Ag leaders join growing No on 40 coalition, warn measure adds to economic uncertainty for farmers and rural communities
SACRAMENTO, CA — The No on 40 coalition today announced that 16 organizations representing California farmers, ranchers, and family farms, including the California Farm Bureau Federation, Western Growers Association, and 14 county farm bureaus spanning the state, are opposing Proposition 40, citing the economic damage the measure brings at a time when California farmers are already facing rising costs and mounting financial pressures.
California’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of one of the world’s most productive agricultural economies, feeding families across the country, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, and sustaining rural communities. California grows nearly half of America’s vegetables and more than three-quarters of its fruits and nuts.
“California’s family farmers are already facing rising costs and enormous economic uncertainty. Proposition 40 raises serious questions about the potential impact on California’s economy, investment, and long-term financial stability,” said California Farm Bureau Federation President Shannon Douglass, whose organization represents 26,000 farmers, ranchers, and families across the state. “Farmers depend on a strong, predictable economy to sustain their operations, support local jobs, and pass their land down to the next generation.”
In addition to the California Farm Bureau Federation and Western Growers Association, the 14 county farm bureaus opposing Proposition 40 include:
- Butte County Farm Bureau
- Contra Costa County Farm Bureau
- Fresno County Farm Bureau
- Humboldt County Farm Bureau
- Kern County Farm Bureau
- Lake County Farm Bureau
- Mendocino County Farm Bureau
- Monterey County Farm Bureau
- Napa County Farm Bureau
- Placer County Farm Bureau
- San Diego County Farm Bureau
- San Joaquin County Farm Bureau
- Shasta County Farm Bureau
- Sonoma County Farm Bureau
California’s agriculture industry is already navigating significant challenges, from rising labor, energy and production costs to water uncertainty and increasingly unpredictable market conditions. Farmers and ranchers depend on a strong state economy, reliable infrastructure and a stable business environment to maintain their operations, support workers, and invest in the future. Their opposition underscores broader concerns from Californians about the potential economic consequences of Proposition 40, including its impact on investment, economic growth and the state’s long-term fiscal stability.
California’s agriculture leaders join a broad coalition of doctors, teachers, health care providers, labor unions, firefighters, civil rights leaders, affordable housing advocates, small businesses, veterans, and elected officials.
Among the organizations opposing Proposition 40 are the California Teachers Association, California Medical Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, California Primary Care Association Advocates, California Hospital Association, California Professional Firefighters, State Building & Construction Trades Council of California, Housing California, California School Boards Association, and many others.