadership in the Department to provide information, resources and support for active duty military and veterans interested in agriculture. The MVA Liaison will have the authority to facilitate formal relationships between USDA and other government agencies and non-profit organizations to strengthen USDA support for veterans.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California State Guild (sponsor)
Opposition
None on file.
Analysis Prepared by: Lorie Alvarez / L. & E. / (916) 319-2091
Discussed in Hearing
8MIN
Assembly Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs
Bill Author
