February 13, 2024 – Assemblymember Bennett re-introduces Farmer Tool Sharing Bill
I'm excited to continue our partnership with CAFF and CalCAN by reintroducing our Farmer Tool Sharing bill, now AB 2313. We are eager to bring financial relief for our hard-working farmers across the state by establishing regional tool sharing programs. Farmers face numerous challenges, but this proven and highly sought-after resource can help them overcome major hurdles.
October 11, 2023 – Assemblymember Bennett releases a Statement on the Veto of AB 552
As a state, we know that our small farms are critical for both the economy and ecological diversity. AB 552 would have relieved some of the heavy financial burden these farmers often face by helping them build cooperatives and pool resources. While AB 552 wasn't within our reach this year, we look forward to working with the bill sponsors, Community Alliance for Family Farms (CAFF) and California Climate and Agricultural Center (CalCAN), to find creative ways to meet this need for the thousands of small farmers across the state.
California is abundant with diverse agriculture produce and many helping hands to grow it. Farmers in the state and across the country face numerous challenges, from climate change to rising operating costs.
AB 2313 (2023-24) seeks to address the major hurdles small to midscale farmers face when investing in specialized farming tools. The purchase of farm equipment is the second largest capital investment for small farmers. These purchases have an enormous impact on the economic viability of many farms. The ability to process a crop relies on a wide variety of costly equipment, most of which is only used a few days a year. Equipment sharing programs have been proven to alleviate these issues. AB 2313 will establish the Regional Farmer Equipment and Cooperative Resource Assistance Program at the Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA).
Listen to testimonies from Gemperle Family Farms and California Climate & Agriculture Network (CalCAN) respectively to hear why AB 552 is necessary.