<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve spent my career working alongside the men and women who harvest the food that feeds our state, particularly in Kern County and the Delano area, where table grapes, citrus, almonds and other crops dominate the land. They take immense pride in their work and remain deeply committed to sustainability. But the way California is pursuing its clean energy goals is putting that commitment \u2014 and livelihoods \u2014 at risk.<\/p>\n
Every day, I\u2019m reminded of how resourceful and adaptable our Central Valley farmers are, navigating unpredictable weather, market pressures and constant technological change. Yet, even with their resilience, the strain on family farms is impossible to ignore.<\/p>\n
I oversee post-harvest operations at a grape-packing facility in Delano, where we process thousands of boxes of grapes every day. Running the heavy machinery to do this work takes an enormous amount of energy. We\u2019ve invested in five acres of solar panels generating around one megawatt of power, but even that isn\u2019t enough to keep our operations running smoothly. We still rely on the grid, but rising energy costs, unrealistic energy mandates and expensive equipment requirements are stretching family farms to the breaking point.<\/p>\n
Farmers across the Central Valley need the freedom to run their businesses on their terms, choosing the methods, tools and equipment that make sense for their land and operations. When energy prices rise and regulations make operations harder, it\u2019s not just the farmers who suffer, it\u2019s every worker, every family and every table that depends on them.<\/p>\n
Rising costs, shrinking options<\/p>\n
Central Valley farmers are under tremendous pressure. Costs for water, labor and fuel continue to rise, while many crop prices struggle to keep pace. In response, some growers are leaving land unplanted or considering selling property their families have held for generations. Escalating housing and land costs are also making it harder for young and beginning farmers to get started, threatening the future of small, family-run operations.<\/p>\n
Now, new energy mandates are adding to the strain. The push to electrify vehicles and equipment hits small and mid-sized farms hardest, where margins are already razor-thin. When compliance costs exceed profits, it\u2019s not just unsustainable, it\u2019s unfair.<\/p>\n
Mandates without means<\/p>\n