California Farm Bureau Leaders Advocate for Agriculture at State Capitol

Farmers and ranchers meet with lawmakers to discuss key issues like wolf-livestock conflicts, wine labeling, overtime pay, and autonomous equipment regulations.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:00am

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Members of the California Farm Bureau Board of Directors gathered in Sacramento last week to meet with state legislators and regulatory officials, advocating for agricultural priorities such as increased funding for the Wolf-Livestock Compensation program, a bill to require '100% American' labeling on wines, a tax credit for overtime pay, and updates to regulations around autonomous farm equipment.

Why it matters

As the voice of California's agricultural community, the Farm Bureau plays a crucial role in ensuring lawmakers understand the unique challenges and needs of the state's farmers and ranchers. These advocacy efforts help shape policies that impact the viability and competitiveness of the state's $50 billion agricultural industry.

The details

During the Calling on the Capitol event, Farm Bureau board members discussed several key issues with legislators and their staff. They advocated for increased funding to the Wolf-Livestock Compensation program to help ranchers impacted by growing wolf populations. They also supported a bill (AB 1585) that would require wines labeled as 'American' to be made entirely from U.S.-grown grapes, in order to better serve California producers. Additionally, the group discussed a proposed tax credit (SB 921) to help agricultural employers offer overtime pay, as well as opposition to a bill (AB 2447) that they felt would impose unachievable limits on fertilizer use. Finally, the Farm Bureau pushed for updates to regulations that currently prohibit the use of autonomous farm equipment in California.

  • The Calling on the Capitol advocacy event took place last week in Sacramento.
  • The Wolf-Livestock Compensation program has become increasingly important as wolf populations have grown in California.
  • AB 1585, the 'American' wine labeling bill, was introduced in the current legislative session.
  • SB 921, the agricultural overtime tax credit, is also being considered in the current legislative session.
  • AB 2447, the bill to limit nitrogen discharges, is also under consideration in the current legislative session.

The players

California Farm Bureau

A non-profit organization representing the interests of California's agricultural community, including farmers, ranchers, and agricultural businesses.

Roger Everett

A Tulare County beekeeper and citrus farmer who has participated in the Farm Bureau's Capitol advocacy events before.

Joe Fischer

A Placer County rancher who has experienced livestock losses due to wolf attacks.

Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom

A Democratic state legislator from Tracy who introduced AB 1585 to require '100% American' labeling on wines.

Bryan Little

The senior director of policy advocacy for the California Farm Bureau and chief operating officer of the affiliated Farm Employers Labor Service.

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What they’re saying

“The majority of these people don't engage in agriculture. It's on us to provide them with the information of our operations and what affects us, and how we're going to survive in the world they're trying to create for us.”

— Roger Everett, Tulare County Beekeeper and Citrus Farmer

“Producers need more tools. We need the opportunity to protect our assets, and we need to make sure that, first and foremost, the threats are thwarted in the beginning.”

— Joe Fischer, Placer County Rancher

“Right now, people can label wine 'American,' and part of the grapes could be from Italy. How does that serve California?”

— Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom

“If you don't have to bear the cost of the overtime premiums, you might be able to afford the cost of the underlying hourly rate and be able to offer them the opportunity to earn both the hourly rate and the overtime premium.”

— Bryan Little, Senior Director of Policy Advocacy, California Farm Bureau

“This is an opportunity for us. It's really sad to see that agriculture in California isn't leading the way.”

— Joe Fischer, Placer County Rancher

What’s next

The California Farm Bureau and its members plan to continue discussions with state lawmakers about updating regulations to allow for the use of autonomous agricultural equipment.

The takeaway

The California Farm Bureau's advocacy efforts in Sacramento highlight the crucial role the organization plays in ensuring the state's agricultural community has a voice in the policymaking process. By educating lawmakers on the unique challenges facing farmers and ranchers, the Farm Bureau helps shape legislation that supports the long-term viability and competitiveness of California's $50 billion agricultural industry.